The DeKalb County Housing Authority spent 2.5 million dollars of federal money on items other than the required housing assistance payments.
Just think what's going to happen when Burrell gets his hands on 36 million dollars from the feds. How many millions of dollars will be slipped under the table to his cronies?
Click here for Atlanta Unfiltered article.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
12 Hour Shift Experiment Postponed Until January 2011
Because of "issues that need to be worked out", the experimental 12 hour shift has been postponed until January 2011. The "issues" haven't been made public, but we can only guess.
- No cars to drive
- Leave time: Currently we accrue 8 hours (or more depending on years of service) of leave/sick time per month. Under 12 hours, and officer loses 4 hours of leave/sick when they take a day off.
- Court time: Conceivably, an officer could be awake 16 hours or more a work day if he has court that only last 2 hours. Of course we are figuring in travel time to and from work, 1 hour each way. Humans are not built to work 16 hour days and then turn right around and report back to work. The is an outright hazard to the officer's safety.
- Manpower scheduling: The goal of 12 hours is to put more manpower on the street. If you are letting officers leave early or come in late or even giving them the day off because they have worked too many hours, then the purpose is being defeated.
- North Precinct will be the guinea pig and the decision maker. At the end of 90 days, if they like it, then the entire department goes to it. Seems like they would have chosen a precinct with a high call volume.
- And why North Precinct? When Dunwoody succeeded, the precinct was cut in half, and kept the same amount of manpower. There was no major shift of officers to other precincts. Why not Tucker of South where they stack calls up all day long?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
While We Work Holidays For No Pay, Burrell And Shelia Get Intimate
Burrell and Sheila are laughing at us while we work for no pay.
As the end of the month nears, people are wringing their hands with anticipation, waiting on the ticket stats for the month.
With these kind of shenanigans, who is in the mood to write a ticket?
As the end of the month nears, people are wringing their hands with anticipation, waiting on the ticket stats for the month.
With these kind of shenanigans, who is in the mood to write a ticket?
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Burrell Ellis Gives Shelia Edwards Hush Money Under The Table
14 days before our next holiday (Labor Day, how appropriate, should be "Free Labor Day") that we are being forced to work for no pay, we learn Burrell Ellis has given his former assistant, Shelia Edwards, $45,980.00 to keep quiet.
You remember Shelia. She's the one Burrell Ellis gave a $13,000.00 dollar per year raise just before she resigned for making a complete and total fool out of herself and Burrell. Like he needs any help.
Why $45,980.00 you ask? Good question. If it had been $50,000.00 dollars or more, the full board of commissioners would have to approve it by vote. This way Burrell can take care of his buddy and no one can do anything about it.
Where did Burrell find the money to give his staff up to a 34% raise? Where did he find hush money to pay off Shelia Edwards?
But he, and the other commissioners can't find the money to pay us for the holidays we are being forced to work.
The madness continues.
Click here to read more.
You remember Shelia. She's the one Burrell Ellis gave a $13,000.00 dollar per year raise just before she resigned for making a complete and total fool out of herself and Burrell. Like he needs any help.
Why $45,980.00 you ask? Good question. If it had been $50,000.00 dollars or more, the full board of commissioners would have to approve it by vote. This way Burrell can take care of his buddy and no one can do anything about it.
Where did Burrell find the money to give his staff up to a 34% raise? Where did he find hush money to pay off Shelia Edwards?
But he, and the other commissioners can't find the money to pay us for the holidays we are being forced to work.
The madness continues.
Click here to read more.
Commissioners Say No To Burrell Ellis' GM Plant Scam
Burrell is an idiot, so says the commissioners. They have voted against the GM plant scam concocted by Ellis.
Elaine Boyer is pro police. She would like to she some of the money spent on a new police academy.
Connie Stokes voted for the scam, and we understand. It takes and idiot to know and idiot.
But we are puzzled why Kathy Gannon voted for it. Maybe she will explain herself.
Elaine Boyer is pro police. She would like to she some of the money spent on a new police academy.
Connie Stokes voted for the scam, and we understand. It takes and idiot to know and idiot.
But we are puzzled why Kathy Gannon voted for it. Maybe she will explain herself.
Officers Reject Proposed 12 Hours Shift - Poll Closed
Our unscientific poll shows that 65% of the officers have rejected the idea of a 12 hour shift, while only 14% are in favor of it.
This blog is the pulse of the department. We can only hope the command staff is taking notice.
Forcing a 12 hours shift down our throats when we are being forced to work holidays without pay, will be detrimental to the morale of the department which is already at a historic low.
