THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 23, 1994 TAG: 9407230213
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MAC DANIEL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
Less than 48 hours after announcing his resignation, City Manager Richard L. Hedrick stood by quietly Friday night as the City Council began a nationwide search to find his successor.
In accepting Hedrick's surprise resignation, Mayor S. Chris Jones praised the three-year veteran for his leadership while denying any ill will exists about his departure.
The seven-member council met in executive session for more than an hour.
Hedrick, 46, handed his resignation to Jones on Wednesday night, shortly after the regular council meeting had ended.
Several current and former council members said that a vote of confidence on Hedrick had been informally discussed. But Hedrick denied being forced out.
No mention of any schism was made during Friday's emergency meeting. Council members said that the back room discussions were friendly and that all decisions were made unanimously.
Hedrick said he resigned to look for work elsewhere.
Daytona Beach, Fla., officials confirmed Thursday that Hedrick has sent applications for both the city manager's job and the county manager's job in surrounding Volusia County.
Jones praised Hedrick as a ``hard-working and dedicated employee.''
``We certainly benefited from his expertise in many, many areas, and for that we're very thankful,'' he said.
In his letter of resignation, Hedrick counted among his accomplishments closing Hosier Road landfill, developing plans for a new courthouse and getting a reliable water supply for the city. He made no comment at Friday's meeting.
Hedrick leaves the city making $85,000. His resignation becomes effective Nov. 30.
Since Hedrick's arrival in Suffolk three years ago, there had been internal debates about his role with the council and whether the council was letting Hedrick perform his duties.
Some former and current council members said Hedrick was worried that some council members, including former Assistant City Manager Thomas G. Underwood and former Suffolk Fire Chief J. Samuel ``Sammy'' Carter, were out to replace him after clashing in the past.
Underwood retired in 1991 after Hedrick eliminated his job. Underwood denied making any effort to replace Hedrick.
Hedrick said Friday that he will help in the selection of his successor if the council requests his assistance.
Jones said the recruitment firm Municipal Advisors Inc. of Norfolk would be used to help in the hiring process, a move he said ``everybody on council felt very comfortable with.''
He said the city hopes to begin placing advertisements for the job next week and hopes to have a number of applicants in hand by September. A decision will likely be made on a replacement before Hedrick leaves in November. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Suffolk City Manager Richard L. Hedrick says he is leaving the city
to look for work elsewhere. His resignation becomes effective Nov.
30.
by CNB