Sweeping City Layoffs Now on “Pause”

I’ll say it again here, with no sarcasm: Thanks for listening, Mike. It’s still no fun, but at least it’s fair and integrated with normal processes.

I’ll say it again here, with no sarcasm: Thanks for listening, Mike. It’s still no fun, but at least it’s fair and integrated with normal processes.

I’ll say it again here, with no sarcasm: Thanks for listening, Mike. It’s still no fun, but at least it’s fair and integrated with normal processes.

what a crazy first week. Learn by doing?

what a crazy first week. Learn by doing?

what a crazy first week. Learn by doing?

Thank God. Finally, he is taking a reasonable stance. This was a campaign promise that was only going to backfire… And it was a perfect example of how fixing government seems so simple to people who have never actually worked in government. But lo and behold, turns out things aren’t as easy as they seem on the surface. Hmm, maybe public officials aren’t really as stupid as they are made out to be.

Thank God. Finally, he is taking a reasonable stance. This was a campaign promise that was only going to backfire… And it was a perfect example of how fixing government seems so simple to people who have never actually worked in government. But lo and behold, turns out things aren’t as easy as they seem on the surface. Hmm, maybe public officials aren’t really as stupid as they are made out to be.

Thank God. Finally, he is taking a reasonable stance. This was a campaign promise that was only going to backfire… And it was a perfect example of how fixing government seems so simple to people who have never actually worked in government. But lo and behold, turns out things aren’t as easy as they seem on the surface. Hmm, maybe public officials aren’t really as stupid as they are made out to be.

I’m glad McGinn appears willing to change course.

(At least, willing to change whenever experienced, dedicated, credible people mount a concerted effort to make him see the light, persisting long enough for Mike to understand the political downside if he persisted in pretending he hadn’t gone off half-cocked.)

I’m glad McGinn appears willing to change course.

(At least, willing to change whenever experienced, dedicated, credible people mount a concerted effort to make him see the light, persisting long enough for Mike to understand the political downside if he persisted in pretending he hadn’t gone off half-cocked.)

I’m glad McGinn appears willing to change course.

(At least, willing to change whenever experienced, dedicated, credible people mount a concerted effort to make him see the light, persisting long enough for Mike to understand the political downside if he persisted in pretending he hadn’t gone off half-cocked.)

Dang – I used “persist” twice in a single sentence. Here’s another call for a comment-editing feature! Pretty please?

Dang – I used “persist” twice in a single sentence. Here’s another call for a comment-editing feature! Pretty please?

Dang – I used “persist” twice in a single sentence. Here’s another call for a comment-editing feature! Pretty please?

Read it carefully. He’s still targeting the senior level positions – just wrapping them into “larger exercises around meeting potential mid-year reductions and in developing the 2011 budget.” Not about really looking at positions and programs – just disguising the process. I’d still be watching my back.

Soap > I’m so glad, I’m so glad / I’m glad, I’m glad, I’m glad for you.

This reminds me of the Yes, Minister episode where Sir Humphrey explains to Hacker that in order to reduce expenses in the Department of Administrative Affairs new employees will need to be hired.

Soap > I’m so glad, I’m so glad / I’m glad, I’m glad, I’m glad for you.

This reminds me of the Yes, Minister episode where Sir Humphrey explains to Hacker that in order to reduce expenses in the Department of Administrative Affairs new employees will need to be hired.

Soap > I’m so glad, I’m so glad / I’m glad, I’m glad, I’m glad for you.

This reminds me of the Yes, Minister episode where Sir Humphrey explains to Hacker that in order to reduce expenses in the Department of Administrative Affairs new employees will need to be hired.

there is still a giant hole in the budget, and people are getting canned.

there is still a giant hole in the budget, and people are getting canned.

there is still a giant hole in the budget, and people are getting canned.

Fizzy – Not me. Just people (plural) I respect and care about. Don’t be a jerk. You wouldn’t like it if it were directed at you. It surely won’t do you any good to wish ill upon others.

Fizzy – Not me. Just people (plural) I respect and care about. Don’t be a jerk. You wouldn’t like it if it were directed at you. It surely won’t do you any good to wish ill upon others.

Fizzy – Not me. Just people (plural) I respect and care about. Don’t be a jerk. You wouldn’t like it if it were directed at you. It surely won’t do you any good to wish ill upon others.

The seawall levy and the light rail levy will allow some employees to transfer to those projects. There’s a lot of work on those projects, not just engineering and construction.

The seawall levy and the light rail levy will allow some employees to transfer to those projects. There’s a lot of work on those projects, not just engineering and construction.

The seawall levy and the light rail levy will allow some employees to transfer to those projects. There’s a lot of work on those projects, not just engineering and construction.

You guys above are being generous. The quotes from Matassa relating to bumping rights and unintended consequences, etc – Do ya think?

All the angst could have been avoided if the Mayor had some people with some experience.

A huge cost and waste of resources.

You guys above are being generous. The quotes from Matassa relating to bumping rights and unintended consequences, etc – Do ya think?

All the angst could have been avoided if the Mayor had some people with some experience.

A huge cost and waste of resources.

You guys above are being generous. The quotes from Matassa relating to bumping rights and unintended consequences, etc – Do ya think?

All the angst could have been avoided if the Mayor had some people with some experience.

A huge cost and waste of resources.

Soap – we will need to cut services if we don’t cut staff. If we don’t cut sooner and higher on the chart more low paid workers that actually provide services to the citizens will need to be cut.

A few years ago during another revenue downturn funding for a shelter for battered women was cut – the longer we wait to make the necessary reduction the more programs like that we will have to cut the funding.

.

Soap – we will need to cut services if we don’t cut staff. If we don’t cut sooner and higher on the chart more low paid workers that actually provide services to the citizens will need to be cut.

A few years ago during another revenue downturn funding for a shelter for battered women was cut – the longer we wait to make the necessary reduction the more programs like that we will have to cut the funding.

.

Soap – we will need to cut services if we don’t cut staff. If we don’t cut sooner and higher on the chart more low paid workers that actually provide services to the citizens will need to be cut.

A few years ago during another revenue downturn funding for a shelter for battered women was cut – the longer we wait to make the necessary reduction the more programs like that we will have to cut the funding.

.

This will definitely comfort those who expected to be laid off in a month but will now have to wait an indeterminable amount of time to see if they will be laid off. If we make McGinn “listen” further, will he promise not to lay anyone off?

This will definitely comfort those who expected to be laid off in a month but will now have to wait an indeterminable amount of time to see if they will be laid off. If we make McGinn “listen” further, will he promise not to lay anyone off?

This will definitely comfort those who expected to be laid off in a month but will now have to wait an indeterminable amount of time to see if they will be laid off. If we make McGinn “listen” further, will he promise not to lay anyone off?

Mayor McGinn finally comes to his senses. His plan did not make sense and made it difficult for strategic advisors/managers/executives and those that work for them to get work done.

I hope that he gives the departments the latitude to choose how to make budget cuts to accomplish the highest priority functions.

Mayor McGinn finally comes to his senses. His plan did not make sense and made it difficult for strategic advisors/managers/executives and those that work for them to get work done.

I hope that he gives the departments the latitude to choose how to make budget cuts to accomplish the highest priority functions.

Mayor McGinn finally comes to his senses. His plan did not make sense and made it difficult for strategic advisors/managers/executives and those that work for them to get work done.

I hope that he gives the departments the latitude to choose how to make budget cuts to accomplish the highest priority functions.

Sarah – do you just mean the SA/Mgr/Ex classes or does your concern extend to the non senior staff as well?

Sarah – do you just mean the SA/Mgr/Ex classes or does your concern extend to the non senior staff as well?

@morning fizzy – I think everyone can agree that there will likely need to be staff cuts. However, McGinn’s approach was deeply flawed, and as has been pointed out in these pages, the positions he was targeting were not as a whole the highest paid at the City. The target cuts he doled out a week ago were very random and in many cases, would have resulted in no savings to the general fund. Now, individual departments will be able to identify where costs can be saved instead of cutting certain positions based on title alone. Cuts will be decided based on what functions can be eliminated or reduced or folded into other efforts, and will be done as part of the budget process as it always has been done in the past.

@morning fizzy – I think everyone can agree that there will likely need to be staff cuts. However, McGinn’s approach was deeply flawed, and as has been pointed out in these pages, the positions he was targeting were not as a whole the highest paid at the City. The target cuts he doled out a week ago were very random and in many cases, would have resulted in no savings to the general fund. Now, individual departments will be able to identify where costs can be saved instead of cutting certain positions based on title alone. Cuts will be decided based on what functions can be eliminated or reduced or folded into other efforts, and will be done as part of the budget process as it always has been done in the past.