This blog is the pulse of the department. We can only hope the command staff is taking notice.
Forcing a 12 hours shift down our throats when we are being forced to work holidays without pay, will be detrimental to the morale of the department which is already at a historic low.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Taxpayers Shouldn't Become ATM Machines
By Rep Mike Jacobs
Drive north on Peachtree Road and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard through Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville and into Dunwoody and the view is startling. Shopping centers are empty like the ghost towns of the Wild West.
Town Brookhaven is finally sprouting major anchor stores, but is having trouble filling its smaller retail store fronts. Chamblee Plaza? Nearly empty. The new “Super H Mart” center adjacent to the GM site? It’s nearly empty, too.
The CoStar Group, a national real estate analysis firm, says the vacancy rates of retail, shopping centers and offices in North DeKalb are at catastrophic levels when you compare them to the national average. With so many empty store fronts, why would county officials push so hard to use our tax dollars for a supersized mixed-use project at the site of the former GM plant in Doraville?
Consider this:
-In the North DeKalb zip codes 30319, 30338, 30340, 30341, 30346 and 30360, the vacancy rate for shopping centers is 23 percent compared to 14 percent in DeKalb County as a whole and 10 percent in the City of Atlanta.
- The vacancy rate for North DeKalb office buildings is 24 percent compared to 18 percent in the county overall and 20 percent in the City of Atlanta.
- Retail vacancy rates are 17 percent in those zip codes, 11 percent in DeKalb overall, and 9 percent in Atlanta, according to CoStar.
The county’s elected officials are considering using a special allocation of $36 million in federal stimulus bonds on the 165-acre GM site with visions of creating another Atlantic Station. These bonds come with a high price tag to the taxpayers. DeKalb officials would use the stimulus bonds as a $36 million “gift” to an out-of-state developer, New Broad Street of Florida.
Worse yet, county taxpayers would have to pay the principal and a majority of the interest on these bonds. It’s very likely that means higher property taxes for you and me because the county doesn’t otherwise have the money to make the payments.
In ordinary times, the developer wouldn’t have to rely on county taxpayers. There would be more private investment to help finance the project. But these are no ordinary times. We’re in the midst of the worst commercial real estate market in memory. Private investors don’t want to provide the financing for an overly ambitious mixed-use project consisting of shopping, apartments and offices. The county wants the taxpayers to step in and do what private investors won’t do: bear the risks of this project.
If a new restaurant, retail shop or gas station, for example, wants to open for business, investors take the risk whether it prospers or fails. The same should be true for this project. DeKalb taxpayers are not a bank. They are not in the business of providing corporate welfare to jump start a project the private sector would never finance.
This is the most ambitious project we’ve ever seen county officials attempt to tackle, and it comes during a deep recession. It is not the taxpayers’ job to finance the next Atlantic Station and add to the already glutted market a new supply of retail and commercial space.
The definition of insanity, according to Albert Einstein, is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. We should heed the lessons of the “real estate bubble” and steer clear of risking taxpayer funds for further overdevelopment. After the bubble has burst, don’t use our tax dollars to create another bubble!
There are two final things to consider:
1. The GM site ultimately will be redeveloped if the county does not intervene. It’s arguably the most valuable parcel of available commercial property in the county. It’s on a major highway (I-285), a major north-south artery (Peachtree Industrial), and a MARTA station. In better economic times, something that private investors and market forces will support will be built there. I’m confident of that.
2. These particular stimulus bonds are supposed to be used for public infrastructure projects, not for private development. When used properly, they are a cheaper way of financing these projects. The county already has a list of infrastructure needs a mile long, not the least of which is the water and sewer system upgrades that they plan to fund with massive increases in our water bills. The bonds could be used to defray those costs. They also could be used for projects such as street repairs, new sidewalks, intersection upgrades, and parks.
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will vote on this matter tomorrow, Tuesday, August 24.
Commissioner Elaine Boyer has pledged to vote against it. I encourage you to contact the other six county commissioners (Rader, Johnson, Barnes-Sutton, May, Gannon, and Stokes) and urge them to vote “no” as well. In particular, Commissioner Jeff Rader appears not to have taken a position as of yet. You can find the commissioners’ telephone numbers and e-mail addresses by clicking here.Funny how Burrell Ellis can find taxpayer money to give to a private developer on a losing cause, but can't find the money to pay police officers for holidays they work. Labor Day is just a few days away. Then comes November.
Friday, August 20, 2010
More Pension News.....
Mr. Ed Wall of the pension board has taken his time to respond to and answer some questions related to our pension, and we thank him for that.
