Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A positive change
It appears that our city continues to make progress. This was on the front page of the daily news this morning. In my opinion The mayor and council are doing what is best for our city. The removal of the former Human Resources director was a vital move in the progress of our city ! Keep up the good work !!!
53 comments:
The mayor and council are doing what is best for our city.
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What financial cost to the city for Financial Severance Packages?
Chris Reed's Departure cost the City many $$$ and the departure of others are certainly going to add to additional costs for the city to bear, without receiving services from these persons, much like paying 2 persons to perform the same job for 2 different salaries (Wages & Benefits).
With each change of administrations either be it the City Manager or the Mayor who promises change, also has a price tag attached to it. Those costs are now starting to add up to a significant amount of Tax Payers Money as more persons are forced out.
Is it worth it to the city to oust a person from a job to bring someone else to replace that person, if the city must pay 2 persons to perform that same function for an extended period of time? Is it cost effective?
Like I said in the Daily Snooze comments, we need to just eliminate the positions and reduce the number of employees.
It frustrates me that Jahn's says he is trying to set things up for the next administrator. The next administrator may see things as differently from him as he sees them from what Reed had done. He needs to try to run the city NOW rather than tomorrow.
I am not against planning ahead mind you but I believe we have things that need to be done NOW.
Here comes one of my lame brained get hated by everyone comments:
"Layoff ALL those named in the article and put their salary into overtime for road crews and footage of pipe for the water system in the old town district.”
It would be interesting if an actual accountability could be posted as to the costs to the city from former employees.
One number would consist of the total number of former employees and the total salaries (wages) paid and a separate number as to what the total costs to the city for overall compensation costs the city (wage & benefits).
That may make other city leaders in the future to take pause before moving forward in terminating employees if they then must pay compensation to those employees and get nothing in return.
Just like in the military, after 20 years of active service, a person is immediate eligible for 50% of base pay after 20 years and medical compensation for life and increases 2.5% for every additional year of active service until they have 30 years, at which time, it no longer increases.
If a person is eligible for retirement benefits, they may also start drawing those benefits immediately upon termination, plus get another job to supplement their pay along with the severance package the city pays out.
Fubar you should run for Council! Great idea. People that run for office as a hobby should not think that people are full time employees are there for a hobby too
Joe, some of the "full-time" employees treat their jobs as a hobby and either need to shape up and do the job right or be let go.
A job is not a right. It is a privlidge belonging to those who have a strong work ethic and are willing to be self-responsible for their output (or lack thereof) and agree to be held accountable for lack of performance.
Joe:
Great Idea!
But when I retired, I did it with the intention so I would do what I wanted, when I wanted, and not to deal with a bunch of malcontents, who can not get along to help the city to become the greatest city in Texas.
I did not travel much when I was a working stiff, but now it is time to enjoy the fruits of my labor and travel throughout the USA and neighboring countries, before the world blows itself up.
I am contemplating in buying an RV and do alot of traveling throughout the USA.
The internet is a great tool to keep in-touch and to submit the occasional comment to blogs and stories that are posted.
BHL,
how do you know this? I work at this place everyday and have for many years. Do you? Have you seen what we have now?
Joe,
I know plenty of folks who work for LC and are appreciative of the people in charge and the changes that are occuring.
Are the "problems" you allude to (since you don't outline any specific issues) real problems, or are they the perceptions of folks who are undergoing a paradigm shift?
I say the latter.
paradigm shift? Humm is that what Hitler told the Germans.
Anybody invoking Hitler in a conversation such as this, definitely lacks credibility.
These links NEVER work on these blogs but I will try it here anyway.
http://books.google.com/books?id=ObNESVeBF0cC&pg=PA64&lpg=PA64&dq=I'm+debating+on+the+internet!+Ha+ha!+I'm+winning+every+argument+by+saying+the+same+thing&source=bl&ots=Mtr8EZozNi&sig=qeV_2PgfqU-1qt_Z47wn6yMHytY&hl=en&ei=20hOS--6M5PhlAeR76WODQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CAgQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=I'm%20debating%20on%20the%20internet!%20Ha%20ha!%20I'm%20winning%20every%20argument%20by%20saying%20the%20same%20thing&f=false
Chris S,
How about providing a book review?
LOL
Joe,
Be advised that the comments you made yesterday evening regarding Marcus Jahns could be considered libelous if you are unable to prove the statements. Libel is a criminal offense.
Having an anonymous blogger name does not prevent eBlogger from releasing personal information in criminal matters. As such you may want to consult a lawyer to protect yourself in the event of any investigation.
