Mayor cries foul over hiring of town records clerk …

And there is yet another storm brewing, and this one is at the Punta Gorda Town Council where according to the Mayor, a record clerk has been imposed on the Council.

Charles Galvez, Punta Gorda Mayor
“What happened yesterday is after we concluded the interview—we had a format—and after concluding the interview one Shamia McKenzie was successful because of the score format we use. My colleagues, again, have gone beyond and instruct the administrator—the appointed administrator by them—instruct the administrator that he must write the letter indicated to their candidate that they wanted that she was successful; one Miss Isabella Palma, that she was successful. The candidate who was successful in the interview, Miss Shamia McKenzie would be offered a job maybe a month or two down the road as cashier. These issues are very …it’s unbecoming. I am totally upset,. I think the nation has to be aware and alerted about what is happening at every level of the municipality you have all these issues.”

Marion Ali
“But what was the reason behind this?”

Charles Galvez
“They probably—let me say this, again it’s political.”

Marion Ali
“No, what was the reasoning?”

Charles Galvez
“What was the reason behind the whole…”

Marion Ali
“Behind employing their candidate, as you say, as the person that will get the job. What was the reason given?”

Charles Galvez
“Well, there was no reason given. It was outright. The panel had the interview and we came up with our candidate, the person who was successful.”

Marion Ali
“And who made this decision?”

Charles Galvez
“This decision was made by the deputy mayor, and councillor Lino and the administrator.”

Marion Ali
“Three persons can make such a decision?”

Charles Galvez
“Well, it has happened.”

Marion Ali
“Is that saying that you, sir as mayor you no kind of power, no authority?”

Charles Galvez
“No authority, no power. Marion, I can go as far and tell you Marion, that these gentlemen refused to sign my paycheck. I am elected by the people and they are going as far as not signing my paycheck, they are going as far as hiring left, right and center, who they choose, who they decide on. It’s totally out of order.”