A Warrenton alderman expressed concern Tuesday night over hiring employees who do not reside in the city. The question arose during a discussion about hiring of a new secretary for the recreation department. The board later voted 4-2 to approve hiring a new recreation secretary at a wage of $12 per hour. Aldermen who voted in favor of the decision included Jim Dreyer, Fred Flake, Phil Tallo and Beth Kendall. John Cornell and John Clark cast the two dissenting votes. The name of the applicant was not mentioned during the meeting, nor was it mentioned where the person lives. Terri Thorn, the city’s director of operations, explained that the board’s decision Monday night simply was to extend an offer of employment. Cornell stated that he feels the city’s human resources department is doing its job as directed, but added that he is “concerned about that direction.” “We’re evaluating the analytical qualities of candidates, but we don’t take into account the personal side,” Cornell said, referring to whether or not applicants for city positions are Warrenton residents or not. Hiring an applicant with local ties enables that person to network with Warrenton residents and serve as ambassadors of the city in which they live, Cornell remarked. He added that he could not support hiring a person for a city position who lives outside Warrenton. Tallo pointed out that the city’s human resources staff is following directives from the board of aldermen. “They’re picking the most qualified candidates,” Tallo stated. “Are you saying we should get away from that?” “HR is following that direction,” Cornell responded. “I don’t agree with that direction. I believe we have to weigh in the value a person with local ties brings to the table. “Local ties are an equal asset to years of education, but we don’t pay attention to it because it’s discriminatory,” Cornell added, noting that the recreation secretary is an entry-level position.