@morning fizzy – I think everyone can agree that there will likely need to be staff cuts. However, McGinn’s approach was deeply flawed, and as has been pointed out in these pages, the positions he was targeting were not as a whole the highest paid at the City. The target cuts he doled out a week ago were very random and in many cases, would have resulted in no savings to the general fund. Now, individual departments will be able to identify where costs can be saved instead of cutting certain positions based on title alone. Cuts will be decided based on what functions can be eliminated or reduced or folded into other efforts, and will be done as part of the budget process as it always has been done in the past.

Cosmopolis – can I have some of what you’re smoking? DPD cut over 60 staff postions and 0 senior staff. What makes you think they will make these cuts if they’re not forced to?

Cosmopolis – can I have some of what you’re smoking? DPD cut over 60 staff postions and 0 senior staff. What makes you think they will make these cuts if they’re not forced to?

The Mayor must have finally hired that management consultant…haven’t seen that person listed yet but he’s finally listening to someone with some experience and sorry to say I don’t think it is any of the new staff he’s brought in.

Bumping rights isn’t anything new around the city – that process should not have come as a surprise if they did their homework or engaged the senior staff in their budget problem exercise from the beginning. It seems that this may be happening now. At least that’s a step in the right direction.

The Mayor must have finally hired that management consultant…haven’t seen that person listed yet but he’s finally listening to someone with some experience and sorry to say I don’t think it is any of the new staff he’s brought in.

Bumping rights isn’t anything new around the city – that process should not have come as a surprise if they did their homework or engaged the senior staff in their budget problem exercise from the beginning. It seems that this may be happening now. At least that’s a step in the right direction.

The Mayor must have finally hired that management consultant…haven’t seen that person listed yet but he’s finally listening to someone with some experience and sorry to say I don’t think it is any of the new staff he’s brought in.

Bumping rights isn’t anything new around the city – that process should not have come as a surprise if they did their homework or engaged the senior staff in their budget problem exercise from the beginning. It seems that this may be happening now. At least that’s a step in the right direction.

XRcris – are you saying it makes sense to tell a department to simply eliminate X number of positions when that department does not actually have a budget deficit? Or when the positions being targeted are funded through a dedicated source (e.g., levy, grant — money that McGinn can’t touch) for specific work that will still need to be done? That’s what was going to happen to some departments with the exercise McGinn had initiated. Sure, there are departments where cuts will need to happen, but he was targeting position titles across the board with no analysis of the work those positions did. In no way am I saying every single one of the targeted positions can’t be touched, but let’s figure out the impact first.

XRcris – are you saying it makes sense to tell a department to simply eliminate X number of positions when that department does not actually have a budget deficit? Or when the positions being targeted are funded through a dedicated source (e.g., levy, grant — money that McGinn can’t touch) for specific work that will still need to be done? That’s what was going to happen to some departments with the exercise McGinn had initiated. Sure, there are departments where cuts will need to happen, but he was targeting position titles across the board with no analysis of the work those positions did. In no way am I saying every single one of the targeted positions can’t be touched, but let’s figure out the impact first.

XRcris – are you saying it makes sense to tell a department to simply eliminate X number of positions when that department does not actually have a budget deficit? Or when the positions being targeted are funded through a dedicated source (e.g., levy, grant — money that McGinn can’t touch) for specific work that will still need to be done? That’s what was going to happen to some departments with the exercise McGinn had initiated. Sure, there are departments where cuts will need to happen, but he was targeting position titles across the board with no analysis of the work those positions did. In no way am I saying every single one of the targeted positions can’t be touched, but let’s figure out the impact first.

boy mcginn is a jackass. maybe he should have worked a little longer with that boy scouts troupe.

boy mcginn is a jackass. maybe he should have worked a little longer with that boy scouts troupe.

boy mcginn is a jackass. maybe he should have worked a little longer with that boy scouts troupe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6TXMsvgQg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6TXMsvgQg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK6TXMsvgQg&feature=related

Glad to see Mayor McGinn back off and take a look at this in a more intelligent manner. For some the damage is already done. I am sure he has lost many a potential ally in his first few days in office. Lets hope he shows a little more thought in future decisions.

Glad to see Mayor McGinn back off and take a look at this in a more intelligent manner. For some the damage is already done. I am sure he has lost many a potential ally in his first few days in office. Lets hope he shows a little more thought in future decisions.

Glad to see Mayor McGinn back off and take a look at this in a more intelligent manner. For some the damage is already done. I am sure he has lost many a potential ally in his first few days in office. Lets hope he shows a little more thought in future decisions.

XRcris – are you saying it makes sense to tell a department to simply eliminate X number of positions when that department does not actually have a budget deficit?.

do you think there is a dept that somehow doesn’t rely on the general fund?

XRcris – are you saying it makes sense to tell a department to simply eliminate X number of positions when that department does not actually have a budget deficit?.

do you think there is a dept that somehow doesn’t rely on the general fund?

Um,, sure. SPU and City Light by law are prohibited from using General Fund money for purposes of delivering the services that they collect rate payer money for. They are enterprise funds. No money from general funds.

Um,, sure. SPU and City Light by law are prohibited from using General Fund money for purposes of delivering the services that they collect rate payer money for. They are enterprise funds. No money from general funds.

Um,, sure. SPU and City Light by law are prohibited from using General Fund money for purposes of delivering the services that they collect rate payer money for. They are enterprise funds.

Or this, maybe, Giffty:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq8F8PeDBOU

Or this, maybe, Giffty:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq8F8PeDBOU

Or this, maybe, Giffty:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq8F8PeDBOU

SPU and SCL are not departments. They are stand alone entities governed by the city. They may be referred to as departments on the web site but as you point out they are not treated as departments. Both of them serve populations outside of the city. When the city tried to get SCL to pay for street lights the court ruled against the city.

A couple of quotes: Something for everyone.

Sir Humphrey: The public doesn’t know anything about wasting government money, we’re the experts.
Sir Humphrey: Politicians like to panic, they need activity. It’s their substitute for achievement.

SPU and SCL are not departments. They are stand alone entities governed by the city. They may be referred to as departments on the web site but as you point out they are not treated as departments. Both of them serve populations outside of the city. When the city tried to get SCL to pay for street lights the court ruled against the city.

A couple of quotes: Something for everyone.

Sir Humphrey: The public doesn’t know anything about wasting government money, we’re the experts.
Sir Humphrey: Politicians like to panic, they need activity. It’s their substitute for achievement.

McGinn: the Reality Show. In this episode the Tribe receives a message in a bottle stating “this is part of the ritual of Tribal Council because fire represents life. As long as you have fire, you are still in this game. When your fire’s gone, so are you”. Watch our next show when the location of the hidden immunity idol is revealed.

McGinn: the Reality Show. In this episode the Tribe receives a message in a bottle stating “this is part of the ritual of Tribal Council because fire represents life. As long as you have fire, you are still in this game. When your fire’s gone, so are you”. Watch our next show when the location of the hidden immunity idol is revealed.

SPU and SCL are not departments. They are stand alone entities governed by the city. They may be referred to as departments on the web site but as you point out they are not treated as departments. Both of them serve populations outside of the city. When the city tried to get SCL to pay for street lights the court ruled against the city.

A couple of quotes: Something for everyone.

Sir Humphrey: The public doesn’t know anything about wasting government money, we’re the experts.
Sir Humphrey: Politicians like to panic, they need activity. It’s their substitute for achievement.

McGinn: the Reality Show. In this episode the Tribe receives a message in a bottle stating “this is part of the ritual of Tribal Council because fire represents life. As long as you have fire, you are still in this game. When your fire’s gone, so are you”. Watch our next show when the location of the hidden immunity idol is revealed.

Here is an example of the problem Mike McGinn and the divisions face.

Roy Francis was an middling planning manager in King County. Things weren’t working out and he was feeling some heat about the way he was running his shop. Roy and his wife attorney Joann Francis happen to be good friends with Seattle City Coucilman Richad McIver. McIver enjoys vacationing at the Francis property in the Virgin Islands (later during his domestic violence arrest, Joann Francis defends McIver).

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004399967_mciver08m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008056233_mciver17m0.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003942518_webmciver11m.html

McIver throws his weight around to land Francis a comfortable Manager 3 position at SDOT with a six figure salary. Francis isn’t particularly capable, so SDOT makes sure he lands somewhere he won’t cause trouble. He’s put in charge of the urban forestry division. The city arborist manages the landscape architects and there’s a junior manager in charge of the field crews. Francis doesn’t do much other than attend an occasional meeting.

