Ward 9 Coun. Kieran McKenzie is calling for a review of hiring and firing practices at city hall after the controversial recruitment of Mayor Drew Dilkens’
wife over hundreds of other applicants.
McKenzie told the Star he doesn’t question if the rules were followed in the hiring of Jane Deneau. But he added those rules should be re-evaluated in acity with strong mayor powers, where that influence can bleed throughout the organization, even if unintentionally.
“The optics of this is one thing,” said McKenzie, who has been in touch with city staff on the issue.
“But there are also reasonable questions to be asked around to what extent did strong mayor powers have any impact on any of those processes, including
the one that involved the mayor’s wife?”
A public outcry erupted this week, with concerns about potential nepotism, after Dilkens confirmed his wife has been hired for a newly created project manager
job in the parks, recreation and facilities department.
McKenzie said he wants administration to create a report clarifying hiring policies and rules, if those rules were followed, and whether they’re still appropriate
under the strong mayor framework.
He also wants to ensure there are “safeguards” in place to protect anyone involved when someone is hired or fired.
“I think that’s a reasonable conversation,” said McKenzie.
