NEW KENSINGTON: A member of the city's redevelopment authority board has resigned because of differing opinions on the way the board appointed city Councilwoman Kim McAfoose as executive director.
Thom King, the authority board member who resigned, was the only vote against McAfoose's appointment.
"This has nothing to do with Kim," King said. "You could look at this situation without a name. I wasn't pleased with the inconsistency involved in the process."
King was on the board when the former executive director, Richard Janus, was elected and thinks those same criteria should have been used again.
"We looked at local people who were involved in New Ken — go-getters, motivated individuals, like Kim.
"But the criteria (when Janus was elected) included redevelopment experience," King said.
"We all have a justified position," King said.
"The majority was not concerned with redevelopment experience as they were with a local person, go-getter, with the best interests of New Ken at heart. They chose someone with no
redevelopment experience, and I think that's part of the job.
"The people in Harrisburg know the lingo and what needs to be done. We don't necessarily have someone with that kind of experience," King said. "There were more candidates with direct redevelopment authority experience.
"There's a strong perception of 'politics as usual' in picking a city council person to fulfill the role as executive director. Looking from the outside in, I can understand how someone could come to that conclusion," King said. "I'm not saying that is the case now, but it has the appearance."
McAfoose said she is resigning as councilwoman to avoid allegations of a conflict of interest.
Authority Chairman David Namey said he's disappointed that King resigned, but believes McAfoose is the best choice of the 48 applicants.
"I respect (King's) decision, and understand his reasons," Namey said.
"We felt Kim's motivation, dedication, aggressiveness and ability to get the job done outweighed any perception of political maneuvering," Namey said.
"Kim's familiar with the process and has worked closely with the redevelopment authority," Namey said. "She's had exposure to it and to grant writing. She has a track record of getting results, and other candidates weren't equal to her. She has a vision for New Ken that other candidates didn't have or express."
Namey said he spoke with current and past executive directors throughout the state regarding qualifications.
"They said the most important factor is being dynamic, self-motivated and an advocate for New Ken. The technical nuts and bolts can be learned in a matter of months," Namey said. "For someone as outgoing as Kim, who believes in networking and isn't afraid to jump into things, she won't have a problem picking it up. She's already done it with other grants she's received. Results are the main factor."
McAfoose was unavailable for comment.
