Those council agenda review meetings have gone on for years and were no secret to the public. The Blade and broadcast reporters attended them and reported on them on a regular basis. Council staffers were present and were taking notes, which were believed for the minutes but were apparently just doodling.
posted by tiger at 07:02 P.M. EST on Wed Aug 02, 2006 #
Wow! I understand this meeting was moved downstairs and I could have taped it. I am sure sorry -
I'd like to talk to Mr. Fought. The language about minutes and records in Ohio's Sunshine Laws aren't ambiguous. I can understand it quite easily.
They need to have a secretary take minutes at all meetings. Public meetings have to be accessible to the public. End of story. No room to wiggle.
posted by katie82640 at 08:43 P.M. EST on Wed Aug 02, 2006 #
People in Toledo don't resign jobs paying $50K and up for "personal or professional" and "philosophical differences" reasons. They resign because somebody finally (1) dug up enough dirt on them, and (2) demonstrated the will to use it.
"Being fired" is something that largely happens to the poor and the cotton-headed middle class. The elite -- knowledgeable middle class and the rich -- "resign" instead, before circumstances elevate the matter to their firing.
posted by GuestZero at 10:18 P.M. EST on Wed Aug 02, 2006 #
I think, in this case, that there was a serious enough ethical difference that it was able to override the economical consideration.
Been there, done that. It's expensive but a worthwhile investment.
posted by katie82640 at 10:22 P.M. EST on Wed Aug 02, 2006 #
1) Dirt 2) Use it
I don't know the other two, but I have known Keith McCrea for a couple of years, and he's not the kind of guy you can dig up dirt on. He tends to fall in the "stand on principle" category and I respect him for that.
posted by thetoledowire_com at 12:47 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 03, 2006 #
Buh Bye Keith! Glad to see you go. Hopefully one day you'll "sucker" your buddy Skip into moving up there with you, you worthless, double dipping zit.
It amazes me that people think by kissing an ass of a worthless sponge on a forum such as this will help their future. (See above) Wonder where he was during Skip's wedding?
See Skip's heart "skip" a beat with that last comment?
Mindboggling.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 03:22 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 03, 2006 #
I have known Keith McCrea for a couple of years, and he's not the kind of guy you can dig up dirt on. He tends to fall in the "stand on principle" category and I respect him for that.
Maybe someone else decided to make a stand on principle and demanded that he be terminated because of his alleged violation of Section 2101.19 of the Toledo City Charter
posted by thenick at 06:59 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 03, 2006 #
And all this is a surprise why?
posted by DoknowDocare at 07:28 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 03, 2006 #
Wasn't Fought the local spokesperson for the defunct RON, and an aide to Marcy Kaptur?
He actually posted here last year on RON, I believe.
posted by lloyd at 09:27 A.M. EST on Thu Aug 03, 2006 #
I have known Keith McCrea for a couple of years, and he's not the kind of guy you can dig up dirt on. He tends to fall in the "stand on principle" category and I respect him for that.
The toledowire.com, you OBVIOUSLY do not know him at all.
posted by prune2five at 12:53 P.M. EST on Thu Aug 03, 2006 #
I can see I'm going to be on the loosing side of this one so I'm going to defect. I suck. Screw me.
posted by thetoledowire_com at 08:22 P.M. EST on Thu Aug 03, 2006 #
I can see I'm going to be on the loosing side of this one so I'm going to defect. I suck. Screw me.
Interesting way to stop it before it happens. 8-)
posted by tm at 10:46 A.M. EST on Fri Aug 04, 2006 #
Loosing. Are you planning to uncage something?
Just wondering...
posted by katie82640 at 07:28 P.M. EST on Fri Aug 04, 2006 #
BrianInFlorida wrote:
Buh Bye Keith! Glad to see you go. Hopefully one day you'll "sucker" your buddy Skip into moving up there with you, you worthless, double dipping zit.
