Well well well. Must we remind you, all county employee paychecks were reduced by 10% in December of 2009? Of course, the reduction was on the last paycheck before Christmas. Some call it a furlough, some call it a lost paid holiday. We simply call it lost pay.
While making Burrell Ellis look like a fool, Wendy Saltzman of television channel 46 has informed us all that Mr. CEO did not take a furlough day, or a non-paid holiday, or lost pay of any kind in 2009. Did Burrell Ellis really say; "I work hard, I work nearly 15 hours a day"?
We thought when the circus show of Vernon Jones & Terrell Bolton et al left the stage, they took all the clowns with them. It looks like a couple escaped, mainly one Shelia Edwards, Chief Communications Officer for Mr. Ellis. We wonder what she was seeing and thinking when she peered into the camera? Was she looking for and escape route, or did she think she had spinach on her teeth? No Ms. Edwards, all we saw was egg on your face.
To bad it wasn't' Friday, because Sheila Edwards performance of smirking through the door window and covering the camera with her witch scarf could be excused with a simple statement; "But it's Friday!".
Take heed Mr. CEO and Commissioners. These are troubling times for the citizens of DeKalb County and all its employees. Your continued performance of arrogance could effect the performance of all county employees....at least the ones not being laid off.
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
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99 comments:
Its beginning to look like we have the same leaders from the previous administration just different names.
How embarrassing is this to anyone who voted for this man.
Hide and Seek, why because they know they are guilty.
I guess as long as they don't lose any money its ok.
LMAO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! * GO WENDY !!!!!! *
That reporter was Gangsta...
Arrogance and entitlement to the hilt. What a disgusting display by both Ellis and Ms. Edwards, someone who was chosen by Ellis to stand up and represent/speak for him.
Is Ms. Edward's childish, arrogant and condescending behavior the true Mr. Ellis? Is the facade beginning to crumble under pressure and the light of day?
Mr. Ellis your "working 15 hours answer" is insulting to all of Public Safety.
I work 10 hours a day and I wear a vest to protect me against those who want to shoot and/or kill me.......I work extra jobs/hours to give my family the extras that you and your family probably take for granted!
I carry a gun to defend the myself and the citizens of Dekalb.......
I run towards the sound of gun fire......
I respond to domestic violence calls and willing put myself at a disadvantage by going into a strange home the hold potential dangers at every turn to aid the battered....
I put my life on the line everyday.
Each day I kiss my wife and kids before I leave the house because I may not return. My wife has gotten that call and put her time in at the hospital.....
Can YOU say the same thing?
Do you not think I deserve and earn my pay too?
ps....I'm embarrassed for the plain clothes officers that Mr. Ellis and Ms. Edwards hid behind.
Damn, I mean just damn....
Watching that video reminded me of watching cockraoches scurry when you turn on the light. It just sickens me every time I think of the financial burden that we will be forced to bear while the people at the top don't sacrifice a thing.
What an embarrassement.
Sheila Edwards needs to be dealt with for her lack of Professional Image and Conduct Unbecoming.
The CEO needs to be upfront and honest about the whole thing.
CBS Atlanta needs to deal with the outrageous conduct of their reporter - Wendy Saltzman. Her tactics at blocking the CEO's pathway, holding the door shut with her foot, are unprofessional. She looked as if she hoped someone was going to pull the door open it would look like somebody pushed her down. If any of us did something like this we would be transferred to animal control.
What will the CEO do?
Will the CEO deal with Sheila Edwards' conduct?
Will CBS Atlanta deal with Wendy Saltzman's conduct?
Everybody in this was unprofessional.
Silly Shiela! Trix are for kids! The answer to why DeKalb CEO and commissioners do not take furlough is that they are the ones in charge, rules, laws and budget decreases are only for the little people, employees and citizens. The CEO and BOC are above all that.
Ellis is correct in saying that by law DeKalb politicians salary is guaranteed regardless of days or hours actually worked, but he and the BOC do not understand the public relations side of the business. They are about to cut employee pay by probably at least 10 percent, a serious cut by anyone's standard but the CEO and BOC are going to stand by the letter of the law and continue to draw pay at 100 percent. The law says nothing about DeKalb politicians giving back there pay to the general fund. They can do it very simply by refusing to cash a couple of their cushy pay checks.
I saw this coming over a year ago when I was assisting setting up Mr. Ellis's beautiful new "temporary" office he took from GIS on the 6th floor Ponce building. I made the mistake of venting some of my gripes to his chief of staff, asking that Ellis tour my building and look at our poor working conditions, and the COS gave me the tripe that Mr. Ellis was going to forge "alliances" with local business to fix the county.
