From the Florida Times-Union:
QuoteJacksonville City Hall cuts directors, lays off staff
Posted: September 28, 2011 - 1:46pm | Updated: September 28, 2011 - 2:47pm
By Timothy J. Gibbons
Mayor Alvin Brown has accepted the resignation of half a dozen appointed officials, a move coming on the heels of the layoffs of several dozen lower-level employees.
Those cut include the director of public works, director of recreation and community services and director of central operations.
The mayor's office declined to comment on the layoffs, with Chief of Staff Chris Hand saying it wouldn't discuss personnel matters.
It was unclear when the positions will be filled.
The resigning directors include Joey Duncan, director of Public Works; Wight Greger, director of Housing and Neighborhoods; Ebenezer Gujjarlapudi, director of Environmental Compliance; Bill Killingsworth, director of Planning and Development; Roz Phillips, director of Recreation and Community Services; and Devin Reed, director of Central Operations.
Phillips is retiring, and Duncan and Killingsworth have the option to revert to civil service positions.
The rank-and-file workers were cut as part of the reductions in the 2012 fiscal year budget, which the City Council passed Tuesday night. About 225 positions were cut, but the vast majority of them did not appear to be filled.
Those layoffs stem from the budget passed by City Council last night.
The cuts are coming across a range of city departments and employee levels. The employees who are being laid off are being placed on paid administrative leave in lieu of being given two weeks' notice.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-09-28/story/jacksonville-city-hall-cuts-directors-lays-staff?cid=hp-justin#ixzz1ZH7qVW7v
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on September 28, 2011, 03:01:52 PM
From the Florida Times-Union:
QuoteJacksonville City Hall cuts directors, lays off staff
Posted: September 28, 2011 - 1:46pm | Updated: September 28, 2011 - 2:47pm
By Timothy J. Gibbons
Mayor Alvin Brown has accepted the resignation of half a dozen appointed officials, a move coming on the heels of the layoffs of several dozen lower-level employees.
Those cut include the director of public works, director of recreation and community services and director of central operations.
The mayor's office declined to comment on the layoffs, with Chief of Staff Chris Hand saying it wouldn't discuss personnel matters.
It was unclear when the positions will be filled.
The resigning directors include Joey Duncan, director of Public Works; Wight Greger, director of Housing and Neighborhoods; Ebenezer Gujjarlapudi, director of Environmental Compliance; Bill Killingsworth, director of Planning and Development; Roz Phillips, director of Recreation and Community Services; and Devin Reed, director of Central Operations.
Phillips is retiring, and Duncan and Killingsworth have the option to revert to civil service positions.
The rank-and-file workers were cut as part of the reductions in the 2012 fiscal year budget, which the City Council passed Tuesday night. About 225 positions were cut, but the vast majority of them did not appear to be filled.
Those layoffs stem from the budget passed by City Council last night.
The cuts are coming across a range of city departments and employee levels. The employees who are being laid off are being placed on paid administrative leave in lieu of being given two weeks' notice.
Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-09-28/story/jacksonville-city-hall-cuts-directors-lays-staff?cid=hp-justin#ixzz1ZH7qVW7v
That's too bad, but not really unexpected. Hopefully Killingsworth will stay on in the civil service position. He does good work.
just remember...this is the Mayor that many of us helped elect!
Quote from: tufsu1 on September 28, 2011, 03:09:22 PM
just remember...this is the Mayor that many of us helped elect!
Well, I want my money back.
What the f**k????!!!!!!!!!!!! Bill has been the most innovative and effective planning director that the city has had. This is a huge mistake.
Well, it's not all that uncommon to let go of directors in a new administration. The problem is that there appears to be no rhyme or reason to who Brown is getting rid of, and this is just more evidence of that. But the article does say that Killingsworth can stay on in a civil service position; hopefully he will.
This is NOT good news for Jacksonville.
I had heard a rumor that something like this might happen, but it was convincingly denied.
I'm not hopeful right now.
Are the positions themselves going away as part of the budget cuts? Or just replacing the people with new hires at less salary???
Quote from: stephendare on September 28, 2011, 03:20:36 PM
Its the equivelant of telling Tim Tebow that his services arent really necessary as a high school coach anymore.
You stick to politics, let me stick to sports -<snark>- :P
Wasn't BK one of the spearheads / originators of the new mobility plan?
Hasn't he been instrumental in helping SPF with their mothballing legislations?
These two stand out, but I'm sure there's too many more initiatives here to name that he's been a major part of.
Oh, wait a sec, he's been doing positive things..... nevermind.
Bad news indeed. Bill Killingsworth was in the right place at the right time and implementing innovative award winning planning concepts that other communities across the country are attempting to replicate. Whoever takes his place will have a pair of huge shoes to fill.
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on September 28, 2011, 03:52:43 PM
Wasn't BK one of the spearheads / originators of the new mobility plan?
That was his baby. It just won the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association's Award of Excellence earlier this month at the statewide conference in Palm Beach.
QuoteHasn't he been instrumental in helping SPF with their mothballing legislations?
Yes, he actually listened to neighborhood residents and got that kick started as well.
