In Montgomery, a heated debate is underway about the mayor's choice to hire Donald Watkins Jr. for a high-paying city job. Watkins, along with his father, was found guilty of fraud in 2019. The mayor wants to bring him on as the small and minority business development director, offering a salary of $120, 960. This amount is significantly higher than the usual starting pay for the role, which is $82, 368.

The Personnel Board, responsible for approving such salaries, has postponed their decision. Board member James R. “Spud” Seale strongly opposed the hiring and the salary, stating it sends a negative message to the city and other employees who have been asking for raises. He argued that starting a convicted felon at such a high salary is unfair to others who have been working hard and seeking pay increases.

Another board member, Jacqueline Crawford, agreed with Seale's concerns but asked for more time to think about the decision. Board Chair John L. Baker also supported postponing the vote, acknowledging the high salary and the concerns surrounding it.

Watkins Jr. was not present at the meeting and declined to comment on the mayor's decision. The mayor himself was also absent, as he was holding a press conference about a recent mass shooting in the city. The mayor has not yet provided a statement about his decision to hire Watkins.

The justification for Watkins' high salary, written by the mayor's chief operating officer, highlights his experience in providing technical assistance and mentorship to small business owners. It mentions his role in helping a consulting firm obtain minority-owned business certification and his seminars on securing government contracting opportunities.

The fraud case against Watkins and his father involved convincing high-profile investors, including basketball legend Charles Barkley, to invest in their businesses. Barkley reportedly lost $6. 15 million from 2007 to 2014. The Watkins were found guilty of using some of the invested money for personal expenses. Watkins Jr. apologized to the victims at his sentencing hearing.

This situation raises questions about second chances, the value of experience, and the message it sends to the community. It's a complex issue that requires careful consideration.

CITY JOB

A City's Dilemma: Hiring a Convicted Felon for a High-Paying Job

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