BREAKING NEWS: Vancouver’s Chief Electrical Inspector Wrongfully Dismissed Making Vancouver Less Safe: No Comment From the Mayor, Lies from the City Manager:
This story apparently has no end.
The plot gets thicker by the day…but finally…THE SMOKING GUN!
If any of you were thinking that there was no reason for Dr. Penny Ballem to either be fired or resign, keep reading.
I can confirm today, that the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), fed up with the lack of a response and lack of attention to the life safety issues raised by Arkady Tsisserev right prior to his wrongful dismissal from City Hall, recently met with illustrious Vision Councillor Geoff Meggs–someone many conside the de facto Mayor.
Now, let me be clear: I endorsed Mr. Meggs during the last election campaign, as much for his being the best Chief of Staff any Mayor ever had (he did, after all make sense of Larry Campbell, the most impossible Mayor in the history of Vancouver–hardly an easy task) as much as his forthright manner. But since his election he has shown breathtaking stupidity in the manner he has so arrogantly dismissed serious concerns and his last stunt, the possible elimination of the Georgia viaduct is SHEER LUNACY. And his defense of Penny Ballem’s “competence” in minimizing city staff layoffs is simply union pandering.
Notwithstanding, his shadow chairmanship of the so-called ‘Kingsway NDP Mafia’, his long-standing union involvement found him at the table with the IBEW. They discussed several safety issues, raised by a number of individuals, and were looking for explanations about how their professionalism has been compromised (the IBEW has to be one of the more principled unions, in my experience, and their members are salt-of-the-earth types: hard-working and honest). Councillor Meggs was shown several sources, including copies of the original breaking news and follow-ups from this website.
After some discussion, Clr. Meggs dropped a bombshell admission and THE PROOF, THE SMOKING GUN: Mr. Meggs claimed that Vancouver City Council was advised by city staff that Arkady Tsisserev, HAD RETIRED!!! Council was then presented with a report insisting that a new ‘City Electrician’ had to be hired and that a city staff report recommended Mr. Will Johnston, a structural engineer without a stitch of electrical knowledge or experience.
This proves beyond any doubt that the termination of Arkady Tsisserev was a clear and unmistakable violation of the Vancouver Charter by senior City of Vancouver management, who are attempting to cover up their tracks by deliberately misleading city council with respect to the reasons Canada’s most respected electrical life safety engineer was wrongfully dismissed–ALL UNDER THE NOSES OF COUNCIL MEMBERS.
In addition to this, I am also informed that the Mayor’s Office is irritated. Why?
Apparently, they are not pleased with the way Dr. Ballem, as City Manager, has taken on such a front row position with the media and the public. Lest you forget, the Mayor of Vancouver must begin his re-election pitch soon (by June) for the fall of 2011. I’m informed that the Mayor’s people were not pleased with Dr. Ballem’s performance in the press over the barricade issue at LiveCity during the Olympics and other moments of prima donna complex….and if you haven’t been stunned by the aforementioned lying to council by senior city staff…I hope you’re seated…
One of the Mayor’s closest advisors has revealed to a close mutual friend that they are considering dismissing Dr. Ballem as a result of her meddlesome ham-fisted ways.
Problem: Dr. Ballem’s contract allegedly demands a three year pay-out at this point. Meaning: Getting rid of this shameful harridan would cost taxpayers in the vicinity of $1,000,000 dollars.
Of course, they will dismiss this and deny it, unless they actually show some care about the taxpayer.
But more importantly, the people, who work at City Hall are some of the most decent folks you could ever have the privilege to meet. They are union folks that are first-rate value for you, the taxpayer. The only problems seem to be at the senior staff level and they all lead back to one person: Penny Ballem.
By Thursday, I’ll have some more of Dr. Ballem’s handy work for you to pour over. You will not be disappointed if you were hoping to see some incredible examples of institutional thuggery. I’m just having the paperwork authenticated.
So, over to you Geoff. Since His Worship is not prepared to interrupt counting jellybeans, playing with his blocks and twirling his propeller beanie on the floor of the Mayor’s office…..