First of all thats not Libel, in order for it to be Libel it would have to be an untruth. That my friend is NOT an untruth and I would/will be happy to testify to that fact. I told you before I stay secret because of the witch hunt and I don't want to fall victim. So just like you I have the right to post facts, and that I will!
Joe,
Do you really think we do not know who you are?
Ah... History, it saddens me that you must repeat yourself in ever-shortening periods of time...
BHL,
You hit the nail on the head. As one who has been there and done that and have seen it firsthand you are correct. All employees care, it is just some care about a paycheck more than what is in the best interest of the city.
Joe,
You should know better. And I am sure you do. (we know your story Joe so give it a rest before you get in to deep). Your comment has been removed because you provide no supporting information.
Fubar,
I thought you lived in central Texas ?
As for running for city council? Why not? I think Council member Nelson’s positions would be a great position to run for.!I believe most everyone has something to contribute. I would recommend putting your money where your mouth is and run for city council. Better yet save the cash and volunteer for a board or commission! Work with the city and you will see what a difference the changes are making.
Isn’t sad the only place y’all gripe is anonymously on this blog? So I guess y’all can’t get the nerve to speak out in public using your real names. Or have you already tried and been soundly rejected like your buddy …..What was his name? You know the former mayor who couldn't even get enough votes to beat me?
City Charter
I live in Comal County where Life is good and Taxes are low & it is not as hectic as LC. I Owner Finance my house in LC to a nice family to add to the assets & Family Values of LC, so I am still a property Owner of sorts.
I am fascinated by the back & forth of Joe & BHL when the real problems are the rising taxes and limited services that LC is experiencing, due to who is in-charge and who can be gotten rid of due to political expediency.
The actual subject is "A positive change"
Each time a new Mayor or City Manager, LC seems to be transformed into some sort of Political Witch Hunt to see who they can get rid of and put some Political Appointee for the so called benefit to the City to provide better services. And each time it happens, the Tax payer must pay the Wage & Benefit Concessions to the person being terminated due to what is written in their contract, thus the Tax Payer gets left holding the bag full of empty promises.
Our infrastructure is falling apart and LC pays good money to see it given away to no benefit to the city.
I still have heard no further word about the infamous Water Pumping Station that initially did not work, but finally got it to work in the Manual Mode, but no word since about 4 months ago. “Is it fully operational to be used this summer?” How did it fair from the recent Freeze?
If may be asking a lot, “can we all get along for the benefit of the city.”
Fubar you are correct, and are more able to take the emotion out of what I am saying. But this what you say in right on! BHL I am sorry for my outburst but I am IN this situation and I try to do my job and just want to be left to do it. I don't defend ANY of the previous Mayors because it the same thing time after time.
I like the mayor.
I supported the mayor.
I still support the mayor.
And still... Despite the many problems I have with Joe's presentations and histrionics, he has a FEW points.
We need to purge dead-wood and over-hired positions to reduce our overall payroll and streamline our organization to an effective team. We don't need to use that effort as an opportunity to casually settle old scores.
OTOH, no matter how good of an employee you are for the city, if you just cannot (I mean through willful choice of your own) work with the elected officials, you need to go. They, EOs, serve at the pleasure of the people. Employees have an obligation to accept what the people have decided.
Chris, I would suggest to you that he has FEW points that are not the product of bitterness and a perverted political vision. At the heart of our myriad of problems is the mindset that all change is political and rooted in retribution.
I believe that the majority of City employees believe in setting and achieving goals that are Smart, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.
We want to be proactive and move forward.
A lesser number believe that the good old boy network, that for many years has held the City in a reactive choke hold, needs to be preserved.
It is not all about whether or not one can work with elected officials. It is as much about whether one can define and work towards the SMART goals without political interference or distraction. What we need more than anything is simply support of council.
"Joe"...I believe your "situation", such that it may be, is what you have made it.
Amazing...
Joe,
Big Brother LOL No I’m not Jerry Shults or Chris Reed. Yes I know who you are yet I still try to see your point of view. My eyes are open. It appears yours are closed. I understand your situation. But you have no one to blame but yourself.
Fubar,
I have seen the dance I understand where you are coming from. Bad employees need to be purged. The mayor is doing a great job and it appears some of the good old boys are beginning to understand they are not getting the personal service they used to receive from those they possessed. What a shame.
I believe that we are experiencing a removal of dead wood. I say Give ‘em hell mayor and city council ! Keep up the good work and keep on working together for the greater good of our citizens. Some may not like what they are getting but elections are right around the corner. Let them put their money where their mouth is. Let them roll up their sleeves and get their candidate elected. The winds of change have come and the course has now changed. Thank God !!!
