EXCLUSIVE: “ON THE RECORD” WITH FORMER VANCOUVER CITY ELECTRICIAN ARK TSISSEREV–THE INTERVIEW
After my two months of reporting on this scandal that has enveloped Vancouver City Hall, Dr. Ballem was finally forced to release, last Friday, all city documents related to the firing of City electrician Ark Tsisserev. This was a result, in some part, of determined and purposeful action by Clr. Suzanne Anton, after participating in the exceptional Global TV piece of a few weeks ago, in which I was also interviewed, and Mayor Gregor Robertson looked utterly confused and sheepish.
When I first read the documents Dr. Ballem released last Friday (and then again yesterday) I was dumbstruck by the glaring discrepancies between what I have been consistently hearing from brave city staff, who have leaked me several documents over two months to confirm their stories, that caused Dr. Ballem and her hatchet-king, General Manager Dave McLellan, many headaches. What struck me more than anything else was the incredible (apparent) revision, which took place regarding many aspects of the Tsisserev scandal–as much of Dr. Ballem’s report is inconsistent with what we have been told here and heard from recognized life safety and electrical contractors and the Electrical Contractors’ Association, Executive Director (whose concerns about life safety issues throughout the city remain ignored by the Mayor)–all of whom have NO political agendas–none.
Specifically, that his firing was “without cause”.
Really?
If it was “without cause” as stated in Dr. Ballem’s documents, then why the necessity to frog-march a man, a year and half from retirement; a storied, exemplary 17 year employee, down a set of stairs to the parking lot and order him to leave, all within 20 minutes of dismissing him? (we’ll address this timeline below as well)
Think about this: Why would you toss a man out the door, like a common thug, who has given you unblemished service for almost two decades?
Here, is General Manager David McLellan’s take, after all. In an email to all staff, dated January 22nd., 2010, one day after Mr. Tsisserev was unceremoniously booted from his office, Mr. McLellan writes:
“On a related note, yesterday was Ark Tsisserev’s last day with the City. Ark had a long and distinguished career with the City as our City Electrician and Manager of the Electrical Inspection Branch. Ark was known world wide for his knowledge and contributions to the development of Electrical Safety Codes. I hope you wish Ark well for the future.” (Dave McLellan, General Manager, January 22, 2010)
It didn’t add up then–at all. Not one bit. It still doesn’t.
If Mr. Tsisserev was really fired for budgetary reasons, why then would you can him without cause, pay him a full year from an electrical budget bursting at the seams–a year and a half prior to retirement?
Instead, they used YOUR tax dollars to eject this man from his job, for, STILL, woefully explained reasons.
“Without cause”??? I’m not so sure about that…
Then, I was struck by the “confidentiality” issue of Mr. Tsisserev’s out contract: Other than not being able to make “disparaging” comments about the City of Vancouver or any of it’s employees (and the usual no lawsuit, no complaints. etc), he might actually be free to speak and finally offer us some answers, strictly factual accounts, of what really happened. After all, who better than the man himself to tell us if Dr. Ballem’s and the Mayor’s renditions of the firing (in contravention of the Vancouver Charter) were correct, and if for the last two months I’ve been simply blowing smoke, as many Vision Vancouver sycophants in the mainstream media and the blogosphere have suggested.
So I called one of my city contacts and asked if I could speak with Mr. Tsisserev (who is a friend of his) “off the record.” Shortly after my call, I received a phone call from Arkady Tsisserev himself. This was three days ago. Courteous, polite, matter-of-fact–the ultimate straight-shooter, Mr. Tsisserev was all the things I was told he was.
After several conversations, and after listening to some absolutely stunning revelations, I decided to ask…
“Ark, would you sit down with me for an interview? I think the public has a right to know what really happened.”
(His answer(s) are printed here verbatim as is the rest of the interview which you will find below.)
“Alex, absolutely, sure, I will provide only the strict facts on what I can answer. I appreciate your position, so I hope you can appreciate mine. I will answer only questions related to what I know to be fact and nothing else. You cannot ask me for opinions based on suppositions and I will not speak to you disparagingly regarding anyone or anything at City Hall today–as per the agreement I signed with the City (of Vancouver).”
Hence, this morning Ark Tsisserev, the man at the center of the scandal that has gripped City Hall through the Olympics–to this very day, and has sent Penny Ballem and Gregor Robertson running for cover, sat down to an exclusive interview with me. Present was also Frank Kurz of the Fire Technicians Network, whose principled comments since Mr. Tsisserev was fired, have formed the basis of many media reports.
Again, this interview is verbatim.
AGT: Ark, I just wanted to start out by saying that I appreciate that you cannot provide “colour” to any of the statements you will make today, and that you are speaking to me this morning of your own free will and accord–I have neither paid you for this interview or made you speak under duress or any kind of pressure at all. And you are speaking to me “on the record.” Correct?
AT: Yes Alex, you are correct, and I am here to answer in a strictly factual manner. Please do not ask for suppositions, you will not hear them.
AGT: Let’s start at the beginning of this whole matter, shall we? Let me take you back to the fall of 2009 when you had some reservations about the EST 3 fire alarm panels used at the Olympic Village. You were concerned about life safety issues as these panels, under certain circumstances, may have a tendency to malfunction–is this correct?
AT: I had an obligation after I heard from the city electrician of Burnaby that there might be a major problem. I was the city electrician of Vancouver–as regulator, I had an obligation to make sure I raised the issue with the manufacturer and ULC (Underwriters Laboratory of Canada.) Yes, there were malfunctions but they were investigated by ULC and I signed off on this, I believe in December. The problems with the panels were reported to me and I reported them to the people responsible. ULC’s letter forms part of the package the City released last Friday. As a result of their letter I signed off, but first responders must maintain two feet distance for the panel, to make sure.
