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Newszap Forums > Arizona Public Forums > Surprise Public Issues Forum > Budget gives Mayor's "Gal Friday" raise & Mary Ann Archibald a job

Budget gives Mayor's "Gal Friday" raise & Mary Ann Archibald a job
 
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rvukanovich
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 Posted: Mon Apr 21st, 2008 05:02 am
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Budgets are based on anticipated income, so believing the city was going to receive approximately $260,000 from the HOA’s the first year when they changed the code to commercial rates, when they did not receive the $260,000 where were the checks and balance’s that we assume we have.

Mamazoyd
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 Posted: Mon Apr 21st, 2008 04:40 am
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rvukanovich wrote: If the budget gives "Gal Friday" what they say, she will make more then our City Clerk Sherry Aquilar receive's.Now that kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it?:(

rvukanovich
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 Posted: Mon Apr 21st, 2008 04:35 am
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If the budget gives "Gal Friday" what they say, she will make more then our City Clerk Sherry Aquilar receive's.

rvukanovich
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 Posted: Tue Apr 15th, 2008 05:26 pm
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Mike

You’re always on target in response to the remarks made on this blog.

I gave up on asking questions about the budget when I was criticized when I asked, what was the income versus the expenditures.

Understanding that you have spent a great portion of your life involved in budgets and have gone over the cities budget many times, could you tell me the anticipated income for last year versus the actual income we received? If the anticipated income was less or more then projected, could they pinpoint where this occurred?

inthewings
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 Posted: Tue Apr 15th, 2008 04:22 pm
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Thank you Raz.  Also, thank you Mike for your always insightful and respectful postings.  I very much appreciate the information you provide.  Whether anyone that reads these Forums agrees with the council or not, you must respect that they have committed themselves to help their community.  It is always much easier to throw stones from the sidelines rather than participate in the process.  Thanks for being the voices of reason. 

mike woodard
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 Posted: Tue Apr 15th, 2008 03:59 pm
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As reactor pointed out a few days ago, what is being discussed here is the "Proposed Budget". It is a budget proposal put together and assembled by the Budget Director and staff in the Finance Dept. When it starts out it incorporates the wants, needs, desires, and "pie in the sky" that has been submitted by each and every functioning area of the city, it then gets pared down by the budget staff, to what you might call a feasible budget and that is what is presented to the council.

I have attended five out of the last six budget retreats (workshops) and I can and will emphatically state that what was approved each of those five years was dramatically different from the original proposed budget the council received. 

After several months of observing this council, and meeting with and talking to the latest addittion, Mr. Skip Hall, I can't figure out were some of the remarks made here are coming from, puppets, "the boys" "King Truitt" are certainly not descriptive of the council members I see. They have made some mistakes and done a thing or two that made me shake my head, but they're only three months into the job, and making efforts to bring a sense of dignity, deligence, and professional conduct into play.

If you really want to experience your council at work, come and spend a couple of days with them at the budget retreat this week, the 18th and 19th at city hall, you'll walk away with whole different perspective.    

razenkn
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 08:13 pm
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Inthewings wrote...

That is not true.  I and many others have consistently backed the new council.  I stopped posting about a month ago because it was like banging my head against a wall (or speaking to one).  The posters that are trash-talking the new council have an axe to grind.  I watch the council meetings and if the bashers were being truthful, they would see that the new council members are not "sock-puppets" and have verbally requested "transparency" to the citizens in many of the items.  It is one thing to raise questions and disagree on issues. That is healthy and appropriate because we don't all agree on everything.   It is another to "bash" and malign, and as Raz said, "impugn their integrity" without so much as a shred of proof just because you can.  Such ignorance is disgraceful.




 

Very well stated inthewings.  These people are attempting to play a little idiotic mind game because they haven't figured out yet this is a smart and savvy council that can see right through their obvious playground strategies.

They think if they come on here and insult the council by calling them "bobbleheads" and "sock puppets" then the council will fall for it and in turn vote against anything Mayor Truitt puts forth so people won't think that about them. You know, the old divide and conquer routine?  

