In response to a memo sent by the office of City Mayor Scott Johnson yesterday, Commissioner Ron Kim voiced objection and anger toward a letter which would mandate the mayor’s approval of all personnel requests.
The memo, which was sent to Commissioners John Frank, Ken Ivins, Anthony Scirocco and Kim, specifically mentions Human Resources Administrator Marcy Brydges, with the mayor stating that, She is under my department in terms of my responsibility and accountability to the City, and, `Inasmuch as the Human Resources Administrator is responsible to report to my office, I have directed Ms. Brydges to immediately inform me, from this day forward, of any personnel matter request that is made to her.`
Mayor Johnson also sites the city Charter Section 3.2 in the memo, saying that the charter `states the Human Resources Administrator shall be under the direction of the Mayor.`
In another section, 3.2.4, the Charter states, `The Human Resources Administrator shall develop personnel policies that shall be forwarded to the Council for adoption or modification upon the Mayor’s review and approval.`
Kim said the hiring and firing process of personnel has never been subject to the Mayor’s approval before, and it shouldn’t be now.
`He is essentially trying to run our department,` he said.
Kim asked, `Why does the Mayor have to get involved in my business?`
The mayor had not yet returned calls before printing of this story.
Kim said that he does not agree with the memo, does not believe that the charter implies the interpretation the Mayor has made and refuses to adhere to his recommended personnel policies as stated in the memo.
Johnson has not returned calls for comment.
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