It amazes me that people think by kissing an ass of a worthless sponge on a forum such as this will help their future. (See above) Wonder where he was during Skip's wedding?
See Skip's heart "skip" a beat with that last comment?
Mindboggling.
Just for you Brian to make you smile or wince, I am posting a portion of a much longer message that Keith wrote on another website:
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2004
From: "themeasurestaken"
Subject: Wade Kapszukiewicz - A Genuine Human, a Genuine Liberal
Hi, All
..... I have also been in both public and backroom meetings with Wade. ..... I am a close friend of Wade, was in his wedding, and work for and with him at Toledo City Council. He is both a fine human being and ..... a genuinely committed public servant.
..... Wade's record speaks for itself. ..... His desire to serve is vividly clear to any and everyone who has spoken to him on these issues and views them with an objective eye.
Wade Kapszukiewicz, in my humble and admittedly somewhat biased opinion ..... is a genuine, honest, and committed liberal.
Best to all,
Keith McCrea
posted by RolandHansen at 06:57 A.M. EST on Mon Aug 07, 2006 #
Interesting opinion piece in last week's TFP.
Toledo government's very own ‘brain drain'
By Kevin Milliken
As Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and his top brass study the results of a “Best and Brightest Survey” of the Glass City's recent graduates, it may also be appropriate to point out the city's lesser-known “brain drain” at the top levels of city and county government.
posted by katie82640 at 12:51 P.M. EST on Mon Aug 07, 2006 #
Roland?
I have posted somewhere on the web of Keith hilariously defending Wade.
Because of Keith, I have come to the conclusion that even dolts have friends.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 04:22 P.M. EST on Mon Aug 07, 2006 #
Because of Keith, I have come to the conclusion that even dolts have friends.
ROFLMAO
posted by RolandHansen at 08:26 A.M. EST on Wed Aug 09, 2006 #
Does anybody have a rough tally of people that have left city positions since the beginning of the year? The Mayor's office has had some, now council has lost staff.
I ask because I learned in business management classes, hiring and training staff is one of the costliest issues a business faces.
It's always best to keep a trained employee rather than replace them.
There is going to be a considerable cost to the city to locate, train and oversee all these new employees.
posted by katie82640 at 08:08 P.M. EST on Wed Aug 09, 2006 #
Hello, All
Imagine my surprise when my sister sent me an e-mail about you folks discussing my move to NH. While Brian and Roland will no doubt continue to indulge their fantasies that I was fired or forced out, such was not the case as anyone at Government Center can tell you. My fiancee got a better job in NH and I relocated to join her. I am interviewing for jobs and working on a campaign here.
It surprises not at all that Roland would bitterly attack me -- When you find success in your field, it always brings out the bitterness in some people. And Roland, really, don't you think that as someone who was fired by the Lucas County Commissioners for copying campaign fliers on the taxpayer dime you are pretty ill-suited to throw unsubstantiated accusations at others?
Thanks for the kind words, toledowire. It isn't surprising that perhaps the only person on the board who actually knows me is the one defending me and I appreciate it.
This will be (hopefully) my last post. Unlike the pathetic Brian, I don't intend to make a habit of attacking people in my old hometown. I'll happily keep in contact with my friends and as for the rest, well...
posted by keith at 01:46 P.M. EST on Tue Sep 12, 2006 #
Dosen't change the fact you're a loser and a scumbag.
Good luck in being held accountable in yer new digs. Them folks are known to have backbones up there and don't take kindly to lahers and cheats like we do down hea. You do know wut I mean.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 02:35 P.M. EST on Tue Sep 12, 2006 #
Me? Ha! When I think of the time you've spent commenting on the actions and achievements of people who are so obviously your superior, it makes me shudder with laughter. Me, a loser...from you. Sure, pal.
posted by keith at 02:45 P.M. EST on Tue Sep 12, 2006 #
Keith McCrea wrote, in part: While ... Roland will no doubt continue to indulge ... fantasies that I was fired or forced out ... It surprises not at all that Roland would bitterly attack me -- When you find success in your field, it always brings out the bitterness in some people. And Roland, really, don't you think that as someone who was fired by the Lucas County Commissioners...
