I am sure that most have seen the three broadcast television news stations in Houston report on city employees using city property for personal use or running personal errands while on the public clock. Names like Wayne Dolcefino, Dave Fehling and Stephen Dean may ring a bell. These investigative reporters routinely check up on government overspending and waste. Many times their investigative reporting includes clandestine cameras, tracking public vehicle use and undercover data gathering.
After receiving this letter from Mr. Norrell, General Manager for the Woodlands Community Service Corporation (WCSC), I have to wonder how often Mayor White of the City of Houston sends similar correspondence to Wayne Dolcefino, Dave Fehling, Stephen Dean or their employers.
My guess would be never. (For those not up to speed on the van issue, read this.)
Mr. Norrel has now admitted that The Woodlands Fire Department van is used for personal use but he claims only for transportation between a local residence and the fire department. We think that it is used for more than personal use between The Woodlands Fire Department and a resident’s home as Mr. Norrell claims.
To monitor this situation we are asking the residents of The Woodlands and those outside The Woodlands to keep an eye out for this VAN. If you see this VAN while out taking care of your normal daily business, please jot down the following data:
Location of the Van - be as specific as possible
Date
Time
License Plate number for verification purposes
Take a photo if possible for verification purposes
Please send us the information via e-mail.
We, as residents of The Woodlands, have the collective power to verify Mr. Norrell’s claim.
Please help out if you can.
On a side note; Why is Mr. Norrell, the general manager for the WCSC, concerning himself with fire department matters? After all, he keeps arguing to the Attorney General that The Woodlands Fire Department and the WCSC are two separate companies.
Related Information
Personal Use of Woodlands Fire Department Vehicle?
Mr. Norrell’s Letter Regarding the FD Van
July 3, 2007 @ 6:23 pm
Dear Foz,
After perusing your website, I must say that you do have quite an array of information displayed here. However, as a student of government, I must say that this is perhaps NOT the most effective means by which to change the inefficiencies of the public sector. I understand your frustration and by no means want to dissaude you from being a part of the solution, but I do think that your apparent lack of experience in the public sector lends to your cynicism and perhaps contributes to the problem of employee retention.
Being a public servant isn’t a luxurious job by any stretch of the imagination. No government worker ever woke up in the morning and said “Man! Am I over paid in this job!”. The wages are low, the benefits aren’t all that great and there are few, if any, perks. But financial gain is not why people get into the public sector. Generally it is because they love what they do. But when you add the constant berating of people such as yoursef into the mix, things can go down hill fairly quickly.
While your intentions are grand, I think you should put yourself in the shoes of those you have targeted. Most people want to be ethical. There are those that stray, but assuming that everyone is out to screw you and the system, intentionally to boot, is ineffective, unhealthy, and a only makes others unappreciative. What would best serve your purpose is to embrace those that have given up careers filled with promotions, appreciation, raises, and company perks to ensure that you have all the perks that come with paying taxes and assessments. Think of what your life would be like without those people to landscape those pretty little flowerbeds, the glorious parks, the tree lined streets that is The Woodlands?
Things don’t always work as quickly and efficiently as people anticipate. There is lots of red tape involved with government organizations - rules to follow, policies to enforce, and so on.
There are many ways to serve ones’ country, serving in the military, representing people in the legislature, teaching people how to participate in the democratic process, and ensuring that our government officials are good stewards of our money. To best do that, you might try to work WITH your local organization versus against them. I think you might find that things will work more in your favor.
You have described your request for quite a bit of public information and I wonder, based on the labor hours and paper and printer ink used, are you truly acting as a good “monitor” of The Woodlands? Would the residents truly appreciate their assessments being used to fullfill your many requests in an attempt to unearth something that might not be there?
July 5, 2007 @ 5:19 pm
Go Jenn!!
July 26, 2007 @ 9:35 pm
Jenn, I beg to differ. I believe many public servants get into the public sector for the power. This does not apply so much to pages, clerks and secretaries, as much as the higher level officials. Once they get into these positions, they quickly lose sight of what it is they do. They will start to use public funds for personal use, or whatever the case might be. They begin to entitle themselves to whatever they wish because they have the ability. People like Foz are there to keep our officials in check.
Foz, I applaud you for your efforts and wish I could do what you do. It sickens me to think that our officials are spending thousands of dollars on slides, backpacks, sandwiches, and fruitless legal counsel. And then they attempt to hide it from us. I think this website is one of the most effective ways to get your message out because it is open to anyone. It is not swamped in the bureaucratic filing cabinets or swept under the rug.
As residents we are entitled to know where our dollars are going and what they are being spent on. We deserve that right. Thanks again for your reporting and keep up the good work.
July 28, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
Anomoly: Very well said. Power and entitlement. Those two words describe nearly every leader in The Woodlands. I have actually heard several board members use the phrase “we deserve it” when referring to the perks they get.
I appreciate your kind comments about the service we are providing
We are always looking for others to join the fight. If you are interested in sending in some public information request or if you can think of other ways you might help. Please let us know.