Hales responds to public criticism

Posted on September 15, 2015
David Hales
City Manager David Hales has taken heat from some members of the public over his handling of city finances. (WJBC file photo)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – As Bloomington works on ways to fill an expected budget gap for the next fiscal year, some citizens believe City Manager David Hales’ job should be on the chopping block.

Hales told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin anyone in a public position is going to be subject to criticism.

“We have great people, but we’re human. Often times there is mistakes and errors made,” said Hales. “You take responsibility for that, you learn from it and move on.”

Podcast: Listen to Hales’ full conversation on WJBC.

Hales took heat for the amount the city has paid in pensions due to sick leave buy back. Hales explained issues like that are not as simple as people think.

“You just can’t arbitrarily change a policy and risk having it overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court, because the pension clause does come into play,” he said.

Hales added he works by contract, so if at any time the city council feels his performance is unsatisfactory they have the ability to make a change.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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