Yesterday, City Manager Al Lott reinstated Assistant Chief Roderick Jolivette to the Albany Fire Department. Now, nothing I’ve seen indicates that Lott believed Jolivette was in the clear, which is obvious by the fact that he’s been busted back to Lieutenant and will have to complete a 90-day Performance Improvement Plan. So, why was he reinstated?
I guess what’s right and wrong doesn’t really matter here in Albany.
No one seems to argue that Jolivette used fire department personnel to tear out the home of his aunt and uncle. The argument from Jolivette’s supporters has been “well, everyone does it.” So what?
What Jolivette did, even by the most friendly accounts, was clearly a violation of department policy and most importantly, the taxpayer’s trust. Of course, what more can we really expect?
I’ll be honest, I was hopeful that we would be blessed with Lott upholding Jolivette’s termination, and that the house would be cleaned through out city government. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really matter who’s really right or wrong, but who’s got the most vocal support. I know a few former city employees who were wrong, but I guess if they’d have had the support of a group of pastors who are no more qualified to investigate the Fire Department than my cat, they’d have kept their jobs too.
Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with private citizens investigating a publicly funded department. However, when it’s a coalition that simply releases “we looked into it and they’re wrong” when there’s ample evidence to the contrary and they don’t produce their own evidence, well…what do you think I’m going to side with? Give me some evidence, and convince me it. If you can’t convince me that the City of Albany is wrong on any issue, then you’re either not trying, or you can’t. I’m predisposed to side with anyone going against the City, so failure to convince me is usually not a good sign.
This town has some serious issues, and in a year this will probably slip from the memory of most, truth be told. My issue isn’t with Jolivette himself, but what lies beneath this issue. That is that so many people in this town refuse to see anything but skin color and will side with anyone with the same amount of melanin as they do, regardless of right or wrong. White and blacks both do it, and it’s ridiculous when either does it.
It’s time to look at this town through colorblind eyes. When it’s really racism, then let’s call it that, but not when it’s simply a case of a person of one group of people being fired for cause by another.
For the record, I do not believe that Mr. Lott reinstated Mr. Jolivette because of race. I believe that Mr. Lott bowed to perceived pressure from a group that sided with Jolivette simply because of race. Lott bowed to pressure…which bothers me as well, but I don’t think he was swayed by race at this time.
Once upon a time, it was about right or wrong. I just wish it still were.
Mr. Lott,
You are a cruel person to do what you did, bust and punish another 30 days without pay. Are you kidding?? The man did NOTHING WRONG and by saying you want him back, but feel the need to SLAP him the way you did, you are the one that needs to be punished. Go back where you came from….
Mr. Jolivette has been on paid leave awaiting his hearing.
I read Mr. Lott’s letter that is posted on WALB’s site. I see plenty of reasons outlined as to why he should have been terminated but none that say why he is still an employee of the city.
Taxpayers should not be paying for someone that the city manager has ‘grave concerns about his leadership capability, judgment, decision-making , and overall sense of right and wrong.”
Is it as Tom suggests and Lott bowed to pressure from a few vocal people in the community? Unless he defines his reasons publicly for keeping this person on the payroll that is what we are left to believe.
Can we finally put this behind us and go swimming a Caver pool then have wings at the Harvest Moon. It’s good to see people publicly express their community concerns but the Albany area is competing with every community in the nation for new industry and jobs. Let’s work to avoid constant conflicts because other places seem to have a cooler community vibe and who wants drama.
Did a squawker write in the paper today that Cordele beats Albany? Please, some communities seem smooth because no one questions the powers that be and while I love peace, sometimes we need to talk. I just contradicted myself of two paragraphs.
.-= Slyram´s last blog ..Some of These Teens Out Here Today: Part 1 =-.
Slyram, as much as I appreciate your opinion I have to disagree with you this time. You seem to imply that ‘sweeping under the rug’ to make appearances look good even when the dirt is still there is appropriate for our city government. Of course we want to present a city that welcome new comers and businesses….we need to return to the basics to get this done.
No Way: He did nothing wrong? He pulled fire department personnel to tear out private property in a situation that time was not of the essence, then threw a junior officer under the bus by trying to say it was all his idea. But no, he did nothing wrong. The only mistake Lott made was reinstating Jolivette.
