“Cautiously optimistic” and “nervous” are two of the phrases I have heard repeatedly about San Bernardino County’s new head honcho, County Administrative Officer Greg Devereaux. Even before assuming office, Devereaux has ended a decades-long policy of 9-80s for county management, a move that makes line staff very nervous as many depend on “flex time” to survive in these hard economic times. But it is also a sign that Devereaux is not going to be afraid to lead.
After six years of despot leadership by former County Administrative Officer Mark Uffer and his band of thugs, it is easy to understand why line staff are wary of our new leader. I’ve been asked my opinion repeatedly by everyone from the lowest level employee to managers to newspaper reporters. Here is my standard response:
Seeing Devereaux’s close, personal relationship with the Fourth District makes me nervous on a personal level, especially when considering what the Fourth District recently did to me. That being said, I have two friends who are long-term city of Ontario employees who have nothing but respect for Devereaux. They are rank-and-file and are allowed to work 9-80s. Ontario employees, most of whom are represented by San Bernardino County Public Employees Association, have the best contracts of any governmental agency in San Bernardino County.
From what I hear from those that know Devereaux, he is tough but also fair. I also hear he will not take the crap from county managers that Uffer not only tolerated, but encouraged. He will not play the games Uffer played and will not tolerate bad managers. Unlike Uffer, he is consistently described as a ‘professional.’
Line staff will figure out Devereaux in his first 60 days. We have been tormented by some of the worse possible managers for the past six years. This is the time of the year when they can all be forced into retirement. His actions will tell us if he is another Uffer or if he is a real County Administrative Officer. Those that he leaves in management positions will say everything we need to know about him. We can all only hope that the change that has been made is a change for the best that will finally turn this county around.
Here’s our list of those that need to go:
- Ruth Stringer
- Dean Arabatzis
- Steve Hall
- Kari Verjil
- Doreen Boxer
- Virginia Lugo
- Nancy Swanson
- Michael de la Rosa
- Jim Lindley
- Dr. Dev
- Andrew Lamberto
- Deanna Thompson
- Keith Lee
- Sandy Harmsen
- LINDA HAUGEN
Who do you pick as “Managers that need to be booted”?
Nothing wrong with working for a tuff but fair boss. As long as he explains his expectations to everyone and sticks by his OWN decision making and doesn’t flip flop on you when things go bad, ALL is good.
The lack of spine many bosses have within the Sheriff’s Department is it’s number one problem in leadership.
That is why it was difficult to play their game, they would flip on you the moment things went bad, leaving you holding the bag.
Steve Hall can go. On January 24th, storms caused the ENTIRE PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM and most of the county phones in Big Bear to GO DOWN – FOR OVER 12 HOURS.
Sheriff’s deputies and fire personnel had to rely on CELLPHONES to communicate.
Was the problem lightning strikes? NO
Was the problem high winds that topples towers? NO
Was the problem too much rain or ice on the antennas? NO
The problem was Edison power failed – it happens all the time – and the non-existent and/or broken generators THAT ISD KNEW ABOUT WELL BEFORE THE STORM AND THEY DID NOT FIX caused the problem!!!
Pat Cole & Mark Dowling @ EDA and Kathy Thomas @ RDA. Those departments are a total waste of money.
Where is Steve Hall?
Where is Granville “Bow” Bowman of Public Works
Hmm, the cessation of 9/80 is interesting. Other government entities continue it for various and sundry reasons, etc. When 9/80 was first introduced in the County about 1991-ish, it was due to AQMD requirements, traffic congestion and money, or more precisely, the lack thereof.
Well, we are back to the no money thing, still have the traffic congestion thing, and oh yeah, what about the quality of our air? With no raises for employees, the price of everything going up, taxes looming, it places a financial burden on the employee to show up those 2 extra days a month times 12.
I understand the need for the accessibility to public service(s) to the public, but hey, county employees are tax payers too!
Waiting for the next shoe to drop.
Regarding the recent department head departures…. Next in line to be fired should be the Uffer appointee Dena Smith of Land Use Services, then Bill Postmus cronie/Colonies, et al, Mark Dowling of Economic Development Agency. It’s interesting to note that Mark Dowling is related to the director of Community Development and Housing, Mitch Slagerman. They are brothers-in-law! Rest assured that nepotism is alive and well at the county! It’s not what you know, it’s who you know!