In all seriousness, what are you and council prepared to do to make Vancouver safe again? Your union friends, city staff, the entire clan of electrical industry reps and contractors in Vancouver are waiting.
You are lucky nothing happened during the Olympics. Are you prepared to continue to take that risk?
You owe taxpayers answers.
Another great piece of work. As an ex IBEW member, I can vouch for the unions concernover safety – Harry Van Beest will know how
Can’t wait to read the follow up story.
Thank you
workforfun
[Translate]
Thank you, Work.
[Translate]
Tsisserev settles for undisclosed amount.
Sending Ballem on her way will cost a pretty “penny” — $1 million.
To fix the electrical blunder will undoubtedly be more costly that to have done it right the first time around.
Perhaps Ballem should simply walk away ‘n’ leave the $1 million compensation package on the table to help cover the cost of her screw ups.
Why do governments offer up such high compensation packages? It obviously does not attract the best and brightest as Ballem’s Blunders bears out. In fact the inverse may be true. Perhaps it could be argued that such rich deals tend to attract the unctuous and greedy types, blinded by the $ signs in their eyes, and bereft of integrity.
In essence, million dollar compensation packages would seem to reward incompetence and corruption.
[Translate]
I think that about sums it up!
[Translate]
So I’m to believe that Penny Ballum, who has been doing EXACTLY as she’s been instructed by the de facto mayor, his staff and the very tight circle running city hall since the first day she was hired, is now suddenly “going rogue” and acting on her own accord for all this……..please.
This is the same city council and de facto mayor who have increased the amount of non-tendered contract, without oversight, from $20K to $500K, that the “going rogue” city manager can engage at her whim………and I’m to believe that all of a sudden 15 months in to her tenure that she’s acting without consult of the very office that hired her?
This same city council and de facto mayor who asked the Province to amend the Charter and now have fired someone without a vote required by said Charter………….
and I’m supposed to believe that she told Geoff Meggs that Ark retired…….when she really fired him?
I don’t think so..
This is nothing but a BIG FAT LIE that is layered on top of more BIG FATS LIES coming out of this city administration.
I believe the term is called S-C-A-P-E-G-O-A-T.
That doesn’t mean she shouldn’t be fired or resign, just that Meggs, Gregor and company should go along with her.
[Translate]
Just to be clear, I wasn’t questioning your fine investigative reporting Alex.
What I was doing was calling Geoff Meggs A BIG OLD LIAR.
I’d like to know how to go about filing a complaint against the city for violation of the charter they are bound by.
When I find out, I’ll be ensuring that they face further repercussions.
[Translate]
Of course, understood.
[Translate]
If Penny had any decency she would refuse the payout and walk away from City Hall after apologizing for her actions. It seems Alex, that you have the goods on what happened, and she likely would have got away with it, otherwise. Shame, Shame!
[Translate]
It’s abundantly clear that her reign of institutional terror is causing all sorts of grief to staff. What The Mayor and his Vision cohorts intend to do about it is another matter…
[Translate]
In my humble opinion, the walking disaster Ballem should not be terminated. Her decision making authority on personnel should be routed through another person, say for example, the head of the union. Other areas of authority could likewise be fashioned and filtered. Say an ad hoc committee of affected department heads? Instituting such measures would eventually drive her to voluntarily retire her position with no more than a few months of severance. An oligarch without a turfdom is a sure cure for saving money.
[Translate]
That’s a very interesting scenario but I suspect one could also make an argument for constructive dismissal. Let’s see what happens. That fact remains that to fire her they must pay her an obscene settlement–which immediately raises two questions: Who from the city negotiated such a rich settlement, and why?
[Translate]
Might I just ask why a settlement would have to be paid if she violated the very piece of paper which gives the city authority to run?
Yes I get that she has a “contract”, however doesn’t the law preclude payments to be made when acts of law are broken? Am I wrong? Have we all suddenly moved to Russia and are being run by the Bolsheviks?
It appears that would be dismissal with cause, any contract would be null and void should a law be broken?
Similarly, lets say a CEO of a public company has in his contract a severance package, but then gets dismissed because he broke the law which led the corporation to face some sort of payout.
