Subject: | Re: Thanks |
Date: | Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:02:19 -0700 |
From: | Rich Carson <richcarson@q.com> |
To: | rOB bROSTOFF <EMAIL ADDRESS CENSORED> |
CC: |
I didn't leave on short notice. My agreement with the mayor was for 4 months
to the day. My letter explains this. My plan was always to take off some
vacation and to go back to school for my doctorate at WSU. I have no issues
with Kevin Benson's land use application. He applied for the permit he
needed and Hood River County is fine with it. I will be issuing a
organizational audit regarding the city later this week as I promised the
mayor. As a professional public servant, I have no issues. I would not be
happy if my departure became the latest conspiracy theory in Cascade Locks.
----- Original Message -----
From: "rOB bROSTOFF" EMAIL ADDRESS CENSORED To: <richcarson@Q.com>Sent: Monday, July 11, 2011 12:34 PM
Subject: Thanks
> Hello Rich.......
> I want to thank you for your patience in dealing with a difficult
> situation in Casade Locks. It's been trying for everyone here. Although
> I have some fundamental disagreements with the current council I think
> that for the most part they're sincere in what they do, I just disagree.
> I am curious as to why you left on such sudden notice, normally
> professional people give at least 30-90 days notice, or until a
> replacement has been found. I don't think this is the case and am would
> appreciate your sharing your reasoning, it's taken me by surprise. Did
> it have anything to do with Kevin Benson and his KOA, or were there other
> issues.
> Thank you in advance,
> Rob Brostoff
> PHONE NUMBER CENSORED
> EMAIL ADDRESS CENSORED
_____________________________________________
Subject: | Agreement Clarification |
Date: | Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:22:08 -0700 |
From: | Rich Carson <richcarson@q.com> |
To: | |
CC: |
A citizen of Cascade Locks told me I should watch the video of the City Council’s last meeting. I did so and was disturbed by what I heard. For this reason, I feel it is important to clarify recent events. I sent you a letter on July 7th stating that my contract as interim city administrator was completed. My understanding with the mayor was that I would work for four months and he stated so in the Hood River News and I met all terms of the agreement.
Upon completion of the contract I returned my keys to city hall and you paid me my final check in full. I acted as a professional, given the situation, and that would have been the best way to end it. However, some members of the City Council wish to make a bad situation worse once again.
I am required to provide the city 30 days notice for a voluntary resignation. My contention is that I did not resign, I merely completed my contract. The contract also states that I attend “all meetings of the City Council.” I did that faithfully. However, I was ordered by the mayor to be in city hall from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday “to keep an eye on the employees.” That is not in the contract. I put in evening meetings with the City Council and the Budget Committee. During some weeks that came to three night meetings a week. I told Mayor Fischer, Council President Pruitt and Councilor Haight in private meeting that I was not going to work 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday and do another 6-20 hours a week in evenings. This was on the morning of July 7th and at that point I felt that they had all violated our contract.
I also had come to the conclusion that working for the city was working in an extremely hostile work environment. Two employees had resigned. The mayor and some councilors were meeting without telling other councilors. I experienced this first hand. I was being asked by citizens why I was participating in these meetings. The truth is when it happened, I was not advised that councilors would be there unannounced. Every employee in city government would say that it was a hostile work environment in front of jury of their peers. And that is only test a city attorney would consider worthy of a future action.
As a seasoned and professional government manager, I would never consider suing the municipal corporation that I worked for. However, the recent actions of members of the City Council give me grave concerns. For that reason, I have asked the firm of Jordan Ramis if they would represent and defend me -- if needed. They said yes. Understand that I have not retained them at this time.
My advice, and assume the advice of your new city attorney, is to not make things legally worse. In other words, cease and desist saying or doing anything from now on that could cost the city legal fees. The last city budget had huge legal cost overuns because the Council took actions that wasted money.
I completed the contract as written. I was also directed to do things that I considered outside of the contract, human resource laws and legal ethics. But then I am not a lawyer. I consider this matter closed. I suggest you do the same.
I am also attaching the organizational audit report that I promised the Mayor I would provide at the end of my tour of duty. And it was a tour of duty.
135 comments:
From Rich Carson's mouth to your ears. " The last city budget had huge legal cost overuns because the Council took actions that wasted money."
Notice he says "last" and not current? That would be correct, past administration had huge costs over revenues and wasted city money.
Also quoted from Carson.
"I have no issues
with Kevin Benson's land use application. He applied for the permit he
needed and Hood River County is fine with it."
So this PROVES once again that good ol'boy Brad and his hole in the head gang are a bunch of LIARS!!!
Would a person really apply for permitting a month before actually bringing in the pre-built cabins. If he was trying to sneak something in? It even states in the paper that permits were applied for.
In contrast artist gone electrician/window installer Brad Lorang didn't apply for permits when he did a quickie weekend installation at the Chevron station. Hey pot try to call the kettle black some more.
Cody, Hate to say it but you are mistaken about the Chevron. Brian Bump did the inside remodeling of the bathroom. Brad Lorang did the window and the electrical. I know because I watched him do it and so did any one else that drove to town that weekend. I'll contact you and let you know who I am. I know there were no permits because I called the building inspector and he told me that no permits were filed to do these improvements and repairs. Yet nothing was done about it. Maybe the mayor talked himself out of a fine.
Brown nose Brostoff strikes out again. These corrupt idiots really believe that they will get back in power to run this town into the hole again. Crawl back under your rocks. You are thieves and liars.
Just what does it take to get rid of this weasel?
Recall means no one wants to hear what he wants.
He had his chance and blew it.
You are right. Plain and simple. Brostoff is an idiot. Because of this flaw in character/personality/brain he actually believes that people agree with him and will re-elect him if he keeps running (for anything). He can't help it he is just stupid!
How do you get rid of weasels? With a trap!
It is my opinion the statements in this email disqualify Mr Carson from being eligible for unemployment benefits. This should be forwarded to the Unemployment Department. They are the ones who decide who does and doesn't get paid, not the City Council.
Anonymous, August 29, 2011 10:14 AM
I knew about B. B. as well.
