What Emerald City needs is an independent "Finisher"
By Ozboy
I saw today where Waterfall is quitting the Economic and Community Development Director's position to become a judge. The incompetent and dishonest mayor is going to conduct a nationwide search for a suitable replacement! What a crock of crap that is. I will bet a hundred bucks right now that the person who replaces Waterfall will be another insider crony of Godfrey's that doesn't know doo about development - just like Waterfall doesn't! They ought to fire the whole damn lot of the people in the so called "Biz Development" Dept. It would save the tax payers of Ogden two million bucks a year and would have absolutely no ill effects whatsoever. What they need is to conduct a nationwide search for a "finisher" - someone who isn't part of the Godfreyites and who has a proven track record of actually finishing projects successfully, not someone who is just going to start up more loser deals to continue the rape of the tax payers started by this current band of incompetents.
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26 comments:
Why was only the salary listed for the Economic development position? Mark Johnson made a specific point of telling us what the total "compensation" was for firefighters? What is the total value of the compensation package for this position? Lets stay consistent when advertising to fill city vacancies.
Here's part of the job description from the city's website.
"Essential Functions: Works as a visionary, with demonstrated entrepreneurial abilities in bridging the gaps necessary to drive a real estate development concept to reality."
What kind of visions does this department see?
Well, well, well, while we are talking about shitty Godfrey acts, here’s one for you all.
Beginning next month the Ogden Fire Department will be out in the City going door to door performing home inspections. Now this isn’t unusual ,because they did this service years ago, but now they are supposedly looking for fire dangers and smoke alarms as well as CO detectors that need to be replaced or batteries changed out.
But the real reason they are going door to door is that they have been commanded by the City Administration to find rental houses and compile another data base for the City to fine property owners who are not paying licensing fees connected to rental units.
Another great way to sneaky gathering of information so that Godfrey can increase fines and fees in the city coffers. I wonder when the Code enforcement department is going to crack down on the Mayors crooked buddy Gadi in the riverfront area? Beware when you answer your door to the firefighters doing the dirty work of the Mayor.
Does anyone see another Geiger on the city payroll?
Dear Mr. Schwebke,
I just wanted to share my personal views on today's article written in part by you, "Ogden to fill top-level positions / Public services director, community and economic development director resign".
I'm deeply saddened by the fact that my husband, George Benford, has worked for Ogden City Corp. for 23 years, and has done an outstanding performance with that agency during his employment with them, and yet this is the best either you or the Standard can submit in recognition for his efforts. I know for a fact that my husband answered many, many calls from you for help with stories, and that he tried on every level he could to give you the best information without crossing any lines or overstepping any boundaries. Not an easy job to do in that position. It is my belief that you relied heavily on him for that help. At the least, you had to have known that George is a man of integrity and was willing to do all he could to help out. And this is his pat on the back for a job well done.
cont...
I would love to say I can't believe a couple other folks quoted in the article didn't have a bit more to say about George, but I guess when he's not your average "yes-man", nor of a specific religious group in this community, it must come easy to bypass all the good work he has done and committed himself to throughout his employment with the city. So I can't say I "can't believe better things weren't said". I can only hope better things were said, just inadvertently left out in order to make room for all the glorious things other employees have done in their whole year or so of dedication to the city.
I know George asked you to please give him the courtesy of NOT lumping his resignation in with Mr. Waterfall's, and I was told your reply was something along the lines of "I'll do my best".
I guess we can now see what "your best" is.
cont....
Mr. Schwebke, as George's wife of over 14 wonderful years, I've seen first-hand the many challenges my husband faced with the day to day business at the city. Yet, as Mr. Patterson so eloquently stated, he is an out-of-the-box thinker. Yes, that he is.
He was responsible for many, many good things that happened in that city. I bet if you would take the time to dig through the Standard's archives, you might find close to 200+ (guessing here, based on a full accordion file) articles that quote my husband, and his dignified and expert responses to the many issues that he was interviewed on, or the like. Yet today, your pathetic article speaks volumes, but in a very troubling, gut-wrenching and heartbreaking way. Not in a thankful and appreciative way.
As George's wife, I am asking you to please write an amended article dedicated to George Benford, Director of Public Works of Ogden City Corp., that is written with the respect and dignity that he deserves as he leaves a very well-performed job of 23 years.
You don't have to, and I'm not your editor with any authority over this. I'm just his wife, asking kindly that you make this right.
He has no idea I'm writing this message, and would likely be quite embarrassed if he knew. It's not in the nature of our relationship to lie or hide things. But this is a very special and unusual circumstance, and I'm finding it impossible to not send this, to hold in all the hurt and frustration you have helped cause with this. Please understand, I realize this isn't all your fault. But you surely must have some ability to right this wrong. I'm hoping you will do the right thing here. Interview those who actually work under George. After all, he does have the largest department(s) in the city, and is the least paid Director on board. Ask his employees how they feel about him as their boss. I've witnessed tears shed by many in his department over the news of his departure. Who, that reads the Standard, will ever know of any of this good in him??
