MERCER COUNTY Commissioners announce choice for new chief clerk

One commissioner said he'll vote against the appointment.
MERCER, Pa. -- A Greenville woman who is retired from a military career likely will be named the new chief clerk for Mercer County commissioners when they meet Thursday.
Commissioners made the announcement Tuesday.
They introduced Norma Anderton, 48, who retired from the U.S. Navy in 2000 after 20 years, reaching the rank of commander. She served mostly in Virginia and at the Pentagon and has a background in computers, administration and personnel. A Greenville native, she graduated from Edinboro State University in 1978 with a degree in drama.
If approved, Anderton will be paid $26,114.
She would replace Kenneth Ammann, who was fired in February for reasons that commissioners have not disclosed. Ammann, however, has said his outspokenness cost him his job.
Job description
The chief clerk prepares the commissioners' agenda, types and maintains minutes, oversees preparation of ordinances and resolutions, prepares legal advertisements, schedules commissioners and keeps their office organized.
Tuesday Commissioner Brian Beader said that while he has no objection to Anderton, he will vote against her hiring Thursday. He said he objects to the "process" by which the other two commissioners chose her. Commissioners Olivia Lazor and Michele Brooks agreed she would be a suitable candidate for chief clerk after interviewing her for another position, which she did not get. The chief clerk position was not advertised or publicized.
Beader was the only commissioner to vote against Amman's firing.
Beader said while the job doesn't have to be advertised because it is an appointed position, he thinks the commissioners should have at least gone to Career Link to "see who is available." However, Commissioner Olivia Lazor said the post needed to be filled quickly for efficient operation of the commissioners' office.
Beader also said he would like to see the chief clerk's position change to become "more of a public spokesman" and "more authoritative."