Marro slams Pike County during Florida interview

Steve Marro

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Friday, January 29. 2010

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County manager Stephen Marro interviewed for a city manager position in Debary, Fla. on Wednesday Jan. 27 and mentioned Pike County in a negative light several times. Marro was one of 86 candidates who applied for the position and one of two interviewed. He was not chosen for the job.

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#1 watching on 01/29/10 at 04:51 PM

Now that is funny, guess he told it like it is

#2 Concord Resident on 01/29/10 at 09:17 PM

Roll the tape to around 15:50. That's where the good stuff starts.

#3 Wow ! on 01/29/10 at 09:18 PM

Sheriff's Deputies should be posted at the BOC office and not allow him to enter our county offices. Marro is out of control, about to be unemployed again. Think safety for the county employees, citizens of Pike and county property. The BOC needs to show control and retrieve all computers, cell phones and keys. Marro is now a loose cannon and a big liability for our "rural area which he never adapted to."

#4 George J. Mickle on 01/29/10 at 09:42 PM

You know Pike County I feel good tonight. I'm pleased for everyone to see the kind of person Marro really is. Mr. Marro should seek professional help for his arrogance and ego. I wish him well and pray he does not have to return to living under a bridge.

#5 sick of county mgt on 01/29/10 at 09:51 PM

I listened to him cussing and bashing the fourth of July celebration a year ago so loud and without care of who heard him that I went over and asked him who he thought he was. He is just a part of the nonsense that is adding to the debt of the county. Way too much fighting all the time costing too much in leagal costs.Time to do what is right not what fills their personal bank accounts.

#6 Anonymous on 01/29/10 at 11:06 PM

Marro is a nut case. But telling that to the commissioners was a waste. Many have told them that he was that, only to be scorned and called CAVE people. Our past county commission chairman Steve Fry is about as motivated as Marro and still needs watching. These guys live in a utopia world while the rest of us are just their desciples in their own mind. Just taxpaying slaves who should ask no questions.

#7 Rufus on 01/29/10 at 11:12 PM

I thought trolls liked to live under bridges . . .

#8 Anonymous on 01/30/10 at 12:08 AM

Uh, I thought *HE* was the reason why Pike co was so bad??

#9 Anonymous on 01/30/10 at 12:26 AM

33.25, first joke! 53.00 second slam..slam..1.01 bangbang...1.20.00 US

#10 RM on 01/30/10 at 06:00 AM

Hostile Work Environment
After a careful review of PJR back issues it would appear Mr. Marro has created a hostile work environment for the county employees he is charged with, the public and commissioners. Mr. Marro is a ticking time bomb and no one should be in his presence alone. All must remember his reasons for firing Wendell Becker and George Mickle were for creating a "hostile work environment." Seems Becker and Mickle were not impressed with their new director Dawn Dickerson being a state probationeer for bad check writing.

Word of caution, Marro carries a umbrella, remain clear of the pointed end until his status can be dealt with by the BOC.

#11 David Shivers on 01/30/10 at 06:30 AM

One of the cardinal rules of job interviews: Never, ever, diss your former employer. It's unprofessional and displays a negative attitude.

#12 concerned on 01/30/10 at 10:03 AM

If this is in fact what he said, he should be dismissed from his position immediately. No matter what your stance is in this county concerning the many issues we face, we cannot stand for that type of behavior from our county management!!

#13 DeBary Interviews on 01/30/10 at 11:54 AM

Pike County could learn valuable lessons from DeBary.

DeBary conducts interviews in the open and televised for it's citizens.

Marro conducts his interviews in the privacy of rm 124 Comfort Inn of Jonesboro with a Do Not Disturb sign on the door.

