IN Interview: Wilson Robertson

Seeing a Man About a Horse..
by Jeremy Morrison…

He maintains that what he did wasn’t against the rules. But he concedes it probably should be.

“There is no law on the books,” said Escambia County Commissioner Wilson Robertson. “But it doesn’t look right, the perception is not good. It’s the good old boys, and hiring-your-friends.”

The county commissioner has recently come under fire for his involvement in the recent hiring of a marketing coordinator for the county’s equestrian center. After Robertson plugged into the hiring process — the center’s in his district, so there is a natural connection — and offered up a recommendation, Forest Gibbs got the job and a salary above the advertised amount.

Robertson maintains that the committee charged with finding the marketing coordinator considered Gibbs the best candidate — “head and shoulders” above the rest — but that his association tainted public perception. Perhaps, the Commissioner suggested, the possibility of political influence should be taken off the table altogether.

“It could lead to some changes in policy that might be worthwhile,” Robertson said.
The Commissioner listed three possible changes in the way business is — or isn’t — conducted:

— Other arenas within Escambia County’s domain feature blackouts. Basically, if someone is eyeing a job or project with the county, commissioners may not associate with that person until after whatever matter is at issue is over and done. Robertson said he would like to see this blackout concept explored when it comes to all county hiring issues.

— The Escambia County Commission apparently approved $80,334 for the equestrian marketing position. The position was advertised with a salary capping out at $51,521. Robertson suggested advertising two different pay ranges in the future. The first range would reflect what the going rate in a particular field was, while the secondary rate would apply to candidates considered extremely qualified.

— Robertson said that commissioners should also probably not be able to act as recommendations for potential job candidates.