"The Pension Board minutes for meetings since March, 2010 will be posted soon. We apologize for them not being posted sooner.
The Pension Board has never paid for Mr Robertson to fly from Chicago to attend a meeting and he has never asked to be reimbursed. Furthermore, it isn't allowed in the Pension Code.
The Board felt it needed a lawyer with unique expertise in retirement law and IRS regulations like ERISA. It is extra money paid from the fund.
Elections for the two employee representatives will be held in January in accordance with the Pension Code.
Our meetings are public meetings held in the Commissioners conference room on the 5th floor of the Maloof building.
Former CEO Vernon Jones did not ask and has not purchased time in the Pension Plan for his time served in the General Assembly. Furthermore, it is not allowed by the Pension Code.
Kinda personal stuff in here. I am not gay nor am I a sex offender.
Your Pension assets are very important. I and the Board of Trustees know how important this is to each of you."
Ed Wall
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
And The Hits Keep Coming
Coming soon to a precinct near you, 12 Hour Shifts!
That's right folks, not only are you being forced to work 40 hours and only being paid for 30 hours during a holiday week, now you will be forced to give up some of your extra jobs. Your new schedule of 12 hours per day will simply not allow you enough time to work extra jobs, except on your off days.
Oh, and did we mention less time with your family? Lets' see, you work 12 hours.You live OTP so your family will be safe and not have to attend a corrupt school system . You drive an hour to and from work because of traffic. That equals a 14 hour day.
North Precinct will start in October. Here's the schedule:
Don't stand too close to the guy next to you in roll call, his head just may detonate!
That's right folks, not only are you being forced to work 40 hours and only being paid for 30 hours during a holiday week, now you will be forced to give up some of your extra jobs. Your new schedule of 12 hours per day will simply not allow you enough time to work extra jobs, except on your off days.
Oh, and did we mention less time with your family? Lets' see, you work 12 hours.You live OTP so your family will be safe and not have to attend a corrupt school system . You drive an hour to and from work because of traffic. That equals a 14 hour day.
North Precinct will start in October. Here's the schedule:
This is for a 2 week cycle that starts on a Sat and ends 14 days later on a Friday (Same as we currently have)Team A and C work 0600-1800 (E/O 0500-1700)
Team B and D work 1800-0600 (E/O 1700-0500)
Team A and C Week 1 work 3 days x 12hr = 36 hr
Team A and C Week 2 work 4 days x 12hr =48 hr
Just opposite for Teams B and D
Each team works Two 3-day weekends/month and are off Two 3-day weekends/month
Virtually no Overtime
North will have 14 officers per team NOT including any ICP.
Currently North Watches put out 7 or 8 per shift.
Unit situation should be in good shape by Oct1st to handle the 12hr. It's ok to laugh.
As for the car situation, we can run a couple 2-officer units and the paddy wagon on each shift.
As for supervisors, 3 sgts per team and 1 Lt. That leaves 1 Lt to be over both ICP and NET.
For the 84 Hours:
1. Sometime during the two-week stretch each officer either comes in 4 hours late or leaves 4 hours early.
OR
2. The officer may add 8 hours vacation time (plus the 4 comp) and takes the whole day off.
With the amount of manpower available, all court time etc. will be comped out by having the officer come in late or leave early. No overtime for court!
Don't stand too close to the guy next to you in roll call, his head just may detonate!
Pension News
News from the pension board has be awfully quit since March of 2010.
In a nut shell. Employee contributions to the pension will be going up in 2011. The debate on the pension board is whether the county contributions will increase also.
Commissioner Rader and C.E.O. Ellis are in favor of only raising employee contributions. The pension board brings up the point the county is saving money with the early retirements and should increase it's contributions.
There is one thing we can count on for sure. If Ellis and his band of merry-men get a chance to stick it to the employees, they will take advantage of it.
Never in the history of DeKalb County has there been a body of commissioners who are so anti-employee.
Click here for March 2010 Pension Minutes. The pension board has not updated pension minutes since March. Transparency?
In a nut shell. Employee contributions to the pension will be going up in 2011. The debate on the pension board is whether the county contributions will increase also.
Commissioner Rader and C.E.O. Ellis are in favor of only raising employee contributions. The pension board brings up the point the county is saving money with the early retirements and should increase it's contributions.
There is one thing we can count on for sure. If Ellis and his band of merry-men get a chance to stick it to the employees, they will take advantage of it.
Never in the history of DeKalb County has there been a body of commissioners who are so anti-employee.