To Mr. McCrea I ask:
Where did I attack you in this message thread? I posted a copy of your message from another website in response to another poster, and I also wrote ROFLMAO in response to a poster's comment. Oh, and by the way, I never said you were fired or forced out, as you infer.
As usual Mr. McCrea, you choose to replace fact with fiction in your own concept of reality that you attempt to paint.
Here is some REAL reality:
From a published Blade article: "A man whom the Lucas County commissioners unsuccessfully tried to fire in 1998 was awarded attorney fees yesterday for expenses he incurred to defend himself.
Lucas County Common Pleas Judge Ronald Bowman awarded Roland Hansen ...."
While various accounts over a period of nineteen months in the Blade reported that the discharge was unjust, that the firing was reversed, that I was awarded back pay, that I was awarded attorney fees, and so forth, the Blade failed to report that I was also awarded damages in the tens of thousands of dollars. I have the court decision on that award. The court most likely has a copy as well. I also have copies of audio tapes and written transcripts of the administrative and judicial proceedings.
Mr. McCrea, your personal attacks on me over the past several years, in my opinion, are indicative of a corrupt power system that attempts to squash those who oppose it and/or expose it.
In regards to success, I guess it all depends on what you define as success. I do not see your career as successful, but that is only my perception and opinion. It is your own perception that counts for you. And I do not begrudge you that.
As far as I am concerned, whoever desires to assess my career or to judge me may do so. Anybody and everybody with internet access may look up my blog, my home page, and/or my resume Just click on my name that follows this posted message. It will take you to my user profile that has a link to my blog. My blog has a page called "Learn about Roland Hansen" and has a link to my home page entitled "Organization Development Services" which in turn has a line that states "Click here to learn more about Roland Hansen."
In my public and private life, I do my best to be open with people. Can you say the same, Mr. McCrea?
posted by RolandHansen at 03:27 P.M. EST on Tue Sep 12, 2006 #
Roland, it's like poking it with a stick.
Keith lacks attention, hence his having to post here, thinking he's being somebody. He has no one's best interest in mind but his own, and has displayed his selfishness and utter disregard for the rules.
I mean, just look how big and bad he is talking tough from New Hampshire.
I just feel better that local taxpayer money isn't supporting his slimy and unethical antics anymore.
Buh bye Keith, and again, karma will find ya.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 05:05 P.M. EST on Tue Sep 12, 2006 #
Ah, Brian. The idea that karma will catch me fills me with hope. And as for Roland's (typically edited) version of the facts, I can only add this. I remember vividly the case in question and the reason that it ended as it did is because the Commissioners failed to appropriately handle the case of your theft in office, not because no theft existed. I, on the other hand, have never been accused (much less shown the door) for such an offense. The reason - I've never committed one.
As for my life, the professional aspects are there for anyone with google to find. While I feel no need to compile them in one place, I've nothing to hide. A web address for me has been posted on this board before and my council e-mail addy was public record. My (volunteer) work on the ADAS and LMHA boards speaks for itself and the time I've spent in the public sector is an open book for anyone to peruse.
As for "big, bad, tough," the reason I was never this frank in the past is that I employed by elected officials and thus my actions -- fairly or not to them and myself -- reflected on them. Further, while I wouldn't could myself as a Roland Hansen fan, at least you do leave yourself open to actual criticism. This stands in marked contrast to Brian's psuedononymous and cowardly antics.
Again, that only people who don't know me seem to consider me unethical I believe an adequate testament in and of itself. People like Brian matter exactly as much as they deserve to -- not at all. I would suggest he check his facts, but he never bothers to cite any.
posted by keith at 06:16 P.M. EST on Tue Sep 12, 2006 #
BoldFaced Mistruths by Kevin McCrea as public records prove otherwise. The word libel comes to mind.