#14 Richard Wall on 01/30/10 at 02:29 PM

I don.t think I would stay in a place that I was so unhappy. If he thinks Pike Co. is so bad I think he should move on and get a new life somewhere else and let us find someone who wants the job and is good at it. AMEN

#15 Richard Wall on 01/30/10 at 02:37 PM

#16 Good point on 01/30/10 at 03:28 PM

Marro's life here is a lot better than where he came from. Commissioner Don Collins found Marro in a soupline unemployed and brought him here to head up the Chamber of Commerce. It is understandable why Marro was unemployed in Florida and New Hampshire.

#17 Anonymous on 01/30/10 at 04:31 PM

Hey, are you the David Shivers who worked at the Dundee mills bleachery in Griffin in 1986/87, and you were 17??

#18 Think Safety on 01/30/10 at 06:27 PM

Marro should wear a hardhat and steel safety boots when he returns to work Monday. Looks like there will be a line of employees who would like to chat with him. Pity the BOC does not have any conunisses (New Yorker term for balls).

#19 Danny Blount on 01/30/10 at 08:49 PM

He is trying, right? I mean, he is making an attempt to exit and everyone is kicking him on the way out - and for what? Everyone wants him to go, so he's trying to go. As he tries to go, everyone of his adversaries (of which there seem to be many) has made sure he doesn't get to go... Where's the strategy in that?

Didn't we run the last guy out of town, too?

I'm wondering what the people want - sure, we know we don't want Marro. What does everyone expect/want - and do you think when we hire that person he will make administrative decisions that every citizen will agree with? I hope our expectation is curbed at some point - we need to get real. What caliber of administrator can the county afford? If you get an MBA, or even a MPA (I would so much rather see an MBA, though, if given the choice) what do you think that will cost? Then you'll end up with a first class administrator with a large amount of criticism for accepting the pay AND they will have to make sometimes unpopular decisions. Ask Duncan. Also, consider the track record we have as a county - do you think we will recruit a top notch county administrator with such venomous citizenry? Where ever the core of the animosity lies, I hope someone can carve it out because it certainly isn't reflecting our Mayberry roots.

We want a county manager to consider the long-term (building on strategy); why don't we follow our own advice...

#20 ggscocoa on 01/30/10 at 09:38 PM

I would not hire someone who spoke negatively of their current or previous employer. It would be a huge sign to me that I didn't want them as a former employee.

#21 PJR News Article on 01/30/10 at 11:23 PM

While touring DeBary Marro was thrown off guard when ask about the St. Valentine Massacre two years ago when the appeals board reversed their ruling. Rather than Wendell Becker and Sandra Danielson being charged Marro and Commissioner Roosevelt Willis were charged. Seems Councilman Jack had the article in his pocket. Wow, they read Pike news in DeBary. Imagine that.

If background checks were conducted properly in Pike County we would not have the present BOC and the mess we have with Marro. If the BOC had demanded a background check of Dawn Dickerson there never would have been a bad felon check writer on Marro's payroll. Marro's college, work history and credit rating would never have let Steve Fry push him into the CM's seat.

Blame the commissioners. Swift has not had a job in the last 6 years and cannot get one even with a commissioner title on his resume. Powers stated he is just there for the insurance, Mangham is there for his last stab in life, Collins there just for one term to settle things, Roosevelt Willis now that is a good one, only he knows.

Now lets blame ourselves for electing these idiots who tell us to shutup and be quite at OUR meetings.

#22 just a thought on 01/31/10 at 06:57 AM

My thoughts to, that is a red flag to the person doing the interview that you are going to be trouble. I guess he got what he deserved, a big fat NO.

#23 The Bottom Line is he should be FIRED ASAP on 01/31/10 at 07:31 AM

Pike County should not even worry about his contract. I am sure his commments were not only unethical but worthy of a immediate termination of his job in Pike County.

