Bremerton finance director dismissed

Andy Parks, Bremerton's chief budget writer for less than a year, has been dismissed from his position as director of financial services, Mayor Patty Lent said Monday. Parks was hired in February 2009 by Lent's predecessor, former Mayor Cary Bozeman, after former Financial Services Director Laura Lyon left the city to become chief financial officer for the Bremerton Housing Authority.

Andy Parks, Bremerton’s chief budget writer for less than a year, has been dismissed from his position as director of financial services, Mayor Patty Lent said Monday.

Parks was hired in February 2009 by Lent’s predecessor, former Mayor Cary Bozeman, after former Financial Services Director Laura Lyon left the city to become chief financial officer for the Bremerton Housing Authority.

Less than four months after Parks was hired, Bozeman left the city to join the Port of Bremerton as the chief operating officer.

“I have been searching for someone that I felt could have stronger credentials for our city and when I found that person, I felt it was time for a change,” Lent said Monday.

When asked for clarification, Lent said she wanted a chief budget writer who shared her vision for the city.

“I have a vision for our city and a direction that I see all of our department heads and staff moving and I think that I would be more comfortable with the person that I am hiring,” she said.

Lent declined to offer specifics about why Parks was let go, only saying that she had been seeking a replacement who aligned better with her goals.

The new financial services director will be publicly introduced at a City Council study session after the council meeting Wednesday evening, Lent said.

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