A nice "GO AWAY" reception was held for Ken Simmons today. Two weeks earlier than he had announced himself, cake was served and kind words flowed.
The usual hanger-ons (J.B., A.L-T., et al) were on hand to bid their farewells and best wishes, as well as those whose presence was "requested" to help fill the room.
While the air was not as "thick" as it was the day that Thera Bradshaw "retired", it was clear that a level of hushed joy existed. That same feeling has circulated throughout ITA since Rumblings announced Simmons pending departure back on April 16th.
Word has it that Simmons is seeking future employment with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The View from 14 and Rumblings will begin a campaign to make sure key folks at HUD are aware of what they might be getting involved in. No one would wish that on anyone.
Finally, the View from 14 and Rumblings in ITA must take a moment to say "Thank you Randi". Thanks for doing the right thing, this time.
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One commenter states: Actually, I heard that he was a candidate for a position with the LA Housing Authority...not HUD. Just in case, let them both know about him.
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Some other comments brought to the front:
Anonymous said... Dont' drink the kool aid, folks. The exec team moles in this thread are trying to sell you the idea that an XO position is something valuable and important in ITA. The XO is only there to kiss ass to politicians. The ITA exec team needs to grow a pair and say NO! to the dimwits across the street so we can do our jobs. April 27, 2008 9:45 PM
Anonymous said... If Randi is indeed trying to do what is best for the overall morale of the ITA staff then she needs to take a closer look at those that followed in Ken's wake. She may be surprised to find out that some of those she holds in high regard are only paying lip service to her vision. They will say/do whatever is necessary to move their careers forward - all other considerations - teamwork, open communication, etc.. be dammed. These are only secondary to their personal agenda. These ladies know who they are. And I suspect many others do as well. April 28, 2008 11:08 AM
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Simmons is ... GONE!!!
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13 comments:
I was beginning to think Rumblings was just full of $%&* a couple weeks ago. I credit this blog for making this happen.
Actually, I heard that he was a candidate for a position with the LA Housing Authority...not HUD.
Just in case, let them both know about him.
I feel like the huge dark cloud that has hung over our heads has been lifted. I've seen people actually smiling in the halls and on the elevator. I really believe if not for the blog this wouldn't have happened. I thank "Team Rumblings", employees with the courage to blog and Randi (didn't really think she had the guts) for his departure. We will all feel safer with him gone.
Actually, a little bird told me some time ago that there was a rift between our Queen and Mr. Ken. She has wanted him gone for some time. That doesn't mean that all the silliness is gone, by no means. She still makes her decisions on political expediency (shades of Liza, Thera, and others). As with the others, political expediencies may necessitate her sudden departure. Solid IT management skills are the only way to survive this game, when will they ever learn??
Simmons will fit right in.
Corruption At The Los Angeles City Housing Authority
A Los Angeles Times investigation reveals a highly-paid manager for the Los Angeles City Housing Authority rigging bids worth nearly $1 million over four years.
"A high-level manager for the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles directed nearly $800,000 in contracts to his brothers and three politically connected firms without competitive bidding or after rigged contests, a Times review has found.
...The authority is responsible for providing housing to about 60,000 of the city's poorest families. Though governed by a commission appointed by the mayor, the authority is a free-standing agency primarily funded by the federal government.
...For instance, the authority paid nearly $2,500 each to install 20 toilets for disabled people in projects around the city. By comparison, the Los Angeles County Housing Authority would pay about $620, said Geoffrey Siebens, a construction manager there.
Taracena, who was recently fired from his $104,000-a-year job after a housing authority investigation, declined to comment, but his attorney, Marshall Rubin, said his client denies any wrongdoing. He would not elaborate."
Source: Los Angeles Times, Jul 29, 2007
Interesting LA times article in the previous post. So it looks like the LA Housing Authority is replacing one corrupt, unethical turd with another corrupt, unethical turd. Not to worry, Karma will eventually catch up to Mr. Simmons.
A good manager needs a few items in the qualities belt:
- Self-restraint
- Self knowledge
- Humility
The relationship of the GM and the XO can be adversarial and Randi and Ken both know that. The position of XO exists as a fail-safe. He is there to be the second hand that pulls the trigger that launches action. If there is disagreement, the action does not launch and further discussion ensues until there is concurrence.
The job of the XO is not an easy one. He is in a weaker position and yet must muster up the courage to second guess when he feels he must.
Randi knows all this and, at the end of the day, appreciates the check.
She did not oust Ken and neither did this blog.
To anonymous at 1:23 am, your description of the relationship between a GM and an XO is accurate. But, it's one thing to have the courage to question your boss the GM when you feel she may be making an improper decision but the antics of Ken Simmons and his treatment of people in ITA and his illegal activities throughout his career are not the makings of a good manager.
Ken Simmons has never had:
- Self-restraint
- Self knowledge
- Humility
Dear anonymous at 7:59 AM on the 26th:
The qualities mentioned were not meant to be ascribed to Ken and I'm not questioning whether or not he posesses them. In this case, it is the GM that needed to represent them as it is she that is being "credited" with hitting the eject button.
Dear "April 26, 2008 1:23 AM" commenter...Ken, is that you?
Dont' drink the kool aid, folks. The exec team moles in this thread are trying to sell you the idea that an XO position is something valuable and important in ITA. The XO is only there to kiss ass to politicians. The ITA exec team needs to grow a pair and say NO! to the dimwits across the street so we can do our jobs.
If Randi is indeed trying to do what is best for the overall morale of the ITA staff then she needs to take a closer look at those that followed in Ken's wake. She may be surprised to find out that some of those she holds in high regard are only paying lip service to her vision. They will say/do whatever is necessary to move their careers forward - all other considerations - teamwork, open communication, etc.. be dammed. These are only secondary to their personal agenda. These ladies know who they are. And I suspect many others do as well.
Simmons got the position with the LA Housing Authority ... send them your condolences.
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