A number of Henryetta citizens are upset with what is being called a rush decision to appoint a city manager this week.

With an election set for April 4 to pick council representatives for Ward 1 and 2, many feel the decision should have waited for the new council to choose the city manager.

During the recent Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum, the consensus from the citizens was the importance of getting a city manager in place, after six years or more without a full-time one.

One citizen stated he believes new leadership is needed, saying “the current regime is just not working.” They added that the city has suffered without having a “real city manager.”

With several citizens in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting, many were displeased with what they considered to be a rush decision to install a city manager just a week before the April 4 election.

Others expressed concern about the wording on the agenda, which didn’t specifically state the council would be selecting a city manager; or whether there were other applications received or considered for the post.

Many agreed that Casey is a great person for the job, and is a hard worker with long years of dedicated service to the city, but would like more transparency into the selection process and decision making.

The April 4 election will see eight candidates on the ballot - four for Ward 1 and four in Ward 2.