AGT: But they were problematic.
AT: According to those conducting the original tests, yes, and I felt that this was a potentially major life safety issue. That’s what I wrote. We were expecting the Games but even beyond this, I had an obligation to keep people safe. First responders are aware that they should not come closer than two feet from the panels with their two-way radios.
AGT: Fair enough, let’s now talk about how you were fired. Who fired you, specifically, and how did this transpire on the day of January 21st.,2010?
AT: On the morning of January 21st, I was called by (General Manager) Dave McLellan’s secretary and asked to go to his office at 2pm, which I did. Within the first few minutes, he told me that I was dismissed due to budget and restructuring. I told him that only council could fire me for “fitness and merit” issues. He did not respond and asked for my passkey and Blackberry, which I gave him. Then I was escorted from his office to my office and told to collect my personal belongings.
(NOTE TO READER: Although Mr. Tsisserev would not confirm her identity, I have learned that the only other person in Dave McLellan’s office was Dana Sirsiris from Human Resources, and she was the one to escort Ark Tsisserev to his office and then to his car)
AGT: What happened after you were escorted to your office?
AT: I was told to collect my things, but I had been there for almost 20 years, that’s a lot of belongings to collect. So I had to arrange to come back, but was only allowed to after hours.
AGT: Why?
AT: I was not allowed to speak to anyone who was there. In fact my assistant, a great guy named John McMahon poked his head in my office door when I was in there with Dana before she escorted me to my car. He asked if everything was okay and I told him I was fired. After he left, Dana told me I should not have told him that and I felt reprimanded. She was not happy with me at that point and I do not know why.
AGT: How long did the whole firing process take from the meeting in Mr. McLellan’s office to your departure from City Hall premises?
AT: No more than a half hour. Maybe around twenty minutes.
AGT: Alright, in her recent memo to staff, dated March 25th, 2010, City Manager, Dr. Ballem states that you were provided an opportunity to address your staff. Is this true?
AT: No, it is not. That never happened, ever.
AGT: Okay, so you are denying that you were ever invited to address or given access to address your staff, as stated by Penny Ballem.
AT: Yes, I am denying that. It is a statement of fact that I never received such an offer by them when they fired me. I was fired and escorted off the property all within a half hour… maximum.
AGT: Alright, let me take you back again to the fall of 2009. I have in my possession copies of emails you wrote to your superior and now successor, Will Johnston, wherein you were seeking accreditation for your electrical inspectors to access the Olympic venues. The Olympics were a month and a half away and you needed to get the Olympic sites inspected and thus approved. There are many, including Dr. Ballem and others, who claim that all Olympic venues were inspected by city inspectors. Can you shed some light on this? Is this true?
AT: No, no sites were inspected, not to my knowledge. I wrote several more emails to Will in January as well. Until the day I was fired, no accreditations were granted and I heard from some former staff members after I was fired that only my (former) plan checker was allowed to access the Olympic sites. No city electrical inspector was granted accreditation other than the plan checker to the best of my knowledge and this was only AFTER the Olympics began.
(Frank Kurz: In fact, all of the sites that needed inspection would have had to have been signed off on only a contractor’s declaration–and that would have involved Will Johnston.)
AGT: That’s a pretty stunning revelation. Do you mean to say that the only individual from the electrical branch of the city allowed on Olympic sites was a plan checker?
AT: I cannot and will not comment on if it is stunning. I am simply making a statement of fact that until the 21st of January, no electrical inspectors were accredited and then only the plan checker got access after the Olympics started according to former staff and friends who are still employed with the city.
AGT: Okay, I’ll withdraw the question that way if it made you uncomfortable, I’m sorry about that.
AT: No problem. No problem. No, that’s okay. Thank you.
AGT: So none of the Olympic venues were inspected by the electrical branch of the city? Even though, Dr. Ballem claims they were all signed off.
AT: Yes, but by contractor’s declaration, not direct inspection.
AGT: Alright, what can you tell me about Vanier Park? I am also in possession of information from a city staffer that there was a potential life safety issue there during the Games. Is this true?
AT: I received a phone call from an electrical engineer, who was very concerned about this through the Games that there were specific safety issues of a high voltage installation–someone who I trust very much and worked well with. I cannot talk about the details other than to say that I called the Inspections branch of the city informing them of my concerns and APEG BC (Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists) to ensure that they sent someone out there to look at it, but I learned afterwards that no accreditation was granted for city guys to inspect the site.
AGT: What was your reaction?
AT: Obviously, I was shocked, but I do not know if it was resolved or not.
AGT: Alright, you’ve just identified several, at least, potential points of life safety issues, particularly with respect to the absence of accreditation for your inspectors until at least January 21st and probably beyond….how on earth can you have then signed a letter on February 12th, not even a month later, a letter which the City, specifically Dr. Ballem, cites as proof of your lack of knowledge of any potential life safety issues? How can both be true?
AT: You mean the letter that appeared out of nowhere?
(Laughs…)
AGT: What do you mean by that?
(Long pause…)
AT: I was negotiating a settlement through my lawyer while I was shocked and deeply hurt by the treatment I received…I am still hurt because I loved serving the people and working with the people I worked with. But it was actually the city that sent the February 12th letter over. My lawyer Russ Chamberlain did not draft it at all. I didn’t write it either. It came over from the city just as I signed it and it was made very clear to me that if I did not have any “current” first hand knowledge, like on that day, of specific life safety issues, if I did not sign I wouldn’t get a settlement. It was an essential part of the deal for the city. They insisted I sign as a key part of (the) deal.
