Henderson names new city manager

By Jeremy Twitchell

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 | 9:54 a.m.

The Henderson City Council unanimously voted to take the interim out of Mark Calhoun’s title of interim city manager, appointing him to the city’s top non-elected position for a three-year period Tuesday night.

City employees in the council greeted the appointment with applause, though the drama that has surrounded the city manager’s office in the last two months is still far from resolved.

Calhoun replaces Mary Kay Peck, who the council unanimously fired April 14 after accusing her of mismanaging the city’s budget situation and creating a “culture of fear” among city employees.

Peck has disputed the allegations, saying she was never given a review nor a chance to respond, and filed a lawsuit against the city Friday.

In his new position, Calhoun will receive the same $225,000 annual base pay that Peck did in her 18 months in the post.

After his appointment, Calhoun thanked the council and his fellow city employees.

“I have a great respect and appreciation for each and every member of our city staff,” he said.

After quipping that city officials had asked him if he was sure he wanted the position, given the city’s financial struggles, Calhoun expressed confidence in Henderson’s ability to navigate the economic downturn.

“I know this isn’t the very best time to be a city manager … but with the people we have here, I believe we can get through this rough time with minimal impact,” he said.

He concluded by pledging to be a good steward of tax dollars and to run a transparent operation.