I watched from the Cascade Inn.
But maybe you had a better view than I did or was there when electrical work was happening.
I just saw Brad install the window and also work on the canopy over the pumps.
So if you saw Brad doing electrical then I cannot say you did not.
Cody
Interesting...
http://tdn.com/news/local/article_262bd5ac-9d26-11df-bbc4-001cc4c03286.html
Also interesting...
http://www.richcarson.org/
He has his own website...really?! Next time we decide to hire a CA, maybe we should google them first.
His ego rivals Brad and Lance. I'm not sure who's is the biggest.
Speaking of building permits, did the Koneheads get one for their new kitchen?
There was no electrical work done at the station they installed a new light the electricity was already there. You don’t need a permit to do that. You also do not need a permit to install a new window. It is obviously really hard for you to see your friend get caught. I might add who gives a crap what anyone else did? Quit trying to focus the attention on someone else. Benson needs to fess up to his questionable actions made either willingly or by mistake. Or he deserves no respect as a council member and anyone who can’t see that deserves him for a council member. I am not too impressed with any good old boy attitude. I follow the laws so should he! The more the BLOG tries to make light of his actions the guiltier he becomes. If you really want to help him maybe you should stop trying to defend him you are making it worse.
Obviously you haven't heard the latest about the permits, I'll leave that for a surprise for you!
You absolutely need a permit when the window you are replacing is a different size and the wall structure was changed/compromised. As for the light, it was a lot more than just a light it was full blown electrical work. So sit and spin on that! Oh, and the canopy work, well that was not approved work either. Brad just thought he had that power too.
5:05 and that has what to do with Kevin Bensons situation? You have sone harsh words for him too? I doubt it!!
@2:20 PM
Just another loser. No wonder he is in with the 5-alarmers.
uh-oh 5:05
I guess this means Kirby is in trouble again. Not fair or balanced.
Anyone else notice Ms Welfare mom hanging out at Bernardo's this afternoon. I am soooooooooooooooooooo surprised to find that he's in on it.
Anyone know the total $ amount of city funds BS used to make purchases from the Lorang galleries?
As the project manager, will Pricher be held accountable by the county for not getting permits for the radio fiasco? Will Kirby and the HR News cover the story?
Did Arnie Konehead get a permit for his new kitchen or not? Wouldn't it be ironic if he didn't? Can we recall his right to live here if he didn't?
Does anyone have proof that BS has been calling CA candidates, convincing them to withdraw their candidacy? What do you think the ICMA would think of one of their members doing something like that?
Speaking of the IMCA, what do you think they would make of the Richard Carson emails?
Lets email them to the ICMA and see what they say.
anon.5:26, What it has to do with Kevin Benson's situation is that Kevin actually filed for permits for the what he was doing and another elected official our past mayor Brad Lorang does electrical and construction projects over weekends without getting permits. Got it now? Or should I copy and paste it to your forehead?
I just love a good surprise!
I just seen Todd and Margo jogging down the street with their family with big signs on their backs saying "vote Helfrich for mayor" I don't think Brad's gonna be happy.
What do you get when you cross a cop with a witch doctor?
Bernard Pricher
Oh that's a good one!
Come on Cody. Let's print the next two. I can hardly wait until the rest of town sees what bROSTOFF the brown really thinks of our town.
Dear August 29, 2011 4:01 PM,
The point that is being made is the difference between you and me.
I didn't feel it necessary to make Brad's personal activities part of the last election. You, on the other hand, just can't help yourself. There are no limits to what you are willing to do.
You view yourselves as artistic and creative when in fact your just greedy reprobates.
Fire Chief = Public Official
Official notice of failure to obtain or even apply for necessary building permits.
Where is the story in the HR News?
For the record, the huge cost over runs were the fault of the current city council.
Really, how did the current council spend money on Bernard's "separation agreement" when it was signed December 27th by Brad Lorang?
The huge attorney bills came due in the first qtr of 2011, but not for work done during this council's term.
The fact is that the new attorney is costing about 1/10 th as much as what was being spent on the previous firm.
100% less is being spend on council member spouse's do nothing jobs
100% less is being funneled into the Mayors pockets as well.
I'll bet our new fire chief will spend only what he's entitled to spend too.
What a posse of Bozo's, they couldn't pour piss out of a boot if the instructions were written on the heel.
These "Head like a Hole" 5 Alarmists are so inept I'm beginning to think BS is orchestrating this whole affair. Lots of talking and running around in circles, no results.
So who's going to see the circus/revival meeting this evening. Shall we bring popcorn and our gag reflex?
I can hardly wait to see them perform when they don't have either a 5-minute limit or a leg to stand on.
Here's a thought how about you bring some manners or stay home.
To 4:05
And they will?
I am just fraught with anticipation.
Maybe we can all sit and behave like they do during council meetings - talk back when told no, continue talking when asked to stop, yell out "that's not true".... I am sure that you get the point.
or how about clapping LOUDLY and lengthy when we agree with somebody.
Dear 4:05: Tough.
There is no way I'm staying home or bringing my manners. You get what you paid for and the 5-alarmers paid for invitations for the whole freaking (and I say freak with all intent) town. Too late to rescind. They are stuck with us all now.
Anyone want to bet that BS will be there? I'll give 4 to 1 odds.
A good Hitler analogy is always appreciated by these clowns. Also, fascism is a word they like to throw around, which is comical because they themselves fit the definition so precisely (really, look it up). But that's nothing new.
I do have to laugh every time I hear "We aren't talking about the previous Council", why not? Over 2 years of complete authority, the Mayor, the CA and 4 votes on council and a hand picked city attorney resulted in what accomplishments? Why should we listen to your analysis of what is right and wrong?
Bernard was found guilty of violating Oregon Election Laws.
He resigned, then Brad, Lance, Randy and Kari Jo paid him $18,000 he wasn't entitled to.
Ouch, that had to hurt.
In my opinion;
Jeff Pricher repeatedly mismanaged the EMS budget.
Jeff Pricher mismanaged the FEMA 911 grant.
