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Jefferson situation can be blamed on town politics
By Patti Pfeiffer
*Editor's note: This column was written prior to the Sept. 22 special meeting. At that meeting, Flower Mound Town Manager Harlan Jefferson was placed on administrative leave.
"I hate politics." That has been my editor's mantra for as long I've known him. Thanks to Flower Mound politics, it has now also become mine.
Though perfect bright blue cloudless skies have reined above north Texas recently, a dark ominous cloud has loomed over the town of Flower Mound as a nasty storm brewed, prompted by petty politics and resulting in a flood of accusations and an overflowing river of rumors.
The email was a feast for gluttonous gossips. Stories soon swirled. There was the rumor that a certain councilman had Mr. Jefferson's firing as a goal long before he was elected earlier this year. There was speculation over the topic of town council's most recent executive session attended by both Mr. Jefferson and his supposed high-power, employment contract specialty lawyer.
I'm a firm believer that respect is not something commanded or demanded but earned. And I have a tremendous amount of respect for current Flower Mound Town Manager Harlan Jefferson. Though personally I barely know him, I'm familiar with him professionally.
From a distance I've become aware of Mr. Jefferson's integrity, honesty and commitment to the town and its citizens both during nine years as the chief financial officer and the past seven years as town manager. These highly stressful positions required Mr. Jefferson to juggle council members' demands, taxpayers' needs and employees' wants. He has succeeded with complete professionalism and been equitable to all.
The reward for his dedication and loyalty? His termination. And it comes at a high price -- and at the expense of town taxpayers. According to a source with personal knowledge of his employment contract, removal of Mr. Jefferson will cost taxpayers a whopping $700,000. That doesn't include the expense associated with hiring a head hunter firm charged with finding a new town manager.
Along with the burden of carting that huge chunk of change to the bank, Mr. Jefferson will most certainly be saddled with some sense of sadness. The town is not merely his place of employment. It's his home. His family's roots are deep. As long time Flower Mound residents, it's the place his daughters attended school and a community the family is involved with and in.
This is devastating for Flower Mound. I believe strongly that Mr. Jefferson is the best thing that has happened to the Town in a long time. He has steered the town clear of plenty of controversy while extinguishing many blazes. He has carefully guided the town smoothly beyond a lot of B.S. His reputation is sterling and the admiration among employees astonishing.
One former elected official praised Mr. Jefferson saying, "Harlan has always done what is in the best interest of the residents. Under his guidance, he has saved taxpayers over $200 million dollars. He's won so many leadership awards and volunteers his time in so many ways. I am sickened about his termination and have talked to other former officials that are also."
Yes, this is part of the job. City and town managers are aware their employment is dependent on the wishes and whims of elected purely political officials and understand that any election can usher in their ouster. If they're fortunate their contracts and salaries reflect that hazard.
Having known more than a few city managers, I know replacing this one will be impossible. What a shame for Mr. Jefferson and his family. What a blow to town employees. What a huge loss for the citizens of Flower Mound.
Make no mistake about it; Flower Mound is a hot bed, fertile ground for politics and proof positive that manure is a good source of fertilizer. And it is an environmentally hazardous place for those adverse to politics.
Patti Pfeiffer is a Star Local News columnist, freelance writer and author. She may be contacted at pattip913@msn.com
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