Well, I'm sorry if I've wasted your time with this. I had to at least ask. I had to at least defend the man I love, the man I know who has put his job duties and employees first, and given every ounce of his "best" to that city, but is not fairly or honorably being recognized for his services.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Sincerely,
Sabra Benford
Thanks, Sabra! These posts are exactly what we've needed, when we contemplate why experienced department heads say "heave ho" to the heavy handed Godfrey Administration.
Many thanks!
Good luck to your husband, George (Benford) in his 'new endeavor.'
Certainly he must be experiencing some elation, as he gets out from Boss Godfrey's ever-oppressive" thumb."
What a shame it is, however, that Boss Godfrey is driving the very best people in Ogden City government away from public service.
This sounds like a job for ... The Wasatch Rambler, none other than the venerable Mr. C. Trentleman!
js,
BB
Jennifer,
I want to post your comment and link again because it takes you to a web page where a whole lot of work has gone into getting a ready to launch web page up. Readers should start with the home page at the top and check out all of the projects for the OGDEN River Development.
Of course those of us that know our little Ogden River will recognize that none of the hype pictures come from our community or our small river. A couple of familiar FOM associates listed on the “experienced expert development team” such as Fischer and Kubly, and I’m sure more could be found under the listed companies and consultants. Not to mention your discover that several of these companies are using Gadi’s address. Oh and talking of Gadi, click on the Riverwalk heading and notice that they have created a little canal on the river labeled in the architectural drawings as Gadi Creek, how nice. It looks like a small phallic symbol on the drawing. I guess that’s Gadi’s gift to the residents of Ogden when our business development department get done negotiating another give everything away contract.
Jennifer Neil said...
Flunked - I have the Oso Avenue address down for many "Ogden" related projects - straight from the California Sec'y of State's office, a few of them from the Ogden Renaissance Village website have the same address ... 8964 Oso Ave Chatsworth, CA 91311
Jennifer thanks for the find and now we can scoop the Standard as to who the secret developer is.
the link did not carry through with the post above so I have listed it below;
http://www.ogdenrenaissancevillage.com/index2.html
"Ogden Shores." Love it !
You know, the River Project people need to tone up their image, clearly. I wonder what "Lesham could not be reached for comment" would be in Latin? That'd lend a certain tony air to the sentence we've read so many times now, and I'm sure will again.
Any classicists out there who can help?
My current guess is that Godfrey will put on a big show of a national search for the very bestest and mostest qualified economic development director that Ogden tax payer's money can buy, then after said exhaustive search he will make a big deal out of announcing his pick for the position - Curt Geiger!
Yes Karnac, I too see it happening.
Ozboy:
Or David Phipps.
Is it true that Godfrey Called Neil Hansen and offered the Job of Public works director to him. This would have been a great move for Godfrey to do that, but Would Hansen Work for this administration? I don't know.
Curm-
It's rough, but funny-
Leshem ne praesto pro admurmuratio.
Other useful phrases for living in Ogden:
Ecce signum - Behold the proof
Eheu, litteras istas reperire non possum - Unfortunately, I can't find those particular documents
Est autem fides credere quod nondum vides- Faith is to believe what you do not see
Hunc tu caveto - Beware of this man
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam - I have a catapult. Give me all your money, or I will fling an enormous rock at your head
Cave ne ante ullas catapultas ambules - If I were you, I wouldn't walk in front of any catapults
Purgamentum init, exit purgamentum - Garbage in, garbage out
Puris omnia pura - To the pure all things are pure
Quad nesciunt eos non interficiet - What they don't know won't kill them
Olim habeas eorum pecuniam, numquam eam reddis: prima regula quaesitus - Once you have their money, you never give it back: the 1st rule of acquisiton
Occasio facit furem - Opportunity makes a thief
Non omne quod licet honestum est - Not everything that is permitted is honest.
Monstra mihi pecuniam! - Show me the money!
Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur - The world wants to be deceived, so let it be deceived!
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes - Who shall keep watch over the guardians?
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest - A thing is worth only what someone else will pay for it
Vir prudens non contra ventum mingit - A wise man does not urinate against the wind
Vulpem pilum mutat, non mores - A fox may change its hair, not its tricks. (People change behavior but not their aims)
Tantum religio potuit suadere malorum - So potent was religion in persuading to evil deeds.
Scio cur summae inter se dissentiant! Numeris Romanis utor! - I know why the numbers don't agree! I use Roman numerals!
Quod minimum specimen in te ingenii? - What microscopic evidence of wit can be found in you?
Isto pensitaris? - You get paid for this crap?
Mater tua criceta fuit, et pater tuo redoluit bacarum sambucus - Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries
Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum videtur - Anything said in Latin sounds profound
The City already has a "finisher" in its employ....one, Tom Christopulous. The only problem is is that he is BD Mgr. in the CED, and that is poison on this blog. Guilt by association, which is a shame, because every now and then there's a person who rises above the perception of incomptency, rape of the tax payers, and loser deal maker.
