Councilor upset at vacant post
MIKE PLAISANCE
The Republican
Mar 27, 2007
SPRINGFIELD - A city councilor said last week the city is doing a disservice to blacks, Hispanics and women by letting more than a year pass without hiring a contract compliance officer.
"The fact of the matter is it isn't done. ... This is ridiculous," Councilor Bud L. Williams said in an interview on March 20.
The position in the Purchasing Department has been vacant since the death in January 2006 of Herman L. Curtis, 56, who had held the job since 1995.
The compliance officer inspects municipal construction job sites and makes sure that city contractors follow local, state and federal guidelines regarding equal opportunity, affirmative action and labor regulations.
Personnel Director Marilyn Montagna said she has spoken with Philip Puccia, executive director of the Finance Control Board, and the city will advertise for compliance officer candidates. She declined to be more specific as to when that would be, other than to say "very soon," and perhaps by summer.
"That is something that is very possible," Montagna said.