Jeff Pricher back dated time cards and lied to council.
In my opinion;
Jeff Pricher resigned and then destroyed the fire department from within.
The city has been spending WAY more than it has had coming in.
Enormous debt, depleted reserves, crumbling infrastructure, an ugly divided town were everyone is fighting for theirs first.
JETS
The jets are gonna have their day
Tonight.
The Jets are gonna have their way
Tonight.
The Puerto Ricans grumble,
“Fair fight.”
But if they start a rumble,
We’ll rumble ‘em right.
SHARKS
We’re gonna hand ‘em a surprise
Tonight.
We’re gonna cut ‘em down to size
Tonight.
We said “okay, no rumpus,
No tricks.”
But just in case they jump us,
We’re ready to mix
Tonight!
JETS
We’re gonna rock it tonight,
We’re gonna jazz it up and have us
A ball.
SHARKS
They’re gonna get it tonight;
The more they turn it on, the
Harder they’ll fall!
JETS
Well, they began it --
SHARKS
Well, they began it --
BOTH GANGS
And we’re the ones to stop ‘em
Once and for all.
Tonight!
Ha, don't they have to show up for it to be a "rumble". Typical punk ass tuna&rHUBARB type shite.
This town might have a chance after all......
So I guess $1500 don't really get you that far in CL.
Sorry Brad, Robb & Gail, you're still losers(but I'm sure you knew that already).
Punk ass bitches......
So strokin' tuna and flashin' Robb got 3 people to "show" for the cause. Total props y'all!!!
How about some truth with all that bull shit.
I’ll stick with this blog for the truth.
What a waste of my time.
Those of you who made your threats to the public tonight I am so ashamed of you all but at least my conscience is clear and you will all have to live with yourselves knowing that you lied and misrepresented the facts. That is some pretty bad karma that you will be plagued with forever. Trying to scare people by saying "maybe your insurance will go up and if it does it might be $375.00 a month" That is just disgusting.
I'll tell you who eliminated the volunteer positions. Pricher quit and the rest of the rats bugged out as they should have. Sue Ryan accepted a job elsewhere for more money after Rich Carson cut back her hours and the council had no knowledge of his cutting her hours.
Kirby Neumann-Rea will once again print these lies in the HRN because he will not investigate the truth or ask questions of the staff at Cascade Locks. He will have to live with himself too. What kind of reporter doesn't even interview the Finance Officer, City Recorder or Council member Tiffany Pruit who were all present at the meeting? When Kirby was told by a budget committee member that these statements and figures were not correct he chose to ignore it as he historically does. Shame on all of you liars!
I agree.
That whole thing was a cover up for what they did in office.
Losers, always have been, always will be.
Can't win an election, can't get an erection, what else can you say...
My opinion is that Mari Anne will be unmasked as a co-conspirator of the Pricher, Lorang, Seeger ass-wipes.
The New Faces + 2 or three....
Good luck with the recall Tuna&rHUBARB....tattoo the L on the forehead now you punk ass bitches....Ha,Ha,Ha....ha,ha,ha,HA,HA,hA,hA...
Kiss My Ass.......
Brad and Deborah have been driving around town with their heads spinning like silver plates at a nudist convention.
We can't claim them any more 'cause they smell like they got lost in Houston's airport.
Besides, we've given them enough money already.
The sky is falling and Pricher is the only one who can save me...
Can you smell that?
You don't think I'm stupid, do you?
Facts:
1.) Everyone was given a chance to speak and ask questions, and everyone who raised their hands was given a microphone...
2.) The only 2 persons who were interrupted to remind them to respect others during their comments/questions were pro recall speakers...
Quibble away with this point here or that point there -
But, what you end up with is well more than enough to remove the lack-of-leadership quartet.
The amount of hate that is directed towards volunteers (that give of their time and save lives) on this blog is mind-boggling. Regardless of your opinions on the other things, how can you sleep at night as you tear them down and accuse them of just being brainwashed by others?
At some point, most of you on this blog, the mayor + three councilors have proven that you/they are trying to win at all costs - and you mistreat all who disagree with you (including employees such as Rich Carson - as was proven in his own words tonight), rather than being true neighbors and elected officials who can truly lead.
Yeah they will lead us all into bankruptcy! They will lead us into a fire district that is controlled by Hood River County and Jim Trammell fire chief of west side fire, dear friend of Pricher. Our franchise fees will increase and our community will be left holding the empty bag. These volunteers deserve what they get kicked out of the fire department! They turn on their own (Zerfing) likes wolves led to a feast. I have no sympathy for them at all as I have no sympathy for all of the liars who continue to scare the citizens into agreeing with them. We have mutual aid and our insurance has not gone up and our ISO rating has not changed. You are all a bunch of liars.
Nice try, 12:25, but, unlike you, we don't say something has happened until it does. The ISO rating is in danger. Mutual aid agreements have been cancelled (where do you get your info?), and we all hope that our insurance won't go up before sanity is restored (but if/when they rate on the current situation, the ISO rating will most certainly go up).
The Mayor and city council are sticking their heads in the sand and hoping no one will notice. Heckuva way to lead!
Trammell said our ISO rating was just done and won't be evaluated again for many years. Did our ISO rating improve when Pricher was hired as full time chief instead of having a volunteer? NO. Did everyone's insurance rates go down? NO. We are also in danger of being attacked by Al qaeda. We have mutual aid with Stevenson, North Bonneville and the City of Hood River which all respond faster and are more qualified than West Side Fire. You have twisted the truth and misled the community you have that on your conscience, live with it.
Todd, to protect and serve? You are a joke! Same goes to your wife Margo.
Nice try again 1:20!
First, admit all the mutual aid agreements that are cancelled - and gone with them are the guaranteed responses, and agreements not to bill us for the calls.
Second, are you really saying the total impact of this is the same as the danger of being attacked by Al Qaeda? Wow - what a phenomenal lie. Response times, billing, fewere response agencies.
You can try to sell a pig with lipstick, but it is still a pig.