Bad mistake! A week later I got myself banned from the CEO's office after using the "authoritive" knock to gain entrance to the office as no doorbell or receptionist was available. Scared the hell out of all of 'em including Ellis. A poor decision on my part but it does point to the fact that DeKalb CEO's office has no intention of engaging DeKalb employees in constructive debate on how to make the county a better place. No county tours for our elected leaders, instead they place large posters of themselves in every county building so employees will know what they look like because we sure as hell never see 'em around the county. The simple fact is that the CEO and BOC do not respect the employees. There is a stereotype of government employees being lazy and inefficient and that is true in several departments that will remain nameless, but run by elected or appointed officials.
My department has been adversely affected by our low pay, no capital improvements, and poor work environment. We can pick up a few good people during a recession but they leave as soon as the economy improves. Professional training is a joke so there is no hope of improving employees skill sets unless we do it on our own. (which is what I did)
DeKalb CEO and BOC are under the mis-impression that the county is wonderful place to work and we are all lazy and should be grateful to have our pitiful jobs. That is true in their own little world on the 5th and 6th floors. I suggest the CEO and BOC find out what the hell we do and why we do it before they run this place into the ground. (or make it worse) Maybe we should change the county code to include drug-testing our elected officials like the county employees. I have been around here 25 years and saw only one employee visably on drugs, and she got busted when some dogs found her stash in her desk. I am not suggesting the CEO and BOC use drugs, but they are in denial about county functions and are clueless on how to fix the problems.
how embarassing that a 6 figure communications director got showed up by a scrappy reporter out to get a straight answer? Edwards is the most unprofessional media relations person I have ever seen. She makes Keisha shine. NO ONE likes her, not those of us who have to deal with her here at the county, and none of the media. She is rude, disrespectful,and abrasive. She obviously has no pr skills. Ellis probably does put in those hours, he should have just addressed why he didnt take the hit like everyone else. But asking for more money for his staff? When that is the caliber of his staff? Embarrassment. If he doesnt change some stuff up, he will be ONE and done, 4 years and gone.
I hate to say I told you so, but I did. Everyone thought he was the second coming because he said the right things at the right time and fired TeBo. I guess you see now he is no different then anyone else. He is just putting his own spin on things.
I have no problem protecting the citizens of Dekalb. Even ones that would spit in my face as talk to me...But I be damn if I could sleep at night if I knew I had to wake up the next day and protect the very people who use me as a stepping stone to get elected. Then piss all over us once they are in office. The hell with them let some 22 take a swing at um...I could care less...
Wendy Saltzman is hot! Much more pretty than Dale Russell!
LMAO. literally laughing out loud. utill i realize her checks have alot more zeros than mine. That paperwork she sent over should include her resignation. I;d sell my house and get out but nobody is buying here in DeKalb. cant imagine why not.Ellis is such a classy guy, might not have handled this the best, so why does he have shelia the clown around?
Ambush tactics and Wendy's interview. I watch the AJC produce story after story entirely based upon the counties press release. No fact checking, just a replication of the release.
Our politicians refuse interviews that might tend negative, so there is no choice left to investigative reporters except "ambush" tactics.
A crappy state of affairs in an open but opaque government. It doesn't help that our journalists refuse to investigate DeKalb. Kind of reminds me of our DA...
Anon 2 - ECHO! Wendy - you GO girlfriend with those big ba!!s of yours. LOVE it - I support you ALL the way even tho it was a slight bit extreme holding the door - I was LMAO! Show them how outraged we are!!! Don't bash her - she clearly is on the side of the citizens and was trying to get answers to the pathetic behavior of our politicians and their staff.
That thing Sheila? Communications is her specialty?? She needs to go back and watch what a FOOL she made of herself. Ridiculonkus. Seriously. (And to anon#10 - last time I saw a clown, it was funny. Ain't NUTHIN funny bout this incompetent idiot.)
Reminder: awhile back on another story, a commenter wrote that JUDGES (salaried positions) in Los Angeles County felt that if their employees had to take a furlough / pay reduction, they should do something too. So they gave back one day a month. Don't remember any more about it, but google it if you must, nimrods. It happened. These elitist numb-nuts need to go. Right now, Burrell ain't lookin' much better than Vermin.
Meanwhile, Sharon Barnes-Sutton is still managing YOUR $$......
God Bless this blog!!!!!!!!!!!!
has anyone seen my zebra?