Fast forward to senior position crisis 2010. Roy Francis would be an obvious target for the McGinn cuts because his position is not business critical. But Francis has been with SDOT since 2001, so he is one of the senior managers now. If his position is cut, he’ll have the right to bump another manager out of their job. Seniority rules, not performance.

Here is an example of the problem Mike McGinn and the divisions face.

Roy Francis was an middling planning manager in King County. Things weren’t working out and he was feeling some heat about the way he was running his shop. Roy and his wife attorney Joann Francis happen to be good friends with Seattle City Coucilman Richad McIver. McIver enjoys vacationing at the Francis property in the Virgin Islands (later during his domestic violence arrest, Joann Francis defends McIver).

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004399967_mciver08m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008056233_mciver17m0.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003942518_webmciver11m.html

McIver throws his weight around to land Francis a comfortable Manager 3 position at SDOT with a six figure salary. Francis isn’t particularly capable, so SDOT makes sure he lands somewhere he won’t cause trouble. He’s put in charge of the urban forestry division. The city arborist manages the landscape architects and there’s a junior manager in charge of the field crews. Francis doesn’t do much other than attend an occasional meeting.

Fast forward to senior position crisis 2010. Roy Francis would be an obvious target for the McGinn cuts because his position is not business critical. But Francis has been with SDOT since 2001, so he is one of the senior managers now. If his position is cut, he’ll have the right to bump another manager out of their job. Seniority rules, not performance.

Here is an example of the problem Mike McGinn and the divisions face.

Roy Francis was an middling planning manager in King County. Things weren’t working out and he was feeling some heat about the way he was running his shop. Roy and his wife attorney Joann Francis happen to be good friends with Seattle City Coucilman Richad McIver. McIver enjoys vacationing at the Francis property in the Virgin Islands (later during his domestic violence arrest, Joann Francis defends McIver).

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004399967_mciver08m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008056233_mciver17m0.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003942518_webmciver11m.html

McIver throws his weight around to land Francis a comfortable Manager 3 position at SDOT with a six figure salary. Francis isn’t particularly capable, so SDOT makes sure he lands somewhere he won’t cause trouble. He’s put in charge of the urban forestry division. The city arborist manages the landscape architects and there’s a junior manager in charge of the field crews. Francis doesn’t do much other than attend an occasional meeting.

Fast forward to senior position crisis 2010. Roy Francis would be an obvious target for the McGinn cuts because his position is not business critical. But Francis has been with SDOT since 2001, so he is one of the senior managers now. If his position is cut, he’ll have the right to bump another manager out of their job. Seniority rules, not performance.

I’m not really reassured by this partial retreat. First of all, bumping rights are a well established feature of City employment. How clueless do you have to be to not figure them into your plans.

Secondly, why should bumping rights matter if the goal is budget balance? Doesn’t one employee looking pretty much like another from a budget perspective? Matasa’s explanation gives credence to the rumors that the McGinn team had long lists of people it didn’t like and wanted to fire. Bumping rights only matter if they have it out for specific people.

Crappy new development in both respects. This feels like a litigator biding his time, not a genuine show of humility.

I’m not really reassured by this partial retreat. First of all, bumping rights are a well established feature of City employment. How clueless do you have to be to not figure them into your plans.

Secondly, why should bumping rights matter if the goal is budget balance? Doesn’t one employee looking pretty much like another from a budget perspective? Matasa’s explanation gives credence to the rumors that the McGinn team had long lists of people it didn’t like and wanted to fire. Bumping rights only matter if they have it out for specific people.

Crappy new development in both respects. This feels like a litigator biding his time, not a genuine show of humility.

Really this episode is perfect and free = The Economy Drive =
Yes, Minister

http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/comedy/watch/v193081882BJSzXmY

Really this episode is perfect and free = The Economy Drive =
Yes, Minister

http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/comedy/watch/v193081882BJSzXmY

I’m not really reassured by this partial retreat. First of all, bumping rights are a well established feature of City employment. How clueless do you have to be to not figure them into your plans.

Secondly, why should bumping rights matter if the goal is budget balance? Doesn’t one employee looking pretty much like another from a budget perspective? Matasa’s explanation gives credence to the rumors that the McGinn team had long lists of people it didn’t like and wanted to fire. Bumping rights only matter if they have it out for specific people.

Crappy new development in both respects. This feels like a litigator biding his time, not a genuine show of humility.

Really this episode is perfect and free = The Economy Drive =
Yes, Minister

http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/comedy/watch/v193081882BJSzXmY

The coolest thing about Josh’s article was getting actual quotes from Matassa – the World’s Least Visible/Most Silent Mayoral Spokesman. I’ve been waiting to hear him say something, anything…

The coolest thing about Josh’s article was getting actual quotes from Matassa – the World’s Least Visible/Most Silent Mayoral Spokesman. I’ve been waiting to hear him say something, anything…

The coolest thing about Josh’s article was getting actual quotes from Matassa – the World’s Least Visible/Most Silent Mayoral Spokesman. I’ve been waiting to hear him say something, anything…

…might think it’s because the “process” was so messed up they’d be in court for a couple years…

…might think it’s because the “process” was so messed up they’d be in court for a couple years…

…might think it’s because the “process” was so messed up they’d be in court for a couple years…

We have to give him credit for “recalibrating” his approach when it became obvious what he had un-knowingly stepped into on day one. Maybe we’ll be lucky and he’s smart enough to recognize when he’s wrong and wise enough to do something about it, ego be damned.

Or not, time will tell.

We have to give him credit for “recalibrating” his approach when it became obvious what he had un-knowingly stepped into on day one. Maybe we’ll be lucky and he’s smart enough to recognize when he’s wrong and wise enough to do something about it, ego be damned.

Or not, time will tell.

We have to give him credit for “recalibrating” his approach when it became obvious what he had un-knowingly stepped into on day one. Maybe we’ll be lucky and he’s smart enough to recognize when he’s wrong and wise enough to do something about it, ego be damned.

Or not, time will tell.

“SPU and SCL are not departments. They are stand alone entities governed by the city.”

Maybe so. But every Mayor since Royer has used them as his own personal piggy bank to fund pet projects. That’s why our infrastructure is in such rotten shape.

It would make a really good investigative report. Hint, hint…..

“SPU and SCL are not departments. They are stand alone entities governed by the city.”

Maybe so. But every Mayor since Royer has used them as his own personal piggy bank to fund pet projects. That’s why our infrastructure is in such rotten shape.

It would make a really good investigative report. Hint, hint…..

“SPU and SCL are not departments. They are stand alone entities governed by the city.”

Maybe so. But every Mayor since Royer has used them as his own personal piggy bank to fund pet projects. That’s why our infrastructure is in such rotten shape.

It would make a really good investigative report. Hint, hint…..

I have read it before in other posts related to a Publicola McGinn story, so I’m not going to take credit for it, but one phrase comes to mind with this newest McGinn debacle – amateur hour of the 7th floor, pure and simple. You know you do not know what you are doing when you are second guessing yourself like this. Due to the “high degree of concern and low morale”, this process was paused. Did you think this wouldn’t cause “low morale” McBlunder? I cannot believe how poorly his first month has gone. Although I didn’t vote for him because I was concerned about just this type of inept governing style, I was (repeat…was) willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. As well, I am glad he is changing course on the job cuts as originally conceived, but this type of second guessing is symptomatic of a larger problem: he really has no clue what he is doing. I mean, no clue whatsoever.

I have read it before in other posts related to a Publicola McGinn story, so I’m not going to take credit for it, but one phrase comes to mind with this newest McGinn debacle – amateur hour of the 7th floor, pure and simple. You know you do not know what you are doing when you are second guessing yourself like this. Due to the “high degree of concern and low morale”, this process was paused. Did you think this wouldn’t cause “low morale” McBlunder? I cannot believe how poorly his first month has gone. Although I didn’t vote for him because I was concerned about just this type of inept governing style, I was (repeat…was) willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. As well, I am glad he is changing course on the job cuts as originally conceived, but this type of second guessing is symptomatic of a larger problem: he really has no clue what he is doing. I mean, no clue whatsoever.

I have read it before in other posts related to a Publicola McGinn story, so I’m not going to take credit for it, but one phrase comes to mind with this newest McGinn debacle – amateur hour of the 7th floor, pure and simple. You know you do not know what you are doing when you are second guessing yourself like this. Due to the “high degree of concern and low morale”, this process was paused. Did you think this wouldn’t cause “low morale” McBlunder? I cannot believe how poorly his first month has gone. Although I didn’t vote for him because I was concerned about just this type of inept governing style, I was (repeat…was) willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. As well, I am glad he is changing course on the job cuts as originally conceived, but this type of second guessing is symptomatic of a larger problem: he really has no clue what he is doing. I mean, no clue whatsoever.