Being billed for a few calls is a lot less than paying Pricher $140,000. Paying a planner only when you use him has also saved the city thousands of dollars. Subcontracting the PWS also saves the city thousands in benefits. The only thing this council has done is save the city money and start paying it's bills. I was merely using an attack from Al qaeda as example of the fear you are trying to istill in the community to get them to recall council. Your turn out tonight was very poor a few relatives of the 5 alarmers and a few poor mislead citizens.
Basically your support is a bunch of unelectable past politicians or recalled council members from days gone by. You have misled the community and they will discover the truth.
I thought all of the figures provided to the budget committee was from the city staff. Finance Officer and Budget Officer. Marianne Bump and Rich Carson. Oh but Rich did plagiarize the Budget Message from BS. so he didn't know what was going on. Didn't the budget question those figures and didn't the staff say they were right? Really Tina the auditor doesn't know what he is talking about and you figured it all out? Boy you sure are smart! ... NOT!
This pack of wolves that you have befriended will turn on you as they have turned on their own kind. When the heat is on them they will turn on their master just like the dogs that they are. They will be the ones who will destroy you.
Well, 1:36 try to lie again and again!!!
You say that the turnout was very poor - another incredible lie.
Try some honesty, what is the total amount of money Pricher brought in versus what was spent?
Put your name on here and say that Pricher was paid $140,000 and I'll take it to BOLI. That is pure BS.
Answer the following questions, if you have courage:
Did the City mistreat its employees under the current council and Mayor as Rich Carson (their hire as interim City Administrator) states?
Did the Mayor and members of the City Council try to get Pricher fired and have Rich Carson chase phantom reasons, and try to get him to do their bidding?
Did the Mayor and members of the City Council do a coordinated effort to undermine City employees without proper HR counseling?
Is the City at rist of lawsuits from ex-employees - as the interim City Administrator (hired by the current Mayor and City Council) states?
Did the Mayor and select City Council members have meetings without the full City Council as Rich Carson (their hire!) states?
How many people were there last night?
You always state that there are a "few hole in the wall gang" types and hangers-on... How many citizens of Cascade Locks were there last night???
Your comments are designed to convince people who weren't there that what actually took place didn't happen.
There were about sixty people present in all and about half were applauding to what was being said by Lance and his cohorts. Others looked disgusted like myself.
The mayor and council members can meet as long as there is not a quorum.
Budget committee members can meet as long as they do not discuss the numbers in the budget. No meeting was held at the Char burger like Carson stated.
Prichers wages and benefits were 82,000. with 58,000 in comp time that's about $140,000. cost to the city. The comp time amount was not disclosed to the budget committee when asked if there were any more expenses to that department. So that was a surprise to everyone.
No the council did not try to get Carson to fire Pricher. He did that on his own. Carson did say though that he was writing up Pricher and he was pissed when Shawna waved a personal email around saying I have a letter that I want read into the record. Don't you remember how Carson got up and left the meeting? It's recorded.
My comments are to let people know that the 5 alarm recall effort will continue to lie and mislead the community to get what they want.
Council did not eliminate Prichers position he could have worked for the next nine months with full salary and benefits and that would have been enough time to sort this mess out but Pricher quit. He also left Zerfing as second in charge.
Hood River County fire chief Trammell gave the letter threatening the loss of mutual aid to Pricher to include in a threatening letter to the mayor back in Feb. months before budget even started to discuss the fire department.
Council was concerned that there were several vehicles being stored in the fire department without permission. These stored vehicles could have put the entire station in liability.
They merely asked who the motorcycle belonged to and Pricher lied during the council meeting and said it was a volunteers. Not his own personal cycle. Also recorded.
Rich Carson obviously has an axe to grind. However the council does not approve unemployment compensation the unemployment department does. Carson was incompetent he could not write a staff report or conduct regular city business and he should have been fired for lack of performance.
I have all of the courage in the world and the truth is my strength. I will not sign my name as I do not want to be targeted by stalkers and idiots.
Anon 1:52
You have been brain washed.
I am only half way through this meeting video and all I can say is.
What the hell does most of this have to do with compliance with the Oregon Constitution and the laws concerning recalls?
In reading the 200 word or less reason’s for demanding these petition’s, half this crap has nothing to do with your reasons for the recall.
You can’t change the rules in the middle of the game.
We vote on what is written in the petition.
All this additional garbage constitutes voter fraud.
I am going to finish watching this dog and pony show now.
Cody
I just had to stop again and laugh.
Article IX, Section 6 of our Oregon Constitution states; Deficiency of funds; tax levy to pay. Whenever the expenses, of any fiscal year, shall exceed the income, the Legislative Assembly shall provide for levying a tax, for the ensuing fiscal year, sufficient, with other sources of income, to pay the deficiency, as well as the estimated expense of the ensuing fiscal year.
Concerning our emergency services department, had this been done as required by the constitution and other state laws concerning deficiency of funds back in 2007, it would not have been allowed to continue because the people would have known about the problem.
But remember voters it was the very people behind these 4 recall petitions that lied to the people and just took from our utilities to pay for their management incompetence.
If we give any of these people or these supporters a chance to get a foot in the door in running our city, they will fix it the good old boys club way. On the backs of we, the utility rate payers and the health of the utilities themselves.
I guess I need to remind us all of how these people ran our city into the ground.
They are already planning on who to appoint to council.
Back to the comedy hour.
Cody
All I can say is it was exactly what you would expect from the Head like a Hole gang.
Lie, Lie, Lie.
Not enough to recall anybody, nor enough to keep Lance from being recalled. Way to go y'all!!
Cody,
Right on. Last night was just one more of the many dog and pony shows produced by the Seeger-Lorang puppet troupe complete with smoke and mirrors, for the sole purpose of feeding their egos and misleading the public. Their hunger for power is beyond any normal person's comprehension.
You do have to admit though, that they did an impressive amount of work in preparing their "truth and consequences" slide show. Too bad they aren't interested in channeling all that energy into finding positive solutions to the mess created by the incompetence of our past gang of leaders
Mr. Neumann-Rea will have a field day regurgitating all these "facts" to his readers. Another sell out in Cascade Locks.
