We did the right thing. Sometimes you  have to stand up for what you know in your heart is the right thing, even when it doesn’t make sense by looking at the numbers.

There were statements made during an Attorney/Client meeting covering personnel matters that I wish could be brought to light. I can’t repeat those statements because it would be a violation of both Attorney/Client and personnel policies.

That being said, I don’t understand how it would make sense to hire someone who met the minimum requirements when we already have a person with all of the qualifications currently in that position. It simply wouldn’t make sense to put someone with no municipal experience in a highly technical position that takes several certifications as an entry level employee. It’s not an entry level position. It never has been.

If we had awarded the position to Sheree Goessman, we would have been effectively doing to Tracy Beck the very same thing that had been done to Sheree years before. Removing a current loyal employee who had been maintaining a position.

Tracy stepped up to the plate, took the job seriously in May when Cherry Lawson resigned. She worked hard to obtain her certification and do the best job possible for the City of Mesquite.

There were problems with the numbers. We’d had to have the scores rechecked previously. We still had issues as evidenced at council. Short of having the entire set of score sheets re-tallied I don’t trust the numbers. I do believe the process for hiring in these positions is flawed and needs to be revamped.

I’ve hired and employed many people in Mesquite over the years. It’s never about who scores highest on the test. It’s always about people.

At the end of the day this is not an election, it is an appointment by city council. Tracy Beck won that appointment with a 3-2 vote of  council.

I stand behind my vote. We did the right thing.