Century Mayor Wants To Hire Town Clerk Without Advertising

March 20, 2018

Century Mayor Henry Hawkins wanted to a hire a town clerk without advertising the position, but the town council has voted otherwise.

Kim Godwin, who last worked as gas department supervisor, was named interim town clerk March 5 after the resignation of Leslie Howington.

Monday night, Hawkins told the council that he wanted to promote Godwin, a certified clerk, into the position. “I would like to hire Kim,” he said, “because she knows what needs to be done.”

“I think Kim might apply,” council president Ann Brooks said. “I think we need to advertise; someone else might be interested.”

Hawkins said he does not believe the town will receive any other certified applicants willing to take the job in Century. He said the town’s policies allow for discretionary in-house promotions.

“You don’t know until you do (advertise),” Brooks said. “It was already suppose to be advertised.”

The council voted 3-1 to advertise the town clerk position, with Sandra McMurray Jackson voting against and Gary Riley absent.  The advertisement will be published on NorthEscambia.com and in the Tri-City Ledger.’

Pictured: (L-R) Century Mayor Henry Hawkins, Interim Town Clerk Kim Godwin and council member Louis Gomez Monday night. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

22 Responses to “Century Mayor Wants To Hire Town Clerk Without Advertising”

  1. Chelleepea on March 22nd, 2018 3:43 pm

    I think some people commenting here feel like we’re against the mayor on this issue. But I’m not and I’m sure some others on here feel the same. He has to post the position if it is required that way he doesn’t get into trouble.

  2. Citizen on March 20th, 2018 7:36 pm

    FYI
    There is a job opening for a clerk in Century.

  3. Bama GIrl on March 20th, 2018 4:11 pm

    Cover your butt. Post the job. If you want Kim, make sure she applies like everyone else. Once the job posting closes, pick Kim if you must. At least you’ve gone through the proper process.

  4. Alex on March 20th, 2018 3:51 pm

    Back off folks. He is just doing what he thinks is best. That is why he was elected. If he is not doing the right thing them he is to work with the council to make it right and that is what is happening.

  5. tg on March 20th, 2018 2:53 pm

    Call in a Special Council to see if there is collusion.

  6. Sage2 on March 20th, 2018 1:55 pm

    To the naysayers referencing Henry Hawkins: I’ve known him since he was a student at Ferry Pass Jr. High School(before Middle School) and based on his ethics then and now and desire to do what is always appropriate and right, Century should allow Henry to at least try to improve this town’s government.
    In other words, he was elected to do the job, let him be about his work!!!

  7. Chelleepea on March 20th, 2018 1:45 pm

    In some towns the town clerk is elected and in others they are appointed by council. Is there a set path for the town of century where one starts in one position and move their way up to town clerk?

    I doubt there would be anybody more qualified then Kim but it is required that the position is opened to the public.

  8. ProudArmyParent on March 20th, 2018 1:29 pm

    HR 101
    It happens everyday, try working for the State of Florida!

  9. HR 101 on March 20th, 2018 12:20 pm

    He can appoint due to being an elected representative and has been entrusted official of the town to serve and as also lead – give him a shot just like you did your other “Servant” Freddie McCall. Hmm sounds a little different now when you look at it that way huh.

    Someone stated below that it would save money by just promoting within. Look at all of the time wasted for doing so, job postings, training, learning curve for a new person. More negative comments from folks that have no job or intentions in getting one does nothing to move the town forward. Let Ms. Godwin enjoy her well deserved promotion.

  10. Nod on March 20th, 2018 11:06 am

    All hail Henry the first. That man just doesn’t like to follow protocol. HENRY IS not “THE BOSS”,HE is the elected Mayor, a servant of or to the people whom people put their trust in to work with city and state officials to do the legal and proper thing. W.D.Childers found that out when he though he could just do what he wanted.

  11. Pineville on March 20th, 2018 10:46 am

    If you can promote within it makes sense. Less training hours and Kim is already knowledgable.

  12. Chelleepea on March 20th, 2018 10:35 am

    You still have to go through procedure even if no one applies. Make sure Kim applies so that she can be considered. That way no one will complain if she does get the job.

  13. Cantonment girl on March 20th, 2018 10:14 am

    Since Ann Brooks seems to be the KNOW IT ALL in Century, perhaps she should run for mayor. Just let her run all positions in Century. Ask her, she thinks she is so smart she could do all the positions herself!
    Save the tax papers money. Maybe she can be quiet then, keep herself busy!

  14. just sayin on March 20th, 2018 9:51 am

    If the mayor were to have his way this would come back to bite the city in the long run with a grievance. With the mayor already making it public who he supports he dose not need to be on the upcoming interview committee because he will not be able to be fair and unbiased.

  15. HR 101 on March 20th, 2018 9:38 am

    It’s called a promotion. The mayor should have full discretion to promote and appoint an “existing” employee to a vacant position. After that appointment, that new vacant position (Ms. Godwin’s old one) should be the one to get filled – if the budget allows for it. It amazes me the number of comments that people have without any experience in any capacity of management or leadership.

    For those of us who actually go to work everyday, on a job, how would you feel if your Boss told you that you were being promoted for doing a great job “BUT”, you will actually have to wait and see if anyone else outside is better than YOU for the job… that you are actually doing anyway? And if there is someone -yeah-no, forget what I just told you and you actually won’t get promoted. Gee Whiz – SMH.

  16. Nan on March 20th, 2018 9:34 am

    Well, I was going to apply, but guess there’s no need in it now, as it seems it wouldn’t do any good!

  17. chris on March 20th, 2018 9:06 am

    Rules: they exist for others. Remember this is “hero mayor” who scared away the big bad pipeline.

  18. Jordan on March 20th, 2018 9:04 am

    Why would anyone else bother to apply – they will interview and still pick this person,

  19. David Huie Green on March 20th, 2018 8:54 am

    If anybody else does dare want the job, you can always frown at them to drive them off.

  20. My2Cents on March 20th, 2018 8:41 am

    You have to follow the rules.

  21. W.W. on March 20th, 2018 7:41 am

    That’s a “no-no”

  22. Ponderosa hill on March 20th, 2018 6:35 am

    As long as there’s no COLLUSION going on……hire the local Gal. Sounds like she knows the people, the job, the area etc. and experienced. Come on Man !