This is the most professional and informed council we have had in a very long time and if you notice, they don't play the gotcha game like the last group.  They actually vote their hearts and minds and do what they believe to be best for Surprise - I know, will we ever get used to such integrity? :cool:

 

 

 

Last edited on Tue Apr 15th, 2008 05:05 pm by razenkn

spincycle
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 05:40 pm
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razenkn wrote:  

Since I have no idea what "lather" you might be referring to it must be your thing.  I have to question though, why the sudden change of subject to bonds??  This thread has nothing to do with that topic.  You didn't have anything to do with this slimey thread did you Spin?  Come to think of it, SS does sound a lot like you when you go off on one of your personal attack rants.  Now it starts to make more sense. 

Well, it's not going to work.  I personally think they should take down this thread because it's nothing more than a nasty hit piece on the Council and a couple of innocent bystanders and the use of private citizen's names on a public blog is reprehensible.

 


Keep deflecting Cane Raiser. Just keep on deflecting.

By the way, who is SS? I have a bit more integrity then to come on this site and post under two or MORE screen names.

You're still not answering my question. Very telling.

inthewings
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 04:38 pm
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notsympathetic wrote: Just an observation here - anyone notice that Raz seems to be the only vocal proponent of the new council?  Again, just an observation.  

That is not true.  I and many others have consistently backed the new council.  I stopped posting about a month ago because it was like banging my head against a wall (or speaking to one).  The posters that are trash-talking the new council have an axe to grind.  I watch the council meetings and if the bashers were being truthful, they would see that the new council members are not "sock-puppets" and have verbally requested "transparency" to the citizens in many of the items.  It is one thing to raise questions and disagree on issues. That is healthy and appropriate because we don't all agree on everything.   It is another to "bash" and malign, and as Raz said, "impugn their integrity" without so much as a shred of proof just because you can.  Such ignorance is disgraceful.

 

razenkn
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 03:38 pm
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Since I have no idea what "lather" you might be referring to it must be your thing.  I have to question though, why the sudden change of subject to bonds??  This thread has nothing to do with that topic.  You didn't have anything to do with this slimey thread did you Spin?  Come to think of it, SS does sound a lot like you when you go off on one of your personal attack rants.  Now it starts to make more sense. 

Well, it's not going to work.  I personally think they should take down this thread because it's nothing more than a nasty hit piece on the Council and a couple of innocent bystanders and the use of private citizen's names on a public blog is reprehensible.

 

spincycle
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 06:23 am
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razenkn wrote:  

Uh no, it doesn't "sound" like anything of the sort.  But what it "sounds" like isn't the point.  The point is she DOESN'T.  She is a PRIVATE citizen. 


Hmmm. Sounds like somebody is getting worked into a lather.

By the way, you still haven't answered my question. Typical...:?

Last edited on Mon Apr 14th, 2008 06:29 am by spincycle

razenkn
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 06:16 am
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Uh no, it doesn't "sound" like anything of the sort.  But what it "sounds" like isn't the point.  The point is she DOESN'T.  She is a PRIVATE citizen. 

spincycle
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 05:57 am
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Sounds like she's about to...Yes?

Last edited on Mon Apr 14th, 2008 05:57 am by spincycle

razenkn
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 05:55 am
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Okay Spin, let me reiterate this again...recheck the title here...she is a PRIVATE citizen - she does NOT work for the City.  :X

spincycle
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 05:33 am
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I know what must people do in local government because I worked in that type of environment for quite a while. The position I am asking about has no clear cut directives and I (and many others) want to know what is being accomplished.

You're going a little far with the whole "maligned" thing. There are many, many, many websites where people give their opinions about local government and the people who work in local government. Save the drama for something else, like when the council wants to start putting bond issues on the next ballot.

razenkn
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 05:14 am
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You guys keep asking the same question because you think it's a "gotcha" but really what does any of the City personnel do?  Do you know Spin?  I don't, nor do I care.  I leave the day to day minutiae to the people in charge because that is who we are paying to do so.  Not you, not me.  What does the Intergov Director do, what does the Deputy City Mgr do, what does the Asst City Mgr do?  They all make a hefty salary, why aren't you concerned about them and what do they do each day?  I personally don't care, they aren't my responsibility nor yours.  They aren't a bunch of children that need to be babysat, they are adult professionals and until I see something different, I have no issue. 