The only way the voters have of getting a balanced look at the issues would be to have a public debate where both sides are represented.
Short of having a debate to get at the truth, the voters need to look closely at who is behind this recall effort and why. Quitters, election losers, a recalled council member and disgruntled ex charter review committee members all with suspect motives.
What an absolute joke that was.
Let me see speculation, hearsay, gossip and statements as far from the truth as they could be.
They did not prove a thing to support their reasons for a recall.
Only more reasons why not to listen to them anymore.
As for CM Masters? All he has to do is open his mouth and he proves every reason to recall.
Cody
I think Mr Kramer vs. Kramer's credibility speaks for itself. How much did his appearance cost the hole in the head gang? Will he be the oldest person ever give a doctoral dissertation?
Lance seems to be running scared since his involvement in the CL Fire not in service debacle was exposed. You think he'll still want to be one of the New Faces after his recall?
Any panel that includes Shawna "We OWN the FREEWAY" Hasel as an expert is a panel I would put my trust in....NOT
rOBB bROSTOFF had to be pretty pissed that he wasn't allowed to show off his superior intellect.
Well said. The people of Cascade Locks are smarter than the 5 alarmers' give them credit for. Just the fact that Brostoff, Lorang, Helfrich, Kononen, and Masters are on the same side would be enough to not vote for the recall of the four. Certainly Master's will be recalled after all of the lies he supported last night.
Patrick Stuart shame on you for name calling at a public meeting your misguided and immature rantings only made you and your buddies (5 alarmers) look worse. I know, I didn't think that was possible either. A person should expect more from a man of the cloth. However your own actions have proven over and over and over that you cannot be trusted as your congregation, family and this community knows first hand. You alone have sealed Lance's fate. After seeing your performance and your ever present arrogance last night I for one will vote to recall Lance Masters. Go and belly crawl to the nearest rock and stay there! Hypocrite!
Dear Anonymous 10:06,
Stuart can't help himself. After years of telling everyone he is the omni-perfect alpha leader and better than they are, he actually believes himself! What a phony!
Yes please, go find a rock! But don't throw it in a glass house!
I would like to thank Jess Zerfing for stepping up and taking the role of Volunteer Fire Chief. I'm sure it has been very difficult.
Zero…. (nothing, a quality)
Is different than.
One…. (something, a quality)
By whose moral standards?
Those who screwed us already and lie to us today?
Or those dealing with the screw ups messes?
5 alarmers’, zero….
Mayor plus 3, ones….
Their lives must be so empty and pathetic, and to have to listen to Brostoff as your cheerleader...that has got to get to you after a while. You are who you hang with!
There were three main parts to the presentation,
1) Launching the Jeff Helrich Mayoral Campaign (Cascade Locks, we have a problem)
2) Proof of how just how crazy and whiny Richard Carson can get (Get the man a chainsaw and we have a Hollywood franchise)
3) The Bernard Seegar School of Mathematics (as presented by a graduate student utilizing his patented unreadable slides and fast talking)
Zerfing has definitely proven himself that he has integrity and won't be bullied by the 5 alarmers. Good for you Jess!
The rest of you rats can go lick your wounds.
I wonder why Shawn Parrish is training officer in Cascade Locks? Did they kick him out of Gresham?
He's the training officer but no one feels they are competent to volunteer? Hhmmm.
Anon@11:00 AM
You forgot to score Lance as losing points for having the nerve to sit on the panel.
Bad mistake Lance, your fellow Council members, however they feel personally about you have not publicly come out against you. All you did was gain votes against you, not for them.
Tuna says the auditor doesn't know what he's talking about. Hey I have an Idea let's get a new one. Let's get an internal audit of the fire department.
Oh sh** we can't have that now can we?
Cody, are you going to put the video on the web?
Unfortunately I had to work.
It’s no fun hearing about the circus when you can’t watch it.
The only thing Lance will be sitting on after the next meeting is his thumb.
I want the slide they used, the "Be polite" one (because that's the first time Brad has actually behaved in a meeting) and I want it up on the wall in the City Council, so they will behave when it is important to us.
I gotta say I notice the two "audience" members who misbehaved were pro-recall. Funny isn't it, the anti-recall (and to be honest those who may have not yet made of their minds) sat there, behaved and didn't ask any questions at all. Darlene, also a Budget Member, was the only one who raised her hand, and that mainly to clarify an erroneous impression BS left.
Really, you think Lance might make it to a meeting? After all he couldn't make it for what? The last 3 or 4, but he managed to make to to this... and looking like a sweaty, stuffed-into-the white-shirt with a too small tie Southern good ol' boy legislator.
Part 1
I counted approximately 115 people and there were more people up against the walls and lingering in the doorway. Call me a liar as I am sure some blogger will however I counted and took note. Cody I think it is a mistake to call concerned citizens liars. I am in support of the recall and I am tired of the assumption that anyone in support is either brainwashed or a liar. I am as capable as you and your followers to understand budget numbers and read policy. I am also capable of coming to my own conclusion concerning Rich Carson’s letters and his recommendations for our city. I do not believe the prior administration made all financial decisions perfectly, and I am sure they would agree. However that is nothing compared to the purposeful destruction of the Fire Department by the Council and Budget Committee. The very fact that Sandra Kelly a longtime critic of the Fire Department was appointed chair made a statement as to where this committee and council were heading. There were and continue to be resolutions for the current crisis; being the absence of a Fire Department. The mayor and three of the council members continue to stand their ground and will not work with the past mutual aid partners to resolve our emergent need. Why?
I wonder if Tom C. and Eva were aware of all the back door politicking. I doubt it because I don’t think they would have tolerated it. Lance made it clear he was not aware of the back door meetings and questionable auditors report as I am sure he would not have tolerated misinformation going to the public either. Including the new auditor information shared during the presentation. Maybe the reason Tom was so angry during one of the council meetings concerning all these different numbers he was getting from staff was because he was not aware of the skewed auditors report. I am anxious to see what he has to say about that.
