Knighton reaching out to municipalities

GAINESVILLE - Hall County's new county administrator said Tuesday one of first things on his agenda is a meeting with the administrative staff of each of the county's municipalities.

Randy Knighton, appearing on Al Gainey & Company, said he wants to make sure the county has a "solid relationship" with its cities and towns.

"Obviously, what is good for the cities is good for Hall County and vice-versa."

Knighton said he'll also be reaching out to the school boards, chamber of commerce, and other groups as he settles into his new job.

Knighton is faced with filling three key vacancies in county government as he begins work: assistant county administrator, finance director, and the post he held until be appointed county administrator last week, planning director.

He said choosing an assistant county administrator is "very vital" to moving the county forward. One "model" he's looking at, Knighton said, would also have that person serving as the head of a department or division.

Knighton also said he is open to consideration of consolidation of some departments "without compromising our service...to determine if we can provide a higher level of service to our citizens."

Knighton replaces Charley Nix, who along with Assistant County Administrator Phil Sutton and Finance Director Micheala Thompson were fired in January in a sudden move orchestrated by three of the five county commissioners, two of whom had just taken office at the first of the year.

Jock Connell, who has served as interim county administrator since the firings, did not seek permanent appointment to the post. Neither did interim finance director Lisa Johnsa.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/7/240439