QuoteThese two stand out, but I'm sure there's too many more initiatives here to name that he's been a major part of.
Oh, wait a sec, he's been doing positive things..... nevermind.
A few others include the Riverside/Avondale Zoning Overlay, the San Marco By Design work and Context Sensitive Streets guidelines. This set of events are a huge hit for anyone who would like to see our urban core advance to higher levels.
Terrible. This really disappoints me.
He had also met with us on the Urban Ag stuff and was very open minded about the ideas...
Good luck Stephen. The zoning code rewrite is imperative to TOD development. Someone in City Hall needs to understand this.
I know this come to a shock to most, but could this be part of a bigger plan.
We've heard the mayor talk about creating a division to oversee DT exclusively? Glass half full? :-\
Quote from: stephendare on September 28, 2011, 03:59:35 PM
Also I just got the full list of people fired. Included in the list is Teresa Price, the longtime director of special events. And Christina Langton from the same office.
Where can one find this list?
Now that our taxes are low and we don't have a planning director the job creators should be pouring in, right?
Quote from: stephendare on September 28, 2011, 04:25:27 PM
Quote from: fsujax on September 28, 2011, 04:18:57 PM
Good luck Stephen. The zoning code rewrite is imperative to TOD development. Someone in City Hall needs to understand this.
we literally cannot afford to lose this guy for that reason alone, Fsujax. And we also literally cannot afford to replace him with a person of comparable talent. This is one of the most random acts of capriciousness that I think Ive ever personally witnessed in this town.
John Peyton won in a large landslide, and was richer than most people on the planet. He was beyond convincing of anything, and really didnt care if he won or lost the second election. Hard guy to convince of anything.
Alvin won with a razor slim margin, and represents a coalition of regular people, metrojacksonville included.
His people cannot govern like republican autocrats, unless I miss my guess. We need to remember who is responsible for this city. Us.
And we should take a more participatory role. In fact, I think we intend to.
Exactly! Killingsworth needs to remain exactly where he's been. I am appalled by this decision, and at this point...Alvin Brown needs to fix this or he's lost my vote for the next term....Killingsworth has been instrumental in the mothballing bill, and he needs to be in place to help see it come to life
Anyone know what it means for him to accept a civil service position? Would he still be the Director of Planning & Development?
Aside from keeping a job, what benefit would it have for him? I imagine that if he did take the civil service route, we can fully expect that he takes the next real job offer that comes his way.
I really like Bill and am very grateful for what he has done for us as Director. If he chooses to go, I wish him the best of luck. Thanks for a job well done! Hopefully we can keep some of these good things going.
STREETCAR = SILENCE!
JRTC PLAN = DEBACLE!
TERESA PRICE = CALAMITY!
BILL KILLINGSWORTH = CATACLYSM!
Absolutely we need to meet with the mayor, from my point of view we have 4 very good reasons to speak with him, any one of which could be city makers.
I think we'd all do well to remember he is new to the office. Cut him some slack, as the learning curve has got to be stratospheric. I'm not willing to pull my future, very vocal support, based on a single mistake or two, but blowing it on all 4 of the above would require closer consideration.
JEDC is gone, mosquito control and our already deplorable road maintenance are all being strangled.
OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: dougskiles on September 28, 2011, 06:07:40 PM
Anyone know what it means for him to accept a civil service position? Would he still be the Director of Planning & Development?
No. Based on his service, he may be entitled to a civil service job somewhere else at COJ, but nothing guarantees him the right to any particular job title. The Planning Director serves at the pleasure of the Mayor, he can hire who he sees fit. FWIW, this is a crap decision by Alvin Brown. Killingsworth was definitely a keeper.
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on September 28, 2011, 06:15:39 PM
FWIW, this is a crap decision by Alvin Brown. Killingsworth was definitely a keeper.
Agreed - but I bet there are many out there dancing in their strip-mall parking lots right now.
So, Jacksonville actually gets a Planing Director that seems to have a clue of what is needed for Jacksonville to actually move forward into this new century and he gets told to leave? Perhaps the Mayor needs to get a clue. Of course, this is Jacksonville after all. We shall avoid real progress at all costs!
I received a phone call about 1 year ago from Bill Killingsworth. He asked me what I thought about his office writing and pushing forward mothballing legislation. I literally cried; I was beyond estatic. He most definitely LISTENED to our pleas for saving Springfield. He most definitely was instrumental in getting his staff and other players involved in making this happen. He is the face that made mothballing become real. I hug him everytime I see him as I am so grateful.
I try not to make sense of too much in Jacksonville. Not a whole lot "makes sense."
After all of the effort that went into the transition team meetings and reports, this does not seem like something that could have been expected.
Quote from: stephendare on September 28, 2011, 04:02:28 PM
They also fired the two receptionists, including Alice Newman, who has served four mayors. Glenda as well.
Now thats just plain mean.
Agreed. But there's more . . .