#24 St. Valentine Day Massacre on 01/31/10 at 09:02 AM

Now that is a lesson in show & tell.
Go back and read the article.
Steve Fry, Rob Morton, Steve Marro, Parrish Swift and Roosevelt Willis made fools out of themselves and lost big time to Becker and Danielson. Thank you Appeals Chairman Donald Collins. The following Monday Marro and Willis met with and bought the services of Danielson, she jumped in their boat. Her assignment, help take Becker and Mickle down. It took 30 days for Marro and Willis to profit off their snitch. Mickle and Becker were fired.
June was Danielsons one year of county employment and she received her promised prize from Marro, 6 weeks paid med leave at the beginning of summer. Danielson still benefits to this day, a chusion job with nothing to do for which she is paid now $15.41 per hour + benefits. Do we need Code Enforcement?

Just another moment in Marro's "rural" Pike County history. Well that is the way they do it in New Hampshire.

#25 Thank you Supporter on 01/31/10 at 11:08 AM

Mr. Blount would you serve as Chairman of Marro Supporters? Be there in the morning first thing BOC Office. Your support is appreciated.

#26 Kim on 01/31/10 at 12:37 PM

If it's so bad here LEAVE!

#27 Danny Blount on 01/31/10 at 01:46 PM

You can call me Danny; and, no, I will not. I have my hands full already.

#28 KM on 01/31/10 at 02:37 PM

Leave fast Marro and take your Sandy with you. we don't need her drama and the problems she causes in P&D. Code enforcement is a pure joke.
BYE

#29 Comfort Inn on 01/31/10 at 04:05 PM

You need to make a correction. Mr. Marro's Pike County Interview Room is rm 104 Comfort Inn of Jonesboro, not rm 124. rm 124 is the City of Williamson shared with the City of Lovejoy. Please make a correction, The city mayors do not want any part of Mr. Marro's business at this time.

comfortinnnsbr@govrates.com

#30 Lawsuit time on 01/31/10 at 05:33 PM

The Honorable Barney Franks of Conn. should sue Marro for having a photo posted that looks like the good congressman. Franks might be openly gay but he should never be associated with the likes of Executive Marro.

#31 Honk for Progress on 01/31/10 at 06:32 PM

What do you do when a person or dog is blocking the road? You honk. I encourage everyone to honk when you pass the courthouse this week to let former cc Marro know that he's in the way and needs to move on!! Pass this on to everyone so we can all share our thoughts to Mr. Marro.

#32 Reader on 01/31/10 at 07:36 PM

Walter don't forget to print the story this week about Jeannie Haddock costing the county nearly $4000 when Nathan Rounds had to hire an attorney to get his taxes right. Don't sweep that under the PCJ rug.

#33 David Shivers on 01/31/10 at 09:16 PM

Sorry, Anonymous, but no, that was a different David Shivers

#34 Cave Inspector on 02/01/10 at 07:35 AM

Executive Director Pike County Manager Steve Marro has defined Pike Executive County Attorney Rob Morton's saying, "This ain't going to be purdy and it's nothing personal." Now I know what both Executives were talking about.

#35 Anonymous on 02/01/10 at 08:34 AM

I agree with Danny, Marro is only part of the problem. The behavior of the 30-40 people who criticize, go to meetings and cry about spending are a big part as well. How can we attract GOOD responsible people if we are constantly hiring, getting mad, then firing them. We don't have a great track record as a people and I do not believe the CFA or the Meeting Corps have the best interest of the citizens as a whole. I think that they have their own personal interest at heart. So here it is, another reason to fire the CM and the same ones are posting and running down our community. You reckon prospects for CM, Commissioner and other employess don't or won't read these blogs while deciding whether to apply for a job. I would, and I would not apply after reading them. There are more places with citizens who know how to behave that can be called home.
The BOC is a mute point. They are a direct representation of us. There are a lot of people bashing them now that supported them during the election.
If you want a job somewhere you need to interview like you like your job, if you want a good community, good government, WE need to act like it.

#36 Mrs. Snowbird on 02/01/10 at 11:23 AM

I did not post 11.2.2. Yous peoples are being cruel to my Carpetbagger. Just give us our 4 more months salary, buy our Bed and Breakfast and we will be gone. You all are just a bunch of Cave People.

