Rock Hall Mayor Robert Willis failed late last night in his attempt to fire Town Manager Ron Fithian–in a grueling shouting match that lasted until 2 a.m. Monday morning.
Fithian has been put on one week’s administrative leave, and another special meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday April 30 at 5 p.m for a vote.
Full story and video later
Kevin Shertz says
I don’t know either Mr. Fithian or Mr. Willis very well (but have had pleasant conversations with each) and have no dog in this fight, so to speak, since I’m not a resident of Rock Hall or own a business there.
But, everything about the way this has been handled has been a complete disaster from the perspective of transparency for its citizens, and the precedent it may set for future Town politics.
Mike Hunt says
Even if I hated Fithian, which I don’t, I would never try to oust him in a backroom deal, exclude the public, and even try to do it in the dead of the night. I don’t see how anyone who values democratic governance could ever vote for Bobby Willis again. He acts not so much like a public servant but as a tyrant. As an independent-minded person, I’d like to thank the other Republican councilmen who stood up to Willis’ petty tirades and bullying.
MB Troup says
I believe the next County election is 2014 right? Fithian could decide against another run at that post. And with nothing else occupying his time, well, I’m sure hizzoner has thought this through.
Gren Whitman says
Close to 100 Rock Hall residents jammed into the Municipal Building at 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon to support Ron Fithian and to oppose whatever it is that Mayor Willis is attempting to do.
After yelling behind closed doors, 12 hours later — at 2:15 a.m. (Monday) — the mayor wasn’t able to persuade enough of the council (who were mum as they left) to support whatever it is he is trying to do and adjourned the “meeting.”
This is known as Mayor Willis turning Rock Hall into Rock Bottom.
BTW, bravo to Councilman Butch Price for standing up to Willis so publicly and vigorously!
Joe Lill says
A Pirate version of “Sic Semper Tyrannis.”
Mike Hunt says
Bobby Willis’ shouting and general distemperment evidences a very emotionally unstable person…
rachel goss says
…paranoia…
ps – does anyone know where Pump Station #4 is located? Just to humor me – is it located near the Sailing Emp?
gerry levin says
Widespread dissipation is the result rather than the cause of social decadence.
rachel goss says
Breaking News – Vote tonight – Ronnie stays
Gren Whitman says
Indeed. For the second straight night, it was full-to-bursting attendance at another Rock Hall town meeting.
This one remained open. Town Manager Ron Fithian gave a good account of himself and pressed the council to vote on him in public and immediately.
The upshot: 3 votes to keep him (Jones, Nesspor, Price), 1 abstention (Francis), no tie to break so no vote from Willis.
Fithian fully reinstated.
Ron requested to meet with full council tomorrow (Tuesday) evening to begin to clear the air; request granted.
P.S.: Mayor Willis had zero support. In two nights of highly public and lengthy hassling, not a single person spoke up to support Willis’s assertions or his position. Close to 100 backed Fithian on both nights.
Gerald Inglesby says
This matter should have been adjuducated before thhe citizens of Rock Hall, not a unknown back room letter. Seems little or no reason to keep it private!
Matt Gerstung says
Our God father “Teflon Ron” can anything stick to this Kent County “Don?” Almost 18 years and still holding on. Salute!