AGT: So, in order for you to achieve an exit with settlement, the city demanded you sign that letter…
AT: Correct. I objected a lot originally to Russ but it was no use. Look, Alex, I was not employed by that time, so they could make me sign this and be technically correct, even though I did not feel good about this kind of move. I was listening to all my friends at the city, telling me there were issues and I was very aware of those conversations because so much of the information was the same as what I knew before I was fired–nothing had changed. But to fulfill my Code of Ethics as a Professional Engineer, I called the Inspections Branch of the city because I was concerned about people’s safety whether it was the Olympic Games or not. That’s not relevant. I have an obligation as an engineer to keep people safe no matter what even if it means a problem to me.
AGT: Okay, let’s switch gears here for a minute. I want to draw your attention to the now infamous picture that appeared on my website of the burning portable. Much has been made of this, not only by other politically-motivated bloggers, but by Dr. Ballem herself, clearly trying to down play the severity of this shot. Can you provide me with your professional statement on this picture from what you see of it and what you know?
AT: Sure, this is from the site of the Canada Pavilion. It looks like an overload, possibly a circuit…or loose connection resulting in an arc, but a potential problem for sure.
(Frank Kurz: Alex, as you know, that picture was taken by a member of the Vancouver Police Department and provided to me…it is indeed a picture of a portable on the Canada Pavilion site and it was a fire that could have been a big problem but someone was smart enough to shut down the breaker–for anyone like Penny Ballem to down play this picture is not to understand the potential problems when dealing with power–anything can happen, at any time.)
AT: Anytime you are dealing with electricity and power you have to be extra cautious because it doesn’t take much for a small mistake to cost someone their life.
AGT: Alright, one more question specifically about the Olympics: It was reported by me that the fire alarm panels at several Olympic venues were not up to code or at least not in optimal conditions, thus ensuring maximum safety for the public during the Games. At the Panasonic tent, for example, they did not have a fire alarm panel at all. This was confirmed late last week in a superb Vancouver Courier article, wherein Will Johnston, your successor, mentioned other anomalies as well. What can you tell me specifically, about the fire alarm panels or fire alarms at various venues during the Games?
AT: Sure, for the purpose of the Olympics, while I was still employed by the city, we had a system designer come to us with plans for a venue, several of them came, that did not conform to a system that is required to be connected to a fire alarm panel where the fire alarm panel is required to be connected to a central monitoring station, so that in case of fire the fire department will be notified immediately. Before I knew it, Will Johnston, my boss (Interviewer’s Note: and the man who not only succeeded Ark Tsisserev and remains in that job today) signed off on these things. I could not contradict his authority. I made an immediate recommendation that these not be accepted as they did not meet code, but he (Johnston) had already committed us. So, to avoid as many dangers as possible I outlined a safety plan that included back-ups and conditions as equal to as if the Vancouver Fire Department could be notified–I had no other choice. It was the only option.
AGT: And this is Will Johnston, the man who replaced you, correct?
AT: Yes.
AGT: He is a structural engineer, is that right?
AT: Yes, he is.
AGT: And he now holds the position of City ELECTRICIAN, correct?
AT: Yes.
AGT: And he is not an ELECTRICAL engineer as well is he?
AT: No, he is not.
AGT: And you are an accredited Electrical Engineer who was City Electrician, correct?
AT: That is also correct. I have a Masters in Electrical Engineering.
AGT: Alright, I’ll spare you the obvious question, so that I don’t make you uncomfortable.
AT: (Laughter) Hey, I appreciate this very much. Thank you. I don’t know what your question is so I will wait for the next one.
AGT: Okay, let’s go back to another of Dr. Ballem’s statements in her recent memo to city council wherein she tried to explain your departure from the city, you have read it correct? The document…you’ve read it?
AT: Yes, I have, very carefully.
AGT: And, in this document, Dr. Ballem claims that along with your position, two other positions were eliminated as well, due to budgetary constraints. What can you tell us about that specific statement by Dr. Ballem?
AT: I can tell you that she wrote that three positions are gone: Mine, as City Electrician, the City Environmental Protection Manager and Chief Licence Inspector.
AGT: Alright, are they all gone, Sir, that’s what I’m trying to get at?
AT: No. I was the only one fired. The Manager of Enviro Protection has been vacant for over a year, the Chief Licence Inspector is still there, I think she leaves in June, and me. I was the only one fired like I was. I was the only one gone.
AGT: Right then, so let’s go back to your firing to put things into context on the narrow issue alone, of how you were fired.
AT: Sure.
AGT: What is the specific section of the Vancouver Charter you were fired under?
AT: I don’t know. Dave McLellan never told me when he fired me.
AGT: You don’t know, how is that possible that you don’t know? You cannot remember? He must have told you something.
AT: According to Section 162 of the Vancouver Charter, the City Electrician position can only be filled or vacated on the strictest of conditions–”fitness or merit”, that’s it. To alter the Charter you have to get approval from Victoria.
AGT: Were you ever given any indication by Dr. Ballem, Will Johnston, Dave McLellan or anyone at the city that your fitness as City Electrician was in question?
AT: No! Never!! In fact, my colleagues provided the city many times with many compliments and no complaints. Not one.
AGT: And the reasons you were given for your dismissal by Dave McLellan were based solely on restructuring and budget constraints?
AT: Yes, that is correct.
AGT: How is that possible when I revealed on my website some weeks ago that your department is not only a money maker, but a branch that leads the city in revenues? You collected a net revenue of just outside $2,000,000 dollars last year. There are other branches that don’t do anywhere as well and are having their (union and non-union) employees protected. How can this be possible? Why were you really fired?
