Well...the bloodletting is finally over, the mayor's resigned, City Manager's outa' here, and the City Attorney's un-retained. I thought Pfiefer's arrogance was sometimes comical and baiting; but even to the end, he "stuck it" in the Council's collective eye yet again...what an example of Kabuki Theatre of the Absurd.Oh...by the way, the Council has to call a special meeting Monday night to name the Acting City Manager because Ken defiantly refused to adhere to his charter obligations under 4.15, another classic example of his leadership. Read it and judge for yourself. Compare this leadership to his public letter in the print media.
City Charter Link:
http://www.redoaktx.org/wp-content/uploads/2006/11/charter1.pdf
If one was gullible and unfamiliar with Red Oak "politiks", they would think this guy actually could walk on water, raise the dead, make the blind see and the deaf hear-hallelujah-thus endeth the lesson! Projects for which he took credit were in actuality State and Federal projects. The City Manager is a local liaison only with State and Federal project managers. You can fool some of the people some of the time...
Enough bustin' his chops... he's gone and we've now got a clean slate. Next question...What is the course of the Council from now on?
The Council better move on a decision about an Acting City Manager and City Attorney. That better happen fast, there's lots of City business to get through
- What plans have been put into play for the next 100 days? Forming committees is nice but decisions need to be made quickly to ensure a smooth transition (if that is possible...I doubt it)
- What is the REAL condition of the City budget? Council members have no clue about their budgets, where is the money? Why don't they have the info they need?
- What is the TRUE status of major projects in the city? Enough of the platitudes....it's time for the real deal!
I'm keeping a "weather eye" open and an ear to the ground during the next few months and will call it like I see it. Everyone "knows" I'm in "Ben's back-pocket", Casey Hargrove's "puppet" (yeah right-whatever), and just their "hack".
Since I'm all those things (and monkeys fly outa' my posterior region too), getting the straight dope shouldn't be hard right?
21 comments:
Maybe I'm wrong but I thought that Casey said I move that the city manager be fired effective July 1st and suspended immediately. Like I said I could be wrong but I thought that's how it went.
I thought he did as well. So why would he want to help out when he was suspended immediately? I am sure Steve knows, he said he was bringing his tape recorder so he could tape the whole thing.
I used my tablet PC and didn't bring a recorder. I'll ask Kelli Robinson at the RORecord if she has the statement.
If Casey did say that and that is highly probable, I won't gripe about it anymore. :<)
Steve
That is what Casey said. Ken is fired as of July 1st and is suspended until then.
Chris
Steve, ask for the transcript from the meeting. Anything and everything that was said at the meeting is recorded and is public record. I was sitting close enough to hear him say it. He stated that his termination would be effective July 1st and he is suspended immediately. And the votes ended it. If there is ever a question about what is being said or not said, just ask for the recording. Why do you think the council always backs away from the mic when they are talking to each other, it's so none of us out there hear what kind of crap they are saying. But when they want to make sure it goes on record, they are sure to lean in close and say it. Just thought I would let you know for future blogs.
I don't know about ya'll, but I thought suspended meant, you did not come to work or do any kind of work that you were hired to do, so why would Ken want to help them out. Could you please explain to me how he "stuck it" to them in the end?
Steve, I just reread the Thursday RO Record and it did state that he was suspended immediately.
I'm wrong then and will leave Pfiefer alone on that one. Admitting it upfront and in public but y'all KNOW that it was Ben's fault that I made a mistake because I'm just his "hack". :<)
I'm curious, but did Red Oak not have an assistant city manager this whole time? Come to think of it, I never remember hearing about an assistant.
But hey, while we're on the subject, my uncle is a city manager in west Texas.
Cough.
-Joey
It's nice to see you admit it!
No, there is no assistant city manager. Red Oak really isn't big enough for that...and up until now there's never been a need for one. Ken was suspended immediately which meant he had to clean out his office and leave that night. He's not as dumb as some people think though - I've heard many people wonder why he didn't just resign since he knew this was coming. Answer? Severance package, people. I'm sure he got a hefty one, and if he'd quit he wouldn't have gotten it.
I thought the Public Works Director subbed in as an unofficial Asst. City Manager. It would make sense organizationally IMHO.
Yea he only gets about $40,000. And if he would have asked for it and still resign he still would have got it. And it would have saved everyone a lot of trouble.
And a firing would not be on his resume.
He's not as smart as you think!!!
See my opinion on the subject...
Thanks for the link Steve, that really helped me understand things better, especially section 7.30 -Recall...we only need 20% of the total qualified voters from the last regular election to get someone like Eric recalled. And in 6 months we can use it to recall Ben and Casey...by that time I am sure that the people will have seen enough to make a recall happen. Tuesday nights actions by the three was enough for me. I bet the three thought the way the acted (laughing, grunting, cussing, rolling their eyes, and interrupting) was funny, but the rest of us out their found it very unprofessional. I don't think the town wants the 3 stooges and their comedy act running things. I encourage everyone to attend these meetings and see for yourself what is going on up there. It's like going to a three ring circus. People can say what they want about Scott and his speeches, but at least he was not carry on the way the others were. And poor Andy Bell, he acted like he wanted to run and hide. I don't think he knew what he was getting into once he stepped outside his gas station., he talked a good one while out on the campaign trail, but has seem to have lost his voice now. Someone please ring his bell and tell him round three is coming up. But maybe he has figured out what everyone else out there has, it's only him and Scott against the other 3. And everyone knows 3-2 wins everytime...no matter how wrong it is. There is no playing fair in politics, as the citizens and employees of Red Oak have figured out the last 5 months.
No problemo on the link...I'm planning on attending more than a few Council meetings now myself for some comic relief watching both sides wring their hands, grind their teeth and gritch and moan. They shoulda' worked harder to get "their" candidates elected.
The recall system is pretty interesting here as well. I wonder if we should "throw all the bums out" and start over? Have a total recall of the entire Council?
That might make some folks happy...nah....I don't think so. As long as there are people, there will be differing opinions.
I did like your post however! Good one!
Thanks! (I DID get the sarcasm too... :<) ) We need more of that here plus some sardonic wit and irony to balance the plate.
I don't get the whole recall thing...and I certainly am not familiar with all of its ins and outs. But Ben didn't win by a few votes this time, it was over 50 if I remember correctly. So why talk of a recall? I personally think "the 3" have strong opinions and are not willing to voice them, and I admire that. Do I agree 100% of the time with their decisions? No, but the people have spoken...Ben and Casey are in for another 3 years. Get over it. I think people may be suprised after the initial shock wears off, what progress the town may actually make now in regards to business coming here and projects (other than ones on the West side of 35) getting done. Before everyone jumps on the recall bandwagon, why not see what happens?? Why is everyone in this town so afraid of change? What if we actually get a more forward-thinking city manager in there with some fresh ideas?! The change might suprise people, in a good way.
Just to clarify Ben won by only 10% of the vote and Casey won by only 1 single vote.
If they have fresh ideas great! I just would prefer they go about it in a professional manner. After the last meeting we might as well change the city's name to Bafoon Oak!
You mean Buffoon Oak correct? :<)
I know, part of the joke! Ha! Ha! What am I saying? I guess I'm giving over to "buffoonery" for posting on this blog! :>)
You should then change your identity name from anonymous to Buffoon. I'll probably get comments like "your name belongs with that moniker" but I've been called quite worse... :<)
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