Wow. Truly truly amateur hour. I would bet that McGinn and his folks had no idea what bumping rights were until they started looking into this a bit further.

Once again ready, fire, aim….

Wow. Truly truly amateur hour. I would bet that McGinn and his folks had no idea what bumping rights were until they started looking into this a bit further.

Once again ready, fire, aim….

Wow. Truly truly amateur hour. I would bet that McGinn and his folks had no idea what bumping rights were until they started looking into this a bit further.

Once again ready, fire, aim….

Yes, lets keep the Nickel’s senior management bloat, that way we get to close more libraries.

Yes, lets keep the Nickel’s senior management bloat, that way we get to close more libraries.

Yes, lets keep the Nickel’s senior management bloat, that way we get to close more libraries.

Really? that friend of Councilman McIver with the no work job is going to bump a junior staff member who actually works and deals with the public? He just can’t wait to answer questions(from Erica and Josh?) about trees and forestry and land use! Opening himself up to public scrutiny and a possible for-cause termination affecting his pension?

He and these other targeted senior staff are going to walk away with their fat pensions and benefits (in his case to the USVI) whining about that mean hippie, Mayor McGinn.

Really? that friend of Councilman McIver with the no work job is going to bump a junior staff member who actually works and deals with the public? He just can’t wait to answer questions(from Erica and Josh?) about trees and forestry and land use! Opening himself up to public scrutiny and a possible for-cause termination affecting his pension?

He and these other targeted senior staff are going to walk away with their fat pensions and benefits (in his case to the USVI) whining about that mean hippie, Mayor McGinn.

Really? that friend of Councilman McIver with the no work job is going to bump a junior staff member who actually works and deals with the public? He just can’t wait to answer questions(from Erica and Josh?) about trees and forestry and land use! Opening himself up to public scrutiny and a possible for-cause termination affecting his pension?

He and these other targeted senior staff are going to walk away with their fat pensions and benefits (in his case to the USVI) whining about that mean hippie, Mayor McGinn.

This is a huge management screw-up! This whole debacle is also why the City needs Strategic Advisers. It feels like the entire McGinn team is only planning one step ahead when they should be thinking about developing a long term strategy and thinking about the effects of that strategy in six months, one year and two years. It’s like they’re still in campaign mode where rhetoric speaks louder than actions.

As a plea to all the McGinn administration employees who read this, please do better.

This is a huge management screw-up! This whole debacle is also why the City needs Strategic Advisers. It feels like the entire McGinn team is only planning one step ahead when they should be thinking about developing a long term strategy and thinking about the effects of that strategy in six months, one year and two years. It’s like they’re still in campaign mode where rhetoric speaks louder than actions.

As a plea to all the McGinn administration employees who read this, please do better.

This is a huge management screw-up! This whole debacle is also why the City needs Strategic Advisers. It feels like the entire McGinn team is only planning one step ahead when they should be thinking about developing a long term strategy and thinking about the effects of that strategy in six months, one year and two years. It’s like they’re still in campaign mode where rhetoric speaks louder than actions.

As a plea to all the McGinn administration employees who read this, please do better.

Recalibrate — the best word in the political consultant lexicon. Unfortunately for McGinn the damage has already been done. First impressions are lasting impressions in executive offices and “low morale” of employee workforce is confirmed by the Press Secretary means its a viable issue. And its the worst of both worlds — angered workers the verge of a work slowdown and looks like ‘caving in’ to the voters on making tough decisions.

Watching the video didn’t you get the impression that you were looking at a shell shocked guy – you can see it in his face and voice. George W Bush of the left.

Recalibrate — the best word in the political consultant lexicon. Unfortunately for McGinn the damage has already been done. First impressions are lasting impressions in executive offices and “low morale” of employee workforce is confirmed by the Press Secretary means its a viable issue. And its the worst of both worlds — angered workers the verge of a work slowdown and looks like ‘caving in’ to the voters on making tough decisions.

Watching the video didn’t you get the impression that you were looking at a shell shocked guy – you can see it in his face and voice. George W Bush of the left.

Recalibrate — the best word in the political consultant lexicon. Unfortunately for McGinn the damage has already been done. First impressions are lasting impressions in executive offices and “low morale” of employee workforce is confirmed by the Press Secretary means its a viable issue. And its the worst of both worlds — angered workers the verge of a work slowdown and looks like ‘caving in’ to the voters on making tough decisions.

Watching the video didn’t you get the impression that you were looking at a shell shocked guy – you can see it in his face and voice. George W Bush of the left.

Hopefully, McGinn and his senior staff will reflect on this turn of events before embarking on another ill-conceived approach. Work with your departments, engage the experts, get out of campaign mode where no one but Chris Bushnell and maybe Julie McCoy (and hubby Bill Broadhead) have input. Shooting from the hip will severely hurt you and the city. Please, please think, communicate, and then act.

Hopefully, McGinn and his senior staff will reflect on this turn of events before embarking on another ill-conceived approach. Work with your departments, engage the experts, get out of campaign mode where no one but Chris Bushnell and maybe Julie McCoy (and hubby Bill Broadhead) have input. Shooting from the hip will severely hurt you and the city. Please, please think, communicate, and then act.

Hopefully, McGinn and his senior staff will reflect on this turn of events before embarking on another ill-conceived approach. Work with your departments, engage the experts, get out of campaign mode where no one but Chris Bushnell and maybe Julie McCoy (and hubby Bill Broadhead) have input. Shooting from the hip will severely hurt you and the city. Please, please think, communicate, and then act.

Do your research.McGinn..many of us Strat Advisors had to go through a rigorious process to get re-classified to our positions. This is not an “appointment”, like your apponting Mr. Bushnell. You have opened a can of worms and we are all hoping the the word “unionize” get’s you thinking first before you come out of the gate with guns blazin’.

Do your research.McGinn..many of us Strat Advisors had to go through a rigorious process to get re-classified to our positions. This is not an “appointment”, like your apponting Mr. Bushnell. You have opened a can of worms and we are all hoping the the word “unionize” get’s you thinking first before you come out of the gate with guns blazin’.

Do your research.McGinn..many of us Strat Advisors had to go through a rigorious process to get re-classified to our positions. This is not an “appointment”, like your apponting Mr. Bushnell. You have opened a can of worms and we are all hoping the the word “unionize” get’s you thinking first before you come out of the gate with guns blazin’.

As a City Employee I am surprised about the lack of transparency on the entire issue.
Eliminating the SA positions will not result in a lot of savings. However, a study of some of the “programs” these SA’s are part of does merit some review since the overall impact has resulted in inefficiencies. The biggest problem is that, and I hate to say this, is that some (a minority) SAs were put in a positions where they have little knowledge about the department and programs they are involved in.
That said there are other programs in the City that are very expensive and I have never seen reference to in the press. The local media needs to spend more time in City Hall and wondering around Key Tower.

As a City Employee I am surprised about the lack of transparency on the entire issue.
Eliminating the SA positions will not result in a lot of savings. However, a study of some of the “programs” these SA’s are part of does merit some review since the overall impact has resulted in inefficiencies. The biggest problem is that, and I hate to say this, is that some (a minority) SAs were put in a positions where they have little knowledge about the department and programs they are involved in.
That said there are other programs in the City that are very expensive and I have never seen reference to in the press. The local media needs to spend more time in City Hall and wondering around Key Tower.

As a City Employee I am surprised about the lack of transparency on the entire issue.
Eliminating the SA positions will not result in a lot of savings. However, a study of some of the “programs” these SA’s are part of does merit some review since the overall impact has resulted in inefficiencies. The biggest problem is that, and I hate to say this, is that some (a minority) SAs were put in a positions where they have little knowledge about the department and programs they are involved in.
That said there are other programs in the City that are very expensive and I have never seen reference to in the press. The local media needs to spend more time in City Hall and wondering around Key Tower.

Hard to say it hasn’t been transparent. You might disagree with the desired outcomes, but between the publishing of process memos and targets and youtube videos… Nickels was never open in any way like this.

Hard to say it hasn’t been transparent. You might disagree with the desired outcomes, but between the publishing of process memos and targets and youtube videos… Nickels was never open in any way like this.

Hard to say it hasn’t been transparent. You might disagree with the desired outcomes, but between the publishing of process memos and targets and youtube videos… Nickels was never open in any way like this.

Okay, we will now have the process the bureaucrats wanted. We will spend time and money to figure out where we can cut. SAs will do the work and find public services such as the libraries to reduce. They will find lower level line employees to layoff, further reducing actual services to the taxpayer. The process will cause an even greater deficit so even more services will be cut. When people complain that their streets have potholes, that the libraries have reduced hours, that parks aren’t maintained and other basics are curtailed somehow this will have nothing to do with workers making over $80,000 per year.

