Hunt takes more duties in Dunkirk

DUNKIRK — He may have lost his bid for a second term, but that’s not stopping Mayor Ron Hunt from decisive — and controversial — actions.
In a surprise move during his first council meeting since being defeated in last week’s Democratic primary election, Hunt declared Monday he intends to take command of all city departments, relieving all council members of those responsibilities.
As Monday’s council session was drawing to a close, Hunt said, “One more thing. From this day forward, the superintendents will all report to me, and council members are no longer heads of departments.”
Councilman Chuck Rife said after the meeting he is disappointed, but, “As far as all the council members are concerned, it won’t change our interest in the city. We’ll be looking out for the city’s interest and that of the people.”
Rife added that the mayor, who appoints heads of city departments, had not been allowing council members authority over those departments.
According to state statutes, Hunt is within his rights as mayor to take these steps. However, Dunkirk has a long tradition of using city council members to supervise individual departments, as the Dunkirk mayor’s post is a part-time one.
During the primary election campaign, Hunt said that because of his full-time job with Meshberger Brothers Stone Corp., Portland, his time to devote to city duties is limited.
Asked about those comments after Monday’s meeting, Hunt said, “I can make time for it.”
Hunt said the change will include him taking over supervising of the parks and city pool, replacing councilman Tom Johnson.
After Monday’s meeting, Hunt said he would be contacting park board president Oma Scruggs and vice president Tony Franklin to make his message clear.
Other council members expressed disappointment with the change.
Johnson said Monday he had been in the process of getting the pool ready to open for the summer. Earlier in the meeting, he said that interviews were scheduled for next week to hire summer employees for park and pool jobs.
Johnson said it would not be easy for the mayor to get the pool open without his help.
Councilman Eric Bowler had been in charge of the street and animal control departments, and he was in the process of trying to obtain quotes from three companies on paving work for the summer.
After Monday’s meeting, Bowler said, “I won’t feel right taking my check (from the city) anymore.”
Judy Garr, who as part of her council duties oversaw a major water plant upgrade that is scheduled for completion in June, also said she is disappointed.
“I’d hate to see it fall through right now — 30 days from completion,” she said.
Craig Faulkner was relieved of his supervisory duties over the fire department more than a year ago, and he declined to take another assignment.
Dan Watson, who defeated Hunt 352-60 in last week’s primary, expressed surprise at Hunt’s actions and questioned whether the pool would be opened at all this summer.
He also criticized the mayor for taking the action without discussing it with the council or public.[[In-content Ad]]