Quote from: stephendare on September 28, 2011, 04:25:27 PM
Quote from: fsujax on September 28, 2011, 04:18:57 PM
Good luck Stephen. The zoning code rewrite is imperative to TOD development. Someone in City Hall needs to understand this.
we literally cannot afford to lose this guy for that reason alone, Fsujax. And we also literally cannot afford to replace him with a person of comparable talent. This is one of the most random acts of capriciousness that I think Ive ever personally witnessed in this town.
John Peyton won in a large landslide, and was richer than most people on the planet. He was beyond convincing of anything, and really didnt care if he won or lost the second election. Hard guy to convince of anything.
Alvin won with a razor slim margin, and represents a coalition of regular people, metrojacksonville included.
His people cannot govern like republican autocrats, unless I miss my guess. We need to remember who is responsible for this city. Us.
And we should take a more participatory role. In fact, I think we intend to.
Well said. Long time lurker, but generally don't have much to say. Today's massacre, however, changes everything. Bill Killingsworth is the best Planning Director we've had in 2 decades. He is apolitical, so party affiliation is irrelevant. He IS the "best and the brightest" for that job. He is fair and he is principled. I don't always agree with him, but it's not his job to make me happy. He has a vision for what's best for the CIty, and he sticks with it (without resort to political favoritism). He is exactly the type of person who should be at the forefront of the City's transformation. This decision stinks, on multiple levels, and particularly in light of the fact that there's apparently no one even on the short list to replace him. So this is what we've come to? I thought Alvin was going to bring transformational change that we could all embrace. This "Code of Silence," double speak and "slash and burn" management practice is not what we need, and it's certainly not what we signed up for.
Pretty shocking news . I have to admit that i am very disappointed , so far with what is transpiring. I have written the Mayor on a couple of occasions with no reply whatsoever. I have no idea if he reads the threads on this site, but just in case he does : Mayor Brown.. you are disappointing us, big time!
Quote from: Dashing Dan on September 28, 2011, 06:43:20 PM
After all of the effort that went into the transition team meetings and reports, this does not seem like something that could have been expected.
there are folks that were high up on the transition team that were big Killingsworth supporters...not sure where this came from but the Mayor and his staff are definitely hearing about it!
Tom Goldsbury got the axe, and all these other people, too:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/66749935/9-28-COJ-Dismissals
Serving at the pleasure of the Mayor provides a useful means of removing deadwood when a new Mayor takes office; in this case, Mayor Brown is removing prime lumber...firing some of the best and brightest people we have.
As Chair of the Group that created and developed the Riverside Arts Market we dealt with a number of department heads and senior city officials. Most of them were showed average capabilities at best; some rarely accomplished anything they had agreed to do. But one of them, Theresa O'Donnel Price, head of Special Events, was the one person who got it done and done fast. Theresa did this though sound, trusting relationships with other city employees and staff, and a willingness to take action if she felt the request was in the community interest. She was remarkable and a pleasure to work with. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON???
I'm in mourning:
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=9848.0
QuoteBill Killingsworth goes for a walk…
« on: September 22, 2010, 12:46:22 PM »
An extraordinary night, last night, in Springfield -- 3 Layers -- standing room only. Trivia Extravaganza has reached cult status -- (people hyped up on strawberry cake & wine yelling out wrong answers & giggling)
-- but mostly Bill Killingsworth stopped by to take a walk with some of us from Preservation SOS.
Bill is a big dog in the city. He runs a lot of stuff. Building codes & inspections, planning & zoning, historic departments. He’s the boss of it all, and yet he took the time to look at this condemned house on Ionia and talk to us about preservation.
He spoke to us about mothballing, surveying and community involvement. We talked about the formal track and board & secure permits previous policies and new ideas.
He made us feel important and our issues seem significant.
It was all too much for Nicole last week when he called to set up this appointment. She later told me, “when he said he wanted to help, I couldn’t help it, I just started crying.â€
Sometimes when you are driving around on High Bulldozer Alert, with a hammer in one hand and a camera in another, you truly feel alone in the trenches. Last night, Bill Killingsworth showed us that we are not alone, that the city DOES care what happens in Springfield, and has the intelligence and wisdom to help.
(So, for those of you who saw my earlier post and PM’d me, yes, it was Bill Killingsworth, the tall and handsome city official, who went for a walk with us.)
Who else cared?
Quote from: thelakelander on September 28, 2011, 04:03:43 PM
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on September 28, 2011, 03:52:43 PM
Wasn't BK one of the spearheads / originators of the new mobility plan?
That was his baby. It just won the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association's Award of Excellence earlier this month at the statewide conference in Palm Beach.
The mobility plan is likely to win additional awards. Who will represent the city at those presentations?
This has Chris Hand's fingerprints all over it. From what I've heard from folks who worked on the campaign, and at his law firm, this is his autocratic slash and burn management style.
Mayor I voted for you and I believe I made a mistake... I guess I should not have voted at all! This move is going to set us back big time!
Quote from: stephendare on September 28, 2011, 04:20:54 PM
Similarly the firing of Teresa Price is going to be a bit catastrophic for the Office of Special Events. Her job is not a textbook kind of a position, and its based on networks, connections, relationships and an intimate familiarity with about a million details that go into planning citywide events.
