Comments on: Rohnert Park changes rules to make it easier to fire future department heads

By: David Stubblebine

David Stubblebine — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 06:17:47 +0000

@Snarky: I’m not sure how an article about Rohnert Park managers got turned into an alleged police scandal at SRJC, but the “years long theft of public money” did not happen “right under the ‘chiefs’ nose.” Chief McCaffrey was appointed in October 2012 and the officer was arrested in November. I know it is against your creed, but would it kill you to do a minimum of fact checking before you post your vitriol?

3 1

By: bear

bear — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 22:31:03 +0000

Let me help out.

Virtually all government managers serve under contracts that allow dismissal at any time for little or no reason.

These managers control staff. So if some brilliant staff member came up with a brilliant solution to some problem, it would have to get past management – at the control of elected officials – to even be a subject of public discussion.

Only “elected officials” – NOT necessarily smart enough to cross a street – control the managers and anything that comes from staff.

So this is a blatant attempt to do exactly what happens in Santa Rosa and County government.

Geeze, there are smart staff people in city and county governments. This is exactly how smart thinking is crushed by political hacks.

It works exactly the same way in state and federal governments.

I want some support here!

1 2

By: Caller

Caller — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:46:18 +0000

When I read the first few paragraphs I was thinking it was a bad idea since one bitter city manager could ruin the livelihood of experienced, competent department heads, but as long as there is a robust severance package then it seems reasonable.

I’d like Robert to tell us how many city and county employees are fired each month… since I know it to be rare for permanent employees not within their initial probation period.

8 0

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 23:13:31 +0000

Sounds like the usual power grab. “Do it my way and agree with me, or you are gone”. That’s the kind of dictator attitude needed to deal with those working in the rodent.

If the last poster only knew how many employees are fired at the city and county levels each month, they might change their name from the “Real Truth” to, “I heard this one time from a guy on the radio”.

3 9

By: Snarky

Snarky — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:51:26 +0000

Real Truth said, “Cities, counties and the state breed mediocrity ..”

And they thumb their noses at you buddy. Their arrogance is the worst of it.

Look at the Santa Rosa College Police Chief… he apparently gets to keep his cozy little job despite one of his “sworn” officers being accused of years long theft of public money right under the “chiefs” nose.

Since that Santa Rosa junior college cop is currently being prosecuted for years long thefts, should not the immediate police chief be fired for incompetence?

10 2

By: Real Truth

Real Truth — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:46:42 +0000

This is a matter of concern at all levels of employment. Cities, counties and the state breed mediocrity since it is virtually impossible to get rid of employees who are not meeting standards. Why should they operate differently from the rest of the world — especially when they are being paid by taxpayers? This is a good first step.

13 3