Thank you Rick, CM, BHL,and others, for keeping things off the fringe in here.
I think it's fair to say that unprovoked, hateful, and deeply personal attacks, such as we have all witnessed repeatedly over the years,are a much larger threat to this city than the political winds.
Whenever there is a tolerance of overtly hostile and hateful behavior there will be a lack of consensus and the willingness to compromise or adjust to achieve a larger common goal...and that's exactly what some people want.
Throwing turds on the wall to see if they stick isn't politics. It is...what it is.
" Joe said...
paradigm shift? Humm is that what Hitler told the Germans."
" BHL said...
Anybody invoking Hitler in a conversation such as this, definitely lacks credibility."
BHL,
This is actually a well known internet phenomenon known as Godwin's Law.
According to that law, the first person in a debate who makes reference to Nazi's has clearly run out of anything perceptive to say and is the automatic looser of the debate.
Jeff Hagen
" Chris Stevens said...
These links NEVER work on these blogs but I will try it here anyway.
[...]"
Chris, you can find the instructions for posting links on blogger here.
Jeff
Okay then, everyone try this link. I was too lazy before to make the effort to link it but Jeff has corrected my errant ways.
Ratbert Wins with The Hitler Stab
Looks like you win, Chris. :)
...or was that a loss? :/
Charles, I didn't create my situation because I am not in any trouble. I am in a position that, let's say doens't get too much political attention. But I have several co-workers who are and don't deserve it.
CM what does Jerry S and Chris R have to do with it, they are both gone. I am talking about the rest of us here!
Good Morning All, I would like to give a big Kudos to League City's 311 service. Called the other night (sewage backup) had a return call in less than 10 minutes. Then had a City Employee at my house in 30 minutes.....Like to point out some positives to offest some of the negatives...LOL
Joe,
We understand your situation. I am aware of your antics a few years back that you had some involvement in. That action was not in the best interest of the city or the citizens. Stagnation in a position can sometimes be a byproduct of a lack of productivity. Yes Joe we know. We just chose to let you live in your perfect world.
Joe said...
BHL,
how do you know this? I work at this place everyday and have for many years. Do you? Have you seen what we have now?
January 13, 2010 9:17 AM
“CM what does Jerry S and Chris R have to do with it, they are both gone. I am talking about the rest of us here!”
Joe,
They are gone thanks to some concerned and involved citizens. If you cannot work for what you have now then find another job. I am sure a person of your talent and vast knowledge would be a gold mind for some other city who could appreciate you as you feel you should be. A town like Hmmm say …Nassau Bay?
Also congrats to Mr. Edelman and his new blog. He had told me once that he was never going to do that again but as the old saying goes “Never say Never.”
CJM - Would you mind posting a link to the new blog. Hopefully Marc will define some rules of the road and apply discretionary controls when those rules are adversly violated.
Thanks.
BHL,
Having talked with Mr. Edelman I can confirm that there is a new blog in town. Mr. Edelman was VERY CLEAR that he does not own it. He stated to me that there is a "group" that is responsible for it's contributors and content.
It has been listed on the sidebar as Think Tank League City.
The web sight is http://thinktankleaguecity.blogspot.com/
A new blog, and Pat Hallisey is a contributor?
Forgive my skepticism, but how long will it be before history repeats itself with this combination?
Chris,
If Marc doesn't own it, who does? The owner would have to be a contributor of some sort.
Current Contributors:
A. Ayers
Marc Edelman
Bob Trask
concerned
Pat Hallisey
"concerned" was created this month, and isn't attached to a name. So who's to say one of them didn't create "concerned" and created the blog using "concerned" as a shield, in case someone steps over the line?
I guess the real question I'm asking is is who is going to be responsible for keeping their blog clean and civilized?
If it's a "group", who specifically makes up this group?
Richard,
Seeing how much of a problem anonymous posters on these blogs have been, it is also troubling that one of the contributors to this new blog is anonymous.
Jeff
In my personal opinion I believe they are all running scared. Most of them lack credibility. And in my opinion none of them have the spine to say they are responsible for the content of the blog. I have a very hard time placing trust in anyone who will not take responsibility for their action. My suggestion to all of them is be a man and take responsibilities for their actions. But we all know that ain’t gonna happen and that is why their collective credibility score is less than zero. Honest discussion ? Who are they trying to kid? Themselves? Because no one’s buying it. Snake oil lost its luster when their hero Jerry and Chris got tossed. But we all chose our paths in life.
It speaks volumes when no one is willing to stand up and take credit for being the one accountable.
Let them have their zoo. Even Tim Hollowhead has his (never mind that no one else is on it). There needs to be a place for everybody, including kooks. At least they are not here.