AT: No comment. I’m sorry I will not answer that. Please do not press me.
AGT: Okay, I’ll withdraw that again and maybe we’ll just call it here.
AT: Sure, no problem, thank you.
AGT: Alright then, I think we’ve gone far enough. Let me first say that it’s a privilege to have someone here who clearly cares so much about the city and its people. You’re a real gentleman and I appreciate your time. And I’m sorry if some of my questions were tough to handle, my apologies, no offense intended. And I certainly wish you continued success in the future.
AT: Thank you so much. I appreciate the way you treated me today, Alex. No problem at all. Thank you again.
(Interview over…)
Now, rather than to have to painstakingly add to your reading, I’m simply going to say this: Tomorrow, I’ll dissect for you what this all means how it is apparent to this writer that Dave McLellan and Penny Ballem have every intention of gutting the electrical department of the City of Vancouver, and losing the $2,000,000 – $4,000,000 in revenues, per year–and Ark Tsisserev was in the way of that and possibly a pile of photo ops for the Mayor. As well, apart from it’s an astoundingly stupid initiative to be dragging a profitable branch of the city through…this is all under the nose of Mayor Robertson and his Vision Vancouver cohorts.
Stay tuned. More tomorrow.
Now that’s how you conduct an interview. Great work, Alex.
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Thank you Tim. Much appreciation for stopping by.
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Something smells rotten in Denmark.
It’s the stone-walling and cover-up that always gets ya in the end.
Electrogate anyone?!
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It’s getting to that, isn’t it? They really should have never released the documents as they did. Penny Ballem is destroying City Hall.
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Great interview Alex.
Ark is a brave man for speaking out.
After the way he city has comported themselves, I have no doubts that he will be further smeared as they try and deflect this nuclear explosion on their watch.
Bush had Weapons of Mass Destruction and Vision Vancouver now has a Life-Safety Fiasco.
Where are the police in this?
1) There needs to be an investigation for NEGLIGENCE initiated immediately.
2) As Chairman of the Police Board/Commission, Gregor Robertson needs to suspend his involvement until he is cleared of any wrong doing.
3) Additionally no council member should interim-ly replace Gregor until their name is cleared as well.
Further, the Vancouver Charter was clearly violated.
4) Gordon Campbell needs to ask the Attorney General to look into the violations of a Provincial Act IMMEDIATELY.
5) Penny Ballum should be suspended by council, immediately until an independent investigation is complete.
The people of Vancouver have lost confidence in the city hall administration and they must answer for this NOW.
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Thx Glen. I think it’s pretty clear that an independent investigation needs to be had. That much is crystal clear.
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Let me join the call on the Attorney General of British Columbia to commence an investigation with regards to violation of the Vancouver Charter.
I want to see the email and documentation from Penny Ballum’s office with City of Vancouver law staff that gives her the legal opinion – that she was allowed to eliminate his position within the Charter in relation to this position.
If she never got said review from city lawyers, she needs to be immediately dismissed by council. Immediately without hesitation.
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In my mind, there is no question she should be fired. The glaring prevarication, the twisting of the facts, it’s all there. She has completely disgraced her office and the heavy-handedness alone is just beyond the pale. She is an institutional thug.
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This is as explosive as you always claimed Tsakumis. I’m steamed. I voted for several of these Vicious Vision bastards in the last election and I am disgusted.
Back in 2000 I was so disgusted with the NPA and councillors like Gordon Price, George Puil and Jennifer Clarke that I remember talking to a friend of mine about starting another party. When Vision came on the scene I was very enthusiastic and thought this city would finally find some good management.
Now, I will be working with any party in 2011 to toss these guys from office. I’d gladly take back the NPA and even George Puil (not Price or Clarke though) to get these jerks back to their juice boxes and hobby farms.
This is not over by a long shot.
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Apparently not. Vision has really soiled themselves over this. It’s so bloody obvious.
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Alex! WOW WOW WOW!
Incredible work mate! Penny Ballem must resign or be fired! I cannot take it, I’m dancing a Tsakumis jig! This is the biggest local story of the year. No one can doubt you now.
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I’ll let others judge how big this is, I just know that they canned this guy for no good reason other than pure politics and then stuck the taxpayers with the bill. all while talking up efficiencies and budgets! Incredible lies… Thx for coming by. Take good care.
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Has anybody ever told you you would have made a really fine lawyer? Great interview Alex. Now the city will have a major problem. How will they counter the actual words of the man himself? This is really fine journalism, my compliments.
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Thx Darren. I really appreciate your kind words.
A good lawyer??? Why must you insult me so…? LOL!
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After reading your post although there are many issues that cause concern, I’m only going to comment on one of them.
Both Ark and Will would belong to the same association of engineers, regardless of the difference in their practice area.
If Ark was following his code of ethics and doing what he can to ensure all safety issues were addressed, then it is clear to me that Will Johnston was in violation of the same code of ethics.
I am calling on the AGEP BC, to immediately investigate and discipline Will Johnston for his role in this matter for putting the public at potential risk for injury or death.
As someone who’s brother is both an engineer and has served a civic administration for over 30 years, I believe Will Johnston is a disgrace to his job and to his profession.
If the AGEP BC would like to remain a respected and credible organization, they have a duty to address this matter at their earliest opportunity.
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I’m not sure what Mr. Johnston has or hasn’t done, but I can tell you that his methods as the new City Electrician are starting to rub people at Hall the wrong way, believe me. Thx for stopping by.
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The Right To Know is being served and the people of Vancouver are being served.
