EDITORIAL: SPEDA's Next CEO: Who's on First?

This figure does not necessarily include additional perks sometimes associated with executive roles, such as travel reimbursements, entertainment for potential investors, or other allowances.

To put this into context:

• According to Census Reporter, the median household income in Pulaski County is about $55,667.

• Within Somerset city limits, the median household income is closer to $32,910.

That means the SPEDA CEO’s base salary is nearly five times the Somerset median household income. In a community where, as one resident put it, “people can barely afford to go to McDonald’s,” this is not just a good job, it could be a life-changing one.

Why Should the Public Care?

According to a 2021 interlocal agreement published by the City of Somerset, the Pulaski County Fiscal Court contributes heavily to SPEDA’s operations. Originally, the county pledged $400,000 annually, with that figure was scheduled to rise to $620,000 in 2025. These are taxpayer dollars — and with them comes the responsibility for transparency, accountability, and measurable results.

At the same time, local residents face rising costs of living. In Somerset, a household earning the median income struggles to qualify for a $150,000 starter home. Countywide, even families earning near the median are stretched thin to afford a $190,000 home. The contrast between those realities and SPEDA’s executive compensation is difficult to ignore.

The point: SPEDA is generously funded, in part, by our tax dollars. 

We've heard many ask the same question: was this Director of Community Development position posted or planned? It is an executive appointment, so there are lots of liberties for the mayor there. Did Hunt replace Julie Harris who seems to have not completed a full year of employment in 2024? I think if we explore, we may be able to find answers and more questions but will leave it for the citizens to discover for themselves. We have provided several starter sources at the end to help your search. 

For further comparison, the Pulaski County Administrative Code for 2025/26 -included below - shows that in 2021, the county’s top salary was just over $62,000 (p. 127). The gap between city and county pay is stark and raises questions about equity in publicly funded compensation.

What Does This Particular Issue Have to Do With SPEDA?

Maybe nothing. Maybe a lot. The numbers matter because they illustrate a pattern: the highest salaries and the most lucrative opportunities appear concentrated in a small circle of interconnected roles.

Community chatter — discussed openly on social media and in civic forums — suggests that Mayor Alan Keck, who has announced he will not seek a third term, may be eyeing the SPEDA CEO role or a position with Horse Soldier. Others speculate that Hunt may be preparing a mayoral run. These remain unverified rumors, but they illustrate how tightly connected political and economic leadership positions appear to be in Somerset and Pulaski County.

It is reasonable to assume that such a high-paying and influential role as SPEDA’s CEO will not be left unplanned. For anyone considering applying, understanding this context is essential. For taxpayers, the question is even simpler - are these positions serving the public’s long-term economic interest, or primarily reinforcing a closed circle of influence? With Keck and Girdler announcing plans to leave their current roles, what is the strategy? It is not uncommon for politicians to groom their replacement so they can still maintain a certain level of power and influence. It is not difficult to imagine the same happening with a position like SPEDA.

Taxpayers need to be paying close attention in the coming months. County wide.