Click here for March 2010 Pension Minutes. The pension board has not updated pension minutes since March. Transparency?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Blood Drive In Memory of Slain Detective Dennis Stepnowksi, 1:00 PM Wednesday September 8, 2010
A blood drive will be held at headquarters, 1960 W. Exchange Place, in memory of slain Detective Dennis Stepnowski.
Please make plans to participate in this worthy cause. Plus, you get 4 hours of paid leave time for donating blood.
Please make plans to participate in this worthy cause. Plus, you get 4 hours of paid leave time for donating blood.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Surely Burrell Ellis Wouldn't Tell A Lie....
Burrell Ellis responded to a letter written to him by an unidentified officer known as "I'm Ron Burgundy?". In Ellis' response, he said "I have pledged to reduce my own salary for every unpaid holiday as they occur".
But back in February he said it is law that he receive holiday pay and he couldn't reduce his pay if he wanted to.
So, which is it Mr. C.E.O.?
But back in February he said it is law that he receive holiday pay and he couldn't reduce his pay if he wanted to.
So, which is it Mr. C.E.O.?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
On A Lighter Side
Sometimes we work a crime scene that attracts the media like mange to a stray dog. When you have to interact with the reporter, you are thinking, dang, that dude (or dudette) is weird, their eyes are kind of rolling around in their head.
Well, while we are standing around watching them watching us, here is an example of what is going on between those ears when their eyes are wandering around like Marty Feldman.
Click here to see why.
Well, while we are standing around watching them watching us, here is an example of what is going on between those ears when their eyes are wandering around like Marty Feldman.
Click here to see why.
Just In Case You Missed It
Looks like we may have corrected our technical snafu for now. Just in in case you missed Burrell Ellis trying to answer "The Tough Question", here it is for your entertainment.
...And The Infighting Begins
Elaine Boyer says: Hey, I'm only concerned about District 1, I have no part in this.
Burrell Ellis and Larry Johnson may be saying to each other at the water cooler, "Them po-lice are stupid. Let's tell them we'll pay them for their holidays and they'll start writing tickets again, but then we'll furlough them. They're too stupid to know the difference".
Connie Stokes is out looking for another ass hat. Sharon Sutton is hiding, wondering if there is another warrant for her arrest.
A little advice for Burrell; Don't be standing at the bus stop with Lee May around, cause you just might get thrown under the bus.
Where is Commissioner Gannon and Rader? Ducking for cover?
The commissioners antics are making us more resolved.
Burrell Ellis and Larry Johnson may be saying to each other at the water cooler, "Them po-lice are stupid. Let's tell them we'll pay them for their holidays and they'll start writing tickets again, but then we'll furlough them. They're too stupid to know the difference".
Connie Stokes is out looking for another ass hat. Sharon Sutton is hiding, wondering if there is another warrant for her arrest.
A little advice for Burrell; Don't be standing at the bus stop with Lee May around, cause you just might get thrown under the bus.
Where is Commissioner Gannon and Rader? Ducking for cover?
The commissioners antics are making us more resolved.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A Non-Paid Holiday Or A Furlough Day Equals No Pay
Chief O'Brien has finally stepped forward and admitted there are problems within the police department.
O'Brien told the commissioners “I do not support any type of ticket slowdown,” “But I empathize with an officer’s need to feel valued and supported. … Morale is suffering due to the impact the current situation has placed us in. You, the commissioners, have the power to impact morale.”......You bet'cha.
We'll try to make some sense out of what is being proposed by Larry Johnson and other commissioners: For the officers working on a holiday, they would be paid time and a half. These same officers would be furloughed on another date. So, instead of not being paid at all for working a holiday, you will be only be paid a half day when it's all said and done. This equals REDUCTION IN PAY!
If you are lucky enough to be off on the holiday as your regular off day, you will not get paid. Again, REDUCTION IN PAY!
Do these people just not get it? We don't want our pay reduced one cent! Especially when commissioners are handing out pay raises to their staff at the rate of 34%. All the while the commissioners are being paid for holidays, while enjoying time with their family and friends.
Burrell Ellis has threatened do deal with the officers taking part in the ticket strike. Threats will get him nowhere.
What do they take us for? We know what we take them for; imbaseasls!
Ticket strike? They haven't seen nothing yet.
Click here to read further.
O'Brien told the commissioners “I do not support any type of ticket slowdown,” “But I empathize with an officer’s need to feel valued and supported. … Morale is suffering due to the impact the current situation has placed us in. You, the commissioners, have the power to impact morale.”......You bet'cha.
