YOUNGSTOWN — City council members want more information on a proposed policy change as to how city hires firefighters and police officers before approving it.
For several years the city used two lists — one for white men, and one for minorities and females — to hire firefighters and police officers.
The city’s policy was to hire one minority and/or woman for every two white men it hired for those two departments.
Because of a federal court decision declaring the use of two lists by Shreveport, La., to be unconstitutional, Youngstown needs to get rid of its separate lists, Mayor Jay Williams said.
The mayor wants the city to have one list of every person who passes tests given for those jobs and eliminate ranking them by the top written scores on the exams.
Council members are agreeable, but said tonight that they want to discuss the issue further with the city’s law department before approving Williams’ proposal.
Council members said they’re concerned about lawsuits being filed by those adversely impacted by the policy change.
For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com
Comments
I thought Jay had already hired all his friends and church members, it's really helped, really.
Seriously - what's wrong with having one list and hiring based on the best scores and performance?
I second that Harley_Guy
Why can't they just hire based on ability, skill and qualification? I don't care if you are white, black, hispanic, female, male or have 3 heads.... if my house is on fire I want to know that the most qualified, trained firefighter is the one out there fighting for my home. Same goes for the cops -- these men and women are out there risking their lives....it should be the ones that are most fit for the job, no matter what race or gender they are.
If someone is hired based more on their race or gender rather than their qualifications for the job... everyone is at greater risk.
Just my two cents.