I would like to hear from the city top earner employee chorus how we should deal with the budget deficits. Please don’t talk about some process, give details now. The problem has been evident for years. The SAs and others should have the plan in place for what to do.

Since we won’t get an answer, it begs the question, why doesn’t the city have a plan for the shortfalls?

Okay, we will now have the process the bureaucrats wanted. We will spend time and money to figure out where we can cut. SAs will do the work and find public services such as the libraries to reduce. They will find lower level line employees to layoff, further reducing actual services to the taxpayer. The process will cause an even greater deficit so even more services will be cut. When people complain that their streets have potholes, that the libraries have reduced hours, that parks aren’t maintained and other basics are curtailed somehow this will have nothing to do with workers making over $80,000 per year.

I would like to hear from the city top earner employee chorus how we should deal with the budget deficits. Please don’t talk about some process, give details now. The problem has been evident for years. The SAs and others should have the plan in place for what to do.

Since we won’t get an answer, it begs the question, why doesn’t the city have a plan for the shortfalls?

Okay, we will now have the process the bureaucrats wanted. We will spend time and money to figure out where we can cut. SAs will do the work and find public services such as the libraries to reduce. They will find lower level line employees to layoff, further reducing actual services to the taxpayer. The process will cause an even greater deficit so even more services will be cut. When people complain that their streets have potholes, that the libraries have reduced hours, that parks aren’t maintained and other basics are curtailed somehow this will have nothing to do with workers making over $80,000 per year.

I would like to hear from the city top earner employee chorus how we should deal with the budget deficits. Please don’t talk about some process, give details now. The problem has been evident for years. The SAs and others should have the plan in place for what to do.

Since we won’t get an answer, it begs the question, why doesn’t the city have a plan for the shortfalls?

fizzy, I believe a certain Mr. Dively has the plan, which is why he was kicked to the curb.

fizzy, I believe a certain Mr. Dively has the plan, which is why he was kicked to the curb.

fizzy, I believe a certain Mr. Dively has the plan, which is why he was kicked to the curb.

Yes Dively is an excellent public servant. His “promotion” is the biggest mistake made by McGinn but somehow our chorus didn’t care.

Yes Dively is an excellent public servant. His “promotion” is the biggest mistake made by McGinn but somehow our chorus didn’t care.

Yes Dively is an excellent public servant. His “promotion” is the biggest mistake made by McGinn but somehow our chorus didn’t care.

It’s too bad that the Mayor’s attorney, Peter Holmes, did not exercise the same restraint when he slashed the City Attorney’s staff without so much as a second thought.

It’s too bad that the Mayor’s attorney, Peter Holmes, did not exercise the same restraint when he slashed the City Attorney’s staff without so much as a second thought.

It’s too bad that the Mayor’s attorney, Peter Holmes, did not exercise the same restraint when he slashed the City Attorney’s staff without so much as a second thought.

Dively’s plan last time was to spend down the rainy day fund to nothing. And now the forecasts are proving overly optimistic. I’m sure he’s a good guy, but he’s as responsible as anyone for the city’s precarious budget situation. But I’m sure that is somehow McGinn’s fault.

Dively’s plan last time was to spend down the rainy day fund to nothing. And now the forecasts are proving overly optimistic. I’m sure he’s a good guy, but he’s as responsible as anyone for the city’s precarious budget situation. But I’m sure that is somehow McGinn’s fault.

Dively’s plan last time was to spend down the rainy day fund to nothing. And now the forecasts are proving overly optimistic. I’m sure he’s a good guy, but he’s as responsible as anyone for the city’s precarious budget situation. But I’m sure that is somehow McGinn’s fault.

I’ve got a staff reduction idea:

IF you make over 50k, and
you manage over 5 people, and
you don’t have ideas to implement in 3 weeks,
ready in 3 hours,
that affect the top 10% of earners

LEAVE.

I’m 50, I’ve been part of downsizings, and had friends in every sector of the economy chucked on the streets, and the PARASITES at the top always walk away with a handful, IF they have to leave! Usually, people doing something more important than going to meetings and making powerpoints get canned, so the 950 strategic thinkers can sit around and do their rodin statue impressions.

(p.s. – I don’t vote republican cuz the people pulling the strings in that party are fascists)

just cuz something is work, doesn’t mean it is useful. meetings are work, and so isn’t carrying rocks on your over credentialed head.

rmm.

I’ve got a staff reduction idea:

IF you make over 50k, and
you manage over 5 people, and
you don’t have ideas to implement in 3 weeks,
ready in 3 hours,
that affect the top 10% of earners

LEAVE.

I’m 50, I’ve been part of downsizings, and had friends in every sector of the economy chucked on the streets, and the PARASITES at the top always walk away with a handful, IF they have to leave! Usually, people doing something more important than going to meetings and making powerpoints get canned, so the 950 strategic thinkers can sit around and do their rodin statue impressions.

(p.s. – I don’t vote republican cuz the people pulling the strings in that party are fascists)

just cuz something is work, doesn’t mean it is useful. meetings are work, and so isn’t carrying rocks on your over credentialed head.

rmm.

I’ve got a staff reduction idea:

IF you make over 50k, and
you manage over 5 people, and
you don’t have ideas to implement in 3 weeks,
ready in 3 hours,
that affect the top 10% of earners

LEAVE.

I’m 50, I’ve been part of downsizings, and had friends in every sector of the economy chucked on the streets, and the PARASITES at the top always walk away with a handful, IF they have to leave! Usually, people doing something more important than going to meetings and making powerpoints get canned, so the 950 strategic thinkers can sit around and do their rodin statue impressions.

(p.s. – I don’t vote republican cuz the people pulling the strings in that party are fascists)

just cuz something is work, doesn’t mean it is useful. meetings are work, and so isn’t carrying rocks on your over credentialed head.

rmm.

The sad thing is that McG has no clue how he has impacted morale, productivity, and the lives of dedicated long term City employees who have been barraged almost daily since his coronation with his “transparent” citywide e-mails disparaging their worth, holding their livelihoods in the balance, and whipsawing them with his continual shift of direction. Unfortunately, it is the rest of us who pay for the damage to city services already done. McG would be wise to spend more time learning his job, consulting with pros instead of neophytes, and less looking for headlines.

The sad thing is that McG has no clue how he has impacted morale, productivity, and the lives of dedicated long term City employees who have been barraged almost daily since his coronation with his “transparent” citywide e-mails disparaging their worth, holding their livelihoods in the balance, and whipsawing them with his continual shift of direction. Unfortunately, it is the rest of us who pay for the damage to city services already done. McG would be wise to spend more time learning his job, consulting with pros instead of neophytes, and less looking for headlines.

The sad thing is that McG has no clue how he has impacted morale, productivity, and the lives of dedicated long term City employees who have been barraged almost daily since his coronation with his “transparent” citywide e-mails disparaging their worth, holding their livelihoods in the balance, and whipsawing them with his continual shift of direction. Unfortunately, it is the rest of us who pay for the damage to city services already done. McG would be wise to spend more time learning his job, consulting with pros instead of neophytes, and less looking for headlines.

Holmes was elected independently of McGinn.

He didn’t rehire something like 12 of the 150 person department. Mostly lawyers that were at will employees.

Holmes won by a huge margin that was well beyond what is necessary for a mandate. I think the people asked for change.

Both here and DC it is becoming clear that no matter what the voters say, the entrenched will do anything they can to resist change.

Holmes was elected independently of McGinn.

He didn’t rehire something like 12 of the 150 person department. Mostly lawyers that were at will employees.

Holmes won by a huge margin that was well beyond what is necessary for a mandate. I think the people asked for change.

Both here and DC it is becoming clear that no matter what the voters say, the entrenched will do anything they can to resist change.

Holmes was elected independently of McGinn.

He didn’t rehire something like 12 of the 150 person department. Mostly lawyers that were at will employees.

Holmes won by a huge margin that was well beyond what is necessary for a mandate. I think the people asked for change.

Both here and DC it is becoming clear that no matter what the voters say, the entrenched will do anything they can to resist change.

What this shows is that he is reaping the backlash he sowed by being an unthinking politician. He has found himself in a position where he actually has to manage a 12,000+ person workforce. Any fiscal strategic advisor (with management experience) knows that you set your budget reduction targets, and then have the departments propose how they will meet them. This is usually a matter of eliminating whole functions/programs. Then the negotiations begin and its not about specific positions. But whtether the City can afford a whole program like the office of sustainability versus street maintenance. However, none of the people in his administration understand this. Heaven forbid that he should listen to managers like Dwight Dively.

