The Montgomery City-County Personnel Board recently delayed the appointment of the capital city’s new Small Business Development Director amid controversy surrounding his criminal history.
) - Donald Watkins Jr ., a convicted felon who was previously slated to be the city’s next Small Business Development Director, has withdrawn his name from consideration, Mayor Steven Reed announced Wednesday.
The Montgomery City-County Personnel Board had previously delayed Watkins’ appointment amid controversy surrounding his criminal history. The decision to hire Donald Watkins Jr., as the new director, drew opposition because Watkins Jr. and his father were bothThe salary for the director’s position he was seeking to obtain was just over $120,000. Personnel Board member James Seale said hiring a convicted felon sends the wrong kind of message to other city employees who have been asking for raises. “This gentleman is a convicted felon,” Seale said. “I think this sends the wrong message for this city and starting a convicted felon, convicted of fraud, starting a convicted felon at $120,960 not only sends the wrong message to the city, it sends the wrong message to all of the first responders who’ve been asking for raises and the garbage collectors who have been asking for raises. I cannot vote for this, and I just think it’s egregious and unfair.”“I think any time you can have any successful entrepreneur, one who’s homegrown, educated in our public schools, given a lot in our community, as someone who’s gone on to have corporate success- to be able to get them to work for government is usually impossible because you can’t afford them. Probably without this blemish on his record, we wouldn’t be able to have that conversation,” said Reed. The Personnel Board had decided unanimously to talk about the hiring at their next meeting on Nov. 10.“Today, Donald Watkins, Jr. withdrew his name from consideration as the Director of Small and Minority Business Development. While I have accepted Mr. Watkins’ withdrawal, I want to make clear that this decision is not a reflection on his qualifications, experience, or passion for the city of Montgomery. He is an exceptionally talented professional who has demonstrated both the knowledge and the heart required to support Montgomery’s growing and essential small business community. “Montgomery is a city on the rise. It is a place where innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunity are shaping a stronger economic future for everyone who calls this city home. My administration has been unwavering in its commitment to helping small businesses and minority-owned enterprises not only start but scale for larger impact and growth. “However, it has become clear in recent days that his appointment has sparked unnecessary distraction and political fearmongering - diverting attention away from the critical work ahead. My responsibility as Mayor is to ensure that our shared goals for small business growth, job creation, and inclusive economic development remain our top priority. We cannot afford to have that mission overshadowed by those looking to gain political popularity at the expense of an overly qualified and dynamic business leader. “Our focus must remain on empowering Montgomery’s entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented communities, with the tools and resources to thrive. That’s why my administration continues to expand access to capital through our “Access to Capital” small business loan fund, support more equitable participation in city procurement and contracting, and strengthen partnerships with Black-owned financial institutions to open new pathways for local investment and growth. These are the kinds of strategic investments that will ensure Montgomery’s small and minority businesses are positioned for long-term success. “Montgomery’s future depends on a vibrant ecosystem where small businesses can grow, compete, and succeed. While this moment is disappointing, our direction is unchanged. We will continue to build a city where every entrepreneur has a fair shot and where economic progress is not slowed by politics or perception.”Newly elected Alabama officials learn the ropes before being sworn in
Montgomery Personnel Board Wsfa Wfsa Donald Watkins Jr Convicted Felon City Of Montgomery Steven Reed
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