By the way, click on his name and take a look at his "contributions" here at Toledo talk. Then ask yourself: Does he show any character here other than to be a political opportunistic hatchetman?
Now, in order to minimize further attention to his "negative campaigning" style of addressing the topic, I shall try my very best to avoid further comment in this thread. He is using the exact same technique as used in "negative campaigning" which does work to the users advantage because the accused is constantly placed in a position of attempting to respond to the accusations.
I will let the public records address this matter.
posted by RolandHansen at 07:03 P.M. EST on Tue Sep 12, 2006 #
DARN!!! I'm back already. My previous posting should be BoldFaced Mistruths by Keith McCrea - not Kevin.
--- duh, jeesh, now I feel silly or is that slap happy or is it raging bull.
Now on a lighter note, have you heard the story of the big bad wolf and the three bears or was that three blind mice and humpty-dumpty or was it ?????????????????????
posted by RolandHansen at 07:11 P.M. EST on Tue Sep 12, 2006 #
Roland, of course, simply asserts that I made "boldfaced mistruths" without naming any of them. I have never aspired to be a regular toledotalk contributor, I have merely posted to set to rights obvious lies about myself and my friends.
As for libel, any attorney you contact should be able to find my contact information with ease. I can't say it surprises me that you would endeavor to hide behind legalistic tactics -- after all, it seemed to work with the Commissioners.
posted by keith at 07:22 P.M. EST on Tue Sep 12, 2006 #
It's ok Keith, your "double dipping" during the Ford administration working on elections was recent proof enough for me what kind of scumbag you are, as well as your association to Skippy. Or are you that stupid that I need to research and post the link from the blade to that drama here?
I'm on vacation and didn't expect your unethical presence again. I was under the impression you were "moving with your wife".
When I do get bored I'll make sure I google everything and post it here and show how truly inefficient you really are. Just got back from the race in Richmond and making plans on the race in Charlotte in October and with home improvements, I'm kinda too busy to dwell on youse.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 04:52 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 13, 2006 #
"Keith McCrea, Legislative Director of Toledo City Council, who makes $51,000 per year, was granted a leave of absence, without a vote of council, to work as a paid employee of the TPS Levy Campaign. By the time the election is over, he will have missed roughly 8 weeks of council work."
Sorry, it was in the lead post. LOL
Guilty. Court Ajourned.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 04:53 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 13, 2006 #
Wow Keith, I made more than you last year and all I do is drive a golf cart for 5 hours a day! LOL Now I can see why you had to double dip. Scumbag :)
Man, too bad the caffine took it's time or I posted too early, I could have had fun with this.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 04:59 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 13, 2006 #
I would suggest he check his facts, but he never bothers to cite any.
Ouch!!! posted by keith at 07:16 P.M. EDT on Tue Sep 12, 2006 #
Keith McCrea, Legislative Director of Toledo City Council, who makes $51,000 per year, was granted a leave of absence, without a vote of council, to work as a paid employee of the TPS Levy Campaign. By the time the election is over, he will have missed roughly 8 weeks of council work."
"Section 2101.19 of the Toledo city charter states: "No employee shall be granted a leave of absence for the purpose of entering employment for another employer or becoming self-employed."
"The penalty for this violation is termination from the city position."
"Mayor Ford's Ethics Policy, revised July 10, 2003, section III, states: "An employee shall not request a leave of absence for the purpose of entering employment with another employer or to be self-employed." "
There's your cite. In your face, beeeiotch.
Now, off to the attic!
posted by BrianInFlorida at 05:05 A.M. EST on Wed Sep 13, 2006 #
BrianInSignificant.
For someone who is kinda busy to dwell on me, you managed to squeeze in four posts. First, let me say that as someone who believes strongly in people earning enough to support their families regardless of their skills, I am happy to hear that you've found a job that fits your modest intellectual gifts.
