The Pensacola City Council has delayed its approval of Mayor Ashton Hayward’s nomination for city attorney. It will not be discussed until the next March council meeting—yes, the council realized it needs two March meetings.
Councilwoman Sherri Myers asked the item be pulled because she wanted clarification as to the status of the current city attorney, Jim Messer. There is some question as to whether the mayor can unilaterally decide not to renew Jim Messer’s contract as city attorney. I had brought the matter up in late December, but Council President Andy Terhaar apparently chose not to challenge the decision.
Myers also complained that they have not been given the opportunity to interview Hayward’s nominee, Lysia Bowling. Bare, who seconded Myers’ motion, said he had met Bowling but he was unhappy with the lack of transparency in the selection process. He also said the public had not been given adequate notice.
Her motion failed 2-4, but at the end of the meeting President Terhaar announced that he was moving the item, along with several others, to a special council meeting on Thursday, March 26.