Thank you Alex and Ark!!!
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Hey thx Taxpayer, very kind.
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This pretty much clinches the guilt and who the guilty are, and they include myself, for ever suggesting that he had left you twisting in the wind on this matter. I apologize and here state that Mr. Tsisserev is one stand-up guy. The fat is now in the fire and the sizzle is only going to get louder and hotter. We all thank Alex for not choking up or running to save his own tail in the vindictive atmosphere that surrounds 12th and Cambie.
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Thank you, Sir Lawrence. Good to hear from you. Be well.
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I’m a new reader here, finding your site from a comment you left on another I read regularly. I must say that I am very alarmed by what is happening to our city. This is not how I imagined this mayor and council would run my home of 50 years.
If I wanted government like this I could have stayed in my birth-country. I would like to think Gregor would do the right thing here, but he’s proven himself to be incapable of that.
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I agree with you. Welcome aboard! Nice to have you here, pls come back anytime. Take care.
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Excellent Alex.
I am really looking forward to the next installment!
Stay strong.
O
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Thx Observer! Yeah, it’s been an exciting day, that’s for sure…..
Be well.
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Nice work Alex – keep up the pressure.
I think this whole problem is more far reaching than meets the eye – we now have Victoria involved with the deregulation aspect of the city of Vancouver – hmmmmmm! Sure make one think doesn’t it. How safe is Vancouver going to be five years from now – with “writing off” on contractors statements re meeting code etc.
Thx
workforfun
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Thank you, it’s been a tough slog but someone has to uncover this. Vision Vancouver have hired Penny Ballem to drive home the agenda of politicizing city staff-which is the death knell of democracy and independence at 12th and Cambie. It’s just plain wrong.
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Hi Alex, Brilliant, amazing how you can transform a “dry issue” of City Hall technical and personal incompetence into, something extremely interesting to follow. A honest interviewer and interviewed, something unfortunately unusual now-a-days.
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Too kind my friend, but much appreciated. Thank you.
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Excellent work of course. I subscribe to the theory that the behavior of bureaucracies can be accurately predicted, nearly always. Like bad doctors, they prefer to bury their problems. Not in the ground though. Instead, they bury mistakes under legal constraints, using carrots and sticks to achieve full cover.
The carrots of course are large cash settlements; the sticks are legal documents demanding silence. Mr. Tsisserev is likely speaking precisely, certain that he talks only provable fact, without supposition, opinion or embellishment.
I presume the City’s senior executives long ago decided to avoid interfering with anything related to the Olympics. This was probably a promise to the provincial government extracted during negotiations on some other issue.
Mr. Tsisserev, as a department head, was expected to comply with that no-interference policy. He instead viewed his professional responsibility as an electrical engineer paramount and his personal ethics prevented him from closing eyes to problems. The bosses responded by removing him from authority for what they viewed (wrongly) as insubordination.
It appears that Mr. Tsisserev has been precise and said nothing that can be shown wrong whereas the mayor and two highest officials have been disingenuous throughout..
The electrical engineer put professional responsibility before expediency. He is unusual in that he didn’t accept the cheque, close his mouth and disappear. Too bad there are not more like him in the public service. I salute Mr. Tsisserev and AGT for staying with a story that many considered to be inconsequential.
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As superb analysis. I am humbled by your kind words Norm…I know…me, humbled..hard to believe…
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The Thought of The Day
“When you take monies away from the “bete noir” ones you fire, only to give it back to the ones you favour and hire, then the thin line that separates this procedural scheme from the Ponzi’s, is becoming an invisible entity.”
UN-BE-LI-VE-BA-LE!
Alex, I read your interview as if it was a John Grisham chapter from “MURDER IN THE FIRST”
There is motive, intent, and premeditation. Everything and everyone is in there. Horrifyingly despicable!
I can only hope that the people of Vancouver will start getting their heads from inside their Ostrich holes and come out to face the truth about the Vision brethren.
I want to express my many thanks to Ark for allowing you to interview him and kudos to you for your outstanding perseverance on this subject and accurate writing. That takes a lot of time and energy.
“But to fulfil my Code of Ethics as a Professional Engineer, I called the Inspections Branch of the city because I was concerned about people’s safety whether it was the Olympic Games or not. That’s not relevant. I have an obligation as an engineer to keep people safe no matter what even if it means a problem to me.” Ark T.
And that Alex says it all. That’s the trademark of the engineering profession. Or what it should be.
“Before I knew it, Will Johnston, my boss (Interviewer’s Note: and the man who not only succeeded Ark Tsisserev and remains in that job today) signed off on these things. I could not contradict his authority. I made an immediate recommendation that these not be accepted as they did not meet code, but he (Johnston) had already committed us. So, to avoid as many dangers as possible I outlined a safety plan that included back-ups and conditions as equal to as if the Vancouver Fire Department could be notified–I had no other choice.” Ark T
And this is why Will Johnson in my opinion should be investigated by the APEGBC to find out if he was in fact in violation of his own Professional Codes of Ethics and Practice.
By the way, Bob Mackay makes a poor expose of this matter in today’s 24 Hours, basically saying nothing of substance in three columns and printing whatever the City mouths have fed him. Shame.
Frances on the other hand has an attempt to keep herself on the top of things by posting a link to your interview and I respect that.
For more than a year I was and still am one of the biggest critics of this City Administration, Vision/ COPE dominated Council and Mayor. And I have no interest vested in this WHATSOEVER, believe it or not. I am allergic to Bullshiters because I care about the people of this city. That’s all. Ta ta.
Well done Alex!