They may not be here, but we don't want this to become a forum where everyone pats each other on the back either.
I welcome any and all opposing views as long as they are made respectfully and reasonably.
I'm sure most of us see right through the timing of the new blog. It was only created solely for the upcoming election. We've seen this happen before.
A point well taken, BHL, with emphasis on "reasonable".
I don't see too much reason over there with comments like "I believe that firing someone is just a coward’s way out".
Really?... regardless of the circumstances...and regardless of the big picture?
There are fundamental differences between the way personnel issues are dealt with in the private sector (small business) and the City.
Employee turnover (particularly at the managerial level and above) is inevitable, especially in a situation where a new direction is in focus.
Also a point well taken, Morgan.
So Chris, are you responsible for everything said on your blog? I just want to establish who the responsible parties are? Or is Paul Moratto responsile? Are you responsible Mr. BHL? The truth is that none of you are responsile for what another blogger says, read the Communication Decency Act of 1996. As to credibility, Chris Mallios, yes he is a credible character. Have a great day gentlemen, keep talking amongst yourselves.
Marc,
Yes I take responsibility for what I say and my actions. I remove from this blog the BS that has no foundation. I try to do it in a timely fashion. Anyone who has a problem with the way this blog is run can call me and say what they feel. (281-682-8873) I have always posted my number and I (hopefully) have left no doubt as to who may be contacted.
Bitterness and pettiness only divides our city. Open honest discussion of the issues that affect our city will help move our city forward. Some individuals, in my opinion, never learned to stand up and take responsiblity for their actions. They blame others for their problems when in fact their own actions and words have caused their situation.
Marc,
You know how I am. When there was a question about your new blog I called you and posted what you wanted made clear. We had an informative discussion about other things as well. The problem is that no one on your blog wants to take responsibility for making it a place where open honest discussion can take place. You see Marc that is the problem, divisiveness, as you pointed out “keep talking amongst yourselves”. Why can’t we all talk together? In the old days of League City politics and even in county politics we would all support our candidates and battle it out. But when the politicking was done for the day we would all go out together and still be friends. To me politics is just business it is not personal. Maybe I am a relic from a bygone era but I believe that is the way it should be.
Mr. Campbell,
I would say that is a fair assessment of the situation.
BHL,
You are correct. I expect and welcome any and all points of view as long as they are done in a manner that is not threatening, without foundation or libelous.
Mr. Moratto,
I believe they are not here because they cannot openly debate the issues and do not want others to question their thoughts or the information they are putting out.
" Marc Edelman said...
So Chris, are you responsible for everything said on your blog? I just want to establish who the responsible parties are? Or is Paul Moratto responsile? Are you responsible Mr. BHL? "
Marc, Yes I am to a degree. I am responsible for calling someone out when they stoop to innuendo, spread outlight lies, or say truly venomous things regardless of the circumstance. It's a shame you don't believe in taking similar responsibility as evidenced when your friend went on his vendetta last year. And now, you(?) have a new blog and are giving him the same privledge as before. What changed Marc? Did Pat have a real encounter with Christ and truly repent, or are you so blinded by your loyalties you'll allow yourself to make the same mistakes over and over? Time will tell.
In the meantime, I invite you to come visit Faith Assembly, Dominion Church, The Watershed, or Covenant Word where you might learn something about being a true brother's keeper.
Dear Mr. BHL,
Why is it you do all these things from the veil of anonymity?
Marc
BLAH BLAH BLAH, why dont one of you try to post on my blog, see what happens.
Marc,
Given too much history, we know what will happen when opposing views are posted on your blog.
Pat will assume one of his many identities. Insults and personal attacks will fly. Out of caution another of your blogs will go down in smoke.
Why again? Maybe it’s political season. Just a crazy guess.
Best of Wishes,
Good luck.
Paul Smith
" Marc Edelman said...
BLAH BLAH BLAH, why dont one of you try to post on my blog, see what happens."
I did. It had to get approved prior to post, and it was. That means that SOMEBODY is ultimately responsible.
"Marc Edelman said...
Dear Mr. BHL,
Why is it you do all these things from the veil of anonymity?
Marc"
Now Marc, that's not the whole truth is it? Do you remember a time when I tried to contact you? It had to do with how I knew that PH's last minute P&R job was a JS push through.
There are plenty who do know who I am, including NB. Just because you don't know my name doesn't equate to me hiding in shadows taking sniper shots. Nor does it equate to me walking out in the street and blowing myself up (figuratively speaking) as PH has so many times.
Stop drinking the kool-aid and get some new friends. It might improve your vision.
FYI - PH just set off another bomb.
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