(CAIRO, IL) — It looks like the Alexander County Housing Authority Board may have to go back to the drawing board in finding its new executive director. According to a report from WSIL-TV, the board wants to hire Sesser Mayor Jason Ashmore, but the Department of Housing and Urban Development rejected the recommendation the board made after an extensive interview process. Ashmore’s resume was one of seven chosen by HUD Director Bill Wilkins. He says they were chosen out of about 25 that were minimally qualified for the position. The board is now awaiting word from HUD on why Ashmore’s hiring was rejected and would like to move forward with hiring in spite of HUD’s objection. They hope that whoever is hired can turn the housing authority around which has problems with rodents, bugs and some units that are beyond repair in its housing projects.