PEKIN, Ill. – The new Pekin City Council is starting out divided.
Council members voted four to three Monday night to oust Bruce Marston as Interim City Manager — a post he’s had since November when the previous city council fired Mark Rothert.
Council Member Becky Cloyd didn’t like the fact the council was going to go in to a closed-door session to discuss the matter.
“If it (a vote to go in to Executive Session) does not get voted through, and it still moves to Executive Session, I will personally file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office,” said Cloyd. This, despite the fact that one of the main reasons for going into an Executive Session, under state law, is to discuss employment matters.
Marston allegedly was the subject of numerous employee complaints, causing an investigation to be launched. He will still be city finance director.
“I think there’s several people surrounding this decision that have other ulterior motives,” said Rick Hilst, Council Member. “I think it’s a political witch hunt.”
After she cast her vote against terminating Marston, Cloyd expressed disappointment.
“Bruce was not given an opportunity to remediate. He was not given an opportunity to make things right.” said Cloyd. “He was not told about his infractions or accusations. This is injustice. This is unacceptable.”
Rothert has been working on an interim basis recently in the City of Galesburg.
Those voting to fire Marston did not speak during the open portion of the meeting.
Council members Karen Hohimer, John Abel, David Nutter, and Mayor Mary Burress voted in favor of removing Marston from the post. Becky Cloyd, Rick Hilst, and Lloyd Orrick voted against.
