Monday, Nov. 09, 2009

East St. Louis ousts City Manager Robert Betts

Budget Director Hudson named to interim position

EAST ST. LOUIS -- The East St. Louis City Council voted 4-0 Sunday night to fire City Manager Robert Betts.

Betts was the city manager for more than three years, but city leaders said they need a new direction. He said the job was a tremendous challenge and learning opportunity. He wished the city well and said he was grateful for the chance he was given.

"I look forward to continuing to assist the city in any way I can to move the city forward," Betts said. "The economy and limited resources have unfortunately placed the city in a very difficult position to function."

Budget Director Delitra Hudson, was named interim city manager and will do both jobs for a time, Councilman Roy Moseley said. She said city leaders would see how Hudson performs before deciding if she will remain in the manager's job.

"My goal is to move the city in a positive direction," Hudson said. "That means getting all departments on board in a unified, focused direction to build the city."

The city has had a string of city managers, most lasting just a few years. In the 16 months before Betts was hired there were four different managers: Charles Means, Tina Phillips, Alvin Parks and Robert Storman.

"We weren't getting everything done in that direction," Moseley said after the vote at 6:10 p.m. Sunday. "No disrespect to the city manager but we have to go in a new direction. We're making moves in the Fire Department, Police Department, regulatory affairs, community development and public works. Those departments need to be productive."

City Councilman Delbert Marion left the meeting before the vote was taken to fire Betts. Betts earned more than $90,000 a year and started in April 2006. Details about his severance package were not immediately available.

Mayor Alvin Parks declined to comment on any problems with Betts' performance.

"The City Council wanted to upgrade its management and operations," Parks said. "The council felt we needed to move in a different direction. We truly appreciative of the services Mr. Betts has rendered to the city as city manager and previously as CDBG manager."

Parks said he has confidence in Hudson's abilities based on her familiarity with the city's operations and employees. He said residents deserve a productive city government.

Councilmen Robert Eastern III and Emeka Jackson declined comment.