Searching in the shadows

Dec 23, 2009 1 min read

To the editor:

So far, our town council’s search for a new town manager has been conducted in the shadows rather than out in the public where it belongs.

Councilman Bob Raymond recently asked Town Attorney Ann Dalton, privately, if it were possible to make Mayor Larry Kiker manager if he stepped down from his council seat. The council didn’t direct him to make such an inquiry, at least not publicly, and he didn’t discuss the move at any council meetings. Dalton told him the charter wouldn’t allow Kiker to take the job until one year after leaves office.

Meanwhile, Kiker said Monday night he has talked with several people about the position. He didn’t say who he talked to. Who told him to do that?

Interim Town Manager Jack Green, who retires in February, said he called someone about the job but he didn’t name that person. Who instructed him to make that call?

So, when will all this clandestine searching finally be put on the table and the public told who is being contacted?

After all, this is the public’s business they’re conducting, not their own.

Lee Melsek

Fort Myers Beach