New Haven Independent

Posted by: Paul Wessel | February 23, 2007 9:22 AM

re: "the fact remains that CDGB funds are shrinking." This is a passive description of a political strategy to shrink the role of the federal government in serving the residents of the country. People are deciding to shrink this funding - and people can decide to fight it. For a perspective on the issue from, interestingly, Florida, see http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070211/OPINION05/702110304/1006/OPINION

Posted by: bruce | February 23, 2007 9:42 AM

I have a lot of sympathy for these workers and I think this matter probably could have been handled a quite bit smoother. If there are vacant positions that need to be filled, it would be great if these folks could be retained. However, these are government jobs supported by grants which are subject to the whim of politicians. People should be aware that a career in public service always comes with risks and there are no guarantees.

Our aldermen should keep in mind that they are responsible for keeping a lid on tax spending, which is extremely high in this city. Extremely high. When it comes to city-paid employees, we should be looking to maintain only the positions absolutely necessary for the city to function and not let emotions get involved.

Again, I sympathize with these workers and thank them for their service, but with all the experience they have they will find new jobs. This happens every day in the private sector and often with less warning than this. At UTC, for example, the standard practice if for the managers to walk up to your desk in the morning and give you a few minutes to pack your things and hit the road.

Posted by: another option | February 23, 2007 3:45 PM

LCI is also special funds. They have many neighborhood specialists that do nothing, although some do. Review their work. We have buildings being renovar=ted in many areas with no permits (note Mr. Rizzo in the 18 Cottage St fiasco claims permits are required for all kinds of stuuf) ant review of permits will show no consistancy in permit vallues and actual work fees. New Haven building and LCI are corrupt. I have the data to prove the fees are not even close to fair. New Haven is filled with liars as dept heads. All the good ones left

Posted by: peterlowe | February 24, 2007 9:48 PM

Another Option is right on target regarding the neighborhood specialists, (who don't even have to show up at the office) and department heads. The very first LCI director, Merle Berke Schlessel lasted 6 months becauase she would not play King Johns game. She had too much integrity for the DeStefano administration.

Posted by: Nancy Drew | February 25, 2007 11:04 AM

Another Option is right on target regarding the quality of city hall department heads. Does anyone remember the first LCI director-Merle Burke Schlessel? She only lasted 6 months because she refused to play King John's game. Integrity is a quality not respected in the DeStefano City Hall.

Regarding Bruce's comment about how the private sector conducts a lay-off, they can get away with
such abusive treatment of employees because they are not unionized.

Forgive me for being so naive to think the city would behave in a more humane, decent manner with regard to employees who live and pay taxes in the All American Livable City of New Haven.

If you knew all the facts regarding this lay-off; you will realize it was malicious and in violation of the union contract.

Posted by: another opinion | February 25, 2007 4:40 PM

Thanks to the comments that supported my opinion. I left becuase I would not bow down to the demands I break the law. I watched other very qualified people leave as well, while the mayor was too busy with trying to become gov. Something that he had no chance of, but his ego was too big. The people left in charge were very self-interested. Thank goodness they have been moved, but the move was only to help them escape being replaced, if and when we get a new mayor. I ask all to reach out in support of Jeorge Perez and excourage him to run for mayor. He knows the system and the city. I also have the utmost respect for his work and dedication to this city, especially after the manipulation of the BOA by the mayor and his croonies to remove Jeorge as President of the BOA. They teamed up on Al Paolillo also, and thank goodness he won. He would be another great mayor. I would work for either, but never for the current administration again.

Posted by: emes | February 26, 2007 10:25 AM

With regard to PETERLOWE's comments:

I would hope that the LCI neighborhood specialists don't spend all day at the office - thier job is to be on the street seeing what is going on. They should however respond if a voicemail is left.

Posted by: deloresmariconde | February 26, 2007 2:19 PM

EMES -you are missing the point.

Posted by: Cedar Hill Resident | February 26, 2007 4:58 PM

I have to agree with Nancy Drew's comment 100% on the layoff's. And then how do they hire someone new after laying off 6 people. What ever happened to last Hired first Fired?? Why was the Union not notified?? Why was this done under the table? They thought that these women would not stand up for themselves?? I am sure the alderman will help these fine women find positions under other grant.

As far as LCI I live in Cedar Hill and our neighborhood specialists is there the day you call! She if fair to people, not a strong arm and she makes things right in our area! We are thankful that we have her. Not only that she comes to all our block watch meetings and community events. And she does not live in our area. I also work in a field that requires me to call LCI for issues in other areas of the city on occasion and I have never had a problem with those reps. So I have to say that LCI is a good dept of the city.

Posted by: another opinion | February 26, 2007 8:13 PM

Cedar Hill,

You do have a dedicated person in your area, and I know the work done and the commitment. As I said, not all people in any department are bad, most that I worked with are dedicated, but there is a huge number of overpaid, irresponsible people working under special funds. The ladies laid off were dedicated and honest employees.

How upset would you be if the neighborhood specialist that works with you was forced out, (remember they are special funds too) while the ones that abuse the job is never reprimanded, becuase of politics?

Send an FOI for neighborhood specialists weekly reports. You'll get more BS than you could imagine.

Thank your LCI representative and share our comments, speaking off the record you may find a person that agrees, but does the job to a personal standard. That's what we need.

Posted by: Cedar Hill Resident | February 28, 2007 8:41 AM

another opinion
I would not be happy if my lci worker was gone just as one of the 6 workers was a help to our area and she is now gone. That is why people from my area went to this meeting I would say there was well over 20 there to stand up for these 6 workers. This one women over 20 years in the city and she did alot more than what her job required and that makes me mad! But you are right the fact that people who do there job are loseing them and people that are a throne in the citys side are keeping theres. There should be some kind of weekly reports.
Or do like the UI does NO REALITIVES only one person per family can work in the city!