| The city of Gig Harbor may eliminate its Community Development director position by the end of this year, if the city council goes along with a recommendation by city administrator Rob Karlinsey. The job was created about five years ago under the direction of former administrator Mark Hoppen, and was hailed by the city at the time as a way to enhance customer service by creating better communication between the city’s planning and public works departments.
Karlinsey started his job less than six months ago after newly elected Mayor Chuck Hunter fired Hoppen, citing differences in management styles. Karlinsey told local media an organizational change was needed in order for the city to better handle future capital projects and the need for a public works director.
John Vodopich, who has held the community development director position since its inception, was hired by the city more than six years ago as a planning director. Although Karlinsey reportedly told Vodopich he could keep his job until December — provided the city council even votes to eliminate it — Vodopich was quoted by the local newspaper as saying he would start looking at other opportunities immediately. |
