On Thursday, the City Council’s Programs and Services Committee interviewed candidates for city clerk. On Monday, during a meeting of the full City Council, the committee chair, Councilor Josh Krintzman, announced his committee was unanimously recommending Drew Willison for the position.

That didn’t go over well with Councilor Leonard Gentile, who wanted acting clerk Cassidy Flynn to have the job permanently. So, he “chartered” the item (referring to the city’s charter, which allows a councilor to table an item, without debate, until the next meeting), which means Willison has to wait until next month to find out if he has the job.

The City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 6.

Krintzman praised Flynn’s work as interim clerk but noted Willison’s extensive experience in public service and government records management. Willison has served as United States Senate at Arms was chief of staff for former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Krintzman said Wilison’s experience shows a “deep commitment to open, effective government.”

“The entire committee, I would say, was highly impressed with Drew’s background and how he presented himself,” Krintzman said.

Krintzman went on to say that Willison and Flynn working together would create a “collaborative and resilient clerk’s office.”

Gentile was not having any of that. He noted that, while Flynn has only been out of college for seven years and her first job was with the Newton City Clerk’s office, she’s stayed with that office for years and has worked on professional development while others have left, “basically to prep herself for this opening when it became available.”

Gentile noted that Flynn’s father has worked for the city for decades, and her grandparents lived in Nonantum.

“I have worked with that young lady since she came here right out of college, and she has done nothing but grow,” Gentile said.

Gentile urged the other councilors to look at Flynn’s resume and life history.

“Passing over Casidy is a mistake. She has worked under and been trained by two excellent clerks—David Olson and Carol Moore—and she is ready for the job,” Gentile said. “I’m uncomfortable with the recommendation  of passing her over, and if there’s anyone else that agrees with me, I would love to hear from you. And so for that to happen, I’m going tp charter the item.”

The “chartering” option used to be rare, but it’s become more common. This is the second time in less than a year that Gentile has chartered something. Last December, he chartered the vote on the buildings emissions reductions and disclosure (BERDO) ordinance.

You can watch Monday’s meeting here.