I just see a lot stink about nothing and it sounds more like more petty jealousy than any real concerns. It's just a couple of requested personnel positions, not mayhem.

My concern is much more about the fact that Newszap is allowing private citizens who do not even work for the City to have their professional reputations being maligned on here with no purpose other than to smear them for sport.  That should be a concern to all of us.

 

 

Last edited on Mon Apr 14th, 2008 05:29 am by razenkn

Reactr
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 05:01 am
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Your first sentence is a mischaracteration of my involvement in this matter. Please read from a neutral and analytical perspective. I have been trying to say the position needs to be justified to a higher standard. I agree if the position is to be paid department head pay, the public should receive status reports similar in content and frequency to reports by department heads. If you don't want the position filled, notify your council member. Razenkn or myself are expressing opinions. I cannot speak for anyone else, but I will be expressing my views to the appropriate people.

spincycle
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 04:43 am
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razenkn wrote: Where is the transparency?

Right in front of your nose Mama, right in front of your nose if you so choose to see but you guys don't want to because false accusations and innuendo make for much better fodder for those who promised to bring down this new council.  Do you just conveniently forget how these positions went before the council and one was approved and the other was not?  In front of camera and the public eye?  Remember how Mayor Truitt made it known he would like to fill that position with this person because he knew her to be highly qualified and familiar with the inter City workings because she was a past employee?  Does all of the just escape you people?  And found a temporary solution to acheive that goal?  Nothing out of the ordinary that other cities do all the time?

But enough, I'm tired of rehashing what's been rehashed 85 times on here.  You have your opinion, I have mine.  However, I will continue to object to the constant false insinuations and find it to be reprehensible that somebody would place a private citizen's name out for all to see on a public blog without permission to do so.  Amazingly poor taste and low class and I'm not at all sure if it's even legal to do that.  Makes us once again look like a bunch of buffoons.  :X

 

Since you and your alter ego "Reactr" are such great protectors and all knowing of the council and their business, please tell us what Ms. Gutier-Brown has done so far. Is this "Mayor and Council Chief of Staff" position really necessary?

PLEASE ENLIGHTEN US! 

notsympathetic
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Just an observation here - anyone notice that Raz seems to be the only vocal proponent of the new council?  Again, just an observation.  

deuce
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 12:45 am
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I couldn't agree more, Reactr.  Then, again, I don't have a axe to grind and I'm willing to give people the benefit of the doubt.  Some folks just have a negative attitude that borders on irrationality.  This forum is a magnet for malcontents. 

Last edited on Mon Apr 14th, 2008 12:47 am by deuce

Reactr
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 Posted: Mon Apr 14th, 2008 12:06 am
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All the chatter and naeme calling about positions in a PROPOSED city budget is a little premature. The council has a two day budget workshop next Friday and Saturday. People really concerned have a public forum to express concerns. In addition, opionions may be expressed by e-mail, telephone, personal contact or by pony express.Give council members an opportunity to consider your advice. They are good people trying to do things the right way.  Mayor Truitt has not annoited himself "King" and the other members are not "boyz" nor "puppets". Rise above terms used in cartoons . Then perhaps someone will take you seriously.

rvukanovich
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 09:21 pm
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When you think everything is going to be all right they shoot the cannon again.

crmjr
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 08:51 pm
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I think a few more policeman would be money better spent than someone to fetch coffee for the mayor. $9000-10,000 per month I think not, I will get the coffee for half that and I will supply the coffee. I am sure $120,000.00 per year could be better spent or maybe saved. I was hoping a new council would see the light but I guess not.

Mamazoyd
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 07:03 pm
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But enough, I'm tired of rehashing what's been rehashed 85 times on here.  You have your opinion, I have mine.

Only 85?:?  Thank you -- finally some relevant sunshine!

razenkn
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 06:52 pm
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Where is the transparency?

