Cops misusing squad car computers to scope out dates or get dirt on one of their own who violated “the code”? The horror! New technology, old techniques. Law-enforcer misuse of driver database soars.
Ho Hum
Another legislator closely tied to a non-profit playing fast and loose with its government funding. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/26/nyregion/shirley-l-huntley-expected-to-plead-guilty-to-corruption.html?smid=pl-share Update after guilty plea to shopping spree. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/31/nyregion/shirley-l-huntley-ex-state-senator-pleads-guilty-in-fraud.html?smid=pl-share
Bell Bares All
With a distracted citizenry and an LA-fixated media, former Bell officials seemingly had carte blanche. For the new management regime in Bell, transparency is the first step to recovery. http://americancityandcounty.com/citizen-engagement/new-bell-calif-website-emphasizes-transparency
Public Service Pays in Bell
In Bell, California, top officials got paid like corporate CEOs and city Council members like members of corporate boards, except that it appears members of corporate boards worked much harder. Let’s see how the trial pans out.
Illinois Hits Bottom
With tens of billions of dollars in unfunded pension liabilities, and after years of dithering about what to do, Illinois credit rating is on the brink of a major downgrade whose net effect will be to add some $100 million to the states interest costs. Scary thing – Illinois is not alone. http://www.suntimes.com/17800327-761/illinois-bond-rating-sinks-to-worst-in-the-nation.html
Building Strong Organizations
Defining the values that energize an organization, not a bad idea. As this executive notes, when small an organization may manage this by osmosis but, as it grows, the values governing how the organization is run need to be made explicit. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/business/victoria-ransom-of-wildfire-on-instilling-a-companys-values.html?smid=pl-share
Tailhook: 20 Years and Counting
The issue of sexual harassment and indiscretion in the military has been much in the news lately. Not like this issue didn’t blow sky high two decades ago at the Tailhook Convention that was an annual magnet for Navy flyers. Auditors: Defense Department slow to develop sexual-assault policies
Petraeus Saga Boosts GDP
Is anyone else repulsed? Foreign governments ensnared, lead and supporting actors retaining mega-bucks advisors–who hire yet others–even Florida’s DMV may get on stage. Never mind the media resources being expended. Could not a few homeless families be housed with the millions being wasted on this lint-obsessed navel-gazing?
Wrong Spot to Park Trains
One or more investigations will ultimately get to the bottom of why a third of New Jersey Transit’s rail fleet was in harm’s way when Sandy struck. A similar fate struck busses in New Orleans, suggesting it’s high time that an equipment evacuation template be both available–which I suspect is the case–and used–which was not the case here. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/18/us-storm-sandy-newjersey-railway-idUSBRE8AG0K220121118
Job-Specific Background Check?
Senator So-and-So recommends this person? Good enough, until Katrina hits or the appointee’s official car runs off the road. State highway safety director reassigned following revelations of driving violations.