Citizens challenge hiring process

Two local citizens challenged the process used to hire Mac Hay as Sisters' economic development manager during Thursday's Sisters City Council meeting.

Ed Protas, a city resident, and Mike Morgan, who lives outside the city limits, argued that EDCO (Economic Development for Central Oregon) and the City of Sisters should reveal the names of the candidates for the position and the identities of the interviewing panel.

EDCO has declined to provide that information to the city. In a letter to City Manager Eileen Stein, EDCO Executive Director Roger Lee stated that, "With the exception of the executive director, the interview/selection panelists are volunteers, and as such, the composition of the panel is not made known to applicants, media or the general public. Ideally, panelists are insulated from being lobbied by candidates, influenced by reporters or local politics. EDCO has not been compelled to reveal the names of these volunteers or applicants before, during or after interviews for this process or other searches."

Protas argued that the process appears secretive and that EDCO's reasons for not disclosing names is not legitimate.

"Mayor Kellstrom has stated that the arrangement was 'arms-length,' and Roger Lee has stated that the process was 'open, fair, and unbiased,'" Protas said. "If these statements are true, then there can be no reason not to disclose the very details that will prove their veracity. In light of the fact that this request is after the process has completed, EDCO's stated concern that revealing anything about the interview/selection panelists might subject the panelists to 'being lobbied by candidates, influenced by reporters or local politics' is wholly without merit.

"Mac Hay stated in a recent interview that 'you have to trust the process.' I completely disagree. Taxpayers and voters are not required to take the word of elected officials or those in a position of trust, and a reluctance or refusal to comply with what seems to be a reasonable request gives the appearance that there is something to hide."

Sisters Realtor Peter Storton told The Nugget on Monday that he was one of the interviewers.

"I think, with my background in the community and in business, that it was a very fair process and I think it's unfortunate that it's become such an issue," Storton said. "I am happy to say I participated."

Storton declined, however, to say who else served on the interviewing committee.

"It would not be appropriate to tell you who those are," he said.

Morgan argued that when Mayor Lon Kellstrom launched the search and hiring process and handed it to EDCO, he violated city rules requiring that decisions be made by the council.

"We have the mayor acting beyond the scope of power granted him in the charter to conduct city business without a motion, discussion, and vote of the council in clear violation of the city charter," he said.

City Attorney Steve Bryant, speaking at the end of the council meeting, contradicted Morgan's argument.

"It is absolutely not correct that the mayor has violated the city charter," Bryant said. "Everything that has transpired is exactly according to the city charter."

Nugget reporter Bill Mintiens contributed to this report.