Well I have been working overtime this week and didn't get a chance to write, and honestly the newspaper beat me to the punchline, at least part of it.
First I'd like to know why 2 of the people removed from city positions names were release immediately to the public, and one of them couldn't be release till this week? Why was Belinda Walkers name withheld when the original statements were made when both Billy Malaer and Ricky Bazans names were released immediately? Does it have anything to do with her family? If not what then? I can say in all my probes no one can tell me why this one was specifically excluded and the city was unable to let us know who Belinda offically was until now.
Then I see where Mr. Cavazos is retiring. Now I've made it clear that I thought he should of been shown the door 10 minutes after Mr. Malaer. If we were going to release Mr Malaer for lack of confidence then what the heck did we have in Mr Cavazos? Why was he given any more opportunity than any of the other employees that were shown the front door? If Mr. Cavazos had been doing his job we'd be much better off financially then we are today. I'm not talking 10s of dollars, but 100,000s of dollars. Mr Cavazos was the only person who could of and was obligated to come before the council with the problems that were happening in our books. He was responsible for all checks and balances and procedures for money handling. He had a responsibility as a city employee AND CPA!
Now the positive spin on all this, while I'm not certain if all the problem issues are taken care of, we have an opportunity to turn things around! It's not going to be easy, and honestly it's easier to keep everything as is rather than make the necessary changes. But the opportunity is NOW to make those changes. We have a new city manager that has already made some changes, and hopefully will be leading the way for more changes. Some in personnel, some in procedures, some in the way we think about city employees. Let's make positive change in this town, bring life back to it, and have a place that is no longer a laughing stock of those looking in, but a place to be proud to say you're from!
God Bless
Dennis Nesser
There can be no changes till at least four more city officials/employees are fired. Then and only then will all the rotten apples be gone from the barrel. Dennis, you need to be looking beyond the obvious.
ReplyDeleteBill - I didn't say we were done, I said we are on the right road. When was the last time you saw 5 city employees leave in such a short time cleaning house?
ReplyDeleteIt's still up to the city manager and the city council to finish up what is started, but I think they are on track to make sure that what is there is going to be in the best interest of Gonzales and its citizens.
How about giving credit for what has happened? We've come a long way since January 1, 2011. This place didn't get in this condition in a year, and won't be all fixed in a year.
Dennis
Dennis...If you would look outside the box you would see what is really happening. Credit? Not yet, it's still a debit and will be until three and better four no longer have anything to do with the city.
ReplyDeleteBill if you would get in the game instead of setting outside the box and complaining you'd know that I have called the council to task the last several council meetings about individuals that still need accountability from. Do you think Mr. Cavazos retired because he was planning on it? Or that the JB Wells came down because the city worked on status quo? Or one day the council just decided David Huseman needed to leave? No it was real citizens that were in the game making a difference ENCOURAGING our council members to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteThere are still procedures and people that need to be changed/fixed/dealt with. We all know that. I've brought some of them up in public comments at council meetings, but again you haven't bothered to be at one in a long time, so how would you know?
Bitching from the sidelines is absolutely USELESS and does nothing but get people to ignore you as a grouchy old man. You want change then be part of the change! Have real plans and real solutions.
You probably think I was joking about you running for mayor, but I'm not. You have all the answers then put up with actions to cover what your mouth has to say.
Our city has gone through a very rough year. They've had to face the reality that things weren't cherry in paradise, and that many of the people they grew up with weren't who they thought they were. AND THEY'VE BEEN DEALING WITH IT! It took them a long time to acknowledge that, but they have and as a city we are now moving forward. Are we there? NO! But yes, we are into giving credits now!
Dennis
I'm glad to see you are still Super "I". If you would stop worrying about me and stop reveling in Huseman's firing, maybe, just maybe you could see the forest instead of the trees.
ReplyDeleteBill, yes I am part (notice PART) of the solution. There are plenty of great citizens who are taking action on the issues of the town. They are ALL part of the solution.
ReplyDeleteBut all I see is words from you Bill, no action!
You can't see what I do because of the big "I" at the end of your nose. I told you, stop worrying about what I do and look around you and you will see what is going on.
ReplyDeleteWhining doesn't count Bill
ReplyDeleteNo one's whining, unless you are. What I'm saying is STOP worrying about me and open your eyes!
ReplyDeleteAs the saying goes "Misery loves company" I hope that when I get older I don't just sit around and complain. I hope that people don't sit around saying "What a miserable life they have!"
ReplyDeleteDennis thanks for being active and trying to make a difference. We will take it one baby step at a time with the city. The city can be compared to someone who is trying to lose weight, it doesn't come on over night so its not going to come off over night. WE need to look at the small steps that the city is trying to make even if they are little steps. Sure we know we still have a lot to go but at least we aren't stalemate.
Bill as I tell my boys all the time, you might not hear it, but yes, you're whining!
ReplyDelete"Listen, chilluns, ya'll got to play together...." as my granny used to say.
ReplyDeleteTwo viewpoints, both want to arrive at the same result: a better and improved Gonzales.
Quit spinning wheels and get together.
I personally think you both have great ideas.
Gonzales will always be spinning wheels unless we cram pack city hall to capacity and beyond for every single meeting and exercise watchful concern and voice our opinions. I have seen a pattern emerging from the city council and city staff because of better attendance and voiced opinions. That emerging pattern appears to be a glimmer of transparency. Show up and hold their feet to the fire.
ReplyDelete