The Wicomico County Council, in its work session this evening, decided to re-open the search for applicants for the Bob Culver's County Executive position. Holloway, Davis, Acle, & President Dodd pushed as a majority to re-open the application period.
Bill McCain and John Cannon, who are already strange bed-fellows in this, fought jointly to say the council should stick to the two applicants they still have ~ Michele Ennis & Carl Anderton. Hastings chimed in but was not as forceful as McCain and especially Cannon.
Cannon argumentatively and repeatedly questioned both attorneys Wilbur & Taylor challenging opinions they gave about the search process, the timing and the charter. Cannon interrupted the attorneys and his fellow council members continually.
Then Cannon stated, "No one has contacted me to ask to re-open the search."
Folks, I know first hand that is a big, bold lie! I, several others, and every council member is well aware of a very qualified female who has expressed possible interest in the County Executive position if the search was re-opened after Dr. Desmaris backed out. This potential candidate has a financial background, long public service and a list of impressive civic leadership roles.
John Canon has her resume in his possession. She has contacted him about her interest.
And yet tonight he said, "No one has approached me about re-opening the search."
Why would he tell a lie like that when he knows it can be proven otherwise?
Could it be because the potential candidate is a woman? Or is it that this is a potential candidate that Cannon knows he can't bully? Or is it because Cannon has become cranky and argumentative after losing the Council presidency? Or could it be because Carl Anderton & Jake Day have made under the table promises to support Cannon's political goals or rental property regulations?
Why would Canon, McCain, & Hastings argue against re-opening the search if they know they have an opportunity to interview another very well qualified candidate? Why limit it to Anderton and Ennis if neither could get a majority vote last week? Why not interview another candidate to ensure the best qualified person is appointed to the job?
This has already been ugly to watch and the council has made a mess of the County Executive appointment. No potentially good people want to get into a divisive circus like this. Very likely that will happen with the latest well qualified potential candidate. What a shame.
You can see the video here:
