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Dunedin leaders didn't properly manage staff

 
Published March 8, 2006

Re: Dunedin residents show support for interim city manager, story, Feb. 4.

Although Dr. William Hale's comments regarding the controversy surrounding the Dunedin interim city manager were certainly from his heart, and he properly stated that the problem involves good people and good employees, he ignored several important facts and failed to identify the real problem facing the City Commission.

The relationship in question was obviously common knowledge among the staff of the city. The previous city manager, the director of personnel and the current interim manager should have notified the commissioners prior to the appointment of the new manager.

This was a case of very poor judgment on the part of our senior management, and proper handling could have pre-empted the current problem. It should make the public wonder about the application of proper management principles.

The fact is, the approval of outside personal relationships within the management structure is a serious breach of basic management principles. Of all people who should have expressed serious concern was the mayor, who comes from the military, where situations such as this are expressly prohibited and dealt with immediately.

Although three city commissioners expressed only concern about the motives behind the disclosure, the public should note that none of them suggested applying the proper management principle. It seems their personal feelings cloud their judgment and makes one wonder if there will be an unbiased search for a new city manager.

The public should understand that this lack of concern for management principles will certainly affect any outside applicants for the city manager's vacancy, and that is a disservice to the public.

Although the current situation is temporary and some accommodation can be made, the commission should have clearly stated that situations such as this will not be tolerated. Otherwise, members are condoning such relationships, which will seriously affect employee morale, put the city in possible legal jeopardy and erode the public's trust. This isn't a matter of personal likes or dislikes; it's a matter of a basic management principle.

Jim Harpham, Dunedin

The cohabitation scandal won't spoil manager's race

I have lived in Dunedin for 32 years, and I have never before seen the ridiculous infighting that has evolved in the selection of a new city manager, and especially, the position of "Moe" Freaney.

She has been splashed all over our newspaper ever since she put in her bid to take over the job that was left open by former City Manager John Lawrence. The newest tactic, which could possibly destroy one's chances to win that job, is that she is cohabiting with another female who is also employed by the city.

She has been cohabiting in that home for the past 10 years. Where were you people for the past 10 years? Wasn't Freaney still in charge of the future of her fellow cohabitant and employee? Will she have more influence on this employee when she is elevated to the job of city manager than she had as assistant city manager?

That is not saying much for John Lawrence, the absolutely finest city manager this city or any city in Florida can acclaim. The situation that everyone in authority is running scared about has existed throughout that great man's last 10 years. Why didn't he demand that Freaney remove this woman from her quarters, which you people are now saying is wrong?

All you present backstabbers shall very soon find that you have not enough dirt to derail the most certain election of this fine person to her well-earned position as city manager.

A.J. Voiland, Dunedin

Newspaper fulfills role by keeping track of officials

Re: Dunedin residents show support for interim city manager, story, Feb. 4.

Although I agree with what Dr. William Hale says about allowing Dunedin interim City Manager Maureen Freaney to keep her job in spite of owning a home with city recreation division director Peg Cummings, I do not agree with him that the St. Petersburg Times was wrong in bringing up the problems that may arise. A newspaper's job is to give its readers information that may affect the way they are governed. The Times did its job and the citizens, at least the ones at the recent Dunedin City Commission meeting, seem to have made their decision that it was not an issue for them. This is an example of how things should work.

Scott Wachtler, Clearwater

Mayor's roast drummed up memories, laughter

Feb. 2 was a fun day in Oldsmar. A group of 75 people gathered at the Cypress Forest Recreation Center to roast the mayor of Oldsmar, Jerald Beverland. There was a grand buffet dinner before the roast started. The new president and chief executive officer of the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, Jerry Custin, served as emcee for the occasion. Mr. Custin read off his Top 10 reasons for wanting to roast the mayor, which were quite amusing for all.

There were about 20 roasters who praised the mayor, made fun of some of the things that he does, and told stories about the mayor that were of interest to those present.

Some of the dignitaries that attended were state Rep. Gus Bilirakis, state Rep. Kim Berfield, all members of the Oldsmar City Council, City Manager Bruce Haddock, City Attorney Tom Trask, City Council candidates and some state and county candidates.

There were many quips and humorous statements causing much laughter and applause for the person speaking. Mr. Bilirakis gave the mayor a flag that flew over the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and shared a letter from his father, U.S. Rep. Mike Bilirakis. The mayor's brother, Jack, shared fun stories and gave the mayor several trinkets to remind him of his childhood. As the chairman of the roast, I read an e-mail from a school friend of the mayor, which caused him some interesting moments to the enjoyment of those present.

Other members of the committee for the roast were Tracey Arehart, Brandon Ahlgren, Frank and Nancy Chicollo, and Barbara Walters.

At the end of the evening, the mayor commented that he was very delighted at the turnout and felt honored that so many people were in attendance. Mr. Custin asked the mayor what charity he would be choosing to receive the proceeds of the night because this was the purpose of holding the roast. Mayor Beverland said the funds would go to the American Cancer Society.

Fun was had by all. The committee members are considering making this an annual event.

Jerry Walters, Oldsmar

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