No board of directors would simply pay the severance to the fired CEO if he cost the company money while violating the law.
I see this as exactly the same thing. Dismiss her, pay her nothing, and make her take her employer to court.
Of course that won’t happen because then we’d find out who knew all along what she was doing.
[Translate]
Hi Glen:
It’s simply this: Penny Ballem’s contract stipulates that if she’s gone within a certain period of time, she gets that kind of a settlement. If she’s gone now, that’s within that timeline. Remember, too, that it is rare for stipulations to be noted in such agreements, vis-a-vis conditions for dismissal. Neither party likes to contemplate that.
But your points are well-taken. If she’s created such a toxic environment, Vision should bite the bullet and toss her. She doesn’t deserve any grace on this issue. And after the initial barrage of questions they’ll face for having signed such a stupid agreement, they’ll be lauded for correcting the mistake of hiring her, and moving on.
Short-term pain, long-term gain–for the taxpayer!
[Translate]
You see Alex, the problem when you become insignificant is that nobody cares. You can cry wolf all you like and profess to have the so called “smoking gun” but in all reality you are tuned out. Ignored. Forgotten.
Your attack on Meggs reveals the level of desperation you have achieved. You keep threatening to go after Vision and yet the best you can do is publish vitriolic venom that is long on rhetoric and short on substance.
No doubt the list of those who returns your calls grows shorter by the day.
[Translate]
Here, my dear readers, is yet another example of the Vision Vancouver poodle in action: Smear, twist, spin….and fall apart.
In order: Two union reps, half a dozen city employees, almost a dozen union workers, four different members of the mainstream media, three other bloggers, two retired media legends, three local elected officials and 5798 readers–this is what the lapdog refers to as “insignificant”. Off the meds again, eh?
And not having the gonads to come on here using his own name…
The bottom line here is that I didn’t “attack” Clr. Meggs, anymore than I “attacked” Vision Vancouver. They are doing this to themselves. And I have NEVER said I’m “going after” anyone. I’m simply doing my job.
Tell me Mr. Lapdog, if that fire that took place during the Olympics had resulted in the death of a bystander, would this be ‘significant’ enough?? Instead of hiding behind make-believe names, why don’t you do the research and prove me wrong?? There are about six very prominent members of the life safety community who are up in arms over this matter. I guess they’re “insignificant” too. People’s lives are at risk–this isn’t a matter to joke about.
BTW, a note to all, I recd a call from the always affable Clr. Tim Stevenson yesterday, who has promised to get to the bottom of what’s been happening. Let’s see.
[Translate]
“Rides a stolen broom to work,
Victor in Power Point Screech,
Uselessness, her constant smirk,
Vancouver’s favourite witch!”
Alex, you get this riddle right… you can have her severance package too!
Thanks for your kind words on the previous post!
Glissando
[Translate]
With pleasure. I’ve never disagreed with anything you’ve written because it always makes sense. And so damned witty, too!
[Translate]
OMFG Alex, your previous post had me googling http://www.fu(fuck you).alex.com to search for the website! Damn!
Seriously though, this is a sordid mess. But one thing that’s stuck out for me since I read your first post on this – and it is voiced also in a comment on the previous post – is the question of VANOC’s role in this firing? As you say, the site access restrictions they imposed on the City inspectors clearly raised alarm bells for one of Canada’s leading Electrical experts. And it’s no secret that all the engineers and inspectors were under enormous pressure from VANOC to sign off in a hurry, given the deadline (as the backed up toilets and paper thin wall stories also suggest).
Problem is, restricting access to City inspectors is totally illegal.
After warnings, Tsisserev could have had cause to be drafting a Stop Work Order and/or a hefty Fine for VANOC’s above-the-law behavior just prior to his sudden dismissal. At the very least, he could have withheld signing off on the Occupancy Permit. Either way, VANOC would be royally pissed, given their maniacal, control freak tendencies and irrational fear of any bad publicity.
