Thursday's editorial did explain that the stories evolved out of a complaint from a city employee in January, which also means the paper was aware of further allegations when they ran a related story in the paper about the chain of fortunate events surrounding the hiring of an assistant attorney. What I found unusual was that this newspaper appears to have taken the initiative to follow-up and connect the dots on the questionable ethics reported on in the previous article. Allegations such as these are normally swept under the rug or marketed as “rumors’ and “falsehoods” spread by messengers of misinformation – you know, from malcontents like myself.
JG Excerpt:It is warranted. The perception is a reality.
Councilmember George Brunner said he believes the perception already exists among some residents, whether warranted or not. “Citizens develop perceptions, and when they develop those perceptions, they draw conclusions without having all the facts,” he said.
When I wrote about the chain of events leading up to the employment of the current assistant city attorney back in May, I received several e-mails (3) from residents who stated they had applied for both full-time and seasonal jobs with the city only to be rejected without an interview. One applicant, applying for a job shelving books at the Hedberg Library sent me their resume as inventory specialist and controller of 40,000 units valued at over $20 million dollars and with near perfect attendance - also sent me the rejection letter from the city. It stated they received over 90 applicants who were better qualified for the position. No interview.
Another applicant rejected by Rotary Gardens recently contacted me and said “When people ask me where I work, I just tell them I’m unemployed – I live in Janesville.” I also noticed that all three of these applicants lived within walking distance of their hopeful employment opportunities. I kindly asked them to post their experience on my blog, they said they were afraid of retribution. I don't blame them.
We can call it nepotism, favoritism or cronyism. Attorneys and professors, often taught by the same schools, can debate the proper usage and meanings of these words for hours.
JG Excerpt:For the sake of our arguments, we can call it whatever we want and create our own definitions, but the plain truth here is when conventional hiring concepts are short-circuited and replaced by preferential treatment or appointments that are at the disposal of those in power – they become patronage jobs. Political affiliations are not a necessary requirement for patronage jobs, all that is required is "favors."
"I don’t see this as being a nepotism thing,” Klimczyk said.
JG Excerpt:This only leads to more doubt and suspicion. Whose son, daughter, relative or friend was the last city assistant attorney, and the one before that?
Wellnitz is the son of Steve Sheiffer’s longtime secretary and is a former council member. Once Brunner viewed the hiring history of the position, however, he was convinced the hiring was handled correctly.
Another valid point to consider is if this issue of nepotism rose out of a mayoral/aldermanic form of government, you had better believe this newspaper, along with thousands of their political allies would be orchestrating a movement to change the corrupted process and power structure.
If we're looking for blame, I don't blame City Manager Steve Sheiffer. After 20 years at the helm, it's only human nature to exercise some power of authority. I'm not blaming anyone for high crimes either, but I do blame previous city councils for unanimously confirming raises and votes of confidence onto the manager. I also blame the supporters of this bandaged and propped up non-representative form of failed government for a gang mentality fueled by a self-ingratiating superiority.
What also comes into play that is often overlooked are the allegations and the existence of the stories. Why isn't the Gazette viewed as a malcontent with a chip on their shoulder for publishing these stories? Had the Gazette not published the stories, how would city residents know any wrong-doing took place now or before? What does the Gazette have against the city manager or administration? Why now? - when the manager is in his final days. I'll admit I'm being facetious here but sooner or later, Janesville residents will have to come to terms with themselves for allowing the public discourse to be held captive by one entity. Please - save yourselves.
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8 comments:
I agree that nepotism is wrong. However, it is mind bending to hear council resident Amy Loasching express shock and indignation. She was a UAW rep at GM for years and now works for the UAW. For many many years the UAW/GM practice was exactly the same as the city. First consideration for was given to the children of UAW workers and that was announced to everyone. When I objected I was subject to mockery by fellow UAW members. Loasching should be exposed for being a major hipocryte.
GM is a private institution. Governmental bodies and those supported by tax dollars and volunteers are in a different category. Ask the Hendrickes and Blisses if any of their family members or friends work at their businesses before ripping into Loasching. Perhaps then the Gazette is the biggest hypocrite of them all with their editorial.
Come on...Rich. You're smarter than that.
I don't recall the Henrickes or Blisses saying that nepotism was wrong for a family owned business or acting shocked that is existed. The UAW is not a family owned business, Come on Louis, your'e smarter than that.
So there were many that were more qualified to shelve books at the library? I remember working there shelving books when I was in high school in the 80's. In fact, I started on Ides of March in my 9th grade year...and that was back when 9th grade was in the junior high schools. There were 5 high school students working in the adult books, 1 in children's, 1 in the reference department and 2-3 in AV downstairs.
Ohhhhh, it's only wrong if they say it's wrong. Rich, so your/their qualifier for preferential treatment while hiring are for family-owned businesses only. I won't argue how private businesses hire, but I will when it comes to taxpayer-owned institutions. If it works for you - fine.
Anonymous, I wish I could give more details but that could lead to the identification of those who sent me e-mails. The worst part described by all three was the "need" for a steady job.
Sorry but I am a little confused by the last post. I am absolutely opposed to nepotism in city government. I only meant to point out what I feel is an inconsistency by Amy Loasching. Sorry if I didn't make that clear.
Here was my point. The UAW is a privately run business institution that is so private, they require a membership and dues. I think that qualifies them for the privilege to write their own hiring policies - within legal bounds. Some may disagree.
Just because someone is a union member or official does not disqualify them from recognizing nepotism, cronyism or a patronage job when they see it. Loasching is acting as my representative in city council, not as a union representative. I think she may in fact be more qualified to define nepotism than most. She would have failed me if she didn't speak out.
The lack of union labor knowledge and the inability to tell the difference may also be the reason why many in Janesville's administration think nothing is wrong.
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