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Commissioners appoint two to Road Commission amid conflict-of-interest and representation concerns
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Summary
The board appointed Hugh Coward and Eric Tobin to the Calhoun County Road Commission after interviews; votes were 6-1 for Coward and 5-2 for Tobin amid objections about potential union conflicts and township representation.
The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 20 voted to expand and staff the Road Commission, appointing Hugh Coward to a six-year term and Eric Tobin to a four-year term after a selection committee interviewed finalists.
Committee Chair Commissioner Solis said 24 applicants applied and the committee interviewed five finalists, recommending Coward for his 28 years of road-building experience and recommending Tobin for his financial background. Commissioner Rae moved to appoint Coward; Commissioner Bolger objected, saying the selection risked "putting the fox in charge of the hen house" because Coward is a union leader and Road Commissioners would oversee contracts involving union labor.
The board approved Coward's appointment by a roll call vote of 6-1. The board later approved Tobin's appointment by a 5-2 roll call vote; Commissioners Bolger and Moore voted no, arguing townships prefer township residents as Road Commissioners and noting committee non-unanimity in Tobin's selection.
In public comment Road Commissioner Scott Brown (speaking later in the meeting) said Road Commissioners do not negotiate contracts and that a bargaining team and director handle contract negotiations. The Board said it expects the new commissioners to review contracting practices.