Yesterday, I told you that Altynay Kanatbekoff was far and away the best choice to succeed Richard "Bucky" Szulborski. Most of you agreed. Council member Ron Heckman told her, ""We need super-qualified people like you in government." Then he nominated Scott Parsons, who spent most of his adult life working in a slate quarry.
One of my readers warned me this would happen. "Bernie I agree this is a no brainer, however never underestimate the stupidity of some elected members of council."
My mistake.
Surprisingly, Tara Zrinski nominated Altynay Kanatbekoff, with a second from John Cusick Those are the only two votes she got.
Scott Parsons, a former County Council member and retired Public Works employee, got the appointment in the second round of voting. Parsons got votes from John Cusick, Tara Zrinski, Tom Giovanni, Ron Heckman and Kevin Lott.
Scott Parsons is certainly adequate to the task, but pales in comparison to Kanatbekoff.
Heard that not all is as it seems.
ReplyDeleteHeckman is the king of say one thing, do the other. Seen it many times. It's like a split personality or something. Not necessarily a positive trait for a council member. Parsons is a good guy, and everyone knows him. But why not choose the best person for the job? That's politics.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow! What is the word for when you are speechless, but for this forum? I guess it is, "I don't know what to type."?
ReplyDeleteThat's a bingo I didn't see coming.
Unbelievable! Politics at its worst!
ReplyDeleteScott is a nice guy. But I suspect he can't count to ten without lowering his trousers. Racism and bigotry are the only possible explanations for rejecting someone so ridiculously well qualified - and far more qualified than Scott. The county deserves bad things when it purposefully runs badly.
ReplyDeleteWhen he worked in Public Works, all he did was sit in his office. He is the least qualified. He got in because he was once on County Council. Good old boy club. This county is going to hell fast.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing. You don't often get to see nepotism happen in real time like that, and they did it right in front of her face while implying she was the second least qualified for the job. Absolutely disgusting.
ReplyDelete"Scott is a nice guy. But I suspect he can't count to ten without lowering his trousers. Racism and bigotry are the only possible explanations for rejecting someone so ridiculously well qualified"
ReplyDeleteI like Scott, but on paper, the Controller's auditor was the best choice. I don't get it. It sure looks like terrible government.
I agree that Kanatbekoff may have been the better choice as far as accounting skills, but I actually don't have a problem with this decision.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's wise to put an employee in that position, with the intention of that employee returning to the position after being in charge.
Had she not planned on returning to the office as an employee after she was done with the interim position, or if the interim term were longer, I might feel differently.
I am happy that both candidates in the general were in agreement on both their first and second choices to temporarily lead the office they want to be elected to, as this would seem that neither is gaining an advantage from the appointment.
Finally, I would note that the Charter sets no education or knowledge requirements for the job. For those arguing that Kanatbekoff should have been chosen for the interim position because of her skills, I would hope that you apply that same criterion when making your decision in November.
There wasn't such an intention. She would give up the position at the county altogether. And she was ready to do so. It would be up to the newly elected controller in Nov, to hire her back or not. At that point she would be equally eligible as any applicant ouside the county. No one guaranteed her the place. She mentioned the office already has a new hiree in the process. As for preferential status, picking someone who actually worked for the council is the very thing you are talking about.
DeleteStop it. The most qualified person was passed over for a less qualified person.
ReplyDeleteBig whoop, it’s basically a four-month position.
ReplyDeleteThis is politics at its absolute worst. I know Scott well from Slate Belt politics and, while he is a nice person, he is completely under qualified for this position.
ReplyDeleteYou have no idea what information council members are privy to. A lot can change in twenty-four hours.
ReplyDelete6:23, So are you suggesting that there was an attempt to undermine Kanatbekoff in the back room? Ever hear of the Sunshine Act?
ReplyDeleteOne can only hope, she doesn't leave the county for a better place. With her qualifications, I wouldn't blame her. I am sure it was just as eye opening to her as to people commenting.
ReplyDeleteJust the northampton County good old boy way of doing things. If ken Kraft wasn't running he probably would have gotten it. Hey Ken how's D block running?? You know that thing you over saw?? That went merely millions over budget and wasn't designed right for the usage. Lol let me guess no kick backs. To busy snorkeling with the director at your quarry.
ReplyDeleteMost members of council hate "darkies." Prove me wrong, especially after choosing unqualified and dopey Whitey McWhiteness over a far more qualified individual. Old racists are the most disgusting bunch, especially when they claim to serve the public. This should be revisited and our white council members who practiced their bigotry should explain why they still do.
ReplyDelete6:22, I don't understand your point claiming racism. This candidate is female and foreign, but I have no idea about her racial make up, nor do I care. I doubt Council does either. The only prejudice I've seen from that group has come from Kerry Myers, who is black.
ReplyDeleteWhat does bother me is that she was savaged behind closed doors and had no opportunity to respond to what may indeed be false accusations.
7:16 am: I’m curious why you believe a candidate was “savaged behind closed doors.” That is quite a claim and one that could create a lot of problems for the County, if true.
ReplyDeleteRead the comments to this and the previous story about her. They make negative remarks about her. There is no doubt in my mind that these concerns were expressed to a majority of council members behind closed doors and without giving her an opportunity to defend herself. Perhaps not all at the same time, but the knives were out.
ReplyDeleteI was hesitant to comment at first, but I had to thank everyone who believed in me, who said kind words and expressed concern regarding the outcome. I want to say HUGE THANK YOU! This is worth so much more than winning to me. I have a hope that the decision had a strong ratiaonale behind it, for the best of the county. And one would contact me if my candidacy was indeed undermined as suggested earlier. I don't want anyone to feel discouraged or lose hope that anything can be changed or is fair. Especially those interviewed alongside with me. I am here only because of my strong belief that things can always get improved, as long as as we don't lose hope and aren't discouraged. Well, I am not. And you shouldn't. I learned a lot from this experience. I assure you that we will meet again soon. At the right time and at the right place. Best of my regards, Cannotbackoff.
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