CRESTVIEW — Should the city place hiring restrictions on former city officials and their family members?
That's Robyn Helt's suggestion. During her final meeting as a city council member, she called for ordinances restricting an outgoing elected official's hire “within a certain timeframe of leaving office.”
Helt also said the new council, to be seated today at 5:30 p.m., should consider a policy prohibiting elected officials’ immediate family members from being hired by the city.
“Some would say the city council member doesn’t have direct supervision over employees, but a city council member does have direct supervision over planning the budget or cutting positions from a department,” Helt said.
“I think on the basis of appearances and to prevent future issues or conflicts, it should be looked at.”
Council President Shannon Hayes, disclosing his daughter worked for the city, criticized the recommendation, saying, “First we want less government but now we’re trying to push government.”
“The president of the council's name appears on that paycheck,” Helt said. “If we're concerned about appearances and public perception, they should be addressed across the board.”
There have been previous instances in which a Crestview council member left office and then was hired by the city, Helt said without citing specifics.
“City government, like it or not, has borne the stigma of being a good ol’ boys club,” Helt said.
Fire Chief Joe Traylor said he once had to hire a council member’s child who met the qualifications to work for the fire department, or face potential charges of discrimination against a qualified applicant.
Traylor said trying to enforce a policy such as advocated by Helt “would open up a can of worms.”
Helt said anti-nepotism policies are standard in private business and should apply to the city as well.
“While it is a can of worms to deal with, it is a valid can of worms,” she said.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview councilwoman recommends hiring ordinance, cites 'good ol' boys club'