I think the gentle readers need to understand that the Director of the CED, and therefore those under him, serve at the Mayor's pleasure. Godfrey, or the Administration, dreams up a project, presents it to the CED, and the Director (Harmer, Waterfall, whoever) then assigns the project to either Community Development (Keith Morey, Mgr., also one of those now leaving) or Business Development (Tom Christopulos, Mgr.-businessman, developer, former Economic Developer, Layton City....smart, reliable, et al). The project is then tasked out by the mgrs. to various Project Coordinators (Property Acquistions, Construction Coordinator, etc.). During the projects run, the CED Director uses his contacts and any entrepreneurial skills to obtain financiing and work the necessary politics, including Council presentations, etc. Generally speaking, the CED Director is not the guy who dreams up the City projects, but occassionally, upon direction from the Mayor, might present a "wish list" for the Mayor and his gang to mull over and consider. A legal background, a financial background, and a developmental background, with good political contacts, are necessary for this position.
I really doubt that Godfrey would put Geiger in charge of this department. Even with Curt's vast experience in the ski industry, I doubt that he has the contacts and/or the experience to run the CED, especially with people like Christopulos and McKonkie being in the wings. Geiger doesn't have the chops or the skills to fill this position. But then, stranger things have happened.
And Sabra Benford, you hit the nail on the head regarding Schwebke. I was glad to read your fine and worthy post regarding George. He indeed is a man of principle, dignity and integrity. He served our city extremely well. He'll be missed and it will take quite a guy to fill his shoes. I wish him luck in his future endeavors. Knowing him, he'll do just fine. Other's gain is Ogden's loss.
Cheers!
Sabra,
I hope that I'm not too late posting my comments -- been pretty busy between Christmas and getting ready for Tuesday's Council meeting. I do hope that you read this:
Your husband, George, is held in high esteem among his co-workers, Ogden City employees, staff and the Council. I am glad that I had the opportunity to work with him and to get to know him better. He is a dedicated City employee and you could find him at late Council and work meetings after a full days work. He attended many events that the City sponsored or in which they were involved. He akways represented the City in a very distinguished and dignified way. He is one of the few directors who is open-minded, fair, and compassionate. He has a great sense of humor and added much to our rather boring meetings. It is my pleasure to know George and much to his credit that I praise him and his work because when Glenn Mecham was mayor, George and I disagreed over the need of a 4-way stop at North Street and Monroe and my thought weren't so nice. But I truly admire George now and I want you to know that people think a great deal of him and it is to his credit that he has the courage and integrity to leave the City and Godfrey's "A-Team."
I truly do wish him much success in his new position. And to you I say: I wish you much happiness, love George more than ever (he deserves it), and don't think twice about the slights of the Mayor and the Standard Examiner -- just consider the sources. ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS AND HAVE YOURSELF A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
I worked with and for George for almost eight years. I found him to be a good friend, a very open minded, reasonable and intelligent co-worker and a very good boss. There are many people that work for Ogden City that are good and decent, that actually care. There are a handful of people however, that are just the opposite. I have no doubt that George Benford will be a success at whatever he chooses. Way to go Sabra, you are 100% correct!
Number two favorite:
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam - I have a catapult. Give me all your money, or I will fling an enormous rock at your head
Number ONE favorite:
Mater tua criceta fuit, et pater tuo redoluit bacarum sambucus - Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries
haha -- thank you "al"
js,
BB
could not be reached for comment:
non exsisto pervenio pro ineo
Keeping this short, but to the kind folks who posted or voiced their positive feedback on my post, I just want to say Thank You! From both me AND my husband.
And to Mr. Schwebke, thank you. It was a good call yesterday.
Wind Talker
You seem to know something about the workings of this department so I like to ask a few questions. First let me see if I got this straight (and please straighten me out if I have it wrong), the administration usually dreams up the projects on their own and then tasks the projects to the community development or business development managers who then task the projects out to specific project coordinators. If this is the case, then I assume the project coordinators then provide their finds back to the community development or business development managers, is that correct?
My questions to you then are, who puts together the financials and the proformas for these projects, and who determines whether the whole project works or not?
Is that compilation of information, the interpretation of that information and the decision as to the viability of the project made by one of these managers or is the project then moved upstairs for this type of determination, and if so to what position within the organizational structure, to say by the director or the administration? Or are these types of forensics even done if the administration is interested in just seeing the project undertaken by the city?
disgusted
My guess is that the way projects happen under the present administration in Ogden is:
1. Deep in the night while in bed, the weasel mayor looks up his own ass and has a "vision". (sort of like Joe, his top hat and the peep stones)
2. He rolls over and tells Curt Geiger to write it down.
3. The next morning as fat ass Johnson is washing the weasel's feet and Curt is peeling his grapes, they discuss how to screw the tax payers out sufficient money to throw at the vision. (it is at this point that a whole series of lies and alternative lies are planned)
4. Then as Williams is finishing licking the weasel's feet dry he is instructed to draw up the bond papers and choose the lies to be told to the city council to snooker them into approving.
5. Next the weasel has his resident flake on the council, Simpleton Stephenson, call Larry, Moe and Curly to have them do the due diligence.
6. Viola! Another Ten million dollar turd in Ogden's RDA punchbowl!
Pretty eloquent and simple really.
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little, Madoff!
Well told!
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