Amarillo city officials are facing a key question.
Should they dismiss the top two administrators at their troubled Animal Control Department, even though no formal charges have been brought? I believe they should go.
Randall County prosecutors are examining whether to recommend indicting someone — anyone — at the animal control shelter for alleged mistreatment of animals. The city has been pummeled by yet another serious public-relations mess. This one is as serious as it gets, in the eyes of many residents.
Mike McGee and Shannon Barlow — the top two administrators at Animal Control — have been placed on “administrative leave,” which means they’re still getting paid even though they’re not on the job.
I believe they should be cut loose. Is that premature? Hardly.
The two were placed on leave after it was revealed that animals were being euthanized using improper methods. The city has instituted serious changes in the procedure it uses to carry out that grim duty. It has conducted a thorough review of those procedures and has determined — to my way of thinking — that the department was not functioning a it should.
Who bears responsibility for that? The top of the chain of command.
That means McGee, the top man, and Barlow, his chief deputy.
The grand jury is expected to decide this week whether to issue indictments. Randall County District Attorney James Farren’s office is leading the investigation. I agree that McGee and Barlow both deserve a presumption of innocence and I’m not suggesting for one instant that I believe the grand jury should indict either or both of them.
However, the verdict appears to be in on whether they’ve performed their duties properly. Given the changes already implemented by the city, it looks for all the world as if they haven’t.
Actually you are wrong. The person in charge of running the city, the person in charge of yearly review and oversight, the person who has let this situation go in is City Manager. And why is his rumored favorite, Scott McDonald, Building Safety Director put in temp charge? What are his qualifications or expertise does he have with animal control? Is he receiving two salaries? Ask the tough questions. yes, the two employees named need to be terminated. But really. where does the buck ultimately stop? You picked easy targets. Do some real investigation. Draw some real conclusions other than the obvious.
Excellent point, King. Although I don’t consider the animal control brass to be “easy targets.” Thanks for your comments.