Right in front of your nose Mama, right in front of your nose if you so choose to see but you guys don't want to because false accusations and innuendo make for much better fodder for those who promised to bring down this new council.  Do you just conveniently forget how these positions went before the council and one was approved and the other was not?  In front of camera and the public eye?  Remember how Mayor Truitt made it known he would like to fill that position with this person because he knew her to be highly qualified and familiar with the inter City workings because she was a past employee?  Does all of the just escape you people?  And found a temporary solution to acheive that goal?  Nothing out of the ordinary that other cities do all the time?

But enough, I'm tired of rehashing what's been rehashed 85 times on here.  You have your opinion, I have mine.  However, I will continue to object to the constant false insinuations and find it to be reprehensible that somebody would place a private citizen's name out for all to see on a public blog without permission to do so.  Amazingly poor taste and low class and I'm not at all sure if it's even legal to do that.  Makes us once again look like a bunch of buffoons.  :X

 

Last edited on Sun Apr 13th, 2008 06:54 pm by razenkn

Mamazoyd
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 06:09 pm
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razenkn wrote:  

What makes it sad Mama is the fact that you think you know more about how to run the City than the man we overwhelmingly voted into office.  We didn't vote you in so your opinion is just that, an opinion.  Doesn't mean it's true, doesn't mean it's based on fact (and it's not) but you are certainly entitled to it.  You are right, it shouldn't matter who is in that position as long as they are qualified and highly recommended.   If Mayor knew of her professionally before trying to bring her on board, I say good for him for going after someone highly regarded and qualified.  That does't mean he hired a friend and you know it.

You people make absolutely no sense on this.  Since there are many equally high salaries being paid for very similar positions in the City, your concern over the amount is more than disingenuous.  If this is such a huge issue, let's look into all of them, not just one.  
You are so far over the edge on the way you attempt to manipulate people's responses, and THAT is what is sad.  These forums are FOR people's opinions last time I checked, so why are you once again coming across like we/I don't know that?  You still come on here on just about every thread and people can't even have discussions or put their two cents in without you attacking like you are chief, cook and bottle washer and run this forum.  Do you???  Where do you get off saying I implied I know more about running the city than Truitt?  If you read properly, you'll see I didn't.  What I did say is where is the transparency and proper procedures for filling positions such as those HE created. 

razenkn
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What makes it sad Mama is the fact that you think you know more about how to run the City than the man we overwhelmingly voted into office.  We didn't vote you in so your opinion is just that, an opinion.  Doesn't mean it's true, doesn't mean it's based on fact (and it's not) but you are certainly entitled to it.  You are right, it shouldn't matter who is in that position as long as they are qualified and highly recommended.   If Mayor knew of her professionally before trying to bring her on board, I say good for him for going after someone highly regarded and qualified.  That does't mean he hired a friend and you know it.

You people make absolutely no sense on this.  Since there are many equally high salaries being paid for very similar positions in the City, your concern over the amount is more than disingenuous.  If this is such a huge issue, let's look into all of them, not just one.  

Mamazoyd
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cindisue_g wrote: Mamazoyd wrote: raz, I didn't want to get into this thread too, but you stated:
Please do us all a favor though and stop the drama.  They aren't murdering people, they are only requesting a couple of positions, get a life Charlie.

I'm going to make a guess here, but I don't think it's so much the positions the people are complaining about but rather the method and amount of pay involved.  The positions (at least Mayor/council assistant) weren't open to the public in the normal manner, and let's face it, the pay is enough for a man with 4 children to support, other than the benefits.  I'm not going to argue with you as I agree with the others.  I think people feel this was not done ethically nor transparently esp. for someone who rode that wagon into the mayor's position.

Just wondering Mamazoyd, would it have made a difference to you with regard to the salary if it was a man with 4 children to support?  Wondering why you would even make a comment like that, it seems like a very sexist comment. 

