Earlier this week, City Hall reporter Amos Maki wrote about the departure of two of Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton's controversial appointments, director Ken Moody and deputy director Yalanda McFadgon, in the city's public services and neighborhoods division.
Memphis Public Library and Information System director Keenon McCloy -- whose appointment last year also garnered criticism -- has been tapped to lead that division on an interim basis.
While controversy seems to trail Herenton's appointments, at least one reader has said he misjudged McCloy and her deputy Michael Gray's leadership abilities. Gray, Herenton's former bodyguard and a former city division director, has also resigned his post.
When McCloy, the former public services director, was promoted in January 2008 to replace longtime library director Judith Drescher, some accused Herenton of cronyism. McCloy did not have a library science degree or library administration experience. Meanwhile, Drescher retired unexpectedly after 23 years heading the system.
Herenton dismissed the criticism in February 2008, saying: "I'm one chief executive officer who does not play friendship or partiality or rewarding supporters with top level positions. The individuals I appoint are qualified."
The mayor's position would be further tested a year later when Moody, a former Memphis State University basketball player, and McFadgon, a former bodyguard and convicted felon, became key players in recent problems at the Memphis Sexual Assault Resource Center.
Back to McCloy, the library fallout continued and a total of eight high-ranking library employees wound up leaving along with Drescher. The Tennessee Library Association even sent Herenton a stinging letter criticizing the shakeup.
After a while, however, the public outrage subsided and McCloy's name stopped appearing in the news. In late June, one reader, Memphis resident Chris Matz, wrote that despite his initial skepticism of McCloy and Gray's appointments, in the last 18 months, he's watched their "exceptional leadership." He said he was wrong to make snap judgments.
"Watching them work and seeing how the MPLIC staff has responded to their guidance has been remarkable," Matz wrote.
This Eye on City Hall Blogger is not sure of Matz's relationship to either McCloy or Gray. But amid the confusion going on at City Hall, maybe this is one transition that won't prove to be as chaotic.
One reader says "this stinks".
Keenon McCloy is the exception to the usual mire of the Herenton administration. She is bright, caring, hardworking, and does a fine job. Putting her in charge of Public Services is good news for Memphis.