MULTIMEDIA

Mecklenburg County Social Services Director Mary Wilson apologized today for how she proceeded to hire the wife of Charlotte City Councilman and mayoral candidate Anthony Foxx for a $100,000 job.

 

But Wilson made no apologizes for spending $20,000 in public money to renovate her office.

Wilson received heavy criticism last month when it was revealed how she went about hiring Samara Foxx to head the business affairs division of DSS. 

Wilson not only hired Foxx during a hiring freeze last July, but did so after posting the job for only one day. They had worked together at a previous job.

Wilson said today on WFAE's Charlotte Talks program that she's learned her lesson.

"I do think that is something I owe the county, the community and the staff at DSS an apology. When I came on board, I wanted someone I knew, that I could trust, that could give an assignment to, and they would go do it. I could have posted Samara's position for two or three weeks," Wilson said.

The controversy prompted Mecklenburg County to revise it job-posting guidelines and require that all positions be posted for at least one week.

Also on Charlotte Talks, Wilson defended spending $20,000 on renovating her office. She said her office helps create a better image for DSS.

"It is creating an environment that is less government for the 300 children that are in foster care that I have to meet with, and for the number of families that come in seeking some appeal of the decisions we've made in their life," Wilson said. "I think I created atmosphere that says this is not government, this is not a stand-up desk, this is not a blue conference room table. This is an atmosphere that says 'Come in, sit down, and let's talk about your life.' "

Wilson's renovations include new furniture, drapes, crown molding and a 28-inch flat-screen TV.

SO I wonder why the director did not share with her staff the fact that she was doing this interview. HMM so much for being transparent. Us frontline employees are curious. How many of the clients listen to NPR

Wilson's comments are gratuitous. She's been using the DSS controversy to wipe the slate clean, at the expense of the lives of well-meaning people who have dearly loved and served the children. She seems to prefer folks from her church, and nothing seems to be standing in the way of her sweeping her own actions under the rug, according to what I hear. Most of those who really know what is going on would be less than likely to share their honest opinions, since to do so would be to LOSE their jobs under the presetn hatchet-job now underway.

Citizen - You're absolutely right. It's been fixed. Greg Collard

How many clients does Mrs. Wilson ever see. Clients are not allow to pass the first floor she is on the third. This interview was nothing but lies!!!!

3rd paragraph from end of article, should read "Also on Charlotte Talks, Wilson defended...."

I have a hard time believing Wilson spent $20,000 on her office so clients would feel comfortable. I suspect she wants to be surrounded by nice things and project a powerful image, something her clients don't get the opportunity to do. Think how much assistance $20,000 could have provided to those who really need it.