We'll try to make some sense out of what is being proposed by Larry Johnson and other commissioners: For the officers working on a holiday, they would be paid time and a half. These same officers would be furloughed on another date. So, instead of not being paid at all for working a holiday, you will be only be paid a half day when it's all said and done. This equals REDUCTION IN PAY!
If you are lucky enough to be off on the holiday as your regular off day, you will not get paid. Again, REDUCTION IN PAY!
Do these people just not get it? We don't want our pay reduced one cent! Especially when commissioners are handing out pay raises to their staff at the rate of 34%. All the while the commissioners are being paid for holidays, while enjoying time with their family and friends.
Burrell Ellis has threatened do deal with the officers taking part in the ticket strike. Threats will get him nowhere.
What do they take us for? We know what we take them for; imbaseasls!
Ticket strike? They haven't seen nothing yet.
Click here to read further.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Burrell Ellis Responds To I'm Ron Burgundy?
A few days ago, I'm Ron Burgundy wrote Mr. C.E.O. addressing our pay concerns. Here is Burrell's response. (Of course the officer's true identify has been changed by us,)
August 9, 2010
Officer I'm Ron Burgundy?
DeKalb County Police Services
Dear Officer I'm Ron Burgundy?
I would like to express my appreciation for your letter, which addresses concerns regarding recent DeKalb County pay increases. Furthermore, I applaud your integrity and courage by signing your own name to your letter.
Most counties throughout Georgia and the United States are experiencing difficult financial and economic struggles. Unfortunately, DeKalb County is not immune from economic hardship and we have been tasked with making difficult decisions to reduce staff, eliminate services, and trim our budgets. Several factors have led to a $100 million shortfall in the county, including the incorporation of the City of Dunwoody, a Homestead Assessment freeze and declining sales tax revenue.
As you know, I have the responsibility for putting together a proposed budget that must be submitted to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) for final approval. Before approving, the BOC may make changes to the budget. This year, despite our declining revenues, I proposed a 1% pay increase for all employees along with the full funding of all holidays. In order to fund the holidays and proposed pay increase, I also proposed a very modest tax increase. Prior to adopting the budget, the BOC eliminated the pay increase and defunded the holidays in order to avoid a tax increase.
Although I did not support the unfunded holidays, I have pledged to reduce my own salary for every unpaid holiday as they occur, and I have made good on that promise. It’s a small way to let our employees know that we are all in this together.
Despite the current state of the economy, my commitment to public safety remains a top priority. That’s why, in addition to my attempt to raise salaries, I implemented a down payment assistance program for officers buying homes, and reorganized the leadership in the Police Department. We value your dedication. We are very appreciative that our officers work very long hours, including holidays, and I am open to your suggestions on improving morale and retention efforts within the Public Safety department.
Again, thank you for writing and for your service to our citizens. Your cooperation and patience are valued as we continue to evaluate new measures to enhance county operations.
Sincerely,
W. Burrell Ellis, Jr.
August 9, 2010
Officer I'm Ron Burgundy?
DeKalb County Police Services
Dear Officer I'm Ron Burgundy?
I would like to express my appreciation for your letter, which addresses concerns regarding recent DeKalb County pay increases. Furthermore, I applaud your integrity and courage by signing your own name to your letter.
Most counties throughout Georgia and the United States are experiencing difficult financial and economic struggles. Unfortunately, DeKalb County is not immune from economic hardship and we have been tasked with making difficult decisions to reduce staff, eliminate services, and trim our budgets. Several factors have led to a $100 million shortfall in the county, including the incorporation of the City of Dunwoody, a Homestead Assessment freeze and declining sales tax revenue.
As you know, I have the responsibility for putting together a proposed budget that must be submitted to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) for final approval. Before approving, the BOC may make changes to the budget. This year, despite our declining revenues, I proposed a 1% pay increase for all employees along with the full funding of all holidays. In order to fund the holidays and proposed pay increase, I also proposed a very modest tax increase. Prior to adopting the budget, the BOC eliminated the pay increase and defunded the holidays in order to avoid a tax increase.
Although I did not support the unfunded holidays, I have pledged to reduce my own salary for every unpaid holiday as they occur, and I have made good on that promise. It’s a small way to let our employees know that we are all in this together.
Despite the current state of the economy, my commitment to public safety remains a top priority. That’s why, in addition to my attempt to raise salaries, I implemented a down payment assistance program for officers buying homes, and reorganized the leadership in the Police Department. We value your dedication. We are very appreciative that our officers work very long hours, including holidays, and I am open to your suggestions on improving morale and retention efforts within the Public Safety department.
