In late 2018, Michigan city manager James Freed would express concerns about the social media activity of Martha Perego, then the Director of Member Services and Ethics for the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). What followed over the next six years was Textbook 101 retaliation by Perego and her direct report, Jessica Cowles. He was…
In a shocking turn of events the ICMA Director of Advocacy, Jason Grant, signaled that the organization is ready to capitulate and settle the anti-defamation lawsuit filed against them by Michigan city manager James Freed. In an article published yesterday on the ICMA website, Grant continues the organization’s practice of gaslighting and lying to its…
A 20-page court filing released by Michigan city manager James Freed includes several bombshells and new pieces of information that have been previously unknown. It features testimony by ICMA staff members admitting they violated their organization’s own procedures. It also includes testimony by Jessica Cowles, the ethics advisor investigating Freed. On page 9 of the…
Throughout his legal battle with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Michigan city manager James Freed has been fairly tight-lipped with minimal public comments save for a lengthy podcast interview and a couple of news articles. Seemingly out of the blue, Freed released a statement yesterday afternoon with a couple of bombshells. He also attached…
A review of hundreds of pages of documents provided to City Manager News show that high priced Baker Tilly consultants are using Amarillo employees to do their work. And now, at today’s council meeting, Baker Tilly is asking for more than $9,000 to send a representative to attend three meetings in person. Can you believe…
After appearing on the “Making Sense with Michael J” show to discuss Amarillo’s city manager recruitment and relationship with Baker Tilly, I submitted a public information request. I requested documents and communications between Baker Tilly and Amarillo electeds and staff concerning the city manager search and an additional consulting contract to review the charter. You…
FL: Crystal River City Council chooses a search firm, but not the one recommended by HR department The city council selected Colin Baenziger & Associates over Baker Tilly. OH: Tipp City has three finalists for city manager post, all of them local And none of them are currently serving as city managers or appear to…
WI: Eau Claire County Administrator invited to White House County Administrator Kathryn Schauf has been invited to the White House as part of their Communities in Action: Building a Better Wisconsin series, where she and other Wisconsin elected officials will meet. DE: Controversy Surrounds Rehoboth Beach’s New City Manager Hire Mayor Stan Mills defended the decision, citing…
IA: Former Davenport City Administrator Corri Spiegel requests media restriction clause be waived in $1.6 million settlement agreement Former Davenport City Administrator Corri Spiegel is asking the city to waive part of her settlement agreement that bars her from interviewing with local media. As part of her $1.6 million settlement with the City, Spiegel agreed not to…
FL: City attorney’s failure to stand draws city manager’s ire in Palatka (PAYWALL) Palatka City Manager Troy Bell is apparently peeved that the city attorney will not stand when she gives her reports to the council. Since I could not read the story due to the paywall, I tried to track down more info about…