Pubdate: Tue, 15 Apr 2003
Source: Kansas City Star (MO)
Copyright: 2003 The Kansas City Star
Contact:  http://www.kcstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/221
Author: BENITA Y. WILLIAMS

ANTI-DRUG SALES TAX COMMISSION LOSES ANOTHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Jackson County COMBAT Commission has temporarily appointed its deputy 
director to lead the agency, following the executive director's resignation.

The commission, which administers the county's anti-drug sales tax, 
appointed Vicki Boyd as interim executive director for six months. Boyd 
replaces Tracey Blaylock, who resigned last month after about 21 months on 
the job.

Blaylock attributed her resignation to management differences, and she 
acknowledged a salary dispute.

She said lines of authority were blurred between her and COMBAT Program 
Administrator Jim Nunnelly, who works for the prosecutor's office. Blaylock 
said she was left out of important discussions. Blaylock also said 
commissioners reneged on a promise to increase her salary to $60,000.

County Prosecutor Mike Sanders, commission Chairwoman Sue LeVota and 
Nunnelly denied that Blaylock's authority had been limited.

Nunnelly said he cooperated with Blaylock as required by laws governing the 
anti-drug tax.

LeVota was surprised at Blaylock's complaints. "She (Blaylock) never really 
expressed that to me," LeVota said.

Sanders said he thought the salary dispute was the reason she left. LeVota 
said Blaylock's $54,496 salary was in line with similar positions.

In 1989, voters passed the quarter-cent tax for law enforcement and drug 
prevention and treatment programs throughout the county. Since 1996, four 
different executive directors have led the commission, with one person 
serving twice. LeVota said there was no inherent problem with the position. 
Former directors left to pursue promotions or other fields, she added.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart