City Council members say they've been left out of loop on fire developments
The Post and Courier
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Most Charleston City Council members feel they have been kept on the sidelines and poorly informed during the city's Sofa Super Store fire review and efforts to improve the Fire Department. Many of those concerns came to a head during the past two weeks when some council members first learned of key events from constituents or news sources rather than City Hall. "It's been embarrassing, really," said Councilman Tim Mallard, whose district includes the sofa store site. "We've been kept in the dark for 11 months."
Tyrone Walker The Post and Courier
Charleston City Councilman Tim Mallard accused Mayor Joe Riley of repeatedly interrupting while several council members questioned the city's fire review panel Friday afternoon. Mallard is among council members who said they feel left out of efforts to review and improve the fire department.
Mallard blew up at Riley on Friday afternoon at a meeting that was arranged for council to question members of the fire review team, after the mayor repeatedly offered his take on the Fire Department and the fire. "I thought we were going to be able to talk to them without you here," said Mallard, who asked the mayor to leave. When Riley declined, Mallard left. Riley already had heard about council members' concerns. He sent council two memos Friday that he described as an apology, and assembled an inch-thick stack of reports and memos, to show the efforts taken previously to keep council informed. The mayor said council has participated in multiple votes at nine meetings since last summer to approve more than $8.6 million in new spending related to the fire. "Respectfully, this is the hardest thing I've ever had to do," Riley said. The mayor said he made a commitment that city firefighters and the families of the firefighters who died would be the first to get any relevant information, such as the results of the review team report, and he stands by that decision. "I need everyone, and my colleagues on City Council, to understand that," Riley said. Some council members disagreed with that rationale. "I think we should get the (fire review team) report right after the mayor," Councilman James Lewis said earlier this week. "Too often, we are left out of the loop, but we are the ones who have to make decisions on how to spend the money."
In several cases, council members learned of important developments not only after the firefighters, but after the general public. Fire Chief Rusty Thomas' decision to retire, which the mayor learned of Tuesday afternoon and announced Wednesday morning, is just one example. "I didn't hear anything from the mayor's office," said Councilwoman Deb Morinelli. "One of my constituents told me." "I've got people calling me and I have nothing," she said. "What do I tell them?" Councilman Louis Waring learned of the chief's retirement from a reporter Wednesday. "When the city selected a firm to look for the new (fire) chief, I heard about it on television," said Councilman Robert Mitchell. Riley said he quickly announced the hiring of Waters-Oldani Executive Recruitment as Thomas' decision to retire became public, because he thought people would find it reassuring that the city was moving fast to find a new chief.
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"Perhaps that was wrong, but the reasons were good," Riley said. He said some council members don't have e-mail or fax machines, and it's been a challenge to inform them of every major development before they hear it elsewhere. Mitchell said council should also have played more of a leadership role on Fire Department issues, through the Public Safety Committee headed by Councilman Jimmy Gallant. Gallant also has complained of a lack of information. On May 13, Riley held a noon press conference and announced he had changed his mind and would release the fire review team's report the following week. But Gallant was on talk radio two hours later, oblivious, urging Riley to reconsider his previous decision to withhold the report. "I got a lot of calls from my constituents who said it seemed like the mayor and the fire chief were running everything," Gallant said this week. Waring noted that Charleston has a strong-mayor government. "Each individual is entitled to their feelings, but if it's the law and rule, you abide by the rules," he said. Nonetheless, Waring said he would have liked to have been more involved in decisions about the Fire Department. "I think if we all pulled together, it would change things," said Councilman Wendell Gilliard. In Charleston, the mayor can hire and fire department heads, make some policies and spending decisions unilaterally, and craft the city's budget. The mayor casts the 13th vote on City Council, whose approval is required for ordinances and large budget items. "He is a man, not a God, after all," Mallard said. "We just want to help, and he doesn't want our help." Councilwoman Kathleen Wilson said council hasn't played a large role in the Fire Department's day-to-day operations, and really hasn't asked to do so. "I think it cuts both ways," Wilson said. Councilwoman Yvonne Evans strongly defended the manner in which the mayor handled things. "If I had been a member of the family, or the fire department, I would have expected to get the information first," she said. "City Council should have been right behind them, and we were." Evans said it's the mayor's right to choose the next fire chief. "It's not only OK with me, it's the way things should happen," she said. Councilman Aubry Alexander said he believes City Council should be better informed. So did Councilman Gary White. "I don't believe at this point that council is being regarded as a body that provides guidance to the mayor," White said. "It is my intent to play a role in the hiring of a new fire chief," he said. "I don't want to sift through 400 resumes, but I want to see the final three before City Council." The mayor said no council member has called him to ask for a role in the search for a new fire chief, but he plans to bring the consulting firm he hired to meet with City Council, to help set the parameters for the search. Riley said that if a clear candidate emerges through the city's search, he will hire that person, but if there are several closely matched finalists, he will seek recommendations from City Council. "I value their input and ideas," the mayor said.
Reach David Slade at 937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com.
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Posted by a_set_love on May 17, 2008 at 12:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Riley, I hope you remember that a simple majority vote by city council can call for a special election ballot question on changing Charlestons form of government.
Its "State Law" Mr. Riley, you remember don't you.
What better timing than Novembers General Election, whilst everyone votes for a new president.
A change from strong mayor weak council, to strong council with a city manager or weak mayor.
Its coming Mr Riley, do you hear it in the wind, its the cries of the Charleston 9 demanding justice.
What better justice, after what you have done to them and Charleston, than to be made an empty figurehead.
The "Perfect Storm" approaches fast, Mr Riley and change is in its wind.
Posted by focus on May 17, 2008 at 1:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes. A strong council that's what the City needs. Councilman Mallard can head it up. If he can get out of two separate DUI charges and oust a sitting councilmember why not change the form of government. Why is his face all over the news? Are the news groups trying to boost this lame duck? It is a joke if he is our strongest councilmember. Do you really want a strong council? I hope not.
Be reasonable.
Posted by aquaticorange on May 17, 2008 at 2:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
focus, the city councilmembers seem to be supporting the wishes of their constituents a lot better than riley has or is doing now.
This city has been under Riley's tyranny for far too long. And Riley has been "following" state law through loose interpretations as of late.. he really ought to look out.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 17, 2008 at 4:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Again .. This is Riley's intentional doings to hide the truth. Riley wanted HIS lawyers to protect HIM! Regardless of what is in the report, you can almost BET Rileys lawyers likely had some things changes and purged from the same.
Meanwhile, the "peasants" ( as Riley called the citizens of Charleston ), are grinding their axes and chanting "we want Riley .. we want Riley ... .. ."
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 17, 2008 at 4:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mallard For Mayor Of Charleston!!!!!!!!111
Posted by Tulane75 on May 17, 2008 at 6:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Every day, the same posters post the same vitriol.
Posted by Slick50 on May 17, 2008 at 6:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Blame Game. Our first contestants are Mayor Joe versus City Council. Stay tuned.
Posted by carolinapanther on May 17, 2008 at 6:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thomas1776 has nothing better to do but post the same stupid stuff everyday! Find a hobby! Think of something original to say.
Posted by watchdog on May 17, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just Go Joe!!!
Posted by Slappa on May 17, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mallard- What a joke. I used watch this guy speed through Byrnes Down in West Ashley drunk off his "@@#" He is a rich son of a judge, figure it out. Do we really want people like Kwanjo Cambell and Tim Mallard with the same amount of power as the mayor ?
Posted by suec on May 17, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Slappa, what year was that?
Posted by moonpie on May 17, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"In Charleston, the mayor can hire and fire department heads, make some policies and spending decisions unilaterally, and craft the city's budget. "
WELL THERE YOU HAVE IT. IT'S GOOD TO BE KING!
Posted by Slappa on May 17, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
1999-2005. speeding past kids in his jeep. i just wonder how on earth he got out of these dui charges ? I know, it's the Mayors doing ! Blame game 08 is right.
Posted by Reader on May 17, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If getting information to the firemen's families is so important, then why did the City's reports get vetted and edited by the City lawyers and the Mayor before they saw them? Why didn't the Mayor tell the investigating panel to send the first copy to the families hot off the presses and that he would just read a copy later?
Riley is such an awful Mayor. Absolutely awful.
Posted by ColdBeer on May 17, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does riley understand that he is making a mockery of the entire low country? I cannot understand why a better candidate has not stepped up to challenge this man.
