Initially, County Manager Thaddeus Lucero indicated that the investigation into how Jamie Dantis continued to receive high marks for his work performance (and remain employed for that matter) despite a growing list of incidents including multiple arrests, passing out at work, and crashing a county vehicle. A short time later, Lucero announced the county would retain the services of an outside law firm to conduct the inquiry (read it here - subscription).
Today, the Dantis report was presented to the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners and immediately sequestered from the public.
There are a couple issues here. First of all, what could possibly be in the report that requires that its contents be concealed? The taxpayers of Bernalillo County reportedly paid around $20,000 in order to have a presumably impartial third party explain where the system broke down and who if anyone was at fault for protecting Jamie Dantis from potential disciplinary action. Second, our Eyes tell us that the report itself was initially delivered to the county last week. Why was the report withheld from the commissioners whose job it is to represent the public?
The Journal stories have painted a pictures of a powerful father in charge of the most important (and expensive) division of county hiring and then protecting a troubled son with the aid of county employees that work for him. In other words, a questionable hire followed by a cover-up.
Now the county is further delaying the release of an important report on the incident making whatever information that is finally released more than a little suspect. In fact, how can commissioners trust the report presented to them today when the original copy was delivered to the county last week?
It's hard to trust a report that has been concealed. Is it a case of CYA or simple arrogance on the part of county officials?
[Sidebar]
Our Eyes tell us that County Manager Thaddeus Lucero announced to his staff a couple of weeks ago that he was applying for the Executive Director's job over at MRCOG. In a curious twist of fate, the Eyes now have it that two commissioners are trying to lure the former MRCOG ED, Lawrence Rael to the county to take the County Manager's job.
Rael left his post at MRCOG to run for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor but was defeated by Brian Colon. He has also been mentioned prominently as a candidate for chief of staff should Diane Denish become governor. Would it be a good idea to hire a manager that may only serve for less than six months? If Rael put his name in the hat, what would that say about his confidence in Denish?Look... The public has a right to know the contents of the original report and the commission has a duty to exercise oversight should any county employee or manager be found to have knowingly participated in the sordid affair. As of tonight, the public is on a need to know basis and the county has determined that the public doesn't need to know.
In any case, the county commission is a game of 3s. If two of the commissioners are looking to hire Rael then Lucero is on thin ice indeed.
[End Sidebar]
6 comments:
I would like to sincerley thank the Albuqueruqe Journal for bringing the Bernalillo County patrone doctrine,and its corrupt officials to the spot light. Bernalillo county commissioner need to given the boot, and removed from there current positions, except Ms. Stebbins, since she is the new face on the block and she has worked dilgently to pass Bernalillo County ethic reform . WE need to petitionn to remove Lucero,Dantis,Ron Torres;and the commissioners and start all over.
Thadeous sees no evil, speaks no evil, hears no evil. right..
Lets bring out the dirt on shultz and darren
The entire county is corrupt. What about our new Sheriff? There's no money for equipment, cars, raises or anything else, but there's a million dollars for new administration? More supervisors, and fewer officers on the street. Exactly what we need. Thanks, Manny.
Today's Journal reports that Dantis is retiring. I'm sure the investigation was the needed push but hopefully there's something "criminal" they can pin on him. I too thank the Journal. It's scary to think that many newspapers are dying due to lack of subscribers. Papers are necessary to keeping corruption in check. Of course the EYE helps too. My hat is off to all whistleblowers, investigators and others who expose the wrongdoings of government employees.
That's what we've been waiting for - Bring out the dirt on those two clowns!
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