The blog post I put up about Brad Zagone being appointed fire chief was hijacked by commenters talking about the Masons. That's okay, I let the comments flow pretty freely, and sometimes a blog ends up being about something entirely different than the subject that was posted.
In this case I want to clarify what I think.
I believe Mayor Walker made good appointments both in the police department with Shane McWilliams and in the Fire Department with Zagone.
Both are younger men and from what I can tell, very dedicated to their professsion. I don't think that they qualify as part of a 'good old boys' network.
Kudos to Mayor Walker on both of these key appointments.
Jim, whats the deal with Darth Sidious's picture?
ReplyDeleteBecause he's the emperor dude! No reason, sometimes I have various pictures up there - Carlos Marcello, Huey P. Long. Just been thinking about Star Wars. You couldn't possibly think I have an ulterior motive?
ReplyDeleteHowever you view the results, the choice should have been made after the test results were in.It was such a waste of time and money for the other numerous applicants vying for the Chief position, especially the young Deputy in line for the position. All applicants were very dedicated to their professions or they would not have applied in the first place.Do yall really not see the connection of why the Young Deputy was passed over?? This from a well informed political everything in-the-know scholar. Do your homework! I did mine!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Older Bossier
To anon at 4:55 if you think that the deputy would have been the best choice for chief you have your morals all screwed up. Ask around about his history. I will simply say of a choice between brad and the deputy the mayor deserves cudos for his choice. Its just a shame it took this many years for there to be a choice.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that there were other qualified people for both spots, but a choice has to be made. In this case, I think he did pretty well.
ReplyDeleteI think Darth's picture is a reasonable likeness. You are very observant.
ReplyDeleteNobody is saying it was a bad choice. If you know both of these guys you would know they are a credit to their professions. It's the reason they were selected is what people are upset about. Jimmy Hall told Lo Walker who to hire. They were hired due to the club they are members of and due to the years of experience, they can't question city hall. They either go along with the program or else.
ReplyDeleteanon at 6:13 As to the club thing, i dont know. As for the cant question city hall, your dead on. As for the years of experience Brice had that hands down, as for the education it was brad. Its funny that so many think outsiders where even a consideration, that would never happen. The mayor needed a person to try and get back in good with the men for the years of torture he has put them thru with halphen. It wont work. Some of the cuts will never heal until LO GOES.
ReplyDeleteI think we can all agree that Chief Zagone and McWilliams are both good people. However, when you look at the field of people who applied (Bossier, Shreveport, Baton Rouge, etc.), how on earth can the Mayor come to the conclusion that either one was the best for the job without a test and/or interviews. I pray that in the midst of any major disaster where critical decisions have to be made that it will not be made by Jimmy Hall but rather a knowledgeable Chief with proven experience. Further, a disaster is not the time to find out. Let's stop drinking the cool aid and call a spade a spade!
ReplyDeleteJim, wish I could share you enthusiasm, but the facts are good, qualified, experienced candidates in the police and fire departments were passed over to bring in the next group within the good old boy system.
ReplyDeleteBy the same token, the ones who were picked were good, qualified and experienced. Time will tell.
ReplyDeleteI can tell you first hand. I knew both shane and brad and served alongside both. They both are good men! Politics aside, they will make sound decisions.
ReplyDeleteThere are many good men taking the test with proven track records. To be the best you should be willing to compete against the best. That is the American way, not having something handed to you. I am amazed that many of you attempt to justify this nonsense. I would hope that every officer or firefighter is a "good person," but who is the best? Further, how can you tell without interviewing? This appointment stinks to high heaven!
ReplyDeleteThe fact is this was a done deal just like the police chief job was. Might be a while but the truth will come out about how these selections were made and who really made them.
ReplyDeleteTrue competition for the job has never been a factor. It has always been politicly motivated. The only difference is this time two good guys where picked. The best? Who knows, but then how do you pick the best? What determines who is best? Might it be your opinion? Who's exactly? With the mayor making the picks how can it be fair, its no different than the civil service board, so long as the mayor has the board stacked the men will not get a fair shake they will get a political shake. Your gripe should not be with brad or shane but with the structure of the B.C. gov.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice if everyone would quit griping about politics and give these two fine men a chance to do their jobs and prove to everyone that they are qualified to be Chiefs. The Mayor is required to make the appointment of these positions, and the City Council will either approve them or not. If there's a problem with the appointment, take it up with your Councilman.
ReplyDeleteThe Council does not approve these two appointments.
ReplyDeleteI beg to differ on your opinion on what defines a gripe. I guess it's obvious that your horse won the race. Anyhow, regardless of whoever would have been picked besides these two fine gentlemen, to pick someone before a test is given taints their appointment and actually places them at a disadvantage. It is a reflection on the Mayor's leadership and not the appointed. Just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThe Mayor like our President thinks he knows what the people want, or what he thinks they should want so he makes the decision himself to announce his choice before the test results are even in, leaving the other applicants hanging and completely wasting their time and efforts!
ReplyDeleteAn ad stating "Seeking applications for the position of Fire Chief, BUT you need Not Apply" this is just for NOTICE purposes only as required by Law.
I stand corrected:
ReplyDelete(n) The Mayor shall appoint the Police Chief and Fire Chief, and shall not require City
Council confirmation (from City Charter)
To Anon at 6:16, I guess your horse didn't win the race. Its funny how that happens. Someone always wins and someone always loses - the Amercan way!!