July 29th 2024.
The City of Atlanta has recently made headlines with the termination of its head of human resources, Tarlesha Smith. After an investigation by the city's law department, it was discovered that Smith had used her position to secure a job for her daughter at City Hall. This decision came despite her daughter, Bridget, lacking the necessary qualifications for the role.
The investigation was prompted by a report released by The Office of the Inspector General in May. The report revealed that Smith had created a compliance analyst position in the Office of the City Solicitor specifically for her daughter. This position came with an annual salary of approximately $52,000, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
However, it was discovered that Bridget not only obtained the job before it was publicly listed, but she was also never even interviewed for the role. This raised suspicion and led to further investigation. The report also detailed how Smith retaliated against a supervisor who had questioned her daughter's qualifications for the job.
It was revealed that Bridget had requested to telework after her on-site training, but she had misinterpreted the in-person requirements for the position. When her supervisor denied this request, Bridget became disengaged and lacked punctuality in her work, as stated in the report obtained by the Journal-Constitution. When the supervisor brought this issue to light, Smith placed her on administrative leave and even suggested disciplinary action.
The city's independent inquiry confirmed the findings of the Inspector General, stating that Smith had indeed abused her power. This not only involved securing the role for her daughter but also taking "adverse action" against the supervisor who questioned her daughter's capabilities. Smith was originally appointed to the leadership role in 2022 by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
Atlanta's Chief Operating Officer, LaChandra Burks, addressed the issue in a letter to the City Council on July 25th, stating that Smith had been fired for misconduct. "We take allegations of wrongdoing very seriously, especially if it involves a leader of the organization," she wrote. The mayor's office is now actively searching for a replacement for Smith, with an interim human resources commissioner already in place.
This incident has caused quite a stir in the city, with many questioning the ethics of Smith's actions. It has also raised concerns about the hiring processes within the City of Atlanta and the need for more transparency. As Atlanta prepares to host Kamala Harris' first campaign stop as the presumptive Democratic nominee, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and accountability in leadership roles.
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