MANISTIQUE - The hiring of a new director for Schoolcraft County Public Transit hit a bump in the road, despite the very cautious measures taken.

A comment made by one commissioner after the hiring lead some job finalists to question if age discrimination was involved.

At a Schoolcraft County Board of Commissioners audit finance meeting this month, the board voted to hire a candidate to fill the position.

The former director, Kevin Swanson, resigned from the post April 30. On June 11, the board voted to hire John Stapleton, of Cooks.

Stapleton rose to the top out of 27 applicants. The transit board and personnel committee narrowed the list down to six finalists to be interviewed, then again to three.

Personnel committee member and Schoolcraft County Commissioner Dan LaFoille said he and the others involved had made a particular effort to be cautious during the selection process and to keep information on the candidates "close to the vest." Board of Commissioners Chair Gerald Zellar even recused himself from Stapleton's interview, because Stapleton's father-in-law could potentially be one of Zellar's bosses, he said.

"We had people applying who have jobs, so we kept it very quiet, until we made the recommendation," he said.

Following the interviews, Robert Niemi, the retired executive director and chief financial officer of the Marquette County transit system, who has been working as interim director and consultant in Schoolcraft County for the past six weeks, also provided the board with a written recommendation for Stapleton.

LaFoille came back to the board of commissioners with his recommendation for Stapleton, as well.

"In the interview he just showed an excitement for the opportunity and just in general, the energy we felt like we really needed there right now," said LaFoille

The board voted 3-1 in line with LaFoille's recommendation, with a no vote from Board Chair Gerald Zellar. Commissioner George Ecclesine was absent/excused from the meeting.

After the vote was taken, Commissioner Al Grimm made a comment explaining his reasons for voting for 35-year old Stapleton.

"I made a personal comment...that I was glad to see a young, local person in the position rather than a person from the outside," Grimm said in a phone interview this week.

Two of the six finalists who were interviewed, Cindy Pawley, Appleton, Wis., and Robert Fiegel, Cooks, eventually questioned whether this comment could constitute age discrimination.

Stapleton was the only candidate under the age of 40.

Grimm said he did not mean to discriminate against any age group, although he feels it's important to provide employment to young people.

"It's my feeling that people my age have to step aside, and let the young people have a chance because they're the ones who are going to get this country moving," he said. "That's all I had to say was we should let them have the jobs...we have our careers... there's plenty of part-time jobs out there if they want them."

In regards to Grimm's comment, LaFoille said it was made after the vote was taken and he feels it was completely fair.

"I can safely say that age or gender had nothing to do with the decision, truly," he said. "To my knowledge, Al's comment had no affect whatsoever (on the outcome). Everybody has their own personal way of looking at things, but I don't think it impacted the vote. I believe it was absolutely fair and forthright."

Grimm stressed his comment was not a representation of the board's opinion, it was his own personal feelings. He also said he does not believe his comment should be considered discriminatory.

"It infringes on my right to freedom of speech," said Grimm.

"If I can't make comments without offending someone then there's something wrong with this system. I wasn't intentionally naming anybody...I just simply felt we have to give our young people a chance."

As of Tuesday, the county had not received any notice of a complaint filed.

LaFoille said he only hopes that whatever happens will be dealt with quickly, so everyone can move on, and Stapleton will be unaffected.