Slyram: I like to think that the debate back and forth is better for a community. What’s going on now has been going on for decades, but people just accepted it in times past. Running rough shod over the citizenry is hardly new. What IS new is that there are people now ready to stand against the tide
Monday’s WFXL report shows that Mr. Lott is quite contradictory in his words and his actions. He gave several reasons that to ANYONE show why Mr. Jolivette should NOT get his job back…. yet he did. Do as I say and not as I do?
Please read Roger Marietta’s quote and understand why I don’t trust any of the effete, non-business class members of our local government to provide rational leadership.
http://www.walb.com/global/story.asp?s=10543582
Like so many other issues I’ve posted about (albeit angrily, but rightfully so in my opinion), this isn’t about race, it’s about courage and competence (lack therof on the commission’s part) and honesty (lack thereof on Jolivette’s part).
Until we get new commissioners, Albany’s long, self-inflicted torture will continue.
I absolutely agree. Marietta should have avoided the microphone. I personally like Roger a lot but have been disappointed with many of his comments. I hope it is because he hasn’t had time to think them through. NOT because he is pandering because he wants to run for mayor.
Jim Dandy: The argument that Jolivette has been with the department for 23 years, so he deserved a second chance (can’t remember if that was WALB or WFXL that had that one) doesn’t wash with me. After 23 years, he darn well should have known better. The only reason that really makes and sense is pressure from outside.
Jack: While I wouldn’t classify Roger Marrietta as “effete” in the least, and I’ve known him for a long time now, overall I agree with you. It’s not about race. Lott missed a great chance to show Albany that things are changing. And don’t get me wrong, if others are guilty of similar offenses, bounce their butts too. Those being paid by taxpayer dollars need to be accountable. It’s just that simple.
Donna: I don’t think Roger was pandering to anyone. While I disagree with him, I think he actually believes what he said, though it’s possible that he didn’t think them through.
http://www.albanyherald.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=2268&SectionID=5&SubSectionID=33&S=1
In case anyone missed it, Carlton Fletcher’s recent report on Mr. Jolivette. Very informative read.
I think either Tom or myself posted about that one, but I could be wrong.
Mr. Lott reinstated Mr. Jolivette
for the mere fact that IF an
investigation continued Jolivette
would have come out looking like an “angel”. Yes Folks, whether you want to believe it or not our
AFD Chief has done SO many things
that go against the city’s rules and regulations, yet he threatens
his employees with their jobs if they talk. If anything on HIM is leaked from the department, Mr. Lott and half of the city of Albany could go down the tubes.
So Tom to answer your comment, Mr. Lott DID NOT want an investigation on Carswell or the AFD. If someone within the City of Albany would conduct an investigation on Carswell and ALL the firefighters would be allowed to talk without fear of losing their jobs, the citizens of our Good Life City would know “the rest of the story”.Someone come forward and assure the fireman that they could tell the truth and promise them they won’t lose their jobs and see what is exposed then. These fireman who really know Chief Carswell and have witnessed him acting like the “Big Shot” he thinks he is while the movie FIRE PROOF was being made, think the movie should have been called Fire POOF.
[edited for calling out a private citizen by Jeff] Citizens of Albany, just remember. It aint over till its over.. and it is FAR from being over yet…..
Celeste: There’s no way on Earth that Jolivette would come out looking like anything other than what he is, a person who abused his position and authority and then lied to cover his own butt. You can claim keep trying to paint whatever picture you want of the Fire Department, but I have talked to several firefighters over the last few weeks trying to get them to paint the picture you describe. It hasn’t happened.
It’s time that people quit trying to turn this all on every perceived ill that James Carswell has ever committed. Carswell isn’t responsible for Jolivette’s abuse of power. Jolivette was. Carswell did the right thing in this instance and took action. Whether he does right in other instances or not remains to be seen, but if he doesn’t, I’ll bust his butt on it…just like I will for any other city official.
