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12 apply for open EMA director position
Published Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Twelve people have applied for the Emergency Management Agency director position.
Of those 12, six are from Covington County and include a former EMA director and a former executive director of the Covington County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
In May, the county commission voted to end a nine-year agreement combining the position of EMA and E-911 director in an effort to save an estimated $16,000-$24,000 annually. The most recent EMA/E-911 director, Kristy Stamnes, was asked to choose between the two positions and announced on May 13 she would become the county’s fulltime E-911 director. Her decision left the county without a fulltime EMA director.
When the position was announced, county officials said preference will be given to applications submitted by current county employees. If no one met the required qualifications, which included a college degree and a minimum of three years work experience in emergency response and disaster preparedness or a related field, other applications would be considered.
Pay for the position is listed as “negotiable based on qualifications;” however, the commission had offered the position to Stamnes at $36,700 plus benefits.
Stamnes will continue to serve in her dual role until a permanent EMA director is hired. No date is set yet for interviews.
Those applying are (in alphabetical order):
• Jeffery Biggs, Andalusia (former Red Cross executive director).
• Pamela Brammer, Dothan.
• Susan Carpenter, Andalusia (former EMA director).
• Regina Grayson, Luverne.
• Kiep Johnson, Opp.
• Wilson Jordan, Elba.
• Chris Montana, Birmingham.
• Shirley Sands, Laurel Hill, Fla.
• Barbara Ann Sims, Evergreen.
• Lorene Thompson, Florala.
• Daniel Vines, Andalusia.
• Tony Wells, Andalusia.
Comments
Posted by HALLEUJAHCHORUS (anonymous) on June 24, 2009 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I still don't see how hiring a EMA director will save the county $16000-$24000 a year. What is the salary of the new EMA director??? Stamnes took a 5000.00 cut in salary so you are telling me you are going to hire someone in this position for that??? On top of that the two departments are now in separate buildings so now you are looking at double rent, double utilities and what else? I wish someone would put this on a spreadsheet for me and explain where they are going to save money. My opinion, someone is making a convenient position for someone else. Hmmmmm???
Posted by billybob (anonymous) on June 24, 2009 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, I agree. I've been wondering that myself. It must be some of that county administrator bean counting math that got the county running a deficit. You mean more is not better? Ha!
Posted by covingtoncountycitizen2008 (anonymous) on June 24, 2009 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I see that Wells is on the list. Wonder who will get the job!!!!
Posted by JMMJ (anonymous) on June 25, 2009 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Susan Carpenter is the most qualified person on that list. If Tony Wells gets the job it will be a friggin' joke!
Posted by roscopcoltrane (anonymous) on June 25, 2009 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If they hire Tony Wells over Susan Carpenter then we will all know the real reason for seperating the two departments. In my opinion he has no qualifications at all for EMA, unless all an EMA director has to do is ride around in a county vehicle and think he is important. The only person that is more than qualified is Susan. I know she quit before but who wouldnt having to put up with a know it all back stabber like kristy always undermining and cutting her throat to get her job. Good luck Susan, i hope you get it!
Posted by biscuitsandhoovergravy (anonymous) on June 25, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is obvious none of you have ever had any dealings with the EMA/E-911 while Ms. Carpenter was in charge. It was total chaos within the department. The small towns of the county were abused by the rate structure set forth by the board and director and were left to provide their own dispatching or go broke trying to pay the bill they were submitted. I am not supporting anyone on this list...but I do know going backwards is not the answer.
Posted by roscopcoltrane (anonymous) on June 25, 2009 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And you think it got any better with Kristy? yes there were some problems getting everyone involved and on line with the new EMA/E911 combined, but most of the chaos and complaining came after Susan left. I may be wrong but I think Susan is best qualified, especially when compaired to the ones i know.
Posted by classylady (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Susan always did a good job at what she did, and did it well with what she had to work with I have met Susan and she is very professional at all times and will reprensent this counrty very well.
Posted by SouthernAttitude1 (anonymous) on June 28, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Biggs is not with the Red Cross anymore??? Who is running it?
Posted by fairplay (anonymous) on June 29, 2009 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who knows that Susan Carpenter is the most qualified without looking at all the applications? Sounds like someone on the inside has viewed the applications and is making comment! "To get the same results you have always gotten, just keep doing things same way you always have".
Whoever gets the job can surely do a better job than the E-911 board and director are doing!
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