No one realizes what a powerhouse Teresa is, and with the double loss of Teresa and Christina, two of the most capable and hard candy competent women in the city is going to be keenly felt.
The woman resurrected an urban jazz festival, for the love of mike.
Yes, he really blew it on this one too. Price is no small loss. I've said it before, but he's getting rid of people just to get rid of people. I mean, I need to see need to clean house and get your own people in, but you need to have a comprable level of talent (or better) and that hardly seems possible with all these hires.
Just remember, folks, that NO ONE is irreplaceable. This includes long-time civil servants.
We have given the Mayor the discretion to do this; let's let him do his job as he sees fit. If these layoffs prove to be a monumental disaster (as some here seem to think), it will come back to haunt him at election time.
Quote from: dougskiles on September 28, 2011, 06:18:20 PM
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on September 28, 2011, 06:15:39 PM
FWIW, this is a crap decision by Alvin Brown. Killingsworth was definitely a keeper.
Agreed - but I bet there are many out there dancing in their strip-mall parking lots right now.
Ding!
Quoteit will come back to haunt him at election time.
This will impact all of us long before election time unfortunately
Quote from: Mike Ockizard on September 29, 2011, 07:59:23 AM
Just remember, folks, that NO ONE is irreplaceable. This includes long-time civil servants.
We have given the Mayor the discretion to do this; let's let him do his job as he sees fit. If these layoffs prove to be a monumental disaster (as some here seem to think), it will come back to haunt him at election time.
Lets hope they don't turn into disasters. Those making decisions can move on freely in time but residents will have to deal with the results long term.
Wow.
What does a "civic position" mean? Still involved?
Quote from: Mike Ockizard on September 29, 2011, 07:59:23 AM
Just remember, folks, that NO ONE is irreplaceable. This includes long-time civil servants.
We have given the Mayor the discretion to do this; let's let him do his job as he sees fit. If these layoffs prove to be a monumental disaster (as some here seem to think), it will come back to haunt him at election time.
sorry, but I'm not prepared to have our city waste 4 more years finding that out
Quote from: Mike Ockizard on September 29, 2011, 07:59:23 AM
Just remember, folks, that NO ONE is irreplaceable. This includes long-time civil servants.
We have given the Mayor the discretion to do this; let's let him do his job as he sees fit. If these layoffs prove to be a monumental disaster (as some here seem to think), it will come back to haunt him at election time.
I'm sorry, but that's bullshit. Bill Killingsworth is irreplacable. He is a national award-winning planner, but he also understands what needs to be done to make this place work. Something that his experience taught him. We'll be lucky to find someone 1/2 as good for 2x the price.
Quote from: Bridges on September 29, 2011, 08:25:47 AM
Wow.
What does a "civic position" mean? Still involved?
civil service position just means they get demoted down a step or two...which, if you need the income, might be worthwhile for a period of time.
Completely agree, tufsu. Why should we see more of the same backward thinking in planning for Jacksonville and say, "Hey, it's just four more years" I'm writing my complaint today - not that it will do any good since the deed is done.
geez. Under the best of conditions it is tough to get something done downtown. What will happen now?
Quote from: Charles Hunter on September 29, 2011, 06:18:20 AM
This has Chris Hand's fingerprints all over it. From what I've heard from folks who worked on the campaign, and at his law firm, this is his autocratic slash and burn management style.
Please expand on this, starting with "Who is Chris Hand?"
StephenDare and all the rest:
Maybe Killingsworth's removal is a bad move, I don't know.
All I'm saying is that it is the Mayors PREROGATIVE to make these kinds of decisions.
If you don't want future mayors to have this kind of power, then lobby to change the City charter.
Perhaps BK's removal will spark a move for some real change in how we run our city.
Word has it that there are many high level cross over Reps and Dems who supported Brown that are very unhappy and are wandering what in the hell is going on.
Unless Mayor Brown pulls a nationally recgonised planning leader, one that would run over our backwardness like a tornado in a trailer park, this remains a disaster.
Stephen, Lake, I'm onboard for a meeting with the mayor, we've got at least 4 issues to discuss.
OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: sheclown on September 29, 2011, 05:31:58 AM
I'm in mourning:
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/forum/index.php?topic=9848.0
QuoteBill Killingsworth goes for a walk…
« on: September 22, 2010, 12:46:22 PM »
An extraordinary night, last night, in Springfield -- 3 Layers -- standing room only. Trivia Extravaganza has reached cult status -- (people hyped up on strawberry cake & wine yelling out wrong answers & giggling)
-- but mostly Bill Killingsworth stopped by to take a walk with some of us from Preservation SOS.
Bill is a big dog in the city. He runs a lot of stuff. Building codes & inspections, planning & zoning, historic departments. He’s the boss of it all, and yet he took the time to look at this condemned house on Ionia and talk to us about preservation.
He spoke to us about mothballing, surveying and community involvement. We talked about the formal track and board & secure permits previous policies and new ideas.
He made us feel important and our issues seem significant.
It was all too much for Nicole last week when he called to set up this appointment. She later told me, “when he said he wanted to help, I couldn’t help it, I just started crying.”
