Last April 21, we editorialized here that the newly-elected Key West Art & Historical Society (KWAHS) board should rescind the bizarre firing of longtime Assistant Director Joe Pais. See related story on page 1. When the new board members met for the first time last week, they didn't do that. But a framework that could be used to clear Pais' good name was created.
First of all, the board accepted the resignation of Director Kevin O'Brien, the man who, in an apparent fit of smallness last December, fired Pais— even though Pais had already resigned to accept a job with the State Division of Historical Resources in Tallahassee. So O'Brien is outta here. And good riddance! How could he ever again be seen as a serious manager after pulling such a hairbrained stunt?
The new director is Claudia Pennington.
Although it is known that the majority of the new board had favored the rescinding of the Pais firing, they were apparently talked into embracing the policy that the hiring and firing of personnel is the responsibility of the director and that the board should not meddle in that bailiwick. A transparent copout, perhaps. But that could be good news. That means that Ms. Pennington has the freedom, if she chooses to use it, to unilaterally rescind the firing of Joe Pais without board approval or interference. And wouldn't that be a dramatic way for her to begin her stewardship— removing, with one simple act, the bitter cloud of controversy that continues to hang over the Society?
We hope that Ms. Pennington will do that as one of her first official acts as director. It would make economic sense for the Society. It would certainly make public relations sense. But, above all, it would be the right thing to do.
If you're a member of the KWAHS, or even if you're not, let Ms. Pennington know what you think. Her phone number is 295-6616. Fax: 295-6649. You can write her at KWAHS, 281 Front St., Key West FL 33040. If you send us a copy of your correspondence, we'll publish it as a Letter To the Editor. This mess ain't over `til Joe Pais' good name is cleared. And the new board has given Ms. Pennington the authority to do that.