By Joe Baker

On Monday, Kenedy City Secretary Loretta Thiele sent a letter of resignation to Kenedy Mayor Randy Garza and the Kenedy City Council.

"Dear Mayor Garza:" the letter reads. "I have no alternative but to resign my position with the City of Kenedy effective September 1, 2006. Despite my years of loyalty and hard work, you have made the work environment intolerable for me and hurtful to my family. Sincerely, Loretta G. Thiele, City Secretary."

Thiele was relieved of her duties as city administrator by the mayor and council on a 4-1 vote during their July 27 meeting. Mayor Randy Garza and Councilmen Joseph Castillo, Felipe Leal, and Ken Reiley voted in favor, while Councilman Bob Patton cast the only opposing vote. At that meeting it was decided she would continue as city secretary but the mayor would assume the duties of city administrator.

When questioned publicly during the following city council meeting, Garza said the change was not the result of any disciplinary action regarding Thiele.

The Kenedy City Council voted to take applications for a city administrator during a special meeting of the city council on August 22. A panel comprised of representatives of Karnes County Economic Development, Planning and Zoning, Parks and Recreation and the Kenedy 4B Corporation will interview the applicants.