Sometimes when you are driving around on High Bulldozer Alert, with a hammer in one hand and a camera in another, you truly feel alone in the trenches. Last night, Bill Killingsworth showed us that we are not alone, that the city DOES care what happens in Springfield, and has the intelligence and wisdom to help.
(So, for those of you who saw my earlier post and PM’d me, yes, it was Bill Killingsworth, the tall and handsome city official, who went for a walk with us.)
Who else cared?
+1
I didn't know Bill as well as a lot of you did. But my limitted exposure gave me hope that some positive things were going to happen.
Bring on the new Downtown Independent Authority.
Get it Stephen! we cant sit by and let all this happen.
They work for US. WE hired them! Our tax money pays them. They aren't "in charge" of the public for goodness sake. The elected officials in this country need to remember that representing us does not mean telling us what to do or hiding what they are doing! I have been very disappointed at Brown's movement toward the right after his election. I voted for a democrat who was supportive of downtown development. Killingsworth was a great ally to aid in Brown's downtown promises - this goes against what he campaigned on in my book and I am sorely disappointed by this and the fact that they have no comment. He is losing public support quick, as I hear more and more people say the same thing.
Quote from: stephendare on September 28, 2011, 04:25:27 PM
Quote from: fsujax on September 28, 2011, 04:18:57 PM
Good luck Stephen. The zoning code rewrite is imperative to TOD development. Someone in City Hall needs to understand this.
we literally cannot afford to lose this guy for that reason alone, Fsujax. And we also literally cannot afford to replace him with a person of comparable talent. This is one of the most random acts of capriciousness that I think Ive ever personally witnessed in this town.
John Peyton won in a large landslide, and was richer than most people on the planet. He was beyond convincing of anything, and really didnt care if he won or lost the second election. Hard guy to convince of anything.
Alvin won with a razor slim margin, and represents a coalition of regular people, metrojacksonville included.
His people cannot govern like republican autocrats, unless I miss my guess. We need to remember who is responsible for this city. Us.
And we should take a more participatory role. In fact, I think we intend to.
Any luck getting a meeting with the Mayor yet Stephen? We would all be very grateful if you did.
It is very reassuring to know that when we hear about misguided decisions like this; there is always a group watching over... We need to get you guys a "MJ" light like Gotham had when they needed Batman:)
Ready when you are Stephen, lets do it.
OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: downtownjag on September 29, 2011, 10:52:28 AM
It is very reassuring to know that when we hear about misguided decisions like this; there is always a group watching over... We need to get you guys a "MJ" light like Gotham had when they needed Batman:)
;D and they all need super hero capes to wear. Hey, maybe there are a few left over in the Orlando Workforce offices.
Quote from: Jumpinjack on September 29, 2011, 11:03:08 AM
Quote from: downtownjag on September 29, 2011, 10:52:28 AM
It is very reassuring to know that when we hear about misguided decisions like this; there is always a group watching over... We need to get you guys a "MJ" light like Gotham had when they needed Batman:)
;D and they all need super hero capes to wear. Hey, maybe there are a few left over in the Orlando Workforce offices.
Stephendare in a cape and cowl, and thelakelander in a domino mask...
It does make for an amusing picture. ;)
Joking aside, thank you to all involved for identifying and staying on top of this. It's amazing work that you guys (and gals) do here.
You know, it seems every time the mayor has been in front of a TV camera lately he mentions this massive reorganization of city government that is coming soon. Could it be that yesterday's actions were just phase 1 of that effort and that we will see some of these folks return to prominent positions after the dust settles?
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on September 29, 2011, 11:38:19 AM
You know, it seems every time the mayor has been in front of a TV camera lately he mentions this massive reorganization of city government that is coming soon. Could it be that yesterday's actions were just phase 1 of that effort and that we will see some of these folks return to prominent positions after the dust settles?
That has been my thought... if this is the case... more transparency would go a long way...
The TU has a list of all of the city employees dismissed yesterday along with salaries, etc.
They have Bill Killingsworth, along with a handful of others, listed as "Will Revert to Civil Service Position."
Any news on this? Let's hope it's true.
The link is
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-09-28/story/dismissals-cut-through-top-level-jacksonvilles-city-government (http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-09-28/story/dismissals-cut-through-top-level-jacksonvilles-city-government)
Does the conversion of the Killingsworth position to a Civil Service position actually mean job security based on his merit? In other words, it is no longer a position that the Mayor appoints. So even after Brown goes, as long as Killingsworth is still doing a good job, the next Mayor can't oust him? That may actually be a good move, although it may mean a paycut for him too...
Anyone know why the conversion of the positions to civil service?
I don't think the positions are reverting to civil service, it's the people. They may be taking civil service positions until the reorg is completed and they are appointed to newly created positions. This is pure speculation on my part.
That makes sense.
Let's hope this reorganization has better public communication going forward
Quote from: Mike Ockizard on September 29, 2011, 09:10:12 AM
StephenDare and all the rest:
Maybe Killingsworth's removal is a bad move, I don't know.
