The daily newspaper has a strong editorial coming out tomorrow. It is available online now: “City blind to bigger picture.”
The editorial board points out the issue surrounding the qualifications of Mayor Hayward’s leadership team is “not about Tamara Fountain. It’s not about degrees or resumes or education records.”
Issues are competency, transparency, ethics, accountability, engagement and leadership. Ashton Hayward is the strong mayor. He is in charge. He is ultimately responsible for everything that happens or doesn’t happen at city hall.
PNJ: “The failures are accumulating, festering into a sickness. And the “leadership†at city hall can’t even admit it. Citizens deserve an explanation.”
I agree with Fountain’s statement that she shouldn’t have to defend her hiring. Mayor Hayward hired her. He set her salary. He gave her raises. He promoted her.
In any other city, the mayor would hold a press conference to provide explanations and clear up any misunderstandings.
Will Hayward?