Directors ask council to fill five empy seats

Local News

November 19, 2008

By Kandra Wells The McAlester News-Capital Wed Nov 19, 2008, 10:08 AM CST

McAlester’s economic development board voted unanimously Tuesday to ask the city council to fill five vacancies, replacing one member who cited “animosity” between the council and the board.

“The current treasurer is not on (this list) and I want to make sure it is not because he asked a question at the last meeting,” Mayor Kevin Priddle asked the McAlester Economic Development board during their Tuesday meeting. He referred to a list of five appointments to the board — Steve Benefield of Choctaw manufacturing operations, Lee Anderson of McAlester Radio, Tom Bledsoe of Komar, Fred Probis of Kiamichi Tech and Kenny Edwards of American Inn.

Absent from the list was Webcoat controller Greg McNall, formerly the MEDS board treasurer.

Last month’s board meeting was canceled for a lack of a quorum, but McNall and Priddle both indicated there has been some discussion about McNall. There are no minutes from last month’s canceled meeting, and Priddle said there is nothing in the board’s minutes about a “long discussion” that included McNall.

McNall was also at Tuesday’s meeting and said the MEDS board has some leadership and budget problems. He also alleged there is animosity between some members of the city council and the MEDS board.

Asked if he would consider re-appointment, he said he would not.

Other board members said they felt McNall was “combative” and a poor communicator, although he is skilled in his work with numbers.

The list approved by the MEDS board Tuesday had been prepared by the board’s nominating committee — Jack Inman of Wal-Mart, chairman Dr. Kenneth Miller of Warren Clinic and Darryl Wright — and re-appointed two members whose terms had expired: Bledsoe and Anderson. Other vacancies were created by a resignation from Steve Cox, and a term that expired for Frank Phillips of PSO.

“These (nominations) weren’t made lightly,” Inman said. “We felt like this would be best for us all.”

Contact Kandra Wells at kwells@mcalesternews.com.

Text Only

Local News

McAlester New-Capital's junior reporters tell all
Globe-trotting, from McAlester to Japan

On Feb. 6, I had the pleasure of meeting two of the Harlem Globetrotters. Handles, who is 6’ 1,” wasn’t very tall compared to Stretch, who is 7’ 2”. ...

Living the dream

On Monday, the Harlem Globetrotters came to McAlester to play some basketball. Before the game, I had the honor to interview center “Stretch” Middleton and guard “Handles” Franklin. ...

February 10, 2012 6 Photos 1 Story
Shelter Documentary

On Thursdaythe Good Samaritan Outreach Shelter for Men was featured in a documentary by the First United Methodist Church in McAlester. Pictured from left is Thursday. Pictured from left is Chris Symes associate pastor of the First Methodist Church, Stephen LeFlore shelter director and Bill Derichsweiler shelter treasurer.

February 9, 2012 1 Photo
Man involved with recent meth lab explosion pleads guilty
A McAlester man who was recently involved with a local meth lab explosion pleaded guilty Friday in Pittsburg County District Court.

February 9, 2012 4 Photos
McAlester sets first-ever TEAM meet
Something new is in store for McAlester — a meeting to bring together many of the major organizations in the city.

February 8, 2012
McAlester's Make a Difference Day project is finalist for award
McAlester’s Make a Difference Day project was recently selected as a finalist for this year’s “Encore,” award, which was just renamed the “All-Star Award.”

February 8, 2012
All Saints' Episcopal to hold craft and chocolate sale
The men and women of All Saints’ Episcopal Church are hand-crafting goodies and gifts for the community to purchase for a loved one this Valentine’s Day.

February 7, 2012 3 Photos
Rowe seeks road less-traveled
Dustin Rowe believes he’s taking the road less traveled — at least among the current slate of Republican Second District Congressional candidates.

February 7, 2012
Local hotel guests charged with child abuse
A couple that was staying at a local hotel have been arrested and charged with child abuse.

February 7, 2012 2 Photos
OSP names officer/supervisor of year for 2011
The Oklahoma State Penitentiary recently released the names of their 2011 employees of the year.

February 7, 2012 4 Photos
Eufaula housekeeper accused of theft
A Eufaula housekeeper has been accused of stealing checks from a home in Longtown and forging them to buy groceries, gas and pay an electric bill.

February 7, 2012 1 Photo
More Local News Headlines

It's awards season? Which 85th Academy Award nominated movie for Best Picture is your fave?

Local News

Search Results

Directors ask council to fill five empy seats

It's awards season? Which 85th Academy Award nominated movie for Best Picture is your fave?

Site Map

Contact Us