Mayor Sanders’ Spineless Christmas Letter –

What a bunch of – well, at first, I think “goofs” but that woul imply ignorance of the law & lack of intent, so, I change my assertion to “crony lowlifes!” Who offers OR accepts these gifts of tax payer money with a clear conscience ?

Bonus?? Those people get paid enough…..

In my opinion -There’s quite a bit more to this incident. Naturally we all know it’s the blame game. Mayor Sanders does not account for his own failings in this matter. Nor does he let us know that two of the members of the employee relations committee, specifically Bev Church (you readers already know about her problems) and Vickie Wallace DID NOT EVEN ATTEND LAST YEAR’S CHRISTMAS PARTY.
This was my answer to Mayor Sanders’ letter via e-mail sent to me by Elizabeth Richey: “Sorry to hear about the cancellation. I wasn’t told anything about the possibility before any decision was made. Reflecting back, however, I recall that a suggested summer picnic was also dropped and last year the Christmas attendance was down considerably from the previous year. I remember the Mill Creek Christmas party was the same night and Bev and Vickie did not attend last year’s party. You did, however, work hard on the previous Christmas parties (this was to Elizabeth the sender).”
There’s been a distinct lack of enthusiasm about city events (both business and employee) since Mayor Sanders has taken control. The problem started BEFORE any “turmoil” did.
I realize that years ago in previous administrations there was more incentive to attend. There was an open adult beverage free bar and also music entertainment. Until last year, additional gifts were made available to suit your choice of what had been bought and left for your selection.
Four of the city aldermen were not aware of the cancellation decision until a relative of a city employee asked another alderman if and why the party was cancelled. One appointed official told me that the employees had voted not to have a party. An hourly employee shortly thereafter told me there was no employee vote. I was told that Alderman Bev Church went to city garage and discussed it with them. I made a point to seek out and chat with the third member of the employee relations committee Alderman Strait because, well, you know… According to Alderman Strait there was “too much turmoil in the council” was supposed to be the employees’ reason (sounds like an election year political statement to me). Later the same day, the memo arrives from Mayor Sanders.

I tried to post a comment earlier about the blame game, but it didn’t apparently take. In my opinion – Please understand that four of the aldermen (myself included) knew nothing about the Mayor and Employee relations committee action until we learned of it when one of those four aldermen was asked by a relative of a city employee why the Christmas party was cancelled. the city council is split between the four insiders and the four outsiders. You can figure out who gets informed and who doesn’t. What isn’t noted by the Mayor and the Watchdogs aren’t aware is that two members of the employee relations committee (Bev Church and Vickie Wallace) DID NOT ATTEND THE CHRISTMAS PARTY LAST YEAR.
My response to Mayor Sanders’ letter: “Sorry to hear about the cancellation. I wasn’t told anything about the possibility before any decision was made. Reflecting back, however, I recall that a suggested summer picnic was also dropped and last year the Christmas attendance was down considerably from the previous year. I remember the Mill Creek Christmas party was the same night and Bev and Vickie did not attend last year’s party.”
I have no problem with and will vote for those bonus gifts for the employees if given the opportunity. I don’t want anything myself because I’m not in this to make money. If we want to do something for the kids of the employees, I have no problem. It’s probably against the law, but if it isn’t, I would buy two rounds at the Corner WITH MY OWN MONEY for the employees who partake and call it Christmas.

NOW: As for blaming the Watchdogs, That’s Bullsh*t. Playing politics with a Christmas party is Bullshit. Camie, you and your cronies have a problem; IT’S CALLED NO CLASS.

Warren J. Le Fever Alderman Ward 3 City of Marshall

Pretty telling that the Mayor is putting more emphasis on what you guys think & say vs. her putting forth an explanation / argument of why giving the gift certificates is in fact legal & proper. It appears she just wants to avoi the scrutiny for fear her actions will, in fact, be seen as improper & result in legal review.
Why reverse her actions, if they were legal ethical & proper?
Where is (more importantly – WAS) the city attorney on all of this?