Beck's hamstringing ways likely gave candidate pause

Date published: 5/14/2003

I read with great interest Mayor Bill Beck's comment in a recent article, "I think when it got closer, frankly, the teenage daughter just wasn't going to move," ["Manager favorite pulls out," May 1].

I raise a simple question: Was this the favorite candidate's real reason for withdrawing his name from consideration, or was it merely an excuse?

It seems to me that if the position truly appealed to the favorite candidate, and he really desired the position, then he would not allow his teenage daughter to dictate such an important career-making decision for him.

Maybe there is another reason--the true reason and not just an excuse. Maybe the favorite candidate did his homework and decided he did not wish to be in a work environment that has already run off three outstanding, dedicated public servants--outgoing director of Fredericksburg's Economic Development and Tourism office, Kathy Beard, former City Manager, Marvin Bolinger, and Fredericksburg's chief planner, Jervis Hairston.

Outstanding, dedicated public servants with marketable skills and talents do not desire or need to work in an atmosphere that is headed by a cabal--Bill Beck, Vice Mayor Scott Howson, and Councilman Matt Kelly--which utilizes a paranoid micromanagement leadership style.

Douglas Carrer

Fredericksburg

Date published: 5/14/2003