Again, thank you for writing and for your service to our citizens. Your cooperation and patience are valued as we continue to evaluate new measures to enhance county operations.
Sincerely,
W. Burrell Ellis, Jr.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Where's The Money?
Before March 2007, DeKalb County outright owned the building housing South Precinct at 1816 Candler Road. In March of the same year, the commissioners decided to trade that property and building for the property and building at 2842 Shepard Drive, the Toys R Us building. The commissioners and local businesses were hoping that moving the precinct next door to South DeKalb Mall would rejuvenate the area.
Immediately the trade was a losing proposition. The Toys R Us property was valued over 100 thousand dollars less than the South Precinct.
Because the Toys R Us building was not ready to house a police precinct, the county decided to lease back the building at 1816 Candler Road for $199,000.00 per year, anticipating the new precinct being ready by 2010.
3 years and over $600,000.00 dollars later, the county has finally started taking bids to renovate the Toys R Us building.
At a time when the commissioners feel they can longer give us merit pay increases, can longer give us cost of living increases, can no longer give us unused sick leave pay, no longer pay us for holidays, force us to work holidays with no pay, they can now find money to give their staff pay raises, they somehow can find money to renovate a dilapidated building and continue to pay $199,000.00 per year in rent until the work is completed.
How much will it cost to renovate the Toys R Us building? Millions? How long will it take for the job to be complete? 2 or more years?
Who was the presiding commissioner during all this? You guessed it; one Burrell Ellis. Wonder how much Kevin Ross had to do with this?
Do you feel that other brick on your back?
Immediately the trade was a losing proposition. The Toys R Us property was valued over 100 thousand dollars less than the South Precinct.
Because the Toys R Us building was not ready to house a police precinct, the county decided to lease back the building at 1816 Candler Road for $199,000.00 per year, anticipating the new precinct being ready by 2010.
3 years and over $600,000.00 dollars later, the county has finally started taking bids to renovate the Toys R Us building.
At a time when the commissioners feel they can longer give us merit pay increases, can longer give us cost of living increases, can no longer give us unused sick leave pay, no longer pay us for holidays, force us to work holidays with no pay, they can now find money to give their staff pay raises, they somehow can find money to renovate a dilapidated building and continue to pay $199,000.00 per year in rent until the work is completed.
How much will it cost to renovate the Toys R Us building? Millions? How long will it take for the job to be complete? 2 or more years?
Who was the presiding commissioner during all this? You guessed it; one Burrell Ellis. Wonder how much Kevin Ross had to do with this?
Do you feel that other brick on your back?
CBS 46's Take On The Ticket Strike
Because of technical difficulties, we are not able to post the video, but here is the link: DeKalb Writing Fewer Tickets
Friday, August 6, 2010
Now That We Have Their Attention
Now that we have everybody's attention, this is not the time to let up, but to press even harder.
Even as Chief O'Brien brushes our outcry aside like an annoying fly, we will continue to be reasonable people.
As Captain Peacock (retired) says, there are solutions and we can sit down and talk, figuratively.
We understand these are tough economics times for everyone. We understand that monetary sacrifices have to be made by all. What we don't understand is why we are being forced to sacrifice while none of the commissioners nor their staff?
Why, when an officer making $37,000.00 a year is being forced to work at reduced pay, including the upcoming 30% reduction coming like a freight train in November, the commissioners are handing out raises as much as $13,000.00 a year to a receptionist? Why are the commissioners and their staff enjoying picnics and bar b ques on holidays and being paid for it, while officers are being forced to work for no pay?
We are asking all of our supporters to contact their commissioner and demand answers. We are asking our supporters to attend each upcoming "Focus DeKalb" being hosted by Burrell Ellis and demand answers. We ask the public to attend each up coming commission meeting and demand answers.
So far, we have hit the commissioners to the tune of 2 million dollars which they dismiss as being trivial. Until the commissioners play by the same rules as we have to, we will continue the ticket strike.
You watch commanders have to be strong. We foresee pressure coming from the top. We foresee a quota. And when it comes, we will expose it.
A word to the general public; Our dedication and service to you has not faltered, nor will it. We are as dedicated to serving and protecting you, your family and property as ever, even while we are faced with destine by the commissioners.
But we have no other way to voice our concerns to the commissioners, knowing we will be heard and not ignored. We will continue this fight, this ticket strike, until the commissioners become reasonable.
To our fellow officers in the streets; Keep up the good work. You are starting to see the impact we can have, and we have only just began. In the upcoming months, revenue will be down nearly 10 million dollars or more. When that happens, just maybe the commissioners will be forced to come down from their elitist thrones.