I'm thinking some one needs to dig deeper, I smell more!
It is about time that this blog reported on the real Ellis. He did not take an unpaid holiday nor did his top staff, staff by the way which is more than double the staff that Jones had as CEO. In his budget he is asking for a salary increase for his staff.
People it is the same game only the names of the players has changed.
Burrell Ellis playing Vernon Jones
W.Z. Miller playing TeBo and
Dale Holmes playing as Keisha Williams.
Ms.Sheila you need to find you another gig. If you can not talk to a reporter in a way to where it half way seems professional you should not be in that position. Maybe as a receptionist at Weight Watchers. And to that reporter YOU WERE GANGSTA!!!
Wendy you are the next Dale Cardwell.
He was good at exposing the abuse in government. I love the way you stood your ground. Let them put hands on you.
He has his security team around him just like VERNON.
Will it ever stop.
Wendy - YOU ARE MY CHAMPION.........
I think she is a perp, look at her and just imagine this person on the street.
Where did she come from? What is her back ground?
I'm thinking she was connected to someone in another administration.
She has balls and is hot too. I loved the way she did not backed down to any of them. What a story.
Sheila showed her true colors. Way to go Wendy, thanks for exposing what most of us already knew.
Burrell Ellis came into a tough situation when he took office and overall I still think he is a pretty good guy. However, while I am willing to give people a reasonable chance to make things right, my good will can not last for ever. I am very appreciative of the fact that Mr. Ellis got rid of the criminal Bolton but the police department is as dysfunctional as it ever was. When are you going to fix it?
Now to the specific point of Sheila Edwards rouge behavior, I will say for starters that she is an embarrassment to DeKalb County. Everyone who has had to deal with her says she is an arrogant rude bitch. I thought Burrell Ellis said things would be different under his administration. Is this what he calls class and professionalism?
Saltzman was right on line. Probably no fault of Ellis, but Edwards denied the interview that was requested in advance. Edwards behavior was despicable.
Simply a power trip on Edward’s part. 10 to 1 Ellis never knew of the request by Saltzman for the interview. We believe Ellis is smarter than that and would have gladly given a prepared interview.
If Ellis doesn’t release Edwards of her duty, then he is a fool. But it goes back to how much Burrell owes Representative David Scott. After all, Shelia Edwards did work for Scott before Ellis.
Wow! This is why Dekalb is the laughing stock of Metro-Atlanta. If a lowly officer had conducted himself in this manner towards the media he would surely be fired!
"W.Z. Miller playing TeBo and
Dale Holmes playing as Keisha Williams." lol.exactly.awesome.
If that was any one of us acting like her, we'd at least be suspended, she is always trying to jam up officers, i hope she receives a pink slip. what a public relations disaster. Mr. Ellis? Are you really taking a good look at the people around you? Edwards? Miller? i hate to say it, but it doesnt seem like these people got/keep their jobs based on their knowledge, merit, or performance. And this is just what we see caught on film!
Are you serious CBS Atlanta needs to deal with the outrageous conduct of their reporter they need to give her a raise she is doing for employees of dekalb county because she can't be pushed aside to animal control for asking those question and the CEO knows it thats why she had him running scared.
Way to go Wendy stay on their asses! Who in the hell thinks you can lay off your employees and not lead by example.
Isn't that our new moto "Leadership from the top Down" what a freaking joke.
Yes you can deny your pay Mr ellis, if not then donate it to the officers you have laid off you piece of crap.
All BOC members should donate if that's the case. And that POS Ms.Sutton-Barnes should be the first since she owes the biggest favor of all.
Bill how can you sit up on the 4th floor and watch them do this to the department you love so much.
I gotta tell after watching Ms. Edwards performance how unprofessional can a person be. Ms. Edwards I dont think a camera has feelings, I dont think you were imtimidating it you idiot.
Im pissed and have been silent for too long now, it's time every officer unite we can make the difference!
Burrell Ellis is full of Crap..and the Shelia lady is rolling in his crap...He really wants to take our days...he works 15 hours day in a secure office with a security detail of about 5 armed officers any giving time... But i among other Officer work 10 hours days and have to wear a vest to protect our lives..true enough this is something we choose to do,,but damn can we at least get the backing and support from our leaders..as i heard before leave public safety alone this is a must have in Dekalb county..other departments well im sorry if it comes to it o well...but guess what you will still be safe when you are home cause we our on the job..protecting you from these people who want to do wrong..but take our man power down and you will see what happens....
Even Assistant Chief Holmes got a kick out of it! Ya'll see him standing against the wall with the uniform officer grinning ear to ear?
