As we wrote in the paper a few weeks ago, County Administrator Bob McLaughlin’s job is in jeopardy. His contract is up for renewal and we know of at least three commissioners that aren’t satisfied with his job performance. In its editorial today, the PNJ comes out in support of the county administrator: “McLaughlin is worthy of a contract extension. He has done a good job in tough times and, to borrow from a commissioner’s political campaign, has brought ethics, if not sanity, back to the administrator’s office.”
Others, namely Jane Birdwell, have been working behind the scenes to help McLaughlin keep his job. There is even a rumor that George Touart is behind the commissioners’ dissatisfaction with McLaughlin-which is ridiculous since McLaughlin could be a good campaign issue for Touart in his bid to unseat Comm. Gene Valentino in 2010.
The role of county administrator is up in the air while Escambia County wrestles with consolidation. No long-term employment contracts should be signed for the position until the consolidation issue is settled. At best the county commission should be looking for an interim to help hold the position and manage the county government. Once consolidation is settled by the state legislature or the voters then a nationwide search should be held for the position.
Whatever the BOCC decides, don’t feel sorry for Bob. He will walk away with $200K plus in leave, termination pay, etc.
Of course, it would be nice if the BOCC had quantitative evaluation system for McLaughlin and its department heads. Sure makes these decision much easier and more objective.