Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Longtime Bellmead Fire Chief James Karl was appointed the city’s “temporary interim city manager” Monday, following the ouster last week of veteran city manager S.G. “Scooter” Radcliffe.
Karl, who started as a volunteer firefighter in 1976 and has been fire chief for 25 years, was the Bellmead City Council’s unanimous choice.
He will be paid $1,000 a month extra to run the city while the council hunts for a full-time interim manager and then a permanent city manager.
“I think we got a good person,” said Councilman Kevin Wilson, one of four on the six-member council who approved Radcliffe’s dismissal last week. “He’s qualified and bonded. He’s a licensed peace officer. He knows his way around the city.”
Karl, past president of the McLennan County Fire Association, said he believes he can ensure a smooth transition for the city.
“We’ve got a lot of good folks in this place,” he said. Karl said he believes he also can communicate with Radcliffe about any unfinished business he left behind.
Radcliffe was abruptly fired last week after 19 years as city manager and about 30 years with the city of Bellmead.
The council met last week with him to discuss an accident he had in a city vehicle, and questions arose about whether he had been drinking.
But Wilson and other Radcliffe opponents said they voted to oust him because he had become too powerful and unaccountable, not because of the accident.
jbsmith@wacotrib.com
757-5752
Comments
By Volunteer
Jun 3, 2009 8:41 PM | Link to this
I served as a volunteer for the City of Bellmead for many years, so definitely have a good perspective to share with everyone. In fact, I think some of you that have blogged may not know James Karl very well. He is really his own person; granted, Scooter was his boss and yes he had to do what was directed. I know for a fact Chief Karl didn't like everything that happened, but he did the best he could given the situation. This man does try to work with everyone. As far as I'm concerned, this was a good decision and he'll be a fair and honest person to all.
By bobbobberton
Jun 3, 2009 12:25 AM | Link to this
You people are all outside your mind! James Karl is an F'ing idiot! They have appointed someone that was trained by Scooter, Scooters way is all Karl knows (regarding running a city) Itıs sort of like sleeping with the enemy donıt you think? He is not equipped mentally to do that job. I thought the city wanted to go in a new direction? That canıt be done when you appoint from within! If you want to go in a new direction why would even temporarily appoint someone thatıs been there doing the same things longer than the person you fired? The only comment I read that was accurate is that he's a better choice the Elizabeth. Iıve know a lot of people that work or have worked for the city and I canıt think of any that would have a good thing to say about either of them. But if they had to pick they would lean toward James. I thought the city was on track by canning Scooter, but with the appointment of Karl I think it might be the beginning of the end for the city! I wish someone would get the Texas Rangers and/or FBI involved just to look over everything to be sure itıs on the up and up!
As for you John Fasana, Itıs good to see friends stick togetherı Everyone knows if it werenıt Jim Bean, Jack Daniels and Mrs. Tequila Rose , James Karl would have been the only friend you had in Waco!
By Danny Schonerstedt
Jun 2, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this
I served with James in the Bellmead Fire Dept. back in the 70's. He is a good man . I wish him the best of luck in his new position.
By ME
Jun 2, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this
Well, that says it all for Karl...Fasana has spoken. 'Nuff said about that one.
By Jon Fasana
Jun 2, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this
Chief James Karl is one of the finist individuals and Fire Chief that I have ever worked with. He is very well qualified. He has made the Bellmead Fire Department an excellent organization and he will do an outsanding job with his new duties.
Jon Fasana
City of Waco Fire Chief (Retired)
By ME
Jun 2, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this
Well, Just a Citizen, I disagree. I'm not saying that Karl has done anything bad, but he's NOT qualified to run the city. While only temporary, things can happen, and he was one of Scooter's "butt boys", if you catch my drift here. I hope, for the city's sake, all goes well, but he will be watched like a hawk, trust me. I WILL have to say, though, that he is a better choice that ol' Elizabeth would have been, but not by much.
By Just a citizen
Jun 2, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this
The council has made a good decision. The city is in good hands. Good Luck Chief Karl!
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