Downtown candidates raise questions - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Downtown candidates raise questions

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By Jennifer Emert - bio | email

ALBANY, GA (WALB) –  Albany city leaders name the top two candidates for the downtown manager-ADICA Director position.  Both candidates already raised some questions.

The city promised more extensive background checks after former downtown manager Don Buie went to jail for theft of city money.

This time, an independent consultant screened candidates before the City's HR department and Albany Police did background checks. The city named Aaron Blair the top candidate.

He's a former urban planner and the Executive Director/Project Manager for Living World Family Church in Naples, Florida.

The other finalist is John Lampl, a councilman and former city manager in Morrow, Georgia. We discovered property owned by Blair is in foreclosure and Lampl is being investigated by fellow council members for allegations of creating a hostile work environment.  

"In compliance with open record laws, I'm telling you who the second best qualified candidate was that's Mr. Lampl," said Albany City Manager Al Lott. "Yes I'm concerned about the circumstances, but the number one guy, the guy we intend to go after is Mr. Blair."

Lott said he believes Blair is level-headed, personable, and able to bring even people together. City officials will wait 14 days before they can negotiate with Blair. The salary is expected to be around $80,000.

 

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