Click here to read more.
Even as Chief O'Brien brushes our outcry aside like an annoying fly, we will continue to be reasonable people.
As Captain Peacock (retired) says, there are solutions and we can sit down and talk, figuratively.
We understand these are tough economics times for everyone. We understand that monetary sacrifices have to be made by all. What we don't understand is why we are being forced to sacrifice while none of the commissioners nor their staff?
Why, when an officer making $37,000.00 a year is being forced to work at reduced pay, including the upcoming 30% reduction coming like a freight train in November, the commissioners are handing out raises as much as $13,000.00 a year to a receptionist? Why are the commissioners and their staff enjoying picnics and bar b ques on holidays and being paid for it, while officers are being forced to work for no pay?
We are asking all of our supporters to contact their commissioner and demand answers. We are asking our supporters to attend each upcoming "Focus DeKalb" being hosted by Burrell Ellis and demand answers. We ask the public to attend each up coming commission meeting and demand answers.
So far, we have hit the commissioners to the tune of 2 million dollars which they dismiss as being trivial. Until the commissioners play by the same rules as we have to, we will continue the ticket strike.
You watch commanders have to be strong. We foresee pressure coming from the top. We foresee a quota. And when it comes, we will expose it.
A word to the general public; Our dedication and service to you has not faltered, nor will it. We are as dedicated to serving and protecting you, your family and property as ever, even while we are faced with destine by the commissioners.
But we have no other way to voice our concerns to the commissioners, knowing we will be heard and not ignored. We will continue this fight, this ticket strike, until the commissioners become reasonable.
To our fellow officers in the streets; Keep up the good work. You are starting to see the impact we can have, and we have only just began. In the upcoming months, revenue will be down nearly 10 million dollars or more. When that happens, just maybe the commissioners will be forced to come down from their elitist thrones.
Click here to read more.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Just A Coincidence?
Burrell Ellis' campaign manager, Kevin Ross, recommended to the C.E.O. to terminate the contract of Care Ambulance and award it to Rural/Metro, at the tune of 8.5 million dollars. Of course Kevin Ross is a contract employee of Rural/Metro.
Now, on the recommendation of Ross, Ellis attempted to terminate the contract of JCS, the managing probation service for Recorders Court, and award it to Sentinel Offender Services, to the tune of about 1 million dollars. And who is a contract employee of SOS? You guessed it, Kevin Ross.
It's sad that DeKalb County has come to this point. It has come to the point where improprieties are common place and acceptable. To us, it reeks of corruption.
Burrell Ellis, Kevin Ross, Connie Stokes and Sharon Barnes are rubbing our noses in it, thinking, and probably knowing they are untouchable.
Click here to read more
Now, on the recommendation of Ross, Ellis attempted to terminate the contract of JCS, the managing probation service for Recorders Court, and award it to Sentinel Offender Services, to the tune of about 1 million dollars. And who is a contract employee of SOS? You guessed it, Kevin Ross.
It's sad that DeKalb County has come to this point. It has come to the point where improprieties are common place and acceptable. To us, it reeks of corruption.
Burrell Ellis, Kevin Ross, Connie Stokes and Sharon Barnes are rubbing our noses in it, thinking, and probably knowing they are untouchable.
Click here to read more
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Calling All Cars!
Burrell Ellis is hosting "Focus DeKalb" at various locations throughout the county.
Ellis' mission is "To make the priorities of the citizens of DeKalb County; the priorities of County government by achieving a safer DeKalb, building stronger neighborhoods, creating a fiscally accountable and more efficient county government, and uniting the citizens of DeKalb County".
This is perfect timing. Call your friends and family and encourage them to unite to show support against our plight.
The talking points are:
It's time for the F.O.P. to make a stand. It is time for them to organize some type of show of support at each of the meetings. If you are not a member, join now, there is strength in numbers!
First Focus DeKalb meeting is Monday August 9, 2010 at 6:30 PM at Georgia Perimeter College, Dunwoody.
Click here for directions.
Keep up the good fight!
Ellis' mission is "To make the priorities of the citizens of DeKalb County; the priorities of County government by achieving a safer DeKalb, building stronger neighborhoods, creating a fiscally accountable and more efficient county government, and uniting the citizens of DeKalb County".
This is perfect timing. Call your friends and family and encourage them to unite to show support against our plight.
