BY SUSAN VELA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FORT THOMAS - Some Northern Kentucky communities are reaping the benefits of Internet job advertising.
Because of the ability to broadcast a local opening to computer users across the world, cities are getting a greater number of applications for some of their most crucial positions.
City officials say the applications coming in from Florida, California and Washington allowthem to be more selective about who will be their next police chief, fire chief or city manager. "It's good," Edgewood Mayor John D. Link said. He and other city officials started searching for a new police chief in October 1997.
They ultimately chose former Forest Park Chief Steve Vollmar, but not before considering a pool of 35 to 40 applicants, some from as far as the West Coast.
Edgewood advertised the opening in local newspapers. But those publications have Web sites. Those Web sites include classified ads. And those ads are available to computer users across the globe.
"Let's face it, if I were looking for a job, I too would go on the Internet," Mr. Link joked. Out-of-state candidates "may not be any more qualified than the local people, but it gives us an opportunity to look at their credentials and where they've been."
Fort Thomas options
Fort Thomas Mayor Steven Pendery also enjoys the choice that a greater number of applicants provides. The Internet, he says, is the reason he and other city officials are now considering a pool of about 50 candidates who are interested in becoming the city's next police chief. The applicants represent 27 states.
"They look good," Mr. Pendery said. "They have some pretty impressive credentials. We've got a good group of people, and I know that I'm happy with what we have to choose from."
He and other city officials want to replace former Chief Mike Bischoff, who retired Oct. 31, by January or February. Lt. Ron Talbot is the interim police chief, responsible for a department of 21 officers and protecting a city of about 15,000 residents.
Some cities, however, aren't interested in out-of-state candidates or Internet searches. They acknowledge that people from large cities in California and New York might have more savvy in applying for grant money or starting new programs. But they prefer regional candidates who are familiar with Ohio and Kentucky governments.
"They know how the system works," Mr. Link said. "They've been a team player with that system, and they kind of fit in like a hand in glove."
Earlier this month, Newport officials chose Pat Wingo, the city's historic preservation director for 2 1/2 years, as its new economic development director. The job was not advertised in newspapers. City Manager Jim Parsons said Ms. Wingo was chosen because of her experience with the city and ability to provide good continuity.
Covington City Manager Greg Jarvis still likes how the Internet has increased the volume of job applications. Just recently, he began to notice a difference. He expects the increase to become significant within a year.
"We're starting to see more applicants," he said. "The more applicants you have, the more competition you have and the more likely you are to have a high quality person (fill an opening).
"We normally have gotten high-caliber candidates. That's been enhanced by the Internet."