Glissando
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Thx Glissando. I believe you’re referring to Bob Mackin my former colleague at 24hours, and he is a SUPERB journalist who was probably just going with whatever information he had.
But now he’s got it all, thx to the interview with Mr. Tsisserev here. LEt’s see if the editors at 24 hours can get past their egos and print my name in their pages again. I won’t hold my breath.
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Actually, I quiet enjoyed your columns in 24. What happened? Any chance of you going back or maybe going to Metro?
I wouldn’t recommend you waste your time going with the province or the sun. They’re dying by degree.
Do what you need to do, but get back into 24.
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Thank you. I enjoyed being there until the last month or so.
No, I wouldn’t go to the ‘Metro’.
And while I appreciate the advice, I’m very happy doing what I’m doing right now. I’ve had lots of offers but am pleased to be sitting for now. My critics can think what they want, but I’m quite happy to be doing what I’m doing. It gives me some freedom to spend more time with my kids. But I am going to land somewhere soon. It’s time…you’ll hear about it I’m sure.
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I enjoyed the interview. It’s unfortunate that his hands have been tied by a confidentiality agreement, as I think there are still many unanswered questions.
However one can come to a few opinions. First and foremost is that Penny Bellam is totally out of her element. The way Vision, Bellam and their minions have handled things make the Three Stooges look like Mensa candidates.
Also, I wouldn’t take a unit in the athlete’s village if they were giving them out with popcorn. We know that they were under the gun to get the units finished and turned over to Vanoc by a certain deadline, and we know that they were behind schedule when they were sorting out the financial fiasco. Did the city inspectors do their proper inspections, or just rubber stamp the contractor’s assertions that all was up to code to expedite completion? After all, if Will Johnson used this method once, one has to wonder how many other times he has employed this tactic.
This may only be the first chapter in a very long and sordid saga. The fact that the MSM is still reluctant to give this story much play indicates to me that the tentacles involving the Olympic sites goes higher up the food chain than Vancouver City Council, and if I’m correct, I doubt the AG will go anywhere near it.
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Yeah, great analysis. If there is one thing that’s obvious is that Penny Ballem has really disgraced her office and must resign immediately to preserve the integrity of her office.
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What can be said other than this this is a monster piece of journalism. A monster and a half Alex. Hats off to you big guy because I was beginning to wonder if you were bluffing about the smoking gun, but you really did get their fingerprints all over this one.
I voted for Sam in 2005 and then Gregor in 2008 so I’m not really partisan but I just do not know how Penny Ballem survives this. She totally lied to us totally lied to the city. She has to resign or be fired.
Good work champ, very very good work.
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I will have to one day think of a gift for Frances Bula for re-christening me ‘The Tsakuminator’ LOL!
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Hello Mr. Tsakumis.
I am one of your loyal readers from as far back as 24 hrs. I would like to express how much this series of columns on Arkady Tsisserev illustrate that you are one of the finest journalists in this province.
It is rare for me to want to write as I am confined to a wheelchair and the effort is too great some days.
If the Webster Foundation has even one bit of credibility left they will give you one for this story and one for being brave enough to face down the lazy journalists who have received those awards in the past and did nothing to deserve them.
You’re a head and shoulders above everyone else for covering this story with such dedication. I salute you sir!
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Thank you Alan. This is very kind of you, perhaps too kind. I’m just happy to have gotten the story out. After all, this is a life safety issue. If these things were happening through the Olympics, is it all still going on now? Fair question, I believe.
Thx again. Please visit often. Be well.
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WoW. AGTs professionalism is so extremely deeply rooted, analyzing his interview with Ark makes this obviously apparent. I have never heard of AGT before being one of the biggest of the vancouver ostrich. I can say AGTs work here is beyond unbelieveable when you factor his work is not motivated by a paycheck, rather his respect for fellow Vancouverites. If our AG was even 50% as respectful, Vancouverites would get the full account of these shennanigans. Thank you AGT for proving an incredible journalist on the level of Ark being a professional engineer above his motivation for a paycheck to provide for his family. 2 very Special Vancouverites.
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Well, you’re very welcome.
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Thank you, Alex. I do believe I’m going to buy you a Cohiba or two… Mojitos with that?…
“A woman is only a woman but a good cigar is a smoke.” – Rudyard
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Very funny! I’m actually a Davidoff guy and no mojitos thanks. The mint causes my acid-reflux to act up. But a Maker’s Mark would be most welcome. Name the time and place!
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Alex,
What an amazing job you’ve done… Your persistence and determination has served us all.
I respect how hard you fought to give the opportunity to Ark to speak his truth and regain his dignity.
After everything these people did to his reputation, you were the only one willing to stand tall and fight back with hard facts, not spin. Your truth never wavered, even as the Vision crew slammed you, and your loved ones. YOU SIR, DID THE RIGHT THING.
Dear Ark,
Thank you for being so brave and for keeping us safe, you are a man of great integrity and strength. The City lost a rare treasure when you left. Ark, you are a Hero in my eyes….
To the Naysayers,
Spin this one!!
This has only just begun, I believe that Ark’s bravery, will give strength to others to come forward. There are many stories to be told.
Truth always prevails.
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Hellooo George old boy. Yes, they are hopeless. And they are in much deeper water than I have revealed. Just wait. There more…much more…
Thank you for the exceedingly kind compliment and I will pass your comments on to Mr. Tsisserev who has advised that he would like some peace and quiet now. Thx for coming by.
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I’m wondering if John Furlong or someone from the Olympics would care to explain if the city was denied accreditation for the inspectors and why?
!!!!OR!!!!!!
