The vote was 4-1 to approve Brown. Commissioner Charlie Bishop cast the dissenting vote. During the committee meeting last week, Bishop said he didn't necessarily oppose Brown, but objected to being left out of the selection process until Olmstead recommended Brown for the appointment. A selection committee sorted through 70 applicants for the position before recommending two finalists to Olmstead. One of the finalists dropped out of consideration because he didn't want his name disclosed, officials said.
State law requires disclosure of the finalists for a department head's position.
Once the other applicant withdrew, Olmstead nominated Brown for the job. Bishop said he believes that all five commissioners should have been more involved in the selection. In March, Olmstead said Moody wouldn't be appointed to another six-year term. Moody had served on the authority since October 1978. The chairman made his final decision to oust Moody a few days after learning that Moody, then chair of the development authority, hauled financial records of the Westside Boosters Inc. in the trunk of his car while auditors sat awaiting their arrival.