Hearing Set for Former Finance Director

— A special City Council meeting is scheduled at 10 a.m. Nov. 29 for a hearing for Jerry Hudlow, the city’s former finance director.

Hudlow was offered a hearing after he was terminated in May, but didn’t ask for one, city officials have said. The hearing was scheduled on the recommendation of attorney John Everett of Fayetteville, who is representing the city in a wrongful termination lawsuit Hudlow filed, according to City Clerk Peggy David.

Retired Circuit Court Judge David Clinger will be moderator for the hearing.

Hudlow was fired for insubordination and poor management techniques relating to subordinate employees, said Mayor Greg Hines.

Hudlow filed the wrongful termination lawsuit against the city and Hines. He later amended the lawsuit to claim some of the actions he took should be protected by the state’s Whistleblower Act. The lawsuit is pending in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville. No trial date has been set.

Hudlow is seeking damages for loss of income and fringe benefits; humiliation, pain and suffering; punitive damages; and attorney fees.

Hudlow will have to take off work from his new position as Lowell’s finance director to attend the hearing. Lowell aldermen Tuesday approved hiring Hudlow. Hudlow begins work Monday.

“I’ve known Jerry for about two years, and he was the best choice for our city,” said Eldon Long, Lowell mayor. “I think Jerry is just what we need to help us continue to grow and move forward. He is going to help us develop a strong financial future for Lowell.”

Hudlow was one of several applicants for the job, Long said.

“We got applications from everywhere. Every applicant had a solid education background, but none of them had great amount of experience Jerry has,” Long said.

“It good to be back in the saddle again,” Hudlow said Wednesday. “I’m looking forward to being a small part of helping Northwest Arkansas continue to build the economy and keep the growth coming.”

Hudlow replaces Cindy Cangialosi, who left the position for personal reasons.

“My mother is elderly and needs my help. That’s why I’m leaving my job. She was a good mother. It’s my turn to be a good daughter,” Cangialosi said.

Long said Hudlow’s salary and benefits will be $78,076. He was making $132,857 in salary and benefits in Rogers.

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