You KNOW the administration reads this blog...with that in mind - Wendy, you have more nerve than any of the men that pursue these politicians. And, Shelia - girl, you are fat, fat, and really fat. Wendy makes you look like a beached whale. It took a LARGE scarf to hide your fat face. You know, Ellis might like them chubby (maybe he's a "Chubby Chaser") - there seem to be more over-weight women on his watch than on the previous administration's payroll. Hmmm - maybe there's a story in that...
Ellis gets picked up between 7 am to 9 am, how is it that he is working 15 hour days? There is no way he is working till 10 pm much less midnight. Plus if he is at work that long then could you imagine the amount of overtime the county is paying out for his staff. This county is not doing anything to generate more money. Do they really think more people are going to move here to increase the county's revenue. They have lost their minds. It is time to abandon ship and get out while you can.
Ellis gets picked up between 7 am to 9 am, how is it that he is working 15 hour days? There is no way he is working till 10 pm much less midnight. Plus if he is at work that long then could you imagine the amount of overtime the county is paying out for his staff. This county is not doing anything to generate more money. Do they really think more people are going to move here to increase the county's revenue. They have lost their minds. It is time to abandon ship and get out while you can.
Mr. CEO, you got caught "With your pants on the ground"
Thanks for the support guys and gals! We're working hard here to get answers for you, and I appreciate all of the positive reinforcement. Please send any tips my way at wendy.saltzman@cbsatlanta.com
You guys work hard, and we appreciate all that you do for the Citizens of DeKalb County and Metro Atlanta.
Best Wishes!
Wendy Saltzman
Chief Investigative Reporter
CBS Atlanta News
"Talk to the scarf cause the face don't wanna hear it! Mmmmm Hmmmm!"
The CEO's office had a fit when a North Sgt talked to the media without their permission. I guess we need to leave it to "professionals" like Sheila Edwards!
Wow. I haven't seen this much action since .... well, since ... now that I think about it, I was in my 20s.
Anyway. Sheila. You looked like a crazy person. Maybe you have a piece of paper that says you went to college, but they forgot to teach you to have grace and a decent attitude.
If Burrell Ellis is so damn smart and good, what's that say about him to have someone like this in a position like that. Huh? Huh?
We're so screwed.
Wendy ROCKS!!
Why do some of you people use every opportunity to attack Director Miller? This story had nothing to do with him. When has anyone EVER seen WZ Miller act anything like the deplorable Sheila Edwards? Whenever I see him on the news, he always represents DeKalb County in a professional manner. I just don’t get it.
The story was about Sheila Edwards and Burrell Ellis. The reporter was very pushy and they can be a pain in the ass. I don’t really like them most of the time but that is their job and that is what they do. Everybody knows that about reporters, and if Burrell Ellis is going to be CEO of a county of 700,000 people he damn well better learn to deal with the media better than that and he better learn fast. Having a 10 year old brat as your Chief Communications Officer is not going to get it done Mr. CEO.
Ms. Edwards, why are you and Mr. Ellis lining you pockets with the money that has been taken away from the hardworking employees of DeKalb County instead of giving up earned money like they did? I would have loved for her to ask that question...!
Wendy, you did that! I am so proud of you... way to go! It was a little "gansta" but you did your job and got the citizens the real deal...now to the Anonymous poster who said she was unprofessional... First rule of Reporters you have to do the story,no matter what and whatever it takes...you see they denied the interview where she could have asked the "tough questions" and HE tried to escape, but Wendy still told the story by all means...i've seen them confront governors like that..what makes you think they won't come after a little known CEO?
I like them exposing government officials it keeps them a little honest.
However, that big girl Edwards made "it's friday" look like a walk in the park...that was unprofessional...I remember when they fired a guy from south pct for the expired tags who said "no comment" and just walked away...they said that was conduct unbecoming and unprofessional....Just goes to show, the guidelines does not apply to everyone.
Why the attacks on Director Miller? Fair question. I can't speak for the other posters, but I think this discussion is about the broader issue of entitlements, and Director Miller has a car, a driver, two aides, and a administrative assistant. The budget is a problem, and the threat of cuts to public safety may be a political tactic, but it doesn't make my wife sleep any easier, constantly worried that I may be killed at work, or out of a job. If she doesn't sleep easy, then I can't.
