Council considers secretary's position

The legislation would increase the position's annual pay by 7.6 percent.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- City council will consider legislation Wednesday sponsored by Mayor Jay Williams to change the job title of his right-hand man and increase the position's annual salary by about $5,000.
In December, Williams appointed Jason T. Whitehead as his secretary, which pays $64,999 annually.
At the time, Williams said he envisioned the position having significantly more responsibilities, including assisting with the day-to-day administration of various city departments, and thus the position called for a salary increase.
Williams also wanted to change the job's title to chief of staff to the mayor.
In the month that Whitehead has held the job, he's attended various city meetings and has assisted with issues related to the city-owned Chevrolet Centre.
Williams' proposal to council changes the job title and increases Whitehead's annual salary to $69,929 -- a 7.6 percent raise.
City council will consider Williams' proposal at its Wednesday meeting that starts at 5:30 p.m.
Whitehead was Williams' first Cabinet-level appointment. The two have known each other for about 25 years.
Whitehead served as Youngstown Central Area Community Improvement Corp.'s executive director from June 2003 until his December 2004 resignation to work at city hall.
Before the CIC job, Whitehead spent 10 years as corporate administrative manager at the Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church, Williams' church.
skolnick@vindy.com