The talking points are:
- Being forced to work holidays without pay, 10% reduction in pay
- No sick leave pay
- No merit increases
- No cost of living increases
- No cars to drive
- And how can we forget, up to 34% pay raises for Burrell's and other commissioners staff, while they receive pay for holidays!
- Each and every commissioner receiving holiday pay.
It's time for the F.O.P. to make a stand. It is time for them to organize some type of show of support at each of the meetings. If you are not a member, join now, there is strength in numbers!
First Focus DeKalb meeting is Monday August 9, 2010 at 6:30 PM at Georgia Perimeter College, Dunwoody.
Click here for directions.
Keep up the good fight!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Court Appearance Citations Down 34%
Court appearing traffic citations for July are down 34% compared to 2009.
Keep up the good work, we have only just began!
Note: These are uniform only citations, not including Special Ops.
Don't let the department B.S. you. We did not include warning or parking tickets.
Rock On!
Keep up the good work, we have only just began!
Note: These are uniform only citations, not including Special Ops.
Don't let the department B.S. you. We did not include warning or parking tickets.
Rock On!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Dear Burrell Ellis,
I have been a police officer for DeKalb County for the past five years. In those five years I have done my job and I have done it well. I have never complained about having to work on Thanksgiving or Christmas or New Years Eve or the Fourth of July. I do that so that you, and the citizens of DeKalb, can spend time with your families and not have to worry about your safety.
When you took over as CEO, there was a lot of excitement within the Department of Public Safety. We were all excited about getting rid of Vernon Jones and saw you as a breath of fresh air. We understood that you were thrown into an impossible situation in having to resolve the financial struggles that our County was suffering. Even when our annual 2% raises were discontinued, we knew that it was all for the greater good of the County.
But things have changed recently...and so has our optimism. On Wednesday, July 28, one of our brothers was shot as he was serving the citizens of DeKalb County. Two days later we find out that your receptionist received a $10,000 raise because she "deserved it." Well Mr. CEO, there are over 800 DeKalb officers who deserve a raise much more than your receptionist, and that is the reason for this email. I am requesting that you reinstate the paid holidays for Public Safety employees and give us all a 5% raise across the board. No one deserves it more than we do. On your website www.burrellellis.com you wrote:
"I will achieve a 'real' increase in our police force. To achieve a real increase in our police force, we must not only fill the available positions, but we must significantly lower the attrition rate. The retention of our public safety officers will be my highest priority."
And...
" I will create and implement a DeKalb Public Safety Officers Retention Program. My retention program will require improvements in training, pay and benefits. My retention program will also aim to increase community appreciation of officers."
Mr. CEO, you are failing in these areas. In fact, you have given us more reason to leave DeKalb County and go police somewhere else. How can you expect to increase community appreciation of officers if these same officers feel that you do not appreciate them? I don't ask these questions as an angry employee, I ask them as a concerned citizen of DeKalb County. Both officers and DeKalb citizens think you do not care about us. Prove them wrong. Take a stand for us.
Sincerely,
I'm Ron Burgundy?
When you took over as CEO, there was a lot of excitement within the Department of Public Safety. We were all excited about getting rid of Vernon Jones and saw you as a breath of fresh air. We understood that you were thrown into an impossible situation in having to resolve the financial struggles that our County was suffering. Even when our annual 2% raises were discontinued, we knew that it was all for the greater good of the County.
But things have changed recently...and so has our optimism. On Wednesday, July 28, one of our brothers was shot as he was serving the citizens of DeKalb County. Two days later we find out that your receptionist received a $10,000 raise because she "deserved it." Well Mr. CEO, there are over 800 DeKalb officers who deserve a raise much more than your receptionist, and that is the reason for this email. I am requesting that you reinstate the paid holidays for Public Safety employees and give us all a 5% raise across the board. No one deserves it more than we do. On your website www.burrellellis.com you wrote:
"I will achieve a 'real' increase in our police force. To achieve a real increase in our police force, we must not only fill the available positions, but we must significantly lower the attrition rate. The retention of our public safety officers will be my highest priority."
And...
" I will create and implement a DeKalb Public Safety Officers Retention Program. My retention program will require improvements in training, pay and benefits. My retention program will also aim to increase community appreciation of officers."
Mr. CEO, you are failing in these areas. In fact, you have given us more reason to leave DeKalb County and go police somewhere else. How can you expect to increase community appreciation of officers if these same officers feel that you do not appreciate them? I don't ask these questions as an angry employee, I ask them as a concerned citizen of DeKalb County. Both officers and DeKalb citizens think you do not care about us. Prove them wrong. Take a stand for us.
Sincerely,
I'm Ron Burgundy?
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