So what do you think VANOC’s role was in this, Alex? It looks to me like their fingerprints are all over it. And while Ballem’s actions are questionable, to be sure, the responsibility for the on-the-ground compliance and standards of safe accommodation for the athletes was VANOC’s and their developers. It seems to me that their actions and irresponsibility towards the life safety of the athletes was far more reprehensible… Is there an even bigger story here?
[Translate]
Yes, and I have been very careful not to go with it because while I feel identically to you, I can’t prove VANOC involvement–YET. But I’m working on it. What a labyrinth, though, Jack! I must tell you, if I had a penny for the number of times in the last month I’ve heard, “Hold on a minute, I’ll put you through to someone who might comment”, I’d be a multi-millionaire hundreds of times over. Clearly, I’m exaggerating for effect, but I find it amazing, in fact, incomprehensible, that an organization out tax dollars has funded is so damned secretive about an issue that is key: We’re talking about people’s lives here… The bigger problem is that, according to my sources at the city, the Hall could have forced VANOC’s hand and insisted on inspections. There are code violations that abound otherwise. So, while I agree VANOC could hold the answer on this, the City of Vancouver had an obligation to keep its people as safe as possible, and they failed us–miserably. Thx for coming by. Always great to hear from you. Privileged to have you around.
[Translate]
Hi Alex, Congrats once again, it looks like the media has finally “waken” to these “City Shenanigans” you did expose so well and while their silence was “deafening”. They needed the “Electric Push” from those affected. Well done.
[Translate]
Thx Pedro! Yes, it was a very good day today.
[Translate]
Well Alex, I see that NW is finally on this story. Someone must have guided them to this site. But at least they are bringing it out to the masses, This seems to have the juice king and his faithfull sidekick in a bit of a lather. Suddenly nobody remembers anything. Amnesia is the tonic of choice.
I don’t live in the city so I don’t have a dog in this hunt but it’s alway’s been a mystery to me why anyone with an IQ larger than their belt size would ever vote for a leftist party, They’ll do nothing for you but they sure take care of their many friends.
[Translate]
Yes Sir! Finally is right. Both NW and Global did a masterful job in exposing the Mayor of Vancouver as what he is: A liar.
[Translate]
Guess who I saw on Global News this evening? They were discussing the firing of the electrical engineer, that we here at Alex’s blog site all knew about, and my first thought was that they were going to take full credit for digging up the dirt; but who should appear in full splendour and noble bearing but he who we all know, love, sometimes disagree with, but respect …
Alex Tsakumis, tan-ta-ra!
[Translate]
Very kind, Sir Lawrence. Much appreciation. It was a VERY good day indeed.
[Translate]
It was GREAT seeing you on Global tonight Ale! And congrats to Global Vancouver for airing it!
Nothing on Bill Good, or Christy Clark, nothing, nada. Jon McComb had a few minutes on though. It will be interesting to hear Frances Bula’s take on it, on Civic Affairs/Bill Good tomorrow.
Anyone taking bets as to if there will be a peep?
Anyway, congrats Alex, for a job well done!
Cheers
Gary L.
[Translate]
Thx Gary. Very kind words. Frances Bula is a shill for Vision. I’ve actually considered removing her blog from the blog roll on my lead page. She ridicules my work and pretends she likes me. Frankly, I, and A LOT OF OTHERS, have given up on her. As for Bill, let’s see. I think he is a fair enough guy if left to his own devices. His producers are the ones who will not forgive me for outing them. Much appreciation for your kind words. It was a very good day.
[Translate]
Hi Alex, I enjoy your articles. I have worked with Penny and I found her to be reasonable and effective as a leader. I can only wonder why the union reps are upset with her. Could it be the lack of salary increases? Perhaps, the citizens of Vancouver need to examine the real reasons why some of the highest paid public sector workers are unhappy. I believe it is the Vancouver mayor and council members that are not doing their jobs! Perhaps they need someone to blame so they will not lose those union votes and funds. When’s the next election????
[Translate]
Union reps are not as upset as the people of Vancouver, who are sickened by what Dr. Bedlam has done to this town. That you enjoy working with her doesn’t undo the evil of her covering up conditions which her actions if precipitated in making Vancouverites significantly less safe.
[Translate]