Pikeville will choose new town manager
By Nick Hiltunen
Published in News on September 6, 2007 1:45 PM
PIKEVILLE -- Whatever the outcome of the November election, town leaders plan to discuss candidates to fill a vacant town manager position.
The town commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the town hall to discuss applicants for the position, commissioners decided Tuesday.
Board members unanimously agreed that both incumbent members of the commission and challenging candidates can attend the session.
Because three seats are up for re-election and one incumbent, Johnny Weaver, isn't running again, Mayor Herbert Sieger thought it might be best to wait until after the election to make a hire.
But there was indication that not everyone wants to wait -- or to have applicants told they might have to hold on until after November as well.
"The board is the one who does hire them. You should not deter them," Commissioner Bruce Thomas said. "You should let them know that's your opinion, but you do not hire."
Sieger said he had been up front with applicants that his word was not the final say on hiring.
Former Pikeville Town Manager Bob Buchanan left in May for El Salvador because of illness in his wife's family, Sieger said.
Buchanan had replaced previous clerk Lonnie Graves. Town Clerk Kathie Fields has served as interim town manager since Buchanan's departure.
Commissioner Lyman Galloway made the suggestion to allow commission candidates and incumbents alike to attend the meeting.