Martha Walker-McGlohon, Asheville’s interim city attorney. Photo by Max Cooper.
In a special session yesterday evening, Asheville City Council appointed Martha Walker-McGlohon to replace outgoing City Attorney Bob Oast, and promptly went into closed session to discuss the fitness of an unspecified staff member.
Mayor Terry Bellamy praised Walker-McGlohon’s 22 years of experience with city government, saying she’s “worked tirelessly for the people of this city.” Oast is leaving after 16 years in the role to become a professor at Ohio State University.
Twice during the meeting, Bellamy accidentally referred to Walker-McGlohon as “interim city manager,” leading to laughter from the assembled staff, including City Manager Gary Jackson. After Bellamy swore her in, Council quickly went into a closed session to “consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness and basic comportment” of an employee. They didn’t specify which one.
Only four Council members were present. Gordon Smith, Chris Pelly, and Marc Hunt were all absent, some of them on vacation.
Martha may our God bless and keep you on this new journey of yours Iam proud to know you r where u are.