Three top Ashland city leaders lose their jobs

Three top Ashland city leaders are out of a job Wednesday and more could lose their jobs.

On Tuesday night, the Ashland Board of Aldermen chose not to reappoint Police Chief Anthony Consiglio, City Administrator Kelly Henderson and City Attorney David Bandre.

According to city statute, Consiglio and Henderson will remain in their spots until their replacements are appointed. However, Bandre is immediately unemployed.

Alderman Randy Wyatt also resigned Tuesday night, leaving two open seats on the board, and Mayor Michael Jackson announced he will resign at a later date.

City officials say they will need a special session to figure out additional details. They want to fill the open aldermen seats then address the open city attorney position.

According to Mayor Jackson, he wanted to keep the same people in their positions, but in a 3-1 vote, the board decided they needed to take the city in a different direction.

The lone vote was from board member Dave Thomas.

One alderman told ABC 17 News that they need to make several decisions on who should fill some of the positions.

“I would like to see the city attorney appointed within a week to get that vacancy filled right away so that attorney can dispense legal advice,” said Gene Rhorer.

Rhorer did not want to say why he voted the way he did, but he did say one board member mentioned at the meeting that a prior investigation into the police chief caused concern about his ability to do his job.

Thomas refused to go on camera with ABC 17 News, but he said he liked the job the three city leaders did.

Mayor Jackson says the city is expected to open up the jobs for any qualified candidate.

“The mayor always takes recommendations from the board and would review any applicants and make that appointment to the board of aldermen,” said Rhorer.

Rhorer says after the city attorney, the police chief opening needs to be addressed, but he is not concerned with the city administrator position.