We'd like to see some leadership, some examples of taking on for the team, and of respect for us. Everybody knows Director Miller put Holmes into place. Everyone. Come on, that is exactly like TeBo. Promoting your friends because you can is nothing to look up to. Being driven around in a take home car is a waste of money, he's been through EVOC, he can drive himself. Have you seen the patrol car I drive? If he needs two aides and a administrative assistant, he isn't able to manage his workload effectively. I would respect him alot more if he would give up those perks, (he knows better he has been here and he has seen what that favoritism does to morale), and learn somethings about leadership, which doesnt include breathing down the police chief's neck because you want to be the man, and playing around with the fire department and the 911 system because you dont understand it. Shelia Edwards is a disgrace, and her actions are exactly what she shows day to day, trust me. Miller is not a disgrace, but we all know he should be leading differently.
My concern is that Mr. Ellis doesn't seem to be able to see the difference between style and substance, and at least Mr. Miller is stylish, why Ms. Edwards is an atrocity, with the exact same contentious and condescending attitude Keisha Williams had.
All I would like to see, is the leadership show they are willing to do what they are asking us to do, work harder and longer for less pay and with less comfort, until we can get things back on track. I dont think these are meant to be personal attacks, but we are beyond frustrated.
Wendy looks like she had her fill of double talk and the run around.
Ms. Saltzman, thanks for not taking "no" or another brush off as the final answer. You're asking the questions we'd like to ask, but can't because we need our jobs. These are the questions that the citizens also need answered.
Thanks for having our backs.....I'd be happy to have you as my back up any time!
I think the the big boys in Dekalb Co government present and past have never learned that they work for the public. Politicians in general develop the attitude that the citizens are beneath them. All incumbents need to be voted out of national and local offices. Thats the only way these elitist beaucrats will learn who is the real boss.
...and these bureaucratic aides that think they hold the rank of their boss in the CEO's office, PD and everywhere sicken me.
I wonder if she is the one responsible for the 20 emails all county employees get from Burrell Ellis daily letting us know where he'll be tonight, what he thought of the latest book Oprah recommended, and how he found a great deal on chopped broccoli at Kroger.
Ellis was on the BOC for 8 years and didnt give a damn about pd then. Why do you guys think he would all of a sudden change when he became CEO? You shouldve voted for Stan Watson.
Also, why does everyone jump on Director Miller about appointing his friends, and Chief Obrien gets a pass? Did Obrien not put all of his friends in coveted positions? Yes, all of them! No one wants to address the Padrick/Yarbrough issue. What about Loos/Kualback? This place is all about taking care of my buddies, and getting revenge on my enemies.
Wendy,I love you.The tips will keep coming.Great job.
Where did Shiela Edwards come from? Who hired her. She must be the most unprofessional Chief Commumications Officer in the US. Does she have anything intelligent to say? Has she been trained to speak under pressure? Has she been trained. How embarrasing to say she works for the DeKalb CEO.
It is funny how you are targeting Miller and his people. I worked with most of them in some facet for years and all were good officers. I work with Holmes at in the precinct and I feel If it was O'Brien or Miller that chose him they got the best. The guy motivated the officers there to go out and work. He was in the middle of what happened at the precinct,unlike most of the commanders I see now.The aides were also top notch officers on the street. I remember Mooneyham from South and Logan from Major Felony. You guys need to look elsewhere for your trash,because you are missing on this one. I feel you on Sheila Edwards, CEO Ellis give us a break. with this one.
Where is O'Brien? I here he is hiding out because the pressure is on him. Step up to the plate Billy Boy, earn your stars. Dont let Lts run this department while you make a check. The guys need you. Not just your chosen few. Dont be a disgrace and settle with the good all boys. People are watching.pshoria
Blog Admin: PLEASE don't "close for comments"!
What an interesting exchange. The previous story points out how Mr Ellis and our Commissioners underestimated by 20M. There are 6 comments. This story now has 46. Anyone wonder why???
Just one point - let this be a lesson to all politicians - just freakin' TALK to people and NEVER forget (whether you are elected or appointed) that you are in charge of OUR $$, and you damn well better remember that. It's because of us that you are there.
Note From DeKalb Officers: Don't worry, comments will never be closed for this one!
The tide is turning..never did I think I would see the day that people spoke out against O'Brien's obvious "good ole boy" mentality...people are waking up and smelling the coffee, finally..everyone answer me this..how much better are things here not that Bolton is gone.? From my perspective, not much better and not much has changed at all...anyone agree? Uniform still gets stepped on, CID is overworked, and Yarbough is still around making a mess of Special Ops..
Way to go Wendy, that was great!!!
