MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) — Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed’s controversial plan to hire a man convicted of defrauding former professional athletes and investors out of millions of dollars has been put on hold.

The Montgomery Personnel Board on Monday postponed a vote on whether to approve a $120,960 salary for Donald Watkins Jr., whom Reed plans to appoint as the city’s Director of Small Business Development. The board’s approval is required before the salary can be finalized.

At least one board member voiced strong opposition to the proposed hire.

“Starting a convicted felon at $120,960 not only sends the wrong message to the city,” board member James R. “Spud” Seale said. “It sends the wrong message to all the first responders and garbage collectors who’ve been asking for raises. I cann

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