Speak Out

There is a misunderstanding that I am not in favor of continuing George Monk's employment as the city manager of Anniston. This is not correct. Rather, I am not in favor of automatically renewing Monk's contract without a review and an opportunity to hear from other interested candidates. I do not think that this is asking too much — certainly no more than what is expected of most employees in the private and public sectors.

Monk may very well turn out to be the most qualified candidate for the position, but we cannot know this without a thorough review.

The City of Anniston adopted the council-manager form of government in October 1969. This form places all administrative authority solely with the city manager. By law, the mayor and the City Council members are forbidden from giving directives or orders to city staff. All policies must be directed by the council to the city manager, who is responsible for implementation.

Furthermore, under Alabama law, the city manager serves at the will of the majority of the City Council that appoints him/her. The law mandates the city manager to be "responsible to the council for the proper administration of all affairs of the municipality..."

It is clear that under Alabama law, as stated above, that the city manager must be held accountable by the City Council. There are current accountability issues that have arisen during Monk's tenure that I believe must be addressed and answered prior to a renewal of his contract. These issues include:

• Failure to appropriately follow City Council directives.

• Failure to appropriately address City Council requests.

• Failure to complete funded projects in a timely manner.

• Failure to provide accurate and timely information to the City Council.

• Failure to follow bidding procedures as directed by the City Council.

George Monk is a fine attorney and a gentleman. However, I believe that we must separate personalities in the evaluation of job performance.

At the time I was elected to the City Council four years ago, I pledged to the residents of Ward 1 that I would dedicate myself to ensuring the most effective operation of city government. This pledge includes ensuring that the city manager, whoever he or she may be, performs all duties in an effective, efficient, timely manner. A review of Monk's job performance is not only good business, it's the law.

Anniston City Councilman Stan Bennett represents Ward 1.