The city council chose who Councilman Thomas Moore described as an &8220;imminently qualified&8221; candidate to fill the position of city clerk.

Paula Byrd comes to City Hall after serving as the city accountant in Tuscaloosa. She is a certified public accountant and also has a CMA license.

Byrd was chosen after an extended search that included the city council changing the qualifications to include candidates from outside the municipal limits. In Byrd&8217;s case, while she does not live in the city, she comes from a family who has strong ties to Marengo County.

City leaders have been criticized during this search, and we even called for them to open up the process. To their credit, they called to make sure we were aware of the interviews.

Byrd was most impressive in her interview. She came across as both confident and competent.

She believes in clear goals and objectives for those positions who answer to the city clerk. She believes in providing the general public with a listening ear when they have inquiries, problems or complaints.

And, most of all, she is easily a well qualified candidate for the position. We look forward to working with her.