A review of eight of nine job evaluations of the Gainesville Regional Airport director shows an overall average performance for the past year.

A special Gainesville-Alachua County Regional Airport Authority panel met Friday to appraise Gene Clerkin's performance - something that hasn't been done in eight years.

The nine members of the Airport Authority were required to submit their evaluations to a three-member panel, consisting of Airport Authority Chairwoman Marilyn Tubb, Portia Taylor and Rick Mulligan, before Wednesday. All but one had been received as of Friday.

Overall, Clerkin came out with a 3.21 rating - on a 0 to 5 scale with 0 being unacceptable and 5 being excellent - indicating an average or acceptable performance.

He was given the highest marks, an average of 3.5, for responsibly handling the airport's operating budget and capital improvement program. His lowest score, an average of 2.6, came in problem solving and conflict resolution.

The scores were skewed by two very low evaluations by Mac McEachern and James Gallagher. The remaining six Airport Authority members, who filled out evaluations, rated Clerkin above average and excellent.

Clerkin did not return phone calls Friday afternoon.

Of the 10 rating categories, Clerkin earned average or higher marks in nine of them, including administration, leadership and fiscal responsibility.

Several members, however, criticized his inability to solve problems with the general aviation tenants or to offer constructive alternatives to decisions faced by the Airport Authority.

"He prefers to let the authority take the blame," wrote James Gallagher in his evaluation of Clerkin. Of all eight reviews, Gallagher rated Clerkin the lowest with an average rating of 1.

Tubb considers Gallagher's ratings out of kilter with the majority.

"Gene tends to get caught in the crossfire," Tubb said of the sparks that often fly among members. "We all need to work on our ability to resolve conflict."

The board is known for its heated disagreements, generally about spending money on general aviation or commercial aviation amenities. Some debates have gotten so divisive that members have resigned.

Clerkin, who has been the airport's chief executive for more than 17 years, was last evaluated for his performance for the 1991-92 fiscal year. His current salary is $75,518.

Once the Airport Authority members complete their evaluation of Clerkin, likely at next week's meeting, they are expected to begin discussions on an appropriate raise.

"We will probably have to call another meeting to talk about salary compensation," Taylor said.

Although Clerkin's new salary hasn't been decided yet, $98,028 has been set aside in the authority's budget for his salary and benefits in the current fiscal year, which began Oct. 1.

Janine Young Sikes can be reached at (352) 337-0327 or sikesj@gvillesun.com.

See December 9, 2000, issue of Gainesville Sun for original article.