Posted by lexylady on May 17, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know about you folks, but I am sick to death of these liars that we put into Office because of the gift of bulls--t or family money. If we don't start electing people that have a sense of what is really happening in the world, and someone that really cares about the people and the problems, it is going to be over in the blink of an eye. Can't we see the escalation of the sick greed and coverups in this country? It is overwhelming how downright stupid we are as a people to keep electing these jerks over and over and over again knowing full well that they are full of it !! Get rid of Joe Riley and the likes of him. He is just as much to blame, if not more, than Rusty Thomas or anybody else. If we keep electing these liars, WE are the problem. This goes for all levels of Government including the President. Go get the latest issue of "Readers Digest" and read about who is voting for who and why!! It will astound you!! This is my opinion and I approve this message!! lol
Posted by archdude on May 17, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Can you provide the "peasant" quote? When and where was it said? You bring it up all the time, now back it up...
Posted by lexylady on May 17, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GOOD WEBSITES:
Rankings for Politicians: publicintegrity.org/oi
Lawmakers Living Beyond Their Means: reportcorruption.fbi.gov
Get Involved/WatchDog Groups:
commoncause.org
Posted by REDLEG on May 17, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
POLITICANS AND PARTIAL TRUTH IS POSTED EVERY SATURDAY AND ALMOST EVERY DAY IN LOCAL NEWS...DO YOU WANT TO BELEIVE WHAT YOU READ...lOOK BETWEEN THE LINES OF STATEMENTS AND WHO THEY BENEFIT...JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE A LONG TERM IN OFFICE OR PLACEMENT OF YOUR JOB MR RILEY AND MR THOMAS IT SEEMS TO BE A TRUE GOOD OLE BOY SYSTEM..I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPTS SHOPPED AT THE WEST ASHLEY STORE AND PICKED UP MERCHANDISE AT THAT LOADING DOCK AND MR GARVIN WAS VERY AWARE OF THE STORE LAYOUTS AND ALSO THE HISTORY OF THE STORE AND THE ADD ONS..AS I SPOKE TO HIM PROIR TO THE THE FIRE...IT WAS A TRAGERY AND A COVER UP OF LACK OF TRAINING AND COMMON SENSE..THE FIRE FIGHTERS FAMILIES EVEN SHOPPED AT THE STORE..AND THE STORE HAD A PART TIME EMPLOYEE THAT WAS PART OF THE FIRE DEPT...SO MANY THINGS ARE NOT MADE PUBLIC ONLY THE NEGATIVE AGAINST THE STORE OWNER AND COMPANIES..FURNITURE DOES NOT START A FIRE BUT IF THIS IS TRUE DON'T SIT ON YOUR SOFA AND WATCH TV TONIGHT...OR YOUR CHAIRS ON THE CITY COUNCIL..
Posted by archdude on May 17, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Too many people are working the boards with multiple "ids"...it happens at all newspaper public forums where people only need a different e-mail address to register a different id. Be careful, someone who supports your stance and someone who is against it may indeed be the same person.
I know of at least a few bloggers who use multiple id's. They know who they are and some have even confirmed it via the links to their blogs. Perhaps there should be better control on the boards. Then again, maybe I will log in as someone else and respond to this....since one IP can have more than one account. That is just ridiculous, because then you can not do a "block IP" action on the server level...all you can do is block an e-mail address (such a roadblock). Often times, I believe this gives many posters on here an overly inflated sense of anonymity as they know they can do whatever without the fear of any repercussion...although legal actions for cyber libel is becoming something of which many will have to be aware...
Posted by chris on May 17, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wake up people because city council votes on everything from water the fire departments. If they say they did not have a clue or is being left out of the loop they are full so full of poop! Every year people the city and county councils vote not once, not twice, but three times. You cannot tell me that the "community watch dogs" do not know what is going on. horse hockey people. We voted people into these positions who do not have a clue. If someone was qualified enough they would have already worked in multiple areas of the government to which they would be qualified to make an accurate decision. As a public citizen who works for the public, i want you to know that the care your getting sucks by the current form of government. The media really needs to get a hold of the last several years of budget proposals and what got passed. Thanks community watch dogs you really help the tax payer out by creating more hardships with public safety. It made us happy for the shortages of coworkers and equiptment we had to make do with for another year. Dear Councils of any type, make your furture descisions wisely before another set of guys die.
Posted by chris on May 17, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wake up people because city council votes on everything from water the fire departments. If they say they did not have a clue or is being left out of the loop they are full so full of poop! Every year people the city and county councils vote not once, not twice, but three times. You cannot tell me that the "community watch dogs" do not know what is going on. horse hockey people. We voted people into these positions who do not have a clue. If someone was qualified enough they would have already worked in multiple areas of the government to which they would be qualified to make an accurate decision. As a public citizen who works for the public, i want you to know that the care your getting sucks by the current form of government. The media really needs to get a hold of the last several years of budget proposals and what got passed. Thanks community watch dogs you really help the tax payer out by creating more hardships with public safety. It made us happy for the shortages of coworkers and equipment we had to make do with for another year. Dear Councils of any type, make your future decisions wisely before another set of guys die.