What this shows is that he is reaping the backlash he sowed by being an unthinking politician. He has found himself in a position where he actually has to manage a 12,000+ person workforce. Any fiscal strategic advisor (with management experience) knows that you set your budget reduction targets, and then have the departments propose how they will meet them. This is usually a matter of eliminating whole functions/programs. Then the negotiations begin and its not about specific positions. But whtether the City can afford a whole program like the office of sustainability versus street maintenance. However, none of the people in his administration understand this. Heaven forbid that he should listen to managers like Dwight Dively.

What this shows is that he is reaping the backlash he sowed by being an unthinking politician. He has found himself in a position where he actually has to manage a 12,000+ person workforce. Any fiscal strategic advisor (with management experience) knows that you set your budget reduction targets, and then have the departments propose how they will meet them. This is usually a matter of eliminating whole functions/programs. Then the negotiations begin and its not about specific positions. But whtether the City can afford a whole program like the office of sustainability versus street maintenance. However, none of the people in his administration understand this. Heaven forbid that he should listen to managers like Dwight Dively.

Aren’t the “Senior Managers” being cut the ones who are going to be “reevaluating what needs to be cut”?

So instead of a Palace Revolution this is the same old BS of a bunch of big wigs sucking the city dry, and making the little people making less than $100K pay for it!

Aren’t the “Senior Managers” being cut the ones who are going to be “reevaluating what needs to be cut”?

So instead of a Palace Revolution this is the same old BS of a bunch of big wigs sucking the city dry, and making the little people making less than $100K pay for it!

Aren’t the “Senior Managers” being cut the ones who are going to be “reevaluating what needs to be cut”?

So instead of a Palace Revolution this is the same old BS of a bunch of big wigs sucking the city dry, and making the little people making less than $100K pay for it!

Ok, now this discussion just getting random.

Ok, now this discussion just getting random.

Ok, now this discussion just getting random.

I wonder if the next step will be a 50 person committee to determine the approach???

I wonder if the next step will be a 50 person committee to determine the approach???

I wonder if the next step will be a 50 person committee to determine the approach???

@Please. Remember who makes recommendations and who makes decisions regarding the budget. Mayors make recommendations and Council passes a budget.

@Please. Remember who makes recommendations and who makes decisions regarding the budget. Mayors make recommendations and Council passes a budget.

Every newly elected official likes to make immediate changes. The Mayor has met his Gitmo. He made it clear on day one that he wanted to cut deadwood and streamline government – that is what the voters elected him to do. Rigor mortis has set in Seattle City government which is hide-bound by inflexible rules and regulations from a by-gone era. The Mayor’s latest statements make minor timing adjustments but still make it clear that things have to change and positions must be cut. Gitmo has to be closed – it will be, but it just takes longer than advertised.

Every newly elected official likes to make immediate changes. The Mayor has met his Gitmo. He made it clear on day one that he wanted to cut deadwood and streamline government – that is what the voters elected him to do. Rigor mortis has set in Seattle City government which is hide-bound by inflexible rules and regulations from a by-gone era. The Mayor’s latest statements make minor timing adjustments but still make it clear that things have to change and positions must be cut. Gitmo has to be closed – it will be, but it just takes longer than advertised.

I’m with Tuning Out. This discussion got uglier today.
-
100% true. It is easy for government employees to feel protected from the layoffs that those of us in the private sector live with all the time, BUT it’s just as easy for people in the private sector to take cheap potshots at ‘government bureaucrats.’ That means you, morning fizzy.
-
Seattle city government has improved tremendously over the last decade, but doesn’t get the credit it deserves for three major reasons:
1. Nothing is ever good enough for everyone. SDOT paves 96 miles, but can’t pave everywhere. What about my street?!
2. Entrenched forces within city government put up a fight, make things more difficult, and badmouth people in forums like this one. Deadwood often doesn’t go down without a fight.
3. When the city does screw up, journalists like Susan Kelleher use it to further their career at the expense of everyone. They tie up countless city work hours and stir up public discontent, just by picking at scabs and making them bleed.
-
Remember that EVERYWHERE BUT WYOMING is running a deficit right now, and Seattle’s isn’t bad at all in comparison. It has to be addressed, but using government as a punching bag is a destructive waste of time. The last refuge of a frustrated nitwit.

I’m with Tuning Out. This discussion got uglier today.
-
100% true. It is easy for government employees to feel protected from the layoffs that those of us in the private sector live with all the time, BUT it’s just as easy for people in the private sector to take cheap potshots at ‘government bureaucrats.’ That means you, morning fizzy.
-
Seattle city government has improved tremendously over the last decade, but doesn’t get the credit it deserves for three major reasons:
1. Nothing is ever good enough for everyone. SDOT paves 96 miles, but can’t pave everywhere. What about my street?!
2. Entrenched forces within city government put up a fight, make things more difficult, and badmouth people in forums like this one. Deadwood often doesn’t go down without a fight.
3. When the city does screw up, journalists like Susan Kelleher use it to further their career at the expense of everyone. They tie up countless city work hours and stir up public discontent, just by picking at scabs and making them bleed.
-
Remember that EVERYWHERE BUT WYOMING is running a deficit right now, and Seattle’s isn’t bad at all in comparison. It has to be addressed, but using government as a punching bag is a destructive waste of time. The last refuge of a frustrated nitwit.

I’m with Tuning Out. This discussion got uglier today.
-
100% true. It is easy for government employees to feel protected from the layoffs that those of us in the private sector live with all the time, BUT it’s just as easy for people in the private sector to take cheap potshots at ‘government bureaucrats.’ That means you, morning fizzy.
-
Seattle city government has improved tremendously over the last decade, but doesn’t get the credit it deserves for three major reasons:
1. Nothing is ever good enough for everyone. SDOT paves 96 miles, but can’t pave everywhere. What about my street?!
2. Entrenched forces within city government put up a fight, make things more difficult, and badmouth people in forums like this one. Deadwood often doesn’t go down without a fight.
3. When the city does screw up, journalists like Susan Kelleher use it to further their career at the expense of everyone. They tie up countless city work hours and stir up public discontent, just by picking at scabs and making them bleed.
-
Remember that EVERYWHERE BUT WYOMING is running a deficit right now, and Seattle’s isn’t bad at all in comparison. It has to be addressed, but using government as a punching bag is a destructive waste of time. The last refuge of a frustrated nitwit.

Soap – don’t get all lathered up.

I care more about the line workers and hope we can find a way to keep as many of them delivering services as possible. Closing down services should be the last resort.

It would be nice to have one of the many city employees on this thread either give us an idea what the plans are for reductions or explain why the city doesn’t have one. It has been clear for some time that these shortfalls were coming.

It is much easier to add staff and services if the revenues come in higher than expected.

Soap – don’t get all lathered up.

I care more about the line workers and hope we can find a way to keep as many of them delivering services as possible. Closing down services should be the last resort.

It would be nice to have one of the many city employees on this thread either give us an idea what the plans are for reductions or explain why the city doesn’t have one. It has been clear for some time that these shortfalls were coming.

It is much easier to add staff and services if the revenues come in higher than expected.

Soap – don’t get all lathered up.

I care more about the line workers and hope we can find a way to keep as many of them delivering services as possible. Closing down services should be the last resort.

It would be nice to have one of the many city employees on this thread either give us an idea what the plans are for reductions or explain why the city doesn’t have one. It has been clear for some time that these shortfalls were coming.

It is much easier to add staff and services if the revenues come in higher than expected.

As a non-union, non-management City employee I knew that the targeted group would do everything possible to widen the net, let’s see how hard they work to throw staff like me under the bus in a process where lower level staff (unlike management) will have no voice.

As a non-union, non-management City employee I knew that the targeted group would do everything possible to widen the net, let’s see how hard they work to throw staff like me under the bus in a process where lower level staff (unlike management) will have no voice.

As a non-union, non-management City employee I knew that the targeted group would do everything possible to widen the net, let’s see how hard they work to throw staff like me under the bus in a process where lower level staff (unlike management) will have no voice.

I’m glad that Morning Fizzy wants to keep the line workers at the City. I agree that they are the people that keep the city running. Morning Fizzy, however, does not want to extend that consideration to the line attorneys in the City Attorneys office. The vast majority of the attorneys that were fired were the attorneys that showed up in court everyday to do their jobs keeping the city safe. They were not in management. I know that there is a general hatred of attorneys, and some of it is probably well deserved, but public sector attorneys work hard and make much less than in the private sector. Line attorneys don’t make policy – they just go out and do the job that the City Attorney asks them to do. Morning Fizzy needs to cut them a little bit of a break.