Part 2
Why is it you Cody have not addressed Kevin Benson and his KOA violations. The blatant disregard for following county building codes is all a matter of public record and yet you seem to be OK with that. Why? Can you answer this without accusing past mayors and council members’ of wrong doing?
Are you open to looking at this current situation without blaming the past? Can you look at what is before this council and see what is needed to be taken care of today? How about looking at Fire and EMS and giving honest accounting of that budget. Cody, were you aware the Onstott Audit was specifically requested with a request to leave out some financial resources’ and are you OK with that?
For me listening last evening to a couple of different audience members just brought home the fact they are living in the past and cannot, will not accept responsible for this current crisis. One gentleman asked why Five Alarm is blaming the mayor and the three council members for the budget when it was the budget committee who presented it to the council. Well the council is a part of the budget committee and the buck stops with the council. They are ultimately the ones who vote yes or no they are not restricted from making changes to the proposed budget. Eva and Lance did not support this budget however the others were so I believe the responsibility lye With Benson, Haight, Pruit and Fischer. I don’t see any use for blaming the past council at every meeting. I feel it shows a lack of leadership to continue to blame rather than work for the citizens. Seems they are all wrapped up in vendetta and I have to say to the general population that seems childish. There was also more of a statement than a question from one citizen again blaming the past council for surcharge which apparently has in reality been a part of our history for several years. Just seemed the citizen wanted to go on and on about the past which we have all heard over and over again we get it you don’t like the past council. You have said it repeatedly we know how you feel and we don’t all agree. In fact the more you continue to carry on about the past the more I want to vote against anyone you support. Not everyone who lives here cares about the in-fighting not everyone who lives here cares about personal vendettas. I want a council who hires and trust their staff to do the job of running this city. I want a council who make decisions as a group. Not four people behind closed doors with closed minds making decisions for the safety of my family. I am disappointed in Mayor Fischer for being so closed off to fence building with our former mutual aid partners closed off to restoring this relationship. You cannot restore relationships by threatening a law suit. My opinion is Benson, Haight Pruit, and Fischer politically believe in ruling with an iron fist never admitting a mistake and blaming others is what makes a good leader. While I believe open communication with all parties involved; educating oneself; looking to experts to help make intelligent decisions; admitting when you have made a mistake and coming up with a plan to rectify your mistake is what makes a good leader.
Which is why I support a vote to remove Haight, Benson, Fischer and Pruit.
I would have to add Darlene and especially Kaitlin Stewart as people who were miss-behaving if you were sitting close enough they put on a pretty good show!!! Kaitlin you are a way out there strange character, what’s up with all the walking around mumbling to yourself and calling people names? You were using all sorts of name calling I guess because you did not have a microphone that made it OK and by the way Darlene used some pretty choice words also. Did no one see her scolding everyone she could after the presentation!!! Aren’t you all so righteous!!! Talk about bull!!! So Munkhoff what’s up with you are you jealous of the Hood River New? If you are so correct why is it that you did not ask any questions about your concerns. This meeting was a chance for citizens to be heard because we have been silenced. Everyone had a chance to speak or write out a question I would not call that a dog and pony show. And Cody where were you? You always have so much to say this was your chance and you were a no show. Sort of like the Mayor and Jess refused to comment on channel 2 news if you are all so right where is your voice other than this Little BLOG?
You know, you started out just fine, and then had to pull in the name-calling in the middle of the first post. I think that says more than anything you could write about being fair.
Dear 12:26 - you can flounce outta here at any time. Anyone who does not know just how obscene and how exquisite an insult the term dog and pony show is has not read East of Eden by Steinbeck and does not deserve to be a grown-up
It's all in the past so why do you feel you get to pick and choose which past activities should be complained about?
Lance, Brad and BS ran the city from the CA's office for two years so I'm sure Lance must be on your recall list.
How about just one idea of how to account for Jeff Pricher's $60,000 fund deficit?
One idea of how to pay the $450,000 fire hall loan...
No, just bitch and moan about how horrible everyone ELSE is. Don't you DARE talk about how I behave or behaved, it's not relevant.
If building permits are relevant, then they are relevant for EVERYBODY. Pricher, Lorang, Konnonan...If bringing peoples livelihoods into the debate is the game you want to play at, then lets have at it, everybody's fair game, their jobs, their homes, their kids, lets all just get down to thermo-nuclear politics. We might be able to finish the destruction of Cascade Locks that Lance, Brad and Bernard Seeger started, but only if we really really try.
"we have been silenced"
You really can't help yourself can you. Open your mouth and the lies come out on their own.
12:26 You know, you started out just fine, and then had to pull in the name-calling in the middle of the first post.
What name calling in the first post are you referring to?
I don't usually respond to bitchy name-callers on here these days, but I will set the record straight. I only had words with Martha LaMont, aka "I don't want to take over the food bank, I just want to get donations." That worked until she began telling me how do my job (our duties were divided by the FISH food bank) expecting me to tell her how wonderful she was constantly and bringing up politics and her crush on JP in order to score points at the FISH food bank Board of Directors meeting.
and Shelly (Sherry?) Storm, who was attempting to tell me that I was barred from taking pictures, ignoring the other 5 people who were doing the same thing.
There are few things that will instantly tick me off. Lying, hypocrisy, prejudice, and assumed authority over me are some of them.
Amazingly I too, was counting people and I came up with exactly 110 at the start. Try counting aloud to yourself and you won't have to approximate. Although that number was down by the end of the presentation. I think perhaps Gary was counting the actual audience though, not all the 5-alarmers hanging around the back. I did notice less than half of the audience was applauding. I did notice that the Powerpoint slides were very professional looking but, you know, the important ones were not readable and that almost everything they triumphantly pointed out is subject to interpretation, not cold, hard facts.
Interpretation of not one, but two pissed-off CA's (one who got his money, one who hasn't), interpretation of a once-upon-a-time accountant, interpretation of a FD member who lives elsewhere, interpretation of citizens who have long hated the neighbors. The Balkanization of Cascade Locks continues.