Posted by PalmettoHawk on May 17, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ooh, I love to dance the little sidestep
Now they see me, now they don't
I've come and gone
And ooh, I love to sweep around a wide step
Cut a little swath
And lead the people on!
Mayor Joe Riley
From the musical "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas"
Posted by Paoa on May 17, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There is dissension in the city council chamber and I think that it is good for the citizens of the city. Mayor Riley is not reacting all that well and now Councilman Mallard has taken his honor to task! What comes next? Perhaps complacent Charlestonians getting upset ! God bless America !!
Posted by zoomru on May 17, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WHAT!!
It's been embarrassing, really," said Councilman Tim Mallard, whose district includes the sofa store site. "We've been kept in the dark for 11 months."
Well...bucko!! I didn't see you or any one of the members of COUNCIL whip out any flashlights!! How many days a week did YOU call into WTMA in the morning! So what if you have to wait on line!! I do! There is enough BLAME to go around!! We need YOU ALL out!! Tim ...are you awake? ..ARE YOU? Well..here's a news FLASH!! Did YOU..yes YOU offer any proposal to CLOSE down BEES FERRY LANDFILL and install machines that turn OUR trash into energy to SELL?? Did YOU? The money could have been used to equip our FIRE departments properly! You IDIOT!!! We need people with a vision...do YOU have ONE!! Start looking in the mirror before looking somewhere else. When your finished staring, go to a computer and type www.startech.net ? MAYOR RILEY....RESIGN! COUNTY COUNCIL....all of you...RESIGN!!
Posted by zoomru on May 17, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
TROOPS!........
Citizens of CHARLESTON COUNTY!! Its REVELEE !!!!
** CHARGE!!!! ****
New elections will be HELD July 4th, 2008 !!
Cadets at the CITADEL.....Man the BALLOT BOXES!!!
Government officials with attitudes that have been displayed lately will not be tolerated!!
God help US!!!!!!
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 17, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The way you obviously stalk everyone here everyday, you must not find the time to watch the local TV news. Riley was recorded on camera calling the citizens of Charleston "PEASANTS"
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 17, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the Post and Courier should conduct a poll as to Riley's performance during and after the SSS fire.
Posted by dr_fed on May 17, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Joe Riley has become a political cancer to the city of Charleston. City council you have the power to remove this third rate piece of Sh*t from his throne would you please do the people this great favor. At this point he is doing more harm than good. He needs to be removed from office.
Posted by archdude on May 17, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thomas
Either you can provide the quote or the date it was said and broadcast or you can not. If you can not, then you should not be saying it was said. As for the local TV...why would I want to watch them? They are all loaded with "journalists" who are doing what they can to make it look like they are big-city reporters or celebrities.
No one stalks anyone...unless that is what you call your daily effort at communication.--Don't you know I start every morning with a cup of coffee while sitting and wondering how I can have fun with Thomas1776...have you been narcissistic long?
Posted by vicupstate on May 17, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)
Sounds like political grandstanding to me on the part of the council. It is the Mayor's job to hire and fire department heads. It is Council's job to make laws and approve the budget and spending. If you think that going to a weak mayor form of government is so great, you might want to talk to some of the folks in Columbia. They are trying to do the OPPOSITE. No one takes responsibility or accountability in their city government. At least in Charleston, the buck always stops with the Mayor.
The fire was a perfect storm of which many are at fault, but first and foremost is the Sofa Store owner.
Riley, nor anyone, can completely guarantee that council persons are the very first to know when some decision is made.
To think that a city council person (an elected official that should be responsive to their constiuents) does NOT have email in this day and age is ridiculous. If they are so concerned with being the first to know, they should have one.
Posted by vofr on May 17, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The City Council reviewed the budget for the year for all of about 10 minutes before approving it. Not a special budget but the entire budget for the year that included all the fire department add-ons, etc. I know because I was there. They now want to claim that they didn't know anything about it? It is only because of their own ineptitude.
Posted by userken on May 17, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, aren't these guys and gals just a little late to the party? Since the days of disco (according to the head of the group that issued the scathing report) the fire department has languished using bad tactics, outdated procedures, and, evidently, exhibited a strong proclivity against "book learning".