All I'm saying is that it is the Mayors PREROGATIVE to make these kinds of decisions.
If you don't want future mayors to have this kind of power, then lobby to change the City charter.
Perhaps BK's removal will spark a move for some real change in how we run our city.
If your post reflects the administration's attitude in general, Brown will be a 1-term Mayor.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on September 29, 2011, 12:21:44 PM
Quote from: urbanlibertarian on September 29, 2011, 11:38:19 AM
You know, it seems every time the mayor has been in front of a TV camera lately he mentions this massive reorganization of city government that is coming soon. Could it be that yesterday's actions were just phase 1 of that effort and that we will see some of these folks return to prominent positions after the dust settles?
That has been my thought... if this is the case... more transparency would go a long way...
I agree with you here, BT. While the Mayor doesn't have a Communications Director at present, there is a Deputy Spokesperson who should be in front of cameras to put this in context. If not the Mayor himself.
Quote from: avs on September 29, 2011, 01:07:27 PM
Does the conversion of the Killingsworth position to a Civil Service position actually mean job security based on his merit? In other words, it is no longer a position that the Mayor appoints. So even after Brown goes, as long as Killingsworth is still doing a good job, the next Mayor can't oust him? That may actually be a good move, although it may mean a paycut for him too...
Anyone know why the conversion of the positions to civil service?
It's a moot point, in these situations nobody really stays, they just go elsewhere and do their thing. Killingsworth isn't going to take a demotion from Planning Director to janitor just because he's entitled to civil job security, he's going to go somewhere else to be a Planning Director. He's making a career, not just collecting a paycheck. Frankly, that's what separated him from the rest of the typical COJ pack in the first place. Even if he temporarily stays with COJ, I'd expect somebody to come in and scoop him up in short order. He's talented, and everyone knows it. He isn't going to stay on the market long.
The loss of Mr. Killingsworth is terrible. I know, everyone has said it, just chiming in my two cents. What in the world were they thinking?
There's the thing - they were not thinking. Or, there are some favors owed....
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on September 28, 2011, 04:19:26 PM
I know this come to a shock to most, but could this be part of a bigger plan.
We've heard the mayor talk about creating a division to oversee DT exclusively? Glass half full? :-\
This is starting to feel dirty.
Please include Ebenezer Gujjarlapudi, Dir. of Environmental & Compliance, in your retention efforts. It is because of him that we've had such a massive improvement at Animal Care & Protective Services. He has saved thousands of animals' lives through his leadership and management.
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on September 29, 2011, 01:27:57 PM
It's a moot point, in these situations nobody really stays, they just go elsewhere and do their thing. Killingsworth isn't going to take a demotion from Planning Director to janitor just because he's entitled to civil job security, he's going to go somewhere else to be a Planning Director. He's making a career, not just collecting a paycheck. Frankly, that's what separated him from the rest of the typical COJ pack in the first place. Even if he temporarily stays with COJ, I'd expect somebody to come in and scoop him up in short order. He's talented, and everyone knows it. He isn't going to stay on the market long.
You are right.
Preservation SOS is deeply indebted to Bill Killingsworth for listening to a Springfield voice about preservation. It is because of him mothballing came to life and because of him Springfield will get positive love and attention to save our homes and retain our history.
I just don't get it. But I suppose that is politics.
I am extremely disappointed in Mayor Brown.
QuoteKillingsworth isn't going to take a demotion from Planning Director to janitor just because he's entitled to civil job security, he's going to go somewhere else to be a Planning Director
I didn't mean he was taking a new position, just that the position of Planning Director was being restructured. My father is a Planning Director, and we moved all over the country as he took various Planning Director positions, not that anything is wrong with being a janitor, just wasn't what he did :)
Quote from: mvp on September 29, 2011, 03:06:18 PM
Please include Ebenezer Gujjarlapudi, Dir. of Environmental & Compliance, in your retention efforts. It is because of him that we've had such a massive improvement at Animal Care & Protective Services. He has saved thousands of animals' lives through his leadership and management.
Totally agree. Ebenezer should stay.
Quote from: iloveionia on September 29, 2011, 03:18:37 PM
Quote from: ChriswUfGator on September 29, 2011, 01:27:57 PM
It's a moot point, in these situations nobody really stays, they just go elsewhere and do their thing. Killingsworth isn't going to take a demotion from Planning Director to janitor just because he's entitled to civil job security, he's going to go somewhere else to be a Planning Director. He's making a career, not just collecting a paycheck. Frankly, that's what separated him from the rest of the typical COJ pack in the first place. Even if he temporarily stays with COJ, I'd expect somebody to come in and scoop him up in short order. He's talented, and everyone knows it. He isn't going to stay on the market long.
You are right.
Preservation SOS is deeply indebted to Bill Killingsworth for listening to a Springfield voice about preservation. It is because of him mothballing came to life and because of him Springfield will get positive love and attention to save our homes and retain our history.
I just don't get it. But I suppose that is politics.
I am extremely disappointed in Mayor Brown.
Killingsworth really is a hero to Springfield. Everyone, EVERYONE, loves him, trusts him, respects him.