I don't know why you and raz think this a strange statement, esp. with raz's flippant remark of "only requesting a couple of positions".  As I stated, once again for the books, I don't think it's the positions inasmuch as the way it was done and the exorbitant pay.  Okay -- man, woman, family with 4 children and no one else working...is that better?  The MAIN point is the way the positions seem to get filled and are not issued out to the public and the earnings almost as much or as much pay as a department head.  Where is this transparency and proper procedure the new mayor was supposed to abide by?  Many posters on here said beforehand he'd bring his friends in and that is what appears to be happening.  It's a sad situation.

cindisue_g
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 04:41 pm
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Mamazoyd wrote: raz, I didn't want to get into this thread too, but you stated:
Please do us all a favor though and stop the drama.  They aren't murdering people, they are only requesting a couple of positions, get a life Charlie.

I'm going to make a guess here, but I don't think it's so much the positions the people are complaining about but rather the method and amount of pay involved.  The positions (at least Mayor/council assistant) weren't open to the public in the normal manner, and let's face it, the pay is enough for a man with 4 children to support, other than the benefits.  I'm not going to argue with you as I agree with the others.  I think people feel this was not done ethically nor transparently esp. for someone who rode that wagon into the mayor's position.

Just wondering Mamazoyd, would it have made a difference to you with regard to the salary if it was a man with 4 children to support?  Wondering why you would even make a comment like that, it seems like a very sexist comment. 

Last edited on Sun Apr 13th, 2008 04:42 pm by cindisue_g

Reactr
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The positions in Buckeye and other cities do not have the same level of responsibilities as the one in Surprise. I believe if we continue to provide our opinions,the collective will generate enough questions to motivate council members to more closely evaluate the need for the aide position and the salary to be paid. My perspective says if any compensated position is to be filled the process should be technically correct and subject to public scrutiny. Those advocating eliminating the aide position are welcome.

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deuce wrote:     sometimes rational wrote: deuce wrote: sometimes rational wrote in part:
I don't know the labor laws here..maybe you should look into unionization...rewards don't come to those who don't fight for them

Arizona is a "right to work" state.  You can get fired with cause and walk of the job without employer recourse.


SR says: I understand that...what I don't know if ARS precludes organzation under the NLRB Act...if so, how does a state statute supercede a Federal Act?//I don't believe you're correct about 'cause' ..where is 'cause' defined for this purpose other than discrimination of protected classes under Title 7 ( I think)?  Thanks for the input tho.
 

You need to do a little research before you post Have fun.  You deserve to have a little.  Ignorance is bliss so they say.

UMMM...I asked a question, you provided an answer to a question not asked...hey, if flaming me, or others, as you often do, makes you feel smarter, knock yourself out.

spincycle
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 05:30 am
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Reactr wrote: The mayor/council aide position cannot be easily bracketed in terms of salary. Direct comparables are not available in Maricopa County. Consequently, someone's opinion has been used, or the incumbent has ,in effect, determined the salary unilaterally or through negotiations reached concurrence. A salary equivalent to a city department    head  may need more close scrutiny.


They can't??? There aren't any comparables??? YOU MUST BE JOKING..??..

You have a background in personnel matters (classification, job descriptions and such)? Could've fooled me...:?

Even the Town of Buckeye has a Mayor/Council aide position. The salary is about $4500-$6000 a month. Other cities in Maricopa County have these positions and the salary is not even close to what Gutier-Brown is being paid. NOT EVEN CLOSE!

Stop making excuses for King Truitt.

 

Last edited on Sat May 10th, 2008 10:31 pm by spincycle

razenkn
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 05:21 am
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You and your friends are using this in an attempt to diminish the new council and it isn't working.  So are you really saying because she is a woman she doesn't deserve to get paid as much as a man? What if she was a woman trying to support a family of four?  Then would she deserve it? Wow, that is a strange thing coming from you.:shock:

Seriously, what I'm hearing the loudest in all of this is nothing more than petty jealousy.  There are many high paid positions in the City that are comparable to these positions and yet you don't mention any of those nor should you. 

Should we post what all the City employees make on here, I think some people would be very surprised.  Are all those positions necessary?  I don't know and you don't know either because it's not our job to make that determination.  That is what we pay a City manager to do. 

This is only a feeble attempt to detract from positive feedback from the community and again, it only hurts the City to continue down that path.  Shameful actually.