Now they want to get involved with all aspects of the fire department. So where were you people before the nine firemen bought the farm?
Posted by groover on May 17, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mallard blowing up....hmmm. Imagine that. That is a great way to get things done. Way to represent our area (W.Ashley) and get nothing accomplished except for your name to be printed in the paper. How did you ever get on the council is beyond me. Not a fan of Tim Mallard.
Posted by bravecharleston9myspace on May 17, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Wrong. The arsonist & accomplice(s) are at fault"
WELL...THE ARSONIST IS WHO....
AND THE ACOCOPLICE(S) ARE WHO?
FINISH IT.....I AM CURIOUS.....
Posted by bravecharleston9myspace on May 17, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BTW....THE FREAKIN' IDIOT OWNER BETTER BE IN THEERE....
Posted by kerwandstarks on May 17, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I stand 100% behind Mayor Joe and Chief Rusty.
Unlike the majority in here I have lived other places and know perfection when I see it.
Folks, becareful what you wish for.
Posted by yeahright on May 17, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"At least in Charleston, the buck always stops with the Mayor."
Did you really just type that?
I've yet to see Riley even hint at taking responsibilty for anything related to the SSS fire.
Posted by yeahright on May 17, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How do you know who's lived where?
Ironically, today's "Thought for today" on page 2A
"Have no fear of perfection--you'll never reach it."
Posted by bootlicked on May 17, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RT is the perfect fup when it comes to being in charge of anything proffessional. If you think he is perfect I hope you aren't involved with firefighting or management. He loves nepotismn. He liked favoritism. He is a perfect jackass. You remind me of the commercial that had the man saying we love beasley. Educate yourself please. You must be one of those idiots that have a sign in their yard still. It should read we love incompetence.
Posted by lexylady on May 17, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Raregar67,
Thank you for your intelligent comment. As always your comments stand out above anyone else. Need I say more?? It must be very lonely at the top! Have a great evening.
Posted by jadmom on May 17, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Always nice to read Bootlicked's comments. I'm assuming you're in the dept., so thanks for all you do.
Posted by aquaticorange on May 17, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bootlicked, you said that Rusty loved nepotism, but it seems now that it wasn't just him. Why else would Riley be handpicking--with NO outside help--his new fire chief? Qualifications be damned!
Posted by lexylady on May 17, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Raregar67,
Thank You, but frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn what you think!! The reason you can't make sense out of something is because you lack in that area considerably. What you took out of my post was way off base!
Posted by melissa672 on May 17, 2008 at 9:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why can't we all see that Mayor Riley is the root of all our problems in the city of Charleston? We will not move forward or become advanced as other cities until he is out of office!! Please let this be our wake up call!
Posted by bootlicked on May 17, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think anyone on here realizes the amount of money that it is going to cost the taxpayers to retrain or should I say train the CFD and implement national standards. If RT was earning 107,000 a year I think someone qualified should make no less than 400,000. On top of all of this the old stations downtown are falling apart. Loose bricks,#8 floods, and years of neglect are just a few things that RT is responsible for. Stalls need exhaust ejectors.It will take millions and years to take care of the Thomas and Riley curse. I'm just curious of what will be found out when someone looks to see what the budget was spent on.
Posted by burton on May 17, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The people on City Council need to grow some you know what. King Riley has been in office for 32 years. You think he is going to let City Council help him pick the new Chief? LOL. I still blame the voters of Charleston. You created King Joe so now live with him and his decrees!
Posted by rbe1979 on May 17, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley has, and continues to be, a great leader for the City of Charleston. Anyone that knows Timmy Mallard, knows that this is simply par for the course. He is simply a hothead. His desire to be on City Council was created due to his need for attention and his arrogance; this is a lethal combination. By the end of his term his constituents will understand why he never should have been elected. He continues to dig his own grave. Riley handled the fire situation as best he could, given the circumstances. In reality, Council is not as important as many think.
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 18, 2008 at 1:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
archdude,
You are a stalker and a pathological antagonist. If you are not computer savy and can't use a search engine, then to bad for you. Try typing in some keywords. I did, and it came up in 2 seconds.
Now buzz off and mind your own business and stop addressing me or I will be forced to make a report about you and your multiple ID's.
Btw: Bite Me!
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 18, 2008 at 1:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Riley can start early cleaning out his desk. He's a washed up.