BROOKINGS – The Brookings City Council heard a statement about the city clerk position from a resident during its meeting Tuesday night and then went into executive session to discuss the candidates for the position.
After the executive session, which ran about 2 1/2 hours, the council did not make a decision regarding the position.
“We are making excellent progress and hope to have an announcement in the future,” said Mayor Keith Corbett in an email to the Register immediately after the session ended.
There are three candidates for the city clerk position: Jean Capel of Richmond, Virginia; Bonnie Foster of Brookings; and Craig McCuin of Brookings. Foster is serving as the acting city clerk since the retirement of long-time city clerk Shari Thornes in January.
The three spoke to the public at a meet-and-greet on Thursday at the Brookings Public Library.
Speaking his mind
During the open forum part of the council meeting, resident Doug Smith addressed the council on the topic.
“I think there’s a little bit of a conspiracy going on amongst some of our councilors,” Smith said.
“I think there’s some councilors who don’t want to see Bonnie get this position, even though she’s by far the most qualified,” he said.
“I think that the city council ought to table this and amend the city charter to have the city manager hire the city clerk because that’s the way most municipalities work. With the city council hiring the city clerk, it’s almost putting her on the same basis as that city manager who has to manage hundreds of people (and) is responsible for the entire city. I just don’t see that should look or be equal,” Smith said.
He concluded by endorsing Foster.
“She’s the most qualified. She’s lived in the community. She’s done the job for many years,” Smith said.
Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.
