Wednesday, Mar. 2, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | Cofty out as county chief; time to move onBY JOHN THOMPSON As county employees struggled with the news Monday that their boss was gone, former Fayette County administrator Chris Cofty said that it was time for him to leave. I really expected to only work in government for one or two years and it lasted nine, Cofty said Monday afternoon. The County Commission terminated Coftys contract as county administrator Thursday night and appointed Community Development Division Director Chris Venice as acting administrator. The news shocked many around the community Friday, but Cofty said he bears no animosity towards the county or the County Commission. This group of commissioners is really looking out for the best interests of Fayettes residents and my leaving was a mutual agreement, he said. As part of the termination agreement, Cofty will receive nearly $40,000 in a severance package. He said he isnt quite sure what his next career move will be, but said hes thinking about doing some consulting. Its really time for me to put my family first, so whatever I do will involve them, he said. Meanwhile, at the countys administrative complex on Stonewall Avenue, acting administrator Chris Venice was getting used to her new position Monday. Im just happy to assist in whatever capacity I can, said a cheerful Venice. With just two days under her belt, Venice is just starting to get her feet wet as administrator. She said she will also continue to do her division directors job, and said she feels shes up to doing two jobs at one time for a while. I did this before when I was acting zoning administrator, she said. While Venice gets used to her new temporary digs, the County Commission will have to start the process of looking for a new administrator. On Friday, Commission Chairman Greg Dunn said it was too early to know how the process would work, but expressed confidence the county would be able to find a very competent administrator. This is the second time in five years that Fayette County is looking for an administrator. Cofty was picked as administrator in December 2000 after long-time administrator Bill Beckett left his post after philosophical differences with the county. |
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