Politics

The Latest Detroit Library Commission Antic: It Flip-Flops On Director

August 24, 2012, 6:58 AM

The Detroit Public Library board changed its mind again this week, reinstating its ousted executive director and moving to extend her contract for a year, according to Christine MacDonald of the Detroit News.

In May, three members of the library board placed Jo Anne Mondowney on paid administrative leave. Members said she mismanaged the system, which has closed two branches and cut 81 jobs through layoffs, retirements and other departures last year.

But on Thursday, the other four members of the seven-member board voted to offer her another year in the $156,000 position, arguing she's done a good job.

MacDonald has raised persistent questions about library spending. In a series last year, her reporting exposed allegations of misspending, mismanagement and nepotism.

Among the questionable purchases: The library bought 20 lounge chairs for $1,100 apiece at a time it was cutting staff.

At one point last year, officials considered closing 18 of 23 branches until the News reported they were basing their cuts on faulty revenue estimates.


Read more:  Detroit News


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