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Sunday, January 26, 2025
Time Machine: 100 years ago this week in Pocomoke's newspaper; 1962, 1912, 2006, 1885.
I don't remember who the first city manager was for Pocomoke City but somewhere along the line Phillip Ancell filled the position. Along about 1966 or '67 some members of the public began to have suspicions about certain contracts, especially concerning the Neptune Water Meter Company. In late 1967 a public hearing was held in the auditorium of Pocomoke High School, which I attended. The upshot was that there were accusations that Mr. Ancell had taken bribes from Neptune in exchange for his steering business toward their company. Several witnesses presented strong testimony and I especially remember Paul Cunningham, local newspaper editor, expressing his utter and total disgust at what Mr. Ancell had done. Ancell was asked to resign, but I don't remember any actual criminal charges being filed.
In contrast, John Yankus, a West Point graduate and veteran of the Army Corps of Engineers, became city manager sometime in the early 1970s. His tenure was marked by sensible and competent management, but he was eventually hired away when Worcester County adopted the county manager form of government. John had an illustrious career and was well liked among he dealt with. Unfortunately, John developed an aggressive form of cancer and passed away at the height of his career.
It is interesting to note the salaries at the time. I believe John's salary as city manager of Pocomoke was $5,000 or possible $5,500. When he was hired by the County he was granted the magnificent sum of $7,500 per year.
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1 comment:
I don't remember who the first city manager was for Pocomoke City but somewhere along the line Phillip Ancell filled the position. Along about 1966 or '67 some members of the public began to have suspicions about certain contracts, especially concerning the Neptune Water Meter Company. In late 1967 a public hearing was held in the auditorium of Pocomoke High School, which I attended. The upshot was that there were accusations that Mr. Ancell had taken bribes from Neptune in exchange for his steering business toward their company. Several witnesses presented strong testimony and I especially remember Paul Cunningham, local newspaper editor, expressing his utter and total disgust at what Mr. Ancell had done. Ancell was asked to resign, but I don't remember any actual criminal charges being filed.
In contrast, John Yankus, a West Point graduate and veteran of the Army Corps of Engineers, became city manager sometime in the early 1970s. His tenure was marked by sensible and competent management, but he was eventually hired away when Worcester County adopted the county manager form of government. John had an illustrious career and was well liked among he dealt with. Unfortunately, John developed an aggressive form of cancer and passed away at the height of his career.
It is interesting to note the salaries at the time. I believe John's salary as city manager of Pocomoke was $5,000 or possible $5,500. When he was hired by the County he was granted the magnificent sum of $7,500 per year.
Your friend,
Slim
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