This morning's editorial for the Hamilton Journal-News in reference to the hiring of the new EMA director clearly demonstrates that for once, they have their pulse on the heartbeat of the community. With all the drama and draconian measures taken place in the county, it behooves the new EMA board to move with caution and to ensure that no improprieties occur.
What is not printed in the article is simply that the history of the EMA agency is fraught with internal struggle, controversy and the irony of who Mr. Turner was related to and how he got the job. That is in the past now but it illustrates the frustration involved and the suspicious looks that happen when someone is 'gift wrapped' the job.
Another dynamic is simply that the expectations and duties of the job have not been well defined. It is always beneficial to know who's who in the zoo, so to speak! As far as the police chiefs and the fire chiefs arguing over the sandlot and marking their turf, that really needs to be rectified and cooler heads need to take charge and show some leadership and maturity.
As far as the 'prime candidate' involved in this scenario, the last thing anyone wants is for him to be harmed by the perception that he has the 'inside track' and that other qualified people would not even get a sniff at the opportunity. If that happens, rest assured that this observer will call you on it! I have nothing against him, or for that matter have even met the gentleman although he does sound qualified, I am sure there are others who deserve a fair and impartial shot at it. Let's hope that we seize this chance to show that we are past the cronyism and good ole' boys routine. I am tired of the dog and pony show, get it right!
