Mayor investigates candidate for city administrator
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Of the two, David Rutherford?s on-site investigation was held first with Mayor Royce Davenport traveling to Georgia to inquire about Rutherford?s latest employment as county administrator in Springfield from March, 2001 to November, 2005.
During the investigation, some positive feedback was received concerning Rutherford with Davenport saying, ?I was told he is a very competent person. I spoke to people who worked with him, for him and local people during my stay there.?
Davenport also spoke to one of the people who encouraged Rutherford?s dismissal.
?He said Rutherford was a very professional guy, an excellent planner and intelligent,? said Davenport. ?That really surprised me, coming from someone who wanted him to leave.?
According to one county commissioner, the reason behind Rutherford?s dismissal was a misunderstanding between Rutherford and a developer. Davenport said all of the people he interviewed during his trip indicated Rutherford is a very capable administrator.
According to Davenport, the trip was very enlightening about two things ? Rutherford?s abilities to handle the position of city administrator and the interstate?s traffic problems.
While traveling, Davenport encountered a two-and-a-half hour wait on the interstate. The wait turned a seven-hour drive into a nine-and-a-half hour drive.
?I should have taken someone with me,? said Davenport. ?At least I would have had someone to talk to. At first the traffic inched forward and then it stopped altogether. Everyone just shut off their engines and we were there for over two hours.?
As of right now, the police department is still doing background checks on the two applicants and Davenport will convey with each alderman the discussions he had in Springfield concerning Rutherford. At that time, Davenport will get an idea if they wish to continue the investigation.
As for David Jakubiak?s on-site investigation in Florida, there is no set time for it to take place.