Arkansas journalists are paying lots of attention to the scandal surrounding state Treasurer Martha Shoffner (and rightfully so), but they shouldn’t overlook the fallout from Bill Walker's hiring of an unqualified friend to serve as a sign language interpreter for the state. As we previously reported, the interpreter has since been removed from that position and shifted into another position in the agency. The Personnel Services Committee has been reviewing the hire. They met yesterday. … [Read more...]
Bill Walker On Interpreter Hire: “I’m Comfortable With The Decision That Was Made”
July 19, 2012
KATV has released a partial transcript of conversations that took place at the personnel committee hearing on Tuesday in Little Rock. Below are some of the more interesting excerpts. Enjoy! Director of Workforce Services, Bill Walker: If we had taken the position that we want the criteria to be that we want to have these high QAST levels if you will…that we want to have this national certification if you will…then there would be nobody in our department today that would … [Read more...]
The Cost of Cronyism
July 19, 2012
Yesterday I reported on the state’s hiring of an uncertified, unqualified sign language interpreter, Miss Clara Taylor. You may recall that there were eight other applicants for the position, seven of which tested better than Miss Taylor on their qualification exams, and six of which were certified interpreters. I also mentioned that the taxpayers will be on the hook for paying for Miss Taylor’s certification and training, in order to get her up to speed, but it was uncertain what that … [Read more...]
