The two candidates who appeared before McComb officials at their previous work session were appointed to commissions at Tuesday’s meeting.
Fran Holloway was unanimously appointed to a three-year term on the Planning Commission while Ramona Patterson was appointed to a six-year term on the Civil Service Commission by a 3-2 margin. Selectwoman Terri Waterman-Baylor, Selectwoman Tabitha Felder Isaac and Selectman Matt Codding, who attended by speakerphone, voted to appoint Patterson. Selectmen Tommy McKenzie and Bruce Mullins opposed.
The appointments were tabled at a previous meeting by a 3-2 margin with McKenzie, Mullins and Codding in favor as they wanted to learn more about the candidates. City Administrator David Myers recommended appointing both candidates.
Codding asked Patterson what the Civil Service Commission did at the previous work session and she did not answer, saying she was nervous. McKenzie said that was why he voted against her appointment.
“I voted against the recommendation simply because Ms. Patterson had no understanding of what the civil service commission does when asked,” McKenzie said. “It would be disrespectful to the hard working employees of the police department and fire department to have their fate in the hands of someone learning on the job.
“I appreciate her willingness to serve her community and there are other committees her services could be used. I would hope city hall will vet their recommendations better in the future. This is the perfect example of why the city board members shouldn’t be shut out of the process.”
Mullins said he thought Stephen Wall, who applied for the position, was a better candidate as he has been an inspector and his application said he has a master’s degree.
“There were three applicants who applied for the positions,” Mullins said. “I thought that one of the other applicants was more qualified than Ms. Patterson.
I just felt like of the three applicants, he was the most qualified.”
When the appointments came up, Myers said Patterson was the only candidate who lived in McComb and was a qualified elector in Pike County.
“The only thing that I was going by was the information they actually shared with us,” said Mullins in response.
Patterson declined to comment.
Another seat on the Planning Commission is still vacant. Former Planning Commission member Maureen Clark is the lone applicant at this point.