I would like to see everyone to stop throwing their personal hatreds into this important decision and start thinking for themselves and for Cascade Locks. But I have this funny feeling that won't happen, will it?
Okay here are some truths that came out last night:
1. Bernard finally admitted that we are not going to get $450,000 out of the sale of the old fire hall
2.On one of the charts that Jeff Helfrich put up proved that the paid on call position did not pay for itself. According to him the $38,000 that was earned in 09/10 was because the Council elected to get rid of the paid on call paramedic position. I would like to remind Mr. Helfrich that Mayor Lorang and Bernard Seeger were the ones in office that year it wasnt until 2011 that those positions were eliminated. But I appreciate that they finally agree that it was losing $.
3. 16-30 minutes currently to respond to a call - well thats nothing new I am sure we could ask the family with the baby that was having seizures or the people whose home was close to burning down.
I will have to say that some of the creative financing charts that they had up were at least interesting such as their projected revenue in the fire department for 2011 it was very gracious. I am curious how grant $ can be considered as income to help a department run....unless of course it was - hmm makes one wonder.
I have no idea where they came up with 16 volunteers quit now that's some creative number work as there are only 8 letters of resignation or "leaves of absences" submitted.
It was certainly interesting to see how quickly Shawn Parrish (who does not live or work here) went from "not taking sides" to taking sides with hardly a breath in between. Wonder what he thinks is in it for him?
Mr. Stewarts sad tale too was interesting his sons death did not happen anytime recently (it was 14 years ago) it had nothing to do with the Fire Dept. we have now.
I cant say that I was surprised by much last night . The sign on the entry door was laughable "This is a privately sponsored event disruptive behavior wont be tolerated violators may be asked to leave" Its too bad they cant practice what they preach.
Anonymous 12:13
I will respond to your jabs and questions if I know who you are. Please do me the courtesy of signing your name so we can be on equal footing. If you can't do that then your are just another spineless blogger whose post only reveals your cowardly character.
But you really aren't interested in my response are you?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk%3ADog_and_pony_show
Ha Ha Ha.
I am going to give you a non-partisan assessment. Because I don't live in Cascade Locks and would never want to. You have to realize that each and everyone of you is destoying the city of Cascase Locks. It is a "mean town" and you need to step back the edge my friend. The facts are that (1) there are no mutual aid agreements and the citizens of Cascade Locks may die because of it, (2) the mean-spirited governance has cost the city thousands of dollars. I am not blaming any administration, I am blaming all of them. (3) the current council will be recalled. But then what? Who can be trusted to save the city's citizens from themselves.
I have some ideas about who are rational and fair people with no personal agendas. But then who cares what I think. I was the accidental tourist in the freak show.
Of course you don't live here. Of course not, just keep telling yourself that, Butch.
But there are mutual aid agreements at this time, Shawn said so last night. Washington has not kicked us to the curb, just Oregon.
Dear Kirby/Richard,
Thanks for your non-partisan assessment. We wouldn't want either of you to live here either. Actually, you two were the accidents just waiting to happen, not our fault.
The truth as presented last night:
The new city planner is costing the city more because he charges $125 an hour instead of the $55 an hour that Mr. Morgan charged.
The truth in the real world:
Mr. Morgan was incompetent and unwilling to apply the development code equally to all development proposals. His actions cost the city thousands of dollars in extra time charged for himself and the attorneys that were involved.
He cost Columbia Cascade Housing Corp.so much money and lost time that they refused to allow him to handle the review process for their McCoy Meadows project. They asked the city to use the planner that cost $125 an hour because he was capable of conducting the review process properly and legally. And yes, CCHC did pay for the planner's time. The project received approval and is now under construction. Mr. Morgan was unable to accomplish this after more than 3 years of trying.
I wonder how an “accidental tourist in the freak show” (Truth or consequences show), could possibly “have some ideas about who are rational and fair people with no personal agendas”
“Because I don't live in Cascade Locks and would never want to”
Kate Stuart, I wanted to apologize for making you feel you were not welcomed to take photos. I was surprised to see someone taking photos of the audience and I did indeed approach and question you as to why. Not really my place to do so. You did tell me you were taking photos for someone who could not be there and that is totally understandable. I offer you my apology.
Shelly Storm
Apology accepted.
I really had no intention of going to the presentation until I was asked and you surprised me as while I was expecting some rudeness, it was not from you. I appreciate you being civil about this.
So Shawna you don't think back door politics has a place in Cascade Locks? I wonder how the two council members felt last December when ol'Barney resigned from CA and only four council members and Lorang knew all about it? Right down to his separation agreement and the extra $18,000. parting gift from the tax payers money (or would you rather call it fire department money)? Now lets see, $18,000 to Seeger and $8,000. to our attorney for preparing Seeger's separation agreement that's $26,000. that could have taken care of half of the fire hall debt. Oh I forgot we don't really have fire hall debt, somehow the auditor and Marianne cooked up a scheme that was so good it got by you and Lance (and the rest of us for that matter)? Now I really think that I will call the auditor and let him know that the oath he took means nothing to you Shawna as you have accused him of misrepresenting the facts. I wonder what he might have to say about that? Oh right you 5 alarmers are above the law right? You can slander anyone's name as long as in the end you get what you want? Right? Cascade Locks citizens you have seen first hand how this recall committee conducts business let's not let them gain control of our town again. Hesgard, Lorang, Masters, Brostoff and Kononen have had their chance at city government and where did that get us? To EXACTLY where we are today! I can't speak for the rest of the community but why would I want to ask a question from a panel of has beens with no knowledge of the operations of our city? One budget member who left meetings early nearly every meeting and never had anything to add, one past councilor that would have been recalled along with KItchens and Brostoff had his term not expired, one councilor that lies about the volunteer fire dept. not voting to respond and is just basically inept and will soon be recalled, one training officer from Gresham, not Cascade Locks, who is walking around with blinders on and unprofessional towards his superior, Chief Zerfing, and one crazy woman? Wow great panel!