If the city didn’t even bother to apply because they were only policing themselves as the financier and quasi-developer on the project?
You know, you can’t blow the whistle on what you don’t see – right?
So Alex, I think you need to press the city to release the dated requests for accreditation to Vanoc.
If they don’t have any requests, we know they didn’t complete their duty of diligence. This is of course called NEGLIGENCE.
If they do have requests that were not approved, then Vanoc needs to be investigated for any violation of any laws, civic – provincial – or federal.
So Ms. Ballum it’s your move. Are you going to create more documents here or show us the real ones this time.
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I think the answer to that last one is no…. She won’t because if she does she’ll have to resign for certain.
Press the city? Oh, don’t worry. I’ve only just begun. Thx for coming by.
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Hi Alex,
A note to let you (though I am sure youalready have heard) that Art Tsisserev was featured in the nine o’clock CBC news this morning – including a couple of the telephonec conversation comments.
They did mention that the Mayor could not be contacted – wonder why,he -he !!
You are doing great – keep up the pressure cos things is now a’happening
Cheers
woprkforfun
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Yes, I heard. He was also interview by Ted Chernecki of Global tonight at 6 o’clock, as was I.
Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate the support. And keep reading, there’s more.
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Kudos to Ark for saying as much as his settlement, hopefully, allows. You skilfully asked the right questions such that the reasonably minded can connect the dots.
One potential angle: Did the provincial government quietly sign an order varying the City Charter to allow Ark’s removal for other grounds??? (Might be worth perusing recent and future Gazette notices to see if this was snuck in.)
Gordon Campbell and Penny Ballem may not agree on much except, in my opinion, the need to quash troublemakers that threatened the positive media spin in that January run-up to the Olympics.
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Hi Rich: Victoria would not be able to do such a thing. It would require public notice.
Although you raise an excellent point: No wonder the Premier and Dr. Ballem hate each other–they operate the exact same way.
Thx for stopping by. Always good to chat with you.
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Alex. Saw the item on BCTV this evening. Certainly does not look right as to the ‘explaination’ given. But we’ve gone through that with your adventures on behalf of Mr. Ark. I’m not in electrical engineering of any sort, but it would be rather odd to not have a final inspection, and then “if there are any issues, I can get the inspectors accredited to go out there”. That’s reactive, not pro active. Wonder if those inspectors who got instant accreditation would be assisting the VFD’s Fire Investigative Unit (sarcasam). It’s also a dangerous and stupid thing to do. In fact Ark should have been front and centre for accreditation that would get him into anywhere within the Olympic locations in Vancouver (I got one myself for being a volunteer for the Paralympics, the symbols indicated that I could go anywhere including places I wasn’t asked to be at).
Seems that if this Dr. Ballem has all this academic background, she isn’t being smart about it. The scene about Dana is laughable. Seems to be adhering to policy as a cold fish rather than being a bit flexible which she should have been. Sounds like a woman who kept bugging me after I lost my job (didn’t particularly like it), the kind that while onn the outside you’re being professional about the situation, deep inside your mind you’rethinking you’d like to bust her in the mouth.
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Superb analysis. Well done. Very. Thx for coming by.
Spade are “the swords of the soldier”…I’ll continue digging–be sure of it.
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I think you are so fixated on Penney because she’s a lesbian. You are just another fat rich conservative pig looking to tear down a dyke. you are sick.
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Oh really? She’s a lesbian is she?
Well, then Dr. Ballem and I have a few things in common…..just a few.
Go away, idiot.
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What a disgusting (and foolish) way to treat a top-flight 20 year employee. No notice, never mind the rules, boom you’re fired, there’s the door.
And aren’t Robertson and his crew supposed to be oh so compassionate? That’s their big thing, right? They hold the commanding heights of Compassion. Junkies from New Brunswick get taxpayer funded homes. Mr Tsisserev gets the bum’s rush. Its the world turned upside down.
Keep roasting ‘em, Alex.
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Will do, David. Will do.
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The subject is Dr. Ballem – not Dr. Ballard!
You’ve got the wrong mutt!
On second thought…
Could you point her out in this photo line-up?
http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=539&q=Ugliest+Dog&gbv=2&oq=Ugliest+Dog&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_l=img.12..0l10.4735l11657l0l13625l11l11l0l3l3l0l79l626l8l8l0.frgbld.
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Just trying to help “Alex is a bigot” out!
He/she appears to be sniffing the wrong mutt butt!
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Very interesting work Alex , im not in the city but i am curious as to who in Victoria wanted things to go off with no inspections i have doubts there was no connection between Vanoc the City and the Province so who was getting something for all this.
i could be way off but this is almost like its run like our province just to much alike to ignore.
Makers Mark Alex good call great minds do think alike cheers.
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Of course. Thx for stopping by. And I am follwoing up on the VANOC angle, but it appears the lack of inspector accreditations could have easily been demanded by the City of Vancouver…if they cared.
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I know youll dig into this one once the local poltics are explored Alex , i do have to think Vanoc -Vancouver city depts had some understandings and it would be hard to imagine some presence from Victoria was not also there through this , look forward to teh seeing what comes of this.
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Beleive me, I’m digging but I must tell you. VANOC are so well insulated, it’s tough to get through. They’re almost bullet proof. My problem is currently with the city: If VANOC were responsible, in any way, then why the big cover-up and all the lies about Tsisserev’s firing? Makes no sense. Believe me, this story has lots of layers left. Thx for your pithy remarks.
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How is Will Johnston the chief electrician when he is not an accredited electrician? I am an electrical engineer just like him but that does not make me an accredited electrician.
