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Legislators split on policy to auto‑fill department heads from deputies; straw poll fails
Summary
Chair William Thew proposed a policy favoring appointment of deputies with five years’ service to department head positions without posting; Legislators were divided and a straw poll failed, leaving existing practice unchanged.
Chair William Thew proposed a policy that would permit appointment of a deputy director who has served five years to a department head role without posting the position to the public, arguing the approach would reduce perceptions of arbitrariness and protect internal succession planning.
"This policy would make that process clear for everyone," Thew said, framing it as a way to avoid accusations of favoritism. County Manager Jack Wheeler supported a policy that recognizes long‑serving deputies who have performed well; Wheeler stated, "I don’t appoint friends," in response to concerns about appointments. Several legislators, including K. Michael Hanna and Kelly H. Fitzpatrick, argued routine posting — or at least marking a posting to indicate an "identified candidate" — preserves fairness and public notice. After extended debate and a straw poll that split the body, the committee did not advance the policy; the suggestion may be raised on the full Legislature floor with unanimous consent.
Legislators emphasized balancing succession planning and transparency; no formal policy was adopted at the meeting.
