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Appeals board would protect workers' rights
To the editor:
After reading the article in June 11 paper, "City may cease police, fire appeals," I was disturbed by the bold and blatant suggestions to eliminate an appeals process altogether. A disgruntled employee who feels he has no recourse in reaching a satisfactory resolution to his problem on the job often turn to vigilante justice and innocent people are hurt.
Even more surprising in that the executive branch is questioning intervention by ones they consider "outsiders who are overstepping their bounds." This issue extends beyond someone becoming personally offended because their actions are reviewed by "outsiders." Truth can stand the test of scrutiny and review and is not offended by investigations that go even to the core of the problem; even when picked apart, truth will still prevail.
The duties of an executive branch is to assure that compliance according to an established set of rules that informs of penalties associated when these rules (laws and ordinances) are violated and adhered to. To openly suggest eliminating the appeals process appears to hinge upon infringement of the rights of those employees who feel violated. One would think as an overseer, the executive branch would be supportive of the appeals process as an assurance that the laws and ordinances are being adhered to especially by those in authority.
The suggested "pre-termination meeting" between the department head and human resources clearly excludes the employee being considered for termination, thereby eliminating the employee's right to even have a say. It seems that no one even considered the question of "What if the issue involved the department head or human resources"? Under this scenario, it would be like having the fox guard the henhouse or an "internal affairs" investigation. Human resources and department heads are too closely connected to the entire employment process so this suggestion would not be a viable solution as there would be a conflict of interest.
I am very disappointed that both the Municipal League attorney, Mark Hayes, and the city attorney, Mike Bearden, seemed more concerned about boundaries than the possibility of human rights being infringed upon. I am not surprised that Judy Andrews, human resource director, was in favor of the suggested pre-termination meeting that would extend her authority. Why not have an independent council review appeals which would give fire and police employees more assurance that someone other than their superiors or employment entity would consider the facts of the case?
As this meeting came on the heels of a decision by Police Chief Ross Thompson to terminate Officer Rodney Richardson (which was overturned) and a recommendation made during a recent town hall meeting to terminate Chief Thompson, it gives the appearance that this segment of the meeting was more about a "turf war" than ensuring the execution and enforcement of practical standards.
A violation of one person's rights is a violation to all which in practice compromises the foundation of the justice system. A system divided against itself cannot stand. We have already seen a number of questionable issues that not only on the surface appear unethical, but possibly illegal as well that have not been satisfactorily resolved. Public trust has become so deflated that the integrity of all in authority is questionable and at this point must be proven to obtain support from the people.
Perhaps there are some who are not concerned about how others view them and feel assured because of their authority, but there is one who sees all and will judge all. He is righteousness, truth and justice and he does not compromise his integrity. His name is above all names and his authority is above all others -- no exception. The same measure of justice you mete out will be so measured unto you.
As public servants you are stewards over the position in which God has allowed you to be placed. He has allowed his people to be under your authority. To whom much is given, much will be required. As humans, we will err for sure -- sometimes even when we have good intentions, but through Christ Jesus, we can, if we will, humble ourselves, confess our errors and ask and be forgiven. Our heavenly father knows our heart and we will be judges according to our heart condition. A hardened heart and pride will lead to a reprobated mind and perpetual destruction.