Planning nominee disclosed violations
City says Chesney was a top candidate
Spokane Mayor Mary Verner said Monday that the man she picked to be the city’s new planning director was candid about problems that contributed to his resignation from a similar position in Arizona.
The city announced last week that Verner chose Scott Chesney, former director of planning and development for El Mirage, Ariz., to be the next planning director. He was “a top pick of” three committees that helped select the new director, said city spokeswoman Marlene Feist in a news release.
While serving as the planning and community development director for Surprise, Ariz., Chesney admitted violating city policy by using city credit cards to buy alcohol for himself and staff, and failed to provide itemized receipts for reimbursement, the Arizona Republic reported after Chesney resigned in November 2007. He told the paper that he bought drinks with a city credit card to reward staff for hard work.
Chesney, who reimbursed the city for improper use of the card, said the purchases were “very occasional occurrences,” the newspaper reported.
“He was the first to disclose it,” Verner said when asked if Spokane officials were aware of the controversy.
She said her staff made extra efforts to make sure members of selection committees and City Council were aware of the issue.
Verner’s nomination will be forwarded to the council for confirmation. If approved, Chesney’s starting yearly salary will be $98,554.