I can't say I'm surprised that you confuse Bob Frantz's self-described "rants" as facts, but your confusion doesn't change the actual facts. I never double-dipped -- I was off the city payroll when I worked for the TPS levy. Further, as a council employee, I wasn't governed by the Mayor's ethics policy -- a policy flaw that I spent several months this year working with councilpeople to fix.
As for court being adjourned, generally courts only adjourn after reaching a verdict. Of course, because I never broke the law, I was never in court on the infractions you allege. Before I left to work on the TPS levy, I consulted with the following the make certain that the charter section Bob citing didn't apply to me.
-the City Law Department
-members of Council
-my direct boss in the bureaucracy, the Clerk of Council, and, at on my own initiative
-an attorney in private practice with extensive experience in both municipal administration and public employee law.
All told me the exact same thing -- that section of the code didn't apply in my case. I don't know where Bob Frantz went to law school, but I made sure to do my homework. It seems one isn't required to do homework when one's job is conducted on a golfcart, but when you're in a sensitive position working for elected officials in the public sector, it is. As for there not being a vote of council, I have no idea where Bob got that one from -- there was no vote on my hiring (or Steve's for that matter) and the only formal votes ever taken on personel matters at council are on the election of the Clerk and the Clerk's secretary. No part of my employment was ever subject to a formal vote under the law.
And I moved with my fiancee, as I made clear above. Again facts -- check 'em before you sound off.
posted by keith at 12:48 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 13, 2006 #
I was off the city payroll when I worked for the TPS levy.
I heard that during this time the city paid your health insurance. Is this so?
posted by billy at 01:23 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 13, 2006 #
No, it is not and I didn't use COBRA, though I was entitled to it -- I thought it would be an abuse. I almost never visit a doctor (and didn't during that period), but I can tell you that I paid full price for my two prescriptions when I was doing the campaign. Between them, they were over $500.
posted by keith at 01:37 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 13, 2006 #
Further, I appropriately wasn't a member of PERS from September to November of 2005. While TPS would have paid into PERS, the campaign (for which I worked) didn't.
posted by keith at 01:39 P.M. EST on Wed Sep 13, 2006 #
wassa madda Keith, conscience getting the best of you now?
Finding having to leave the city for your version to come out?
What happened to typing this drivel while you were here? Altho I'm sure by now you have your ass covered.
For me being so "insignificant" in your world, you sure are spending a lot of time ignoring me by your excuses to my postings.
Personally, I'm glad you're gone. And on a whim of a chick you ain't even married to. Speaks volumes.
posted by BrianInFlorida at 03:27 A.M. EST on Thu Sep 14, 2006 #
BrianInSignficant,
As I mentioned above, I avoided (not always successfully) commenting publicly on issue of public interest while I was employed there. Again, when you work for elected officials, your views and actions -- fairly or unfairly to them and to you -- reflect on the elected officials. I therefore gave up writing letters to the editor, asked Tom Troy routinely to not quote me and to only quote councilpeople (which he did), tried to keep my name out of news stories regarding my volunteer service (on the LMHA board, for example), and didn't reply to personal attacks on public message boards like this one. My last day at council was August 24th, and when I discovered that people where questioning my work there on a thread in part clearly about me ("Three Toledo council staffers resign"), I took the opportunity to set the record straight.
As for having my "ass covered" or my "conscience getting the best of" me, those things would only have happened if I had done something wrong. I didn't. And what exactly you mean about my engagement, I don't know. People in non-golf cart related industries routinely face the choice to relocate for professional reasons. If you're concerned, I will happily add you to the registry.
And personally, I wish you'd butt out of the affairs of a community in which you don't live or pay taxes. I will. The only reason I'm here now is that it would be foolish of me to let false charges of law-breaking go unrefuted online in the age of the google search. And the thread is, after all, about me and my former colleagues.
posted by keith at 09:48 A.M. EST on Thu Sep 14, 2006 #
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