Economic Development Director position available - City of Granite CityArchived Message
Posted by The Watcher on October 25, 2018, 11:20 am
James Amos, our city's incredibly unqualified Economic Development Director, is moving overseas within the next several weeks. I can't blame Mr. Amos for taking the job in the first place. He was offered a job that paid well and he took it. Like many would, he then approached the job with a "fake it until you make it" attitude. I'm sure he tried to actually learn something, but I'm also certain he quickly found himself in over his head. The person who offered him the position is to blame, but now is the time for redemption.
I ask that Mayor Ed Hagnauer appoint somebody with actual relevant experience and education, not somebody who had absolutely zero experience in municipal economic development or even municipal government, for that matter. And Virgil Kambarian should be ashamed of himself for throwing our city under the bus by asking the Mayor Hagnauer to hire somebody he knew was dreadfully unqualified, just to get his son-in-law a job.
Mr. Mayor, please advertise the position and find the best qualified candidates, not another friend or friend's relative. And be public about your process. Gain some trust back from those of us who actually pay attention to what is happening. We care what happens to this city. Other than your first term, I'm not sure that you do. There is no doubt our city is a shadow of its former self. I hope it's not too late to save it. Economic Development Director is potentially the most important position in the City of Granite City at this time in its history. Fill the job with someone who can actually do it; someone who has an actual chance at turning us around. Find somebody from out of town (which might be necessary to find relevant experience) and pay that person six figures if that's what it takes. Just make sure they are truly qualified.