More turbulence in Lee's wake

Blair Snow.

Raymond Lee, the guy whom the Portland City Council is about to make the city manager, left his last job as city manager in Greeley, Colorado under mysterious circumstances. Those who know anything about his departure can't talk about it, under his severance agreement. 

6. Upon execution of this Agreement, Employer [City of Greeley] shall direct its supervisory and management personnel, to refrain from discussing the issues and circumstances of Employee's [Lee's] employment with any other person, agent, or entity. All inquiries made to any supervisory or management personnel concerning Employee's employment with the Employer shall be directed internally to the City's Human Resources Director, who shall respond in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement. The Human Resources Director shall only release Employee's dates of employment and the amount of their salary as of the date of resignation. Also, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, Employee agrees to direct any such inquiry of the City solely to the Human Resources Director. 

7. To the extent possible, all employment inquiries and references for Employee to the City shall be directed to [former Mayor] John Gates or [current Mayor] Dale Hall. In the event either of these individuals is not available, the City shall designate another individual who shall provide a positive or, at a minimum, neutral reference. The parties agree that all references shall be truthful and accurate.

8. In the event Employee executes a waiver for the release of information to a prospective employer, Employer shall release only that information which is identified for release and disclosure in writing and with specificity by Employee. This provision does not affect the City's response to such disclosure if ordered by a Court of competent jurisdiction or if such disclosure is required by the Colorado Open Records Act.

So far there's no sign that anybody in Portland government has demanded a credible explanation of why Lee left.

While we all speculate about what really happened in Greeley, comes news that another one of Lee's close lieutenants there is out of her job. Blair Snow, who was the city's "chief operating officer," and who was acting city manager when Lee wasn't around, has resigned. Snow, like Lee, had come to Greeley from city government in Amarillo, Texas.

Snow follows out the door Paul Trombino, the city's "managing director," who disppeared from the city website the same day in November that Lee did. The chain of command was Lee - Snow - Trombino. They're all suddenly gone. Lee was out a week before he was named one of three finalists in Portland.

Golly, it seems like everybody over at Greeley City Hall is simultaneously "exploring new opportunities." But there's nothing to worry about, Portland, right? Pay Lee the $370,000 plus benefits without so much as a credible recommendation from his most recent employer. No problem. It will all be great.