#37 JC on 02/01/10 at 12:52 PM

There are only about a dozen of Us who regularly attend Meetings. And We are not the ones posting all these weird and negative comments.
Why don't You join us at some meetings and try your hand at enlightening the leadership here in Pike County. The big problem is They campaign to the People then work for big business after the election.

#38 Who is JC?? on 02/01/10 at 01:17 PM

Why do you call these posts weird and negative?? Do you support Marro, Collins, Willis, Swift, Powers and Mangham? Can you point to a post that is not true? Are you the guy that has the Pollcat?

#39 Friend of ex CM on 02/01/10 at 03:56 PM

He could not be run out of town. He's still around town and holding his head high, laughing at the circus.

#40 Captain of Port on 02/01/10 at 03:56 PM

Just how big is that boat?

#41 Pfft on 02/01/10 at 04:19 PM

Most of the bridges are out for repair. He's homeless for now.

#42 Dr. Feelgood on 02/01/10 at 06:47 PM

That is the magic of medications. He will laugh a lot and hold his head high not really understanding what is going on (a Marro history). Once he starts coming down it is going to be tough coming off the medication. Might even take a short term in rehab. Right now he has good health coverage.

#43 Tired Taxpayer on 02/01/10 at 08:34 PM

Marro resigned? Marro's friend posted he was now the ex county manager. Good news if so, it would save Pike County money and further grief.

#44 Marro's Raffle on 02/02/10 at 11:59 AM

Anyone know how much the tickets are on the Bed and Breakfast and Hobby Farm raffle? Is it legal, must be if they are selling them at all county offices.

#45 Dunn with Marro on 02/02/10 at 01:08 PM

Marro has called in sick and remains secluded in his Bed and Breakfast Compound (compound is a Kennedy northern word.) Please allow him to recoup from his depression and sore throat. Then he will return and inform all the rural cave peoples of his adventure to Disney World.

#46 Anonymous on 02/03/10 at 06:58 AM

Mr. JC it is weird that you beg the BOC to lower taxes, maintain a level of services, not allow business or industry in the county. I would rather see a successful business person in a seat than the broke, unemployed, retired folks we got making decisions

#47 bandsxbands on 02/03/10 at 09:15 AM

I truly believe that we have reached the point where technology has become one with our lives, and I can say with 99% certainty that we have passed the point of no return in our relationship with technology.

I don't mean this in a bad way, of course! Ethical concerns aside... I just hope that as technology further advances, the possibility of transferring our brains onto a digital medium becomes a true reality. It's a fantasy that I dream about all the time.

#48 ABC Executive Placement Inc. on 02/03/10 at 09:42 AM

We work with the unemployed, untrained, retired, broke, mentally challenged individuals and place them in positions so they may reap health insurance benefits and draw a small salary. Parrish Swift went from cleaning out chunkey well water to driving a shinny black limo (part time). We got Tommy Powers out of the kitchen from making tater pies. We got Don Collins off the street from selling NUTTY 1 pecans. We got Roosevelt Willis'es CDL renewed to drive a dump truck. Mr. Doug Mangham? We just got him out of the bed. Our placement service gives them hope and places them in good standing within your community for at least 4 years.

Next time you see them on the street please give them a big salute and thank them for their service.

abcempex.gov

#49 DeBury Job Corps on 02/03/10 at 10:39 AM

We are now keeping up with Pike County and read your sites daily. A close bond has been established between our two governments. Have you been able to place your executive Marro? We have nothing for him but Disney Land has a opening for someone to wear a Mickey Mouse suit and greet visitors. There is an intense background check and long hours, pay is minimum wage but that is better than nothing. Keep up your good work and please do not try and dump Carpetbaggers on our fine city.

#50 Don't get suckered in on 02/04/10 at 07:01 AM

Do not buy the raffle tickets, note the NO REFUND. The place will be sold on the courthouse steps in a foreclosure.

#51 David Rawlins on 02/04/10 at 08:40 AM

Take a close look at the picture of Morro.