I’m glad that Morning Fizzy wants to keep the line workers at the City. I agree that they are the people that keep the city running. Morning Fizzy, however, does not want to extend that consideration to the line attorneys in the City Attorneys office. The vast majority of the attorneys that were fired were the attorneys that showed up in court everyday to do their jobs keeping the city safe. They were not in management. I know that there is a general hatred of attorneys, and some of it is probably well deserved, but public sector attorneys work hard and make much less than in the private sector. Line attorneys don’t make policy – they just go out and do the job that the City Attorney asks them to do. Morning Fizzy needs to cut them a little bit of a break.

I’m glad that Morning Fizzy wants to keep the line workers at the City. I agree that they are the people that keep the city running. Morning Fizzy, however, does not want to extend that consideration to the line attorneys in the City Attorneys office. The vast majority of the attorneys that were fired were the attorneys that showed up in court everyday to do their jobs keeping the city safe. They were not in management. I know that there is a general hatred of attorneys, and some of it is probably well deserved, but public sector attorneys work hard and make much less than in the private sector. Line attorneys don’t make policy – they just go out and do the job that the City Attorney asks them to do. Morning Fizzy needs to cut them a little bit of a break.

seabos84. You are right on! I’ve been through downsizings, including being laid off, and some family members are going through it in the private sector now. The people actually doing work by actually providing services should be left alone. The powerpoint rangers and those positions at the top (SAs) won’t be missed.
I feel for those being RIF’d and I don’t want anyone to lose their jobs. But the private sector is heartless in these matters and it doesn’t matter if your department runs a deficit or not. The public sectors folks are now dealing with our reality.

seabos84. You are right on! I’ve been through downsizings, including being laid off, and some family members are going through it in the private sector now. The people actually doing work by actually providing services should be left alone. The powerpoint rangers and those positions at the top (SAs) won’t be missed.
I feel for those being RIF’d and I don’t want anyone to lose their jobs. But the private sector is heartless in these matters and it doesn’t matter if your department runs a deficit or not. The public sectors folks are now dealing with our reality.

seabos84. You are right on! I’ve been through downsizings, including being laid off, and some family members are going through it in the private sector now. The people actually doing work by actually providing services should be left alone. The powerpoint rangers and those positions at the top (SAs) won’t be missed.
I feel for those being RIF’d and I don’t want anyone to lose their jobs. But the private sector is heartless in these matters and it doesn’t matter if your department runs a deficit or not. The public sectors folks are now dealing with our reality.

A major announcement addressed to City employees but emailed on a Saturday morning? It should start like this: “Dear Colleagues, I know you will read about this first in the paper and blogs, but I thought I would send this email anyway…”

A major announcement addressed to City employees but emailed on a Saturday morning? It should start like this: “Dear Colleagues, I know you will read about this first in the paper and blogs, but I thought I would send this email anyway…”

A major announcement addressed to City employees but emailed on a Saturday morning? It should start like this: “Dear Colleagues, I know you will read about this first in the paper and blogs, but I thought I would send this email anyway…”

my contempt for private sector senior management is worse than my contempt for public sector senior management. both sets have done fabulous jobs over the last 30 years of getting in charge, staying in charge, and blaming the underlings for crappy systems which the underlings did NOT create.
regardless of whether the point of the organization is to keep people healthy, get them educated, make cars, make steel, make phones, sell cell stuff – senior management has FIRST, LAST and always taken care of themselves.

Firing everyone in this country who makes over 100k – who cares?
https://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/tables/10s0689.pdf
out of appx. 238,000,000 with money income, about 13,000,000 would have to compete to get their spot at the front of the trough back … ha ha ha.

my contempt for private sector senior management is worse than my contempt for public sector senior management. both sets have done fabulous jobs over the last 30 years of getting in charge, staying in charge, and blaming the underlings for crappy systems which the underlings did NOT create.
regardless of whether the point of the organization is to keep people healthy, get them educated, make cars, make steel, make phones, sell cell stuff – senior management has FIRST, LAST and always taken care of themselves.

Firing everyone in this country who makes over 100k – who cares?
https://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/tables/10s0689.pdf
out of appx. 238,000,000 with money income, about 13,000,000 would have to compete to get their spot at the front of the trough back … ha ha ha.

my contempt for private sector senior management is worse than my contempt for public sector senior management. both sets have done fabulous jobs over the last 30 years of getting in charge, staying in charge, and blaming the underlings for crappy systems which the underlings did NOT create.
regardless of whether the point of the organization is to keep people healthy, get them educated, make cars, make steel, make phones, sell cell stuff – senior management has FIRST, LAST and always taken care of themselves.

Firing everyone in this country who makes over 100k – who cares?
https://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2010/tables/10s0689.pdf
out of appx. 238,000,000 with money income, about 13,000,000 would have to compete to get their spot at the front of the trough back … ha ha ha.

It is becoming increasingly hard to gauge in what direction Mayor McGinn plans on leading the city. While ‘adjusting’ his stance on (employee related) budget cuts may deserve credit, it’s still hard to confuse his indecisiveness for political wisdom.

Never mind big ticket items like 520 or the tunnel. If McGinn and his deputies aren’t able to demonstrate (quickly) they are capable managing a big city – we could be in for an expensive 3 year ride and have nothing to show for it.

It is becoming increasingly hard to gauge in what direction Mayor McGinn plans on leading the city. While ‘adjusting’ his stance on (employee related) budget cuts may deserve credit, it’s still hard to confuse his indecisiveness for political wisdom.

Never mind big ticket items like 520 or the tunnel. If McGinn and his deputies aren’t able to demonstrate (quickly) they are capable managing a big city – we could be in for an expensive 3 year ride and have nothing to show for it.

It is becoming increasingly hard to gauge in what direction Mayor McGinn plans on leading the city. While ‘adjusting’ his stance on (employee related) budget cuts may deserve credit, it’s still hard to confuse his indecisiveness for political wisdom.

Never mind big ticket items like 520 or the tunnel. If McGinn and his deputies aren’t able to demonstrate (quickly) they are capable managing a big city – we could be in for an expensive 3 year ride and have nothing to show for it.

I am embarrassed to be a Seattleite. What a sad turn of events our city has seen.

I am embarrassed to be a Seattleite. What a sad turn of events our city has seen.

I am embarrassed to be a Seattleite. What a sad turn of events our city has seen.

Nickels not Nickel’s

Yeah it seems like sending it out on Saturday was strategic although everyone picked it up anyway

Nickels not Nickel’s

Yeah it seems like sending it out on Saturday was strategic although everyone picked it up anyway

Nickels not Nickel’s

Yeah it seems like sending it out on Saturday was strategic although everyone picked it up anyway

Very strategic. But what is their strategy in announcing this on Saturday, announcing the seawall plan while the City Council was off site, and after 5 last Friday announcing reissuing the seawall RFP? (Everyone but the Cola reported this Fri p.m., I think. Where were you?) Their chiefs of “transparency” seem to have a knack for sneaking around.

I support a hard look at programs. Some programs that might be good in flush times should be ditched in this budget. I nominate parks design and development. Parks department threatens to remove garbage cans from parks but continues to put plastic grass all over our parks and landscape areas that could be let go until we can afford it. Doesn’t the city make choices as to what is a real priority? I hope the City Council will.

But anyway, I’m not surprised they’re not smooth and intelligent right off the starting gate. They’re probably giddy from their win. They just forgot the part about learning the details and trusting the experienced experts before jumping in and making huge changes.

Very strategic. But what is their strategy in announcing this on Saturday, announcing the seawall plan while the City Council was off site, and after 5 last Friday announcing reissuing the seawall RFP? (Everyone but the Cola reported this Fri p.m., I think. Where were you?) Their chiefs of “transparency” seem to have a knack for sneaking around.

I support a hard look at programs. Some programs that might be good in flush times should be ditched in this budget. I nominate parks design and development. Parks department threatens to remove garbage cans from parks but continues to put plastic grass all over our parks and landscape areas that could be let go until we can afford it. Doesn’t the city make choices as to what is a real priority? I hope the City Council will.

But anyway, I’m not surprised they’re not smooth and intelligent right off the starting gate. They’re probably giddy from their win. They just forgot the part about learning the details and trusting the experienced experts before jumping in and making huge changes.

Very strategic. But what is their strategy in announcing this on Saturday, announcing the seawall plan while the City Council was off site, and after 5 last Friday announcing reissuing the seawall RFP? (Everyone but the Cola reported this Fri p.m., I think. Where were you?) Their chiefs of “transparency” seem to have a knack for sneaking around.