Wendy needs a spot on Fox & Friends with legs like that. Hay look Gwinnett Co. does not have these problems! Why not? Vernon Jones don't even try to be elected dog catcher, your mama should be proud.
To the post about Padrick and Yarbrough,, you are absolutely right. Obrien allowed his boy Padrick to get revenge on Yarbrough by removing Yarbrough from IA. Loos/Kaulback,, now that is a complete joke. How unprofessional is that? The good ole boys run every unit in the department,, just how Obrien wants it.
Mr Ellis got rid of Keisha Williams for the same type conduct. Lets see if he gets rid of Edwards!
To the poster about O'Brien, Thank you. You guys are absolutely right. He has been given a pass for far too long. He took care of ALL of his buddies. Don't be fooled. And for all of you that thought Ellis was our saviour, you got what you deserved. As one poster said he was on the BOC for years and didn't give a DAMN about PD then and does not now. He does not even trust us to be his security he has the Sheriff's Office (Carl Mobley and 2 others). Vernon at least used PD. You guys need to wake up. Nothing has changed. I know that I will take a hit on this blog speaking out about O'Brien. The truth hurts.
Wow. Sheila is on some kind of power trip! She must have missed her civics lessons in middle school - you know, the ones that inform you about how government is set up BY the people and FOR the people and that the media and free speech are our assurances that our elected officials and their staff are behaving in ways that the people approve. The news reporters and the people are the "fourth" branch of government and have the true power - the power to vote "leaders" out of office.
On a side note - Did Wendy Saltzman really hold the door with her foot? That's hilarious - that tiny little reporter could carry on a conversation and stay focused while holding back a big police officer with her little foot! You go Wendy!
I would like to be able to say that I told you so when it comes to O’Brien, but the truth is that I thought he would do a good job. I am very surprised at how he has handled business. I understand that anybody in his position may take care of a friend or two but good lord, what he has done is astonishing.
Now please do not get me wrong. I DO NOT want the idiot Bolton back. Good riddance to that racist criminal. I will not go so far as to say that things are just as bad under O’Brien as it was under Bolton. While I do not think that is true I do know that it is still bad. Maybe it is bad for different reasons but it is bad.
Looking back on it and trying to be objective, which is hard sometimes because everybody has their favorites, it is clear that the police department had gone through tough times when O’Brien took over as acting chief. The department needed strong leadership with experience and unfortunately O’Brien had neither. Maybe it was not fair to him to throw him into that position. He had never been a deputy chief, never been an assistant chief. He had very little experience as a major and then all of a sudden he is the chief.
I don’t know about everything but there is one thing I do know about this police department. Either you are in the O’Brien - Padrick Irish Mafia, or you are not. If you are not then you just don’t count for crap.
If CEO Ellis doesn’t wake up he will be the first one term CEO since the position was created. And that is a shame because I actually like the guy.
Ms. Edwards blew that exchange in every possible way, and there is no excuse for public relations professional to behave that way. Mr. Ellis was at all times polite (albeit soft spoken…) and professional, but his professional communications director’s conduct is unacceptable.
She broke the number one rule in PR; you should NEVER make your boss look bad. Whether we liked his answer or not (and because the question was submitted in advance, it was Ms. Edwards job to craft a message and response that is reflective of his position but respectful and palatable to the citizens), he started to give one though he was ambushed (again, the fault of Ms. Edwards). But none of that would have been so bad had she not ordered him to not answer, thrown her face into the camera lens, thrown up her hands, or attempted to block the lens with a scarf.
As for criticizing Keith Barker (16k a month, really?), he did exactly what he could do when trying to control someone who is embarrassing themselves and the county, he never raised his voice, he asked a reasonable question regarding the foot in the door, and he got Ms. Edwards away as fast as he could without adding to the scene she was causing.
The expectation for the same standards to apply to all county employees in relation to conduct, decorum, and professionalism should also apply to her, and it is not unreasonable to demand that an appropriate sanction be imposed. When other county employees publicly mess up, there have been swift public reprisals, and that there has been no public action on the CEO’s part is validly troubling.
Yarbrough was not in I.A. It was Yarbro.
Yarbrough...Yarbro...is there a difference???
How could things get any worse? Take a look around here, Ellen. We're at the threshold of hell!!!
The citizens of DeKalb should not have voted for an attorney. This one is a scum lord for sure. Will the County employees who actually work on a holiday get time and a half pay, or is that a fringe benefit?
To all of the people complaining about O'Brien putting his "buddies" into positions: get over it! You keep spouting off the same two or three names over and over again! Suddenly, that makes him "the Irish Mafia?"