:o
Wow, get out the pitchfolks and torches and march on City Hall......I did not vote for Brown, but I do believe he did the right thing with many of these decisions (Hand works for the mayor ultimately, and the mayor will take responsibility for all these decisions). There was so much deadwood in the city, and the cuts are not over. There will be more. You have to understand that when Peyton took over in 2003, there was a hiring freeze that lasted some 8 years, over which they hired at least 1,000 new people. He took Admin and Finance apart and created new HR, Procurement, Minority procurement, Finance, and other administrative departments and created all new departments. It was bound to happen sometime to come full circle and cut out the fat.
I like Price and Christina, I think they will be missed, but life goes on, and their duties will be dumped on others and the city will go on. If the people in the city cannot handle the new responsibilities, the mayor will find new people to handle them. For far too long, there was too much deadwood, and I am all with the Mayor to cut out some of it. Don't know Killingsworth, but Planning, Code Enforcement, they are all in need of more pruning. When Code Enforcement tells you need a permit to replace broken window panes, (just the glass in the window), there is a problem with the people.
I'm with Alvin!!!!!!!!!!
Sort of like beating a dead horse. As long as the horse is really dead, no big deal. If the horse isn't, then in today's world, someone is going to call you on it. Cutting deadwood is about the same thing. When it is really deadwood, hey, great! But when it is cutting someone who is needed to lead this city forward instead of staying as motionless as that dead horse, the mayor needs to be schooled a bit.
I just gave the mayor four lashings via email. :o
Quote from: mtraininjax on September 29, 2011, 06:27:16 PM
Wow, get out the pitchfolks and torches and march on City Hall......I did not vote for Brown, but I do believe he did the right thing with many of these decisions
We all know, M-train. * Yawn
Timken, just as we all know you and others lobbied hard to add good ol Alvin. So open up and take you medicine and swallow hard, the cuts are far from over.
and this is the problem mtrain....the only person in the race to talk honestly about the issue of spending was Audrey Moran.....fact is, you can't cut taxes and not feel the pain.
What about more public statements? From this thread, it appears that the Mayor's office has little interest in privately voiced concerns. The lack of transparency and response from the mayor are disconcerting to say the least.
The Mayor's twitter account: @MayorAlvinBrown
Or an editorial?
^That's a good idea. MetroJacksonville should write a letter to the editor on these topics.
Does anyone know how to get in contact with Killingsworth, Price, and the others personally? Of course they may not be up for talking about it just yet.
I just going to throw this out there - Has anyone here actually spoken to Bill about whether or not he even wants to go back to his old position?
Perhaps a rally in Hemming Plaza in support of Killingworth would be helpful.
I would only pursue it if at least 150-200 people committed to showing up. A crowd that size would definitely make the news.
The speakers involved should emphasize SUPPORT for Killingworth and NOT be angainst the Brown administartion per se. That would be the mostly likely to produce the desired result, which is to get him reinstated, or better yet, promoted.
Quote from: vicupstate on September 30, 2011, 10:11:10 AM
Perhaps a rally in Hemming Plaza in support of Killingworth would be helpful.
I would only pursue it if at least 150-200 people committed to showing up. A crowd that size would definitely make the news.
The speakers involved should emphasize SUPPORT for Killingworth and NOT be angainst the Brown administartion per se. That would be the mostly likely to produce the desired result, which is to get him reinstated, or better yet, promoted.
I glad you brought that up. the whole up-roar is about keep Bill, not bashing the brown adminstration. We understand cuts have to be done (in lieu of not raising propoerty taxes, etc etc) but we must retain someone who is an asset to the city. Hopefully everything works out in our (his) favor. Good luck Bill!
Just put a few 'Free Lunch at Hemming to Support Bill K.' signs dowtown, when people show up hand them a cardboard sign 'For Bill' and a sandwich and you might have 10k people crowding Hemming. ;)
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on September 30, 2011, 09:54:49 AM
I just going to throw this out there - Has anyone here actually spoken to Bill about whether or not he even wants to go back to his old position?
Yes.
Quote from: mtraininjax on September 29, 2011, 11:59:45 PM
Timken, just as we all know you and others lobbied hard to add good ol Alvin. So open up and take you medicine and swallow hard, the cuts are far from over.
No matter what your interest is in whatever level of government this is the worst advice. Never just sit back and take it. Lobby for what you want no matter if it is from who you voted for or not.
Smart cuts and lots of them are good. Dumb cuts are bad.
I have a sneaking suspicion Bill will end up at a much higher paying position in a city that will appreciate him far more. Sad to see him go, but I know he will come out on top.
He was an absolute delight to listen to at the MetroJax weekly meetings. I hope he continues to show up to them.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on September 30, 2011, 03:41:07 PM
I have a sneaking suspicion Bill will end up at a much higher paying position in a city that will appreciate him far more. Sad to see him go, but I know he will come out on top.
He was an absolute delight to listen to at the MetroJax weekly meetings. I hope he continues to show up to them.
In a city that has a clue.