I believe he is Teddy Kennedy.

#52 Had enough of Marro on 02/04/10 at 05:37 PM

Mr. Doug Willis
Mr. Parrish Moody
Mr. Tommy Collins
Mr. Roosevelt Swift
Mr. Cris Collins

Get off yours bottoms and do what DeBary had the brains to do for their citizens. Put Marro on the road and close this bad chapter in Pike rural caveman County.

#53 Anonymous on 02/05/10 at 07:15 PM

Wow, I know Marro and his wife for years...never saw him in a soup line. In fact they have bought me and many others steaks you only dream of!

#54 Brown Paper Sack on 02/06/10 at 09:19 AM

Don, if you have known Marro for years it is because you knew him in Flager Florida, the place you discovered him. He has only been dunking on our county for 4 years now. If he is buying you steaks they are coming out of the Brown Paper Sack he found with $30,000 cash. You two could work something out like PECANS for STEAKS.

#55 Cash missing on 02/06/10 at 06:17 PM

Damit, if Marro took $30,000 in cash out of a county office and not accounted for it, then where in hell is it. There has to be a line of accountability even if it was in a paper sack. Sean Townsend our budget director should look into this along with state and federal auditors. Don't let Marro slip away into unemployment with this mystery of $30,000 in cash or Marro's words "greenbacks." Put him in jail until he can tell Pike Citizens where it went!!!!! We have been robbed by a phoney county manager we paid for 3 years. It is not over till the fat lady sings,

#56 Marro Shoalts on 02/07/10 at 09:16 AM

Why is Roosevelt Willis and Parrish Swift grandstanding about Shawn Shoalts? They want to put him in jail. Sitting next to Parrish and Roosevelt would be their best buddy Steve Marro. People we are looking at $30,000 cash and greenbacks that Marro publicly stated he found in a papersack in a county office. Where is the money, where is the deposit ticket? Why has our budget director not ask or the BOC not ask where is the cash and greenbacks? Do you job Sean Townsend or is Marro correct, your just a joke? Sweep it under the table Parrish and Roosevelt. Marro must know a lot on you two.

#57 Marro lied ! on 02/09/10 at 11:23 AM

Tomorrow Marro will be faced with his job application which was not checked by Steve Fry when he hired his friend. College, previous employers and claims of degrees will be on the table. Parrish Swift should make this in open session like Florida did. Collins knew better when Marro was hired. Marro never made a 5.8 million dollar business, has no business degree, dabbled in minority hiring and does not have Forklift Certification. Why would a New Hampshire resident go to Mississippi State College?? Put the bum on the road!

#58 Townsend out on 05/25/10 at 07:29 AM

Well Marro yo boy Sean drifted back to Upson County. We now have a professional in his old position. Ms. Kay Landers will cleanup the mess you and Sean created. Things look brighter than the DeBary sun.

#59 Kathy Keith on 07/23/10 at 12:13 PM

Just an FYI...I live in Georgia and I attended USM with Mr. Steve Marro. He was a member of my cohort/graduating class. He graduated in 2005 with a Masters Degree in Economic Development from the University of Southern Missippi in Hattiesburg, MS. I hold the same degree. This was an executive master's program designed for professionals and practitioners. Although our degree is from USM, our classes were held at the University of Memphis, University of North Carolina (the Raleigh Triangle which is well respected in the field of Economic Development), Georgia Washington University, the National Workforce Investment Board in Washington, coupled with visits to Senators and Congressmen on Capitol Hill and USDA. To enter USM's Master's Program, you had to have an undergraduate degree, so I am sure Mr. Marro has one, although I don't recall him ever saying in what field. I remember him as being polite, a gentleman, professional in appearance and conversation, and knowledgeable in Economic Development issues. I can't imagine what has happened; however, I know politics can be brutal. I sincerely hope Pike County and Mr. Marro can settle their differences and part ways with dignity and self respect.

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