I guess we need to go back to the old way of doing things, where people are given good jobs because of the church they go to.
How is it that everybody is just noticing that Ellis NEVER supported the Police Department as a Commissioner and he is not supporting us now as CEO. He shot us down at every opportunity, his record as a Commissioner speaks for itself.
The DKPD budget is taking a tremendous hit with all of the salaries, expenses and staff for the Public Safety Director's office coming
from the PD budget. Not one Lieutenant, but two. The civilian administrative assistant position was taken from PD and was never replaced.
It is a slap in the face that the CEO is seeking a raise for all of his top dogs and they are all at the top of their pay grade already.
As an employee and resident of DeKalb County I am mad as hell.
Looks like the same direction Fulton County went in. This all reminds me of those days. Start looking for a place to go guys its a matter of time the poor mismanagement will catch up. Then lay off will come.
TUESDAY FEB 23, 9AM LET'S ALL BE AT THE COMMISSIONER'S MEETING. THIS IS GETTING CRAZY. WE AS COUNTY EMPLOYEES HAVE A RIGHT TO VOICE OUR CONCERNS AND OPINIONS TO THE BOC. UNFORTUNATELY WHEN IT COME TIME TO VOTE,MOST OF US DON'T LIVE IN DEKALB SO WE HAVE NO SAY SO.
IF YOU TAKE MY HOLIDAY'S THEN TAKE 10% OF MY PAY,WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY SACRIFICING,IT'S NOT RIGHT AND IT'S NOT FAIR. HE OBVIOUSLY DOES NOT CARE ABOUT PD CUZ HE'S GOT SO FOR HIS SECURITY.THE OTHER BOARD MEMBERS DON'T HAVE THAT LUXURY,I'D REALLY HATE FOR ONE OF THEM TO HAVE TO CALL 911,THEY'LL IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AND EXPECT PD TO JUMP THRU HOOPS RUNNING 10-18!
And let's not let the Barnes-Sutton issue get lost in all this...that must be dealt with, no?
The former Chief was an ass clown, however he did attend the BOC with all of his command staff, showing solidarity. At the last BOC meeting I saw one person from the command staff and oddly enough in civilian clothes, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!
We need not concern ourselves with Padrick, Yarbro and those alike. My question is where’ s the command staff and what’s their position on the unpaid holidays?
I feel like slapping someone, and to be honest Ol Ethels had enough already.
Any Taker's?
Kudos to Channel 46 for trying to get those crooks to explain why they are too good to be furloughed as well.
None of the current command staff has any intention of going before the commission and giving any appearance that they are not happy. Its simple they were appointed by Ellis and would like to keep their jobs. They will never stand up for the department even they know we are all getting screwed.
I think we are headed toward 100 comments on this one folks. Has that ever happened? If there are 100 comments then there are 1000 people reading it and not bothering to comment. But nothing wrong with that I suppose.
“None of the current command staff has any intentions of going before the commission and giving any appearance that they are not happy.”
Oh really? I know for a fact that Dep. Chief Lane Woodard spoke before the commission just last week! Yeah, one of the two people that a lot of you guys like to criticize because she is friends with Director Miller. She was taking up for the officers as it pertains to furlough days and unpaid holidays. You guys can say what you want about her, but that took guts and I respect her for it.
Im gunna need EAP after this year, and by golly I want all 13 visits.
Im really feeling a smack down coming on, someone please step up to the plate and take it.
Wendy although I do feel the inner beast dwelling within, im sure a date with you could cure my ill's?
Lane handles her business, and earns her respect, Holmes is a clown. You saw his performance wearing bumble bee colors laughing at the spectacle shelia edwards caused. Hell, Id be laughing if I was him too. Mumble jumble All the way to the bank on this wacked out county's dime.
Should Sheila Edward be fired.
Yes and tomorrow is not soon enough.
This needs to go national news as to what a joke this woman is representing DeKalb County.
I want to have the first date with Wendy.I dont work for a police dept.plus I make more money than the Dekalb cops..Slamin Ethel ..BUZZ OFF.
Should Sheila Edward be fired.
Yes and tomorrow is not soon enough.
This needs to go national news as to what a joke this woman is representing DeKalb County.
I Would like to know will The Sheriff be taking a pay cut? "You Go Wendy"
Boys you dont have to worry about Homes. The word in CID is he is on the way out. Some of our sources overheard Chief Obrien talking to people about him. The plot thickens fellows. Anyone have any further on this we need you.I agree with the Shiela Edwards issues, a serious embarrassment to this County.