I support a hard look at programs. Some programs that might be good in flush times should be ditched in this budget. I nominate parks design and development. Parks department threatens to remove garbage cans from parks but continues to put plastic grass all over our parks and landscape areas that could be let go until we can afford it. Doesn’t the city make choices as to what is a real priority? I hope the City Council will.

But anyway, I’m not surprised they’re not smooth and intelligent right off the starting gate. They’re probably giddy from their win. They just forgot the part about learning the details and trusting the experienced experts before jumping in and making huge changes.

Left out of this discussion on sloppiness out of the gate, is their offices concentration managing all contracts with consultants. This is no tempest in a teapot, but a storm watiting to happen. They are going to make mistakes by that change alone, and mistakes in that department can get very expensive for a number of reasons. Of course, this is about consolidation of power, which Dick Nixon loves.

Left out of this discussion on sloppiness out of the gate, is their offices concentration managing all contracts with consultants. This is no tempest in a teapot, but a storm watiting to happen. They are going to make mistakes by that change alone, and mistakes in that department can get very expensive for a number of reasons. Of course, this is about consolidation of power, which Dick Nixon loves.

Left out of this discussion on sloppiness out of the gate, is their offices concentration managing all contracts with consultants. This is no tempest in a teapot, but a storm watiting to happen. They are going to make mistakes by that change alone, and mistakes in that department can get very expensive for a number of reasons. Of course, this is about consolidation of power, which Dick Nixon loves.

@ cuts – if I’m not mistaken, you unwittingly provided a great example of what folks, including myself sometimes, misunderstand about the city budget.
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Ever heard of the Parks Levy? Did you vote for it? You sure are paying for it, and that money cannot be diverted into the General Fund. Sorry.

@ cuts – if I’m not mistaken, you unwittingly provided a great example of what folks, including myself sometimes, misunderstand about the city budget.
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Ever heard of the Parks Levy? Did you vote for it? You sure are paying for it, and that money cannot be diverted into the General Fund. Sorry.

@ cuts – if I’m not mistaken, you unwittingly provided a great example of what folks, including myself sometimes, misunderstand about the city budget.
-
Ever heard of the Parks Levy? Did you vote for it? You sure are paying for it, and that money cannot be diverted into the General Fund. Sorry.

MacGruber!

MacGruber!

I hope that all the comments regarding the “strategic” nature of putting the cuts on hold are tongue in cheek.

1. Mr. Mayor – your “flip-flop” on the cuts evidences your naivete in leadership.

2. This back-step also evidences the inanity of the “strategy” behind your initial proposal. Because we all know that a month is enough time to figure out how to best cut 200 positions. And even more insightful is your decision to roll back employee levels to that of pre-Nickels times. Although there was a lot of fat hanging off the last administration, it makes no sense to assume that pre-Nickels staffing levels and distributions were optimal.

3. Lastly, putting the cuts on hold actually drags morale even lower. We at the city just love waiting even longer to find out whether we have jobs or not. More than anything, this just buys us more time to look for new jobs.

I hope that all the comments regarding the “strategic” nature of putting the cuts on hold are tongue in cheek.

1. Mr. Mayor – your “flip-flop” on the cuts evidences your naivete in leadership.

2. This back-step also evidences the inanity of the “strategy” behind your initial proposal. Because we all know that a month is enough time to figure out how to best cut 200 positions. And even more insightful is your decision to roll back employee levels to that of pre-Nickels times. Although there was a lot of fat hanging off the last administration, it makes no sense to assume that pre-Nickels staffing levels and distributions were optimal.

3. Lastly, putting the cuts on hold actually drags morale even lower. We at the city just love waiting even longer to find out whether we have jobs or not. More than anything, this just buys us more time to look for new jobs.

I hope that all the comments regarding the “strategic” nature of putting the cuts on hold are tongue in cheek.

1. Mr. Mayor – your “flip-flop” on the cuts evidences your naivete in leadership.

2. This back-step also evidences the inanity of the “strategy” behind your initial proposal. Because we all know that a month is enough time to figure out how to best cut 200 positions. And even more insightful is your decision to roll back employee levels to that of pre-Nickels times. Although there was a lot of fat hanging off the last administration, it makes no sense to assume that pre-Nickels staffing levels and distributions were optimal.

3. Lastly, putting the cuts on hold actually drags morale even lower. We at the city just love waiting even longer to find out whether we have jobs or not. More than anything, this just buys us more time to look for new jobs.

This , of course, says it all: “when you get into the nitty gritty. There are unintended consequences.”

This , of course, says it all: “when you get into the nitty gritty. There are unintended consequences.”

I wonder how much of this is “insider baseball” and plenty of commenters here who don’t seem to understand that this plays VERY WELL to the public, whether you agree with it or not.

And I still don’t understand what is so wrong about this — other than some of you wanting to keep your jobs.

1) McGinn’s folks made it clear that a particular level of positions has grown exponentially in comparison to the overall city workforce.

So he isn’t proposing to randomly target people or particular salaries. He’s looking at specific paygrades.

2) They released a list of targeted numbers of positions per department that appears — to my relatively untrained eye — to take into account how the numbers of positions have grown and what some of those departments have done to trim budgets in recent years.

They didn’t call for cutting any particular people. And it doesn’t sound like they demanded any departments make immediate cuts.

3) Folks raised some legitimate concerns about how these cuts will work in terms of actual HR policy and whether or not they would realize significant budget savings.

4) McGinn’s team decides to delay the cuts and make then part of overall budget discussions for 2011 that are underway soon.

So, could this have been handled better? Sure. Is this a “huge mistake” or a “reversal”? I certainly don’t see that.

It still seems clear to me that a number of departments need to cut staff and trim budgets — which is precisely what McGinn called for on the campaign trail.

The only folks turning this into a witch hunt seem to be the people who are afraid that they can’t justify their positions…

I wonder how much of this is “insider baseball” and plenty of commenters here who don’t seem to understand that this plays VERY WELL to the public, whether you agree with it or not.

And I still don’t understand what is so wrong about this — other than some of you wanting to keep your jobs.

1) McGinn’s folks made it clear that a particular level of positions has grown exponentially in comparison to the overall city workforce.

So he isn’t proposing to randomly target people or particular salaries. He’s looking at specific paygrades.

2) They released a list of targeted numbers of positions per department that appears — to my relatively untrained eye — to take into account how the numbers of positions have grown and what some of those departments have done to trim budgets in recent years.

They didn’t call for cutting any particular people. And it doesn’t sound like they demanded any departments make immediate cuts.

3) Folks raised some legitimate concerns about how these cuts will work in terms of actual HR policy and whether or not they would realize significant budget savings.

4) McGinn’s team decides to delay the cuts and make then part of overall budget discussions for 2011 that are underway soon.

So, could this have been handled better? Sure. Is this a “huge mistake” or a “reversal”? I certainly don’t see that.

It still seems clear to me that a number of departments need to cut staff and trim budgets — which is precisely what McGinn called for on the campaign trail.

The only folks turning this into a witch hunt seem to be the people who are afraid that they can’t justify their positions…

I wonder how much of this is “insider baseball” and plenty of commenters here who don’t seem to understand that this plays VERY WELL to the public, whether you agree with it or not.

And I still don’t understand what is so wrong about this — other than some of you wanting to keep your jobs.

1) McGinn’s folks made it clear that a particular level of positions has grown exponentially in comparison to the overall city workforce.

So he isn’t proposing to randomly target people or particular salaries. He’s looking at specific paygrades.

2) They released a list of targeted numbers of positions per department that appears — to my relatively untrained eye — to take into account how the numbers of positions have grown and what some of those departments have done to trim budgets in recent years.

They didn’t call for cutting any particular people. And it doesn’t sound like they demanded any departments make immediate cuts.

3) Folks raised some legitimate concerns about how these cuts will work in terms of actual HR policy and whether or not they would realize significant budget savings.

4) McGinn’s team decides to delay the cuts and make then part of overall budget discussions for 2011 that are underway soon.

So, could this have been handled better? Sure. Is this a “huge mistake” or a “reversal”? I certainly don’t see that.

It still seems clear to me that a number of departments need to cut staff and trim budgets — which is precisely what McGinn called for on the campaign trail.

The only folks turning this into a witch hunt seem to be the people who are afraid that they can’t justify their positions…

Read it carefully. He's still targeting the senior level positions – just wrapping them into “larger exercises around meeting potential mid-year reductions and in developing the 2011 budget.” Not about really looking at positions and programs – just disguising the process. I'd still be watching my back.

weak mangers locking arms and targeting those they want…

yep; the same maners that bully and lock arms becuse they do nother but set-up meeting and preform dog & pony shows… we want them gone; union employees work for a living

yep; but when you bring prive sector into goverment; you have mangers that bully