By Herman Wang

Staff Writer

Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield said today he was shocked and disappointed at Parks and Recreation administrator Rob Healys comments at a City Council meeting last night and did not consider him fit to lead the department.



Mr. Healy had sharply criticized the mayors decision to give his responsibilities to an outside consultant, calling it politically motivated. He also said he considered himself fired.



To go to the council without telling me or anyone on the council he would do what he did makes it very difficult to work with him, Mr. Littlefield said at a news conference. Life will go on. He burned the bridge last night and ... destroyed his credibility as a manager.



Last night, the City Council approved a 30-week, $98,500 contract for the services of Larry Zehnder, a former deputy administrator of the department. Mr. Zehnder will take over the day-to-day management of Parks and Recreation.



The mayor had intended Mr. Healy to return to his previous post of overseeing Outdoor Chattanooga at his same salary. Mr. Healy, who makes $103,148.03 annually, refused the reassignment.

I am actively working to restore accountability, credibility and a solid work ethic in this department, Mr. Healy said in his prepared remarks to the council. I certainly disagree with the proposal to outsource the management of this department.



Mr. Littlefield said he will meet later today with Mr. Healy, who reported to work.



E-mail Herman Wang at hwang@timesfreepress.com

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