You people are the same ones that were dogging Chief lane months back about her incompetence. Now she is the savior. She has always been strong, butI hope she isn't fighting the battle for you people on this blog. She should just stand for herself. Its obvious the more she does for you guys, the more she is loved. whether it's wrong or right she want be any good to this agenda in the end.
Would Annette Lane's staff and fan club please go back to sleep. My god I saw her on tv at the meeting, she was her usual mumbling self and made it clear she was speaking mostly as a resident of Dekalb County, not a Deputy Chief, (what a joke) from the police department.
I am not on her staff or her fan club, I just pointed out that Dep Chief Lane Woodard had spoke at the commission meeting. An earlier post stated that there had not been a single command staff member go to the commission meeting and take up for us. Now that really wasn’t true was it? I just corrected the mistake, that’s all. It did appear to me that she was trying to take up for all of us. And by the way, I’ve been watching this thing on t.v. for the last few weeks and I have yet to see Acting Chief O’Brien go before the commission and take up for us on the furlough and holiday issue.
Just typing this comment so the numbers can reach 100 :) *TEAM WENDY*
It would be great to see Chief Obrien go before them, But Director Miller is the one with the power and the authority. He is the one that should have stood up for us. Chief Obrien still isnt really chief. The way things are around here, he could be gone if he says the wrong thing.
The only ones safe are the ones the CEO handpicks, so Director Miller is safe. Just like Ms. Edwards, when we all can clearly see she should have been fired. And if it was any other county employee, any other one, they would have been. But shes protected. Gross.
I hear that GPSTC training facility in Forsyth is using the Channel 46 clip with MS. Edwards in it to train the new P.I.O. class on how not to handle situations. How embarrassing.
Embarrassing, yes. Hilarious? Abso-f'in-lutely.
"I run towards the sound of gun fire......"
To the officer that posted that, I want to say thank you and to all the officers who go to work knowing they may not see their loved ones again. As the wife of an officer, it hurts knowing the possibilities, but I am proud to have a husband that would give his life to protect and do his job. It would be justice if the commissioners were in a position to need the officers they smite and help came too late because there weren't enough officers because they quit to find better job satisfaction.
Wendy did great job not backing down. What other option did she have? Otherwise they would have just slipped out the back. If what I have heard is true and motor cops are posted at various government buildings in Decatur, in part to prevent the media from catching someone off guard with a tough question ( 1st amendment issue there?) you aren't exactly cooperating with the local reporters. People need to realize we are all accountable for our actions. If you are in a leadership role, be prepared to stand by and defend your decisions. No one likes to see favoritism, but let's be honest, if you were put in a role as a chief or D/C what are the odds you would pick a trusted friend you had worked with to serve with you verses someone you didn't know or trust? Padrick and Kaulbach are competent regardless of thier friendships with their bosses. And yes there is a difference between Yarbrough and Yarbro they are two different people. Try to research a little before you make critical comments. Speaking of which, how exactly is Yarbrough "making a mess' of Special Operations? I haven't heard any complaints on his leadership from any of the Special Ops guys...as a matter of fact they seem happy with him from what I have heard.
“I have not heard any complaints of Yarbrough’s leadership from any of the Special Ops guys.”
Yarbrough is an egotistical loon who worshiped King Rancifer for years. He talks down to everybody (wonder where he learned that from) because he thinks he is smarter than everybody. Everything he does or says is designed to make himself look good and he does not give a damn about anyone but himself. He has great difficulty distinguishing the truth from a lie but if it makes him look good he really doesn’t seem to care.
O.K….now you have heard a complaint.
"Ok...now you have heard a complaint"
..So I take it from that you either do or have worked for him. Or are you just another cog in the rumor mill? Or perhaps one of the many malcontent cry babies who likes to complain and hated to be reminded they are actually being PAID to WORK and are expected to do their job??
You are welcome to your opinion as long as you some some basis to form it...
Well Carl Mobley says it all, he left here and then wanted to come back and Bolton said NO.
Hey he will get what he deserves in the in the end. Nice guy but he dug his own grave.
THIS IS DEKALB AT ITS BEST.
Have you seen the latest that CEO Burrell Ellis held former Chief Terrell Bolton hostage for six hours to tried to force him to resign? Although the former Chief was not the county's favorite choice, his civil rights were violated. As mentioned before, this current administration is using Gestapo like tactics to achieve their goals. When will we the citizens of Dekalb County wake up and see what is going on? The new police chief is not even certified and I hear the new fire department chief may be his brother.
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