Quote from: mtraininjax on September 29, 2011, 11:59:45 PM
Timken, just as we all know you and others lobbied hard to add good ol Alvin. So open up and take you medicine and swallow hard, the cuts are far from over.
And there would NOT have been cuts, should your boy, Mikey have been elected. Really?
I never said or thought there would not be cuts in positions in the City. For the record, M-Clown, I ll stand behind my choice still.
I really wish you would get a life .
Timmy, get up, get up, get up, come and run the Marine Corps half and/or 5k, come our nations finest heroes, oh yeah, this is how I choose to live MY life, thanks for the advice.
We will never know what Hogan would have done, we only know the lambs who have been slaughtered by Alvin. Poor Alice Newman......
Totally off topic, but I was at the marine corps half this morning that mtrain referred to. Beautiful day for a race on a great course through DT and Riverside. Reminds me while I love Jacksonville and am proud to be a US citizen.
Quote from: dougskiles on October 01, 2011, 09:54:16 AM
Totally off topic, but I was at the marine corps half this morning that mtrain referred to. Beautiful day for a race on a great course through DT and Riverside. Reminds me while I love Jacksonville and am proud to be a US citizen.
God bless Jacksonville and god bless our mayor!
Quote from: avs on September 29, 2011, 03:50:03 PM
My father is a Planning Director, and we moved all over the country as he took various Planning Director positions ...
This is a high turnover position. Shifts happen.
We all owe our thanks to Bill, but let's not spend too much time looking backward. Out of respect for Bill's work we need to keep moving ahead.
For example, how do we keep the mothballing initiative on track?
Mothballing is indeed legislation, passed August 9, 2011.
It is real and true and exists.
Phew!
An upcoming hurdle is Councilmember Schellenberg's "Sunset Clause" to put mothballing to rest on August 9, 2014, 3 years from it's "birth."
The LUZ meeting hearing this clause is this Tuesday in Council Chambers. 5 p.m. Be there! Vote a firm NO on Schellenberg's Sunset Clause.
Thanks.
Quote from: Dashing Dan on October 01, 2011, 07:01:18 PM
Quote from: avs on September 29, 2011, 03:50:03 PM
My father is a Planning Director, and we moved all over the country as he took various Planning Director positions ...
This is a high turnover position. Shifts happen.
We all owe our thanks to Bill, but let's not spend too much time looking backward. Out of respect for Bill's work we need to keep moving ahead.
For example, how do we keep the mothballing initiative on track?
Very true!
Quote from: mtraininjax on October 01, 2011, 06:13:24 AM
Timmy, get up, get up, get up, come and run the Marine Corps half and/or 5k, come our nations finest heroes, oh yeah, this is how I choose to live MY life, thanks for the advice.
We will never know what Hogan would have done, we only know the lambs who have been slaughtered by Alvin. Poor Alice Newman......
No we will not. But you are fooling yourself if you really think cuts would not have been made , had he won.
Quote from: stephendare on October 02, 2011, 10:34:15 AM
Timmy, I don't think the word you are looking for is 'fooling'. ;)
;) probably not. What do you think the word would be , Stephen ? :)
Get used to job cuts people .. It was happening well before Alvin Brown was elected Mayor, and it is not happening because he was elected. Mike Hogan would have been faced with the same issue. I am truly sorry anyone had to lose their position, but most of us know it is not limited to local Government.
Quote from: Timkin on October 02, 2011, 04:24:00 PM
Quote from: stephendare on October 02, 2011, 10:34:15 AM
Timmy, I don't think the word you are looking for is 'fooling'. ;)
;) probably not. What do you think the word would be , Stephen ? :)
Get used to job cuts people .. It was happening well before Alvin Brown was elected Mayor, and it is not happening because he was elected. Mike Hogan would have been faced with the same issue. I am truly sorry anyone had to lose their position, but most of us know it is not limited to local Government.
Timkin, I think everyone is more upset about WHO was cut, versus the cuts in general. We know cuts have to be made, that includes local government, corporate america, etc. Just a little upsetting to see someone that deserve their job, lose it.
I could not agree more, Duvaldude. It could (and most likely, WOULD )have happened regardless of who was in Office. I am not at all happy that Killingsworth or anyone else, lost their job.
QuoteMike Hogan would have been faced with the same issue.
Of course he would have, but maybe he would have handled the FIRINGS with a bit more class.....
*
^those sort of things happen when you share a computer.
I saw Bill tonight at the CPAC meeting. I told him how very upset Preservation SOS was that he was terminated. I said "PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ON JACKSONVILLE"
"Seriously, Bill, why go somewhere else where everything is already done? Why not stick around and make a difference?"
Sure, your title has been cut, your pay has been cut, but you are needed here...and who knows what tomorrow will bring?
Did he take the civil service option?
Quote from: mtraininjax on October 03, 2011, 06:47:35 PM
QuoteMike Hogan would have been faced with the same issue.
Of course he would have, but maybe he would have handled the FIRINGS with a bit more class.....
Maybe ... Maybe not. I would not want to have to be the one to decide who stayed and who goes.
Doug, I'm not sure. I don't think he has decided yet.