Live Breaking News & Updates on Councilmen Ire Bethea|Page 1

Stay updated with breaking news from Councilmen ire bethea. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.

Amid fire chief drama, Ocala city manager barely hangs on to job


Lawyer says Alexander was defamed
Lawyer Paul Donnelly sat beside his client, Alexander, at the meeting. He told the council that Alexander s character had been defamed by unfounded allegations spelled out in his termination letter. He said Alexander was not given due process or an opportunity to be heard before he was fired. 
Donnelly said the city administration s decision to fire Alexander was  a profound mistake. He said Alexander wants to stay in Ocala.
Alexander had been fire chief since October 2018. He had received glowing remarks from Assistant City Manager Ken Whitehead and Wilson on his evaluation for 2020.
Alexander was one of three finalists for the city manager post last year. Wilson and Assistant City Manager Bill Kauffman were the others. Wilson got the nod in a 4-1 vote, with Grabelle the lone dissenter. ....

Austinl Miller Ocala , Angie Clifton , Bill Kauffman , Pat Gilligan , Sandra Wilson , Glen Fiorello , Jay Musleh , Justin Grabelle , Whitfield Jenkins , Oshane Alexander , Scott Siemens , Richard Grubbs , Matthew Wardell , Brent Malever , Ken Whitehead , Kent Guinn , Paul Donnelly , City Council , Ocala City Council , Ocala Police , Ocala City Manager Sandra Wilson , Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane Alexander , City Manager Sandra Wilson , President Justin Grabelle , Councilmen Ire Bethea , Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane ,