Jennifer Ghormley, New Hope Code Enforcement Officer

Hope has a new code enforcement officer. Jennifer Ghormley, originally from Alaska, has a background in law enforcement and game and fish. She worked for the jail for a year, as a reserve deputy, and for the Hope Police Department for 9 years, ending up as a sergeant. Ghormley spent 4 years with the Arkansas Game and Fish based out of Camden while working in Nevada County.

Ghormley’s new focus is fighting to keeping the city clean and clear of health hazards.

City Manager J.R. Wilson is hoping to get her under the police department, so she’ll still be able to be a certified officer.

Ghormley talked about the work being done on getting a standard policy and operating procedure. There are ideas on ways to increase the ease of usage. Property maintenance codes are already on the city website.

When asked about eyesores in town, Ghormley said there is a long, drawn-out policy of condemning buildings. A lot of buildings in Hope have owners from elsewhere and some owners have passed away.

Since City Manager Wilson is involved in the revamping of code enforcement he was asked about his vision. Wilson said he wants rules to be enforced and leveraging the law to gain compliance.