Hempfield approves hiring of official

Hempfield supervisors on Wednesday hired a township manager but not before a resident questioned why the board ignored their job requirements in making the decision.

Andrew Walz, 28, of Washington, will be paid a prorated salary based on $58,000. He will earn $60,000 next year, according to the terms of his contract.

“There's no additional arrangements for compensation,” said board Chairman Doug Weimer.

Walz replaces Kurt Ferguson who left to become manager of Newtown Township in Bucks County.

Rodney Booker said when the position was advertised, the notice said the candidate should have an undergraduate degree; a masters degree in a related area was preferred. Other requirements called for four years experience in government operations, as well as experience in dealing with the public and in financial and personnel matters, according to the ad.

“I don't see any one of those as requirements for the new position,” Booker said.

He noted Walz has no experience in urban management.

“I don't know his qualification. I haven't heard his qualifications,” Booker continued. “Let's not diminish this township by hiring someone not qualified.”

Walz has an undergraduate degree and works for state Rep. Tim Krieger, R-Delmont, in the House member's district office in Greensburg, where Weimer's wife also is employed. Before working for Krieger, Walz was an event coordinator at St. Vincent College, according to his resume.

Booker noted that Ferguson had an undergraduate and two graduate degrees in public policy and management and urban and regional planning. He also had worked for Mt. Lebanon and Edgewood prior to working in Hempfield.

Weimer said the township received a “diverse” list of applications to replace Ferguson.

“It was not an easy decision to make,” he said. “The key word in (the ad) is ‘preferred.' ”

“I think Andrew will do an excellent job for the township,” added Supervisor Jerry Fagert.

Richard Gazarik is a staff writer for Trib Total Media.