My Point exactly…the firefighters are NOT going to say anything. They have been threatened with their jobs. Ask some of the firefighters about their co-worker that was just fired for having sex with his wife at the fire department while he was on duty. And guess what station? The same one that Jolivette supposedly called the fire truck from ! This is just ANOTHER incident that Carswell is trying to keep under cover. Have you heard anything about it on the news? No and you wont. You are right in stating that Carswell is not responsible for Jolivette’s abuse of power, that can only be put on Jolivette, if in fact is was abuse of power, but, Carswell IS responsible for his own actions and there are many. They have just been covered up. If you would just quit trying to defend Carswell and dig around a little, there is a lot to be found out. I’ll let this be my last response as I am going to just sit back with the rest and wait for it all to unfold. When it does I will reply back to you with an I told you so…
Happy Hunting
Celeste: So, people who weren’t going on record, and there is no way Carswell would know who talked to me, feared for their job? People who know they can trust me to keep my word? People who I have been offered jobs away from the Albany Fire Department, still within the area and for better pay in one case, but chose to stay? I’m sorry, but it just ain’t computing.
Like it or not, what you’re saying just isn’t panning out in my own digging. There are a lot of people who seem to be happy with their jobs, and more than one didn’t personally like Carswell, but even they didn’t support your accusations. You’re saying “firefighters are scared for their jobs”, but when I say “none I’ve talked to are”, your response is “of course not, they’re terrified!” Well then, how did they tell you? Look at it from my perspective and if you’re intellectually honest, I think you’ll see why I’m going to have to discount what you’re saying in regards to the firefighters being threatened and scared for their jobs.
As for the allegation of a firefighter being fired for having sex with his wife at the station while on duty, I don’t care if that’s in the news. He was fired, as he should have been, so I really could give a damn whether or not it makes the news. What was needed to be done was done. There is apparently no appeal either, so who really cares if it’s on the news.
Celeste, it’s obvious you seem to have an axe to grind with Carswell for whatever reason. I don’t really care either way though. Until I get something on Carswell, I’m not going to support a witch hunt or anything of the sort on this blog.
To all above, I have been doing some digging. See attached comment from Mr.Lott when I addressed an article I read in the Albany Journal regarding a former AFD employee termination. Does Mr. Lott know more than what he wants the public to know by blaming the Journal and the PCCI of not knowing what they are talking about? Remember Mr. Lott wanted the public to know how wonderful Mr.Younger was (thank goodness he is gone) former APD, by allowing mistakes after mistakes. The public is tired of Mr. Lott covering things up, and thank goodness the public is taking a stand, because you can not count on the media doing their jobs. Please read and see how you understand his comment.
—– Forwarded Message —-
From: “Lott, Alfred”
To: Jimmie Watts
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 2:50:18 PM
Subject: RE: News article
Thanks for your interest in this matter. I do not want to be argumentative, but all of those reports are often inaccurate and disjointed. The PCCI is not correct and their examples are inaccurate and displayed out of context. There are no double standards at AFD since I adjudicate all personnel issues on appeal. In the matter of Jolivette; I promise that I will be fair and impartial, which is my standard. Good day.
Alfred Lott
Is Mr. Lott saying that the Albany Journal does not print the truth? I have more faith in what Kevin Hogancamp prints than what the Herald does, because they are under the influence of what the city wants you to know.
I think Mr. Lott is saying that the Journal’s reports are inaccurate, which is different from lying (though not by much). However, PCCI had an axe to grind. Honestly, I never heard of them before Jolivette’s mess started, and I seriously doubt they did a full investigation since resources and access would be limited for any group without considerable time and finances. So I will tend to side with Mr. Lott on that one, but I haven’t seen PCCI’s report at this time.
Just for the record, Tom, was the “Celeste” alias the same one that was posting under different names from the same IP address?
I’d rather not say, but I think if you look at the posting style and position in the previous posts, you won’t really need my answer
I suspected that. I am personally aware of certain individuals behind this and other Jolivette related stunts.
There seems to be a small but vocal group behind a lot of this, and I suspect it’s based more on personal feelings toward Chief Carswell than on any belief that Jolivette did nothing wrong.
[...] Herald, City Manager Al Lott says in regard to the reinstatement of former Assistant Fire Chief Jolivette “I will say, though, that the reality is I’m privvy to facts everyone doesn’t [...]
Hello, can you please post some more information on this topic? I would like to read more.
Mr Lott did not reinstate Jolivette.God is in charge of those evil doer,s.The LORD,s will be done.
Actually, it sure looks like it. Carswell sent a letter of termination, and Lott overturned it. I don’t care what term you use, it’s still BS. And the fact of the matter is that it was one of the worst decisions Al Lott has made as City Manager in my opinion.
As for the Lord’s Will, that’s between Jolivette and the Lord. However, the abuse of authority and misallocation of city resources is between the taxpayers and Jolivette.