 

 

Last edited on Sun Apr 13th, 2008 05:31 am by razenkn

Mamazoyd
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 04:56 am
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raz, I didn't want to get into this thread too, but you stated:
Please do us all a favor though and stop the drama.  They aren't murdering people, they are only requesting a couple of positions, get a life Charlie.

I'm going to make a guess here, but I don't think it's so much the positions the people are complaining about but rather the method and amount of pay involved.  The positions (at least Mayor/council assistant) weren't open to the public in the normal manner, and let's face it, the pay is enough for a man with 4 children to support, other than the benefits.  I'm not going to argue with you as I agree with the others.  I think people feel this was not done ethically nor transparently esp. for someone who rode that wagon into the mayor's position.

Reactr
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 04:54 am
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No legal form writer. Just a person with a professional background in job classification and compensation schedules and related personnel matters, including development of comprehensive and detailed labor contracts ,as well as mediation ,fact-finding and presentation of arbitration cases. You may shoot at me at your discretation. The two positions under discussion are not about you or me. I'm simply advocating  creation-or continuence- of aposition should be fully justified. The pay rate should be appropriate. I do not imply your stand to be right or wrong,nor will i impunge you.

razenkn
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 04:49 am
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Charlie wrote: Raz you can make all the excuses in the world for the mayor and council.  You can try and shift the finger pointing all you want.....But the upcoming budget speaks for itself.

If the council has any decency at all.  They will vote out these two positions and direct the money else where, to the employees who really deserve it. 

The facts and figures were eye openers to all of us even if the blogger was not a real city employee.  It just reinforced what many of us have come to see in the mayor and this council.  The mayor is not to be trusted, he has to many closed door sessions.


You know what Charlie, if BS was electricity you would be a walking power plant!!!  :shock::D

It is quite obvious what this thread is all about.  I wondered why all of a sudden you and your little band came out on the attack once more and now I know why.  You can't stand it because the public is walking up to the podium and telling this council what a fine job they are doing and how proud they are of them.  That is what is getting to you so now you are once again on the attack.  You hate hearing that.

Decency wasn't in the last council's vocabulary so I'm quite shocked that you even know that word Charlie.  If your strategy is to try to bull dog these council members into voting against the positions, you are barking up the wrong tree.  It's obvious from the meetings they are a very independent lot and will vote with their own informed conscious not yours or SS or anybody else's.  The old council probably caved into bullying tactics from you but this council is way too secure with themselves to fall for your cutesy transparent tactics.   

Please do us all a favor though and stop the drama.  They aren't murdering people, they are only requesting a couple of positions, get a life Charlie. 

 

 

Last edited on Sun Apr 13th, 2008 04:51 am by razenkn

rvukanovich
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 03:14 am
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Action #1:

Council Member Johnson made the motion to approve the contract for Miryam Gutier-Brown for the position of Assistant to the Mayor and Council starting with the date of Thursday, January 3, 2008 for a 6 month period and with the following changes:

[size=Page 3]

[size=Special City Council Meeting – January 3, 2008]

1)                   Change the contract and Job Description from wherever it says “Mayor” to say “Mayor and Council Assistant”.

2)                   Change the section where it says “Reviews and recommends all Mayor & Council Expenditures” to leave as is that all expenditures come before Council for approval. 

3)                   Remove the section that says “Coordinating appointments and reappointments of the City’s Advisory Boards”.  

4)                   All sections of the Job Description that says “Represents” should be removed since the Mayor should appoint the Vice-Mayor or another Council Member to represent the Mayor.

Seconded by Council Member Alton.  6 yes votes, 1 no vote (Foro). 

Charlie
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 03:04 am
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Reactr,

You must be one of those legal form writers who talks in circles just to confuse the common man.

First off, the "mayor/council aid" position was never needed.  It was created by the mayor for Marian and it was never posted for the public.  The mayor knew exactly how to create the position so that he did not have to take it to council or the public for approval.  The mayor also knew that he could make that position permanent and at a higher salary once the budget came up.  So stop with the dribble and talking in circles.

If there are budget cuts needed then start with these two positions that should never have been created by the mayor in the first place.  Again the mayor created these positions and no one else.