Have you all seen the movie Funny Farm with Chevy Chase? Let's do that! Let's all pretend that we care about each other and sing carols around the Christmas tree and eat cookie lady's cookies and pretend to like them. Let's pretend to Hood River County that Cascade Locks is the best place on the face of the earth to live just long enough for our property values to come back and everyone wants to live here 'cause everyone loves Cascade Locks and not Stevenson. Then you can all sell your big homes that you lost your asses on and the rest of us will live happily ever after and birds will once again sing and the air will smell sweet and the sun will shine on us all?
"Lance made it clear he was not aware of the back door meetings and questionable auditors report as I am sure he would not have tolerated misinformation going to the public either".
That is too much to ignore. Lance and BS had (to use your term) "back door" meetings time after time after time. Lance had no problem with it, he established the practice. In fact, Brad and Lance derided the other council members for refusing to have (again, your term) "back door" meetings with BS.
As to "misinformation", Lance lied for 45 minutes saying he knew nothing about the vote not to respond, then finally contradicted himself saying, "...not only have I heard nothing about a vote not to respond, several people told me no such vote took place".
Fact #1 Lance Masters is a liar.
Back dated time cards.
Misappropriated funds.
Election law violations.
FEMA/911 grant mismanagement.
Fiscal mismanagement.
Dishonesty.
Using city travel to visit friends and family.
Accepting city money through purchases made by a direct subordinate.
Submitting false information to the federal government, fire engine grant.
The list goes on and on.
If this is your type of government, vote for the 5 alarmist Lorangophiles, you deserve 'em
Really.. Can we all just stick to issues and STOP the name calling..
Facts are facts. Treating all people with respect no matter what you may believe did or did not happen is something I hope we were all taught as children.
This non sense of he said, she said bullshit needs to stop.
Lets get to the heart of the matter and make the best decisions with what we have and try and act like adults. What kind of example is being set for the remaining children that are in this town?
As admirable as your comment is and how much I wish it could be true. I think that possibility went out the door when the 5-Alarmists began showing up at City Council meetings and ignoring the rules, behaving loudly, rudely and threateningly. They started by foretelling what bad things would happen and then proceeding to prove themselves correct by massaging the process.
After watching the meeting last night, being civil is not an option. These self appointed defenders of the truth used quotes taken out of context, left out entire sections of ex-CA emails, and the person yelling about poor leadership forgot to mention his own poor attendance record for the committies he serves on.
And are we supposed to believe that everyone one the other side conspired to make up auditor reports to look like the Fire EMS was losing money when it was really making money?
Bunch of sore losers and wannabe's.
Lets all go to Ruhbarb Robs for a free sippy cup refill
Once again. It does not matter what happened in the past. Move forward... The past cannot be changed. Why the need to re-hash it?
I would like to invite everyone for a information sharing meeting. An expert panel will prove that the lunar landings were staged and that aliens destroyed the original Bridge of The Gods. Thats right.
Each of you attending the meeting will be patted down at the door by the police just in case you cant remain polite in public meetings. feel free to pick up copies of documentation we have carefully screened for anything that doesnt agree with the views of anyone but us. Sit and watch in awe and wonder as it lights camera action when our beloved leader speaks to the masses.
Your heart will race as we show you shit we made up but expect you to thinks its true just because we put it on a Power Point presentation.
Sit and enjoy a cookie and have a glass of Rob's magic Kool-Aid
LOL. Best post today, Obi-Wan
I feel famous! I'VE FINALLY BEEN INSULTED ON THE BLOG! Now I can check it of my Bucket List. Life is good-
Well Welcome to the whole famdamnily!
Nice try, but unless you're Shawn Parrish, the Gresham wonder, there's no one new being insulted.
Yeah you are right. Shawna if you think this is the first time you have been insulted it's not. Your AKA is "witch doctor" and my favorite recently is "Margo"
I am new to town, and I still can't figure out why any group would want to do away with fire and ems services? It seems kind of like a no-brainer. Also, the number of people who have been fired or left does not reflect well on the city. Perhaps the other side needs to organize and hold a rebuttle meeting so that they can voice their side of the story. For all the dissent on this blog, there was very little disagreement last night? Perhaps trying to be civil? I went expecting to see some sparks, perhaps most there were pro recall?
The Fire Department was done away with by Jeff Pricher's rampant overspending.
No funding was cut.
BS, Brad, & Lance hatched a little plan that ended up blowing up in their faces. Kirby has been playing along.
Pretty sick game boys, pretty sick.
OFF my darn Bucket List, that is, just so very excited- can't control myself! bout to piss myself!
OFF my darn Bucket List, that is, just so very excited- can't control myself! bout to piss myself!
Dear Codys Blog Buddies, No matter what the topic is, Are how the town operates. You're group represents 10% or less of the towns population. Thats pretty normal for the country. So I take this Blog with a grain of salt. It's hard to take it serious. With the name calling, and childish behavior. I compare this Blog between Mad magazine and the National Enquire. I'm really surprized who is on the Blog. I don't understand why Gary Munchie is on here all the time. He's into green, so is Willy Nelson, and Snoop Dog. You would think Munchee would set an example of what he preaches, being green. But he lives in a infested with Formaldehyde trailer, in town. How green is that. So even in life he is just another 10% Welcome home. P.S I'm not going to sign my name, Because your Blog buddies are Hostile and very Threatning. And I would'nt want to be on equal footing.
Running scared are you?
Well, for someone who is unable to
1) Utilize an apostrophe,
2) capitalizes Are unnecessarily,
3) cannot use the correct form of your,
4) does not know that it is the Enquirer magazine,
5) cannot spell surprised,
6) cannot decide which Munchie/Munchee insult spelling to use,
7) thinks formaldehyde should be capitalized,
8) capitalizes hostile for no apparent reason,
9) is unable to spell threatening, let alone be it, AND
10) is the same person who has been posting on the blog on a regular basis and can always be spotted because you are unable to comprehend that in creating a contraction, the apostrophe belongs where the missing letter is, not where the space between the two words used to be.
I would find myself amazed you even know your name, let alone be able to spell it correctly. I'm not even going to start on your lack of mathematical abilities.
Thank you Mad Grammarian.
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