Charlie
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 02:52 am
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Raz you can make all the excuses in the world for the mayor and council.  You can try and shift the finger pointing all you want.....But the upcoming budget speaks for itself.

If the council has any decency at all.  They will vote out these two positions and direct the money else where, to the employees who really deserve it. 

The facts and figures were eye openers to all of us even if the blogger was not a real city employee.  It just reinforced what many of us have come to see in the mayor and this council.  The mayor is not to be trusted, he has to many closed door sessions.

Reactr
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 01:40 am
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Deuce: If you agree,let's don't abandon our principles and hide under a haystack. Let's focus our efforts toward our principles. I'm wide awake. I will be working for my belief's. Will you?

deuce
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 01:31 am
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That may be the way it's supposed work, but, guess what, that's not the real world.  Hello!

Last edited on Sun Apr 13th, 2008 01:32 am by deuce

Reactr
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 01:28 am
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No city position should be created -or continue - without a targeted need based on a professional evaluation. Different cities use slightly different methods to make this determination. In general, major duties are described under a general heading,followed by a more detailed listing of specific duties.  The weight(consequences) of decisions made and the importance of internal and external contacts made in carrying out duties are important. Whether the position entails supervision  of other employees is a factor. Of course,  education and related experience are prime factors.

The mayor/council aide should be no different. Clearly, duties should be defined and periodic reports made to the public at large. The public currently receives reports from various department heads on a frequent basis. Each council member provides an activity report at council meetings and to groups or individuals seeking information.

The mayor/council aide position cannot be easily bracketed in terms of salary. Direct comparables are not available in Maricopa County. Consequently, someone's opinion has been used, or the incumbent has ,in effect, determined the salary unilaterally or through negotiations reached concurrence. A salary equivalent to a city department    head  may need more close scrutiny.

deuce
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 01:26 am
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    sometimes rational wrote: deuce wrote: sometimes rational wrote in part:
I don't know the labor laws here..maybe you should look into unionization...rewards don't come to those who don't fight for them

Arizona is a "right to work" state.  You can get fired with cause and walk of the job without employer recourse.


SR says: I understand that...what I don't know if ARS precludes organzation under the NLRB Act...if so, how does a state statute supercede a Federal Act?//I don't believe you're correct about 'cause' ..where is 'cause' defined for this purpose other than discrimination of protected classes under Title 7 ( I think)?  Thanks for the input tho.
 

You need to do a little research before you post Have fun.  You deserve to have a little.  Ignorance is bliss so they say.

Last edited on Sun Apr 13th, 2008 01:27 am by deuce

Barney
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 Posted: Sun Apr 13th, 2008 12:34 am
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Raz, Marianne Archibald was made public by your buddy, King Truitt at the "special" meeting of January 3rd, 2008. Her name is mentioned in the agenda item. So back off with your accusation toward Stacy. As for Maryam, what has she done to earn her $8300 per month?  

razenkn
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 Posted: Sat Apr 12th, 2008 11:21 pm
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Brilliant plan!  Let's get the union involved, then the employees will have to get more pay in order to feed the union and pay the union leaders to bully the City into giving them more money!!  Then of course all the City services will have to be increased because the City employees have to have more money to pay the union to give the union leaders more money to bully the City into giving them more money. Then taxes will have to go up because the union keeps asking for more pay and more benefits and ...... whew! 

It would appear the City employees haven't done too shabbily on their own, could that be because they are intelligent people and don't need to pay some loud mouth bully to speak for them??  Now there's a concept, stand up on your own two feet and fend for yourself!;)  These crazy Republicans, what will they think of next?




 

Last edited on Sat Apr 12th, 2008 11:28 pm by razenkn

LucifersLandlord
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 Posted: Sat Apr 12th, 2008 11:15 pm
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Gee like we didn't see this coming.  Financial crisis, budget restrictions and no raises.  Sounds like we are off to a great start with the budget.  No matter what increases were given last year the idea was to bring the other employees up to par with other cities.  To even state they should be happy the have a job and have the nerve to say the city is trying to hit the ground running with their choices in a overpaid useless new position and then screw the everyday employee is absurd and beyond comprehension.  The first thing to go should be the test position.  Clear and simple.  If the mayor was unable to do the job then why did he run.  As for the other person I have seen her name some other places so this is not the first time its been published.  I saw no negative comments or attacks on her character.  The mayor on the other hand if something is a cheapshot that usually means picking at or brining back up and old wound or mistake.  Its apparent the new mayor is fumbling again and we the city will take the cheapshot right on the chin.

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 Posted: Sat Apr 12th, 2008 10:40 pm
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deuce wrote: sometimes rational wrote in part:
I don't know the labor laws here..maybe you should look into unionization...rewards don't come to those who don't fight for them

Arizona is a "right to work" state.  You can get fired with cause and walk of the job without employer recourse.


SR says: I understand that...what I don't know if ARS precludes organzation under the NLRB Act...if so, how does a state statute supercede a Federal Act?//I don't believe you're correct about 'cause' ..where is 'cause' defined for this purpose other than discrimination of protected classes under Title 7 ( I think)?  Thanks for the input tho.

Last edited on Sat Apr 12th, 2008 10:40 pm by

deuce
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 Posted: Sat Apr 12th, 2008 10:27 pm
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sometimes rational wrote in part:
I don't know the labor laws here..maybe you should look into unionization...rewards don't come to those who don't fight for them

Arizona is a "right to work" state.  You can get fired with cause and walk of the job without employer recourse.

sometimes rational
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 Posted: Sat Apr 12th, 2008 10:21 pm
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 One of Those:  Funny how the far right has the same tired phrase anytime gov't workers have the nerve to complain...they tell ya you're lucky to have a job..it's what they'd say to the slave-wage workers in China and India...and to their own employees who probably hate working for ppl like RAZ...stay strong, ONE--you have rights..you're human and you deserve to be heard.

I don't know the labor laws here..maybe you should look into unionization...rewards don't come to those who don't fight for them.

Last edited on Sat Apr 12th, 2008 10:24 pm by

razenkn
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 Posted: Sat Apr 12th, 2008 09:53 pm
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OneOfThose wrote: "Then ask the city employee's how they feel about being told there will be no raises as there is a "budget crunch". "


Well, I can answer that. I understand the economy is bad. I understand that money is tight. I'm okay with that. I understand that reductions are needed.

I DO NOT understand why City employees were promised "Pay for Performance" raises a year ago in exchange for working on projects above and beyond the job duties (for many people on their own time.) Now that the employees extra effrorts are done, there is no money.

I DO NOT understand 100k+ per year for the mayors secretary. There is no evidence that she does anything and anything she may be doing was already being done by other (existing) employees.

I DO NOT understand 250k+ to change a building under construction to give the mayor his top floor suites just because he wants it.

I DO NOT understand 500k+ given to a small group of managers just a few months ago. I guess the financial problems were a total surprise 2 weeks ago?

In a few minutes I have saved 850k+. Need more? Feel free to ask. Oh wait, I am just a lowly worker, what do I know?

To the regulars here - yes, I am a city employee, so let the bashing begin.

 

Didn't I read somewhere that City employees received a huge increase in pay just last year, something like 10%??  As far as the $500k, haven't heard about that but if that is the case, then that would be on the shoulders of the past council and City Manager, correct?  Not much this council can do about that.

Construction costs are just that, construction costs.  It goes with the territory, but it isn't a personal issue for the Council and people who are making that innuendo are either completely misinformed or vindictive.

Why would you reference the Assistant to the Mayor and Council as the Mayor's secretary?  That is an executive position on the same level as director and if you were really an employee, you should already know that.  How do you know what she does and doesn't do unless you are walking around behind her?

You should know better than anyone else that isn't true and therefore makes your statements on here very suspect -- especially the "let the bashing begin" conclusion.  Why would anyone bash you?

Whether you really are a City employee or not, a cost of living salary increase considering how large of an increase the employees received last year in my opinion isn't exactly chump change.  I think you should all feel darn lucky to have such a good paying and secure job with great benefits.  I know of a lot of people who would jump at the chance to relieve you of your unhappiness and take over for you in a heartbeat.  It's my understanding that there are upwards of 150-200 applications for every opening with