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That an excellent question Rosco! BTW, Mr. Johnston is a structural engineer, not an electrical engineer…which I suppose, along the continuum of your thinking, makes matters worse. Thx for stopping by. Take care.
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Not only an excellent article but also an essential one. Well done sir!
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Thank you very much kind Sir…pls come by again.
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It’s October 12th, is anything going to become of this story or has this become another non-issue?
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The collapsed building on Hornby, the Electra building fiasco…hundreds of life safety violations since Tsisserev was fired…
Nothing has become of this, eh?
Give your head a shake. Let the pea rattle a little.
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given the providence of the interview (a vile, reprehensible creature whose own family members disowned him years ago and who won’t report on anything unless it’s in his best interest – political or personal) then probably not.
a shame because Ark Tsisserev is, by all accounts, a total stand up guy by contrast
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Hi Spiros:
Because this is a persistent rumour perpetrated by my political enemies–accordingly, my father, mother and sisters have asked that I tell you to pls have some stones and openly confront your envy–come out openly and level such accusations, we’re all waiting. Additionally, Dad, specifically has asked that you contact him at home. He is listed, it’s not hard to find him either their or through the office at Trigate Development.
Frankly, my family has NOTHING to do with my media work and I have nothing to do with the family business. I left years ago, under EXCELLENT terms. IF you would like to level accusations against me and my family, then at least have the testicles to come out with your real name. It’s easy to hide behind a moniker and lie.
My father in particular insists that you contact him. He has some choice words for you, in Greek and English, so you’ll be fully accommodated.
What a coward, but it’s typical of the “support” I’ve seen from the Greek Community at large. Typical of the factionalism of the Greek Community at large, that has resulted in other communities with lesser numbers surpassing the heavily divided Greeks in Vancouver.
Well done.
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God Damnit, this really needs to be investigated!
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Sure does.
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I APPRECIATE THE HONESTY IN ALL ARKS ANSWERS BUT…..YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER TAKEN THE BUY OUT. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING ……..”DAYLIGHT IS THE BEST DISINFECTANT”
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Very good interview, Alex!
But I can’t help wondering about the quality of legal advice given Ark by his lawyer, Russ Chamberlain.
It would seem that Ark’s dismissal is a CLEAR violation of the city’s Charter.
a) Why would Mr. Chamberlain negotiate a settlement in such a case? It would seem that Ark had ample grounds to sue for wrongful dismissal.
b) Wouldn’t Ark’s refusal to sign the letter have provided him some leverage in the situation?
Thanks for the good work.
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In my view, former Vancouver city electrician Ark Tsisserev, was put to the test in 2008 regarding an apartment complex in the West End, wherein a 200,000 Watts was being added to service cell antennas installed on the roof. Tsisserev failed in his duties in respect to that particular contract, as he did inspect the property as he claimed he did.
Thus to make Tsisserev as if he is unblemished as an electrician does not stand the smell test.
In any case, Tsisserev, according to your documentation, the matter was settled and he appears to have agreed on a gag order, wherein he cannot talk about the city of Vancouver to you or anyone else. It seems to me that Tsisserev is doing okay, given that he was retiring from his position anyways. It is a doggy world out there.
Tina
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Dear Ms. Zanetti:
Your very personal crusade to smear Mr. Tsisserev is noted. However, my readers should note that your accusations were investigated by the City of Vancouver and found to be entirely meritless. In fact, a second review, by Mr. Tsisserev’s colleagues found the same result.
I am loathe to go into the details of the dual investigations other than to quote a current electrical inspector: “She’s a crank. Ark wasn’t responsible for going to any site like that, but he did and his findings were the same as mine and the other guys involved. She’s just one of those people against wireless fields and decided to make Ark a whipping post for her crazy accusations.”
If you are going to appear on this blog again, pls to not do so with unsubstantiated allegations about anyone. Otherwise, there are plenty of blogs you can go to make such bizarre and contradictory statements.
Thank you.
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You have pulled out my recent reply to you Alex because you think need to have the last word? Is that how small you are?
If so, you have obviously failed in your duties as a journalist, as you are not impartial and by doing so you have shown to be in the same league as those you are complaining about.
It is my view that you ought to have followed the steps and ethics of your former friend Bill Tieleman wherein he allows anyone to post their opinion on his blog so long as it is not slanderous. I have not slandered Mr. Tsisserev but rather showed you different facts, which you refuse to accept and cannot accept because you seem to have your own agenda.
It begs the question Alex, as to who is paying you to discredit the Mayor and someone as myself who has the facts about Mr. Tsisserev who is less than honest.
You are certainly a disappointment.
Cheer up and you won’t appear in public with a puppy face!
Tina Zanetti
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Ms. Zanetti:
Might I suggest you have your physician half your dosage?
1) Bill’s commenting standards are no different from mine. I will not print your egregious and defamatory comments about Mr. Tsisserev or anyone else–period. What you contend is not only discounted by Mr. Tsisserev but ALSO by his former employers and political enemies at City Hall.
2) Libel is done in writing, slander is done with voice; unless Bill’s website now features some interactive feature I’m not aware of, you need to learn the difference since it;s painfully obvious you reslish in both.
3) Your facts were bathed in offensive and defamatory statements which were not only untrue, but couldn’t possibly be true.
4) The fact that you immediately assume that since I have stopped you from your smear campaign, that this somehow signals that I am bribed or paid by someone is telling of your mental state. Please don’t come back here–thank you.
5) There is nothing small about me and I’m, for the most part, cheery–thanks to my family, friends and all of the SANE readers to come my way daily.
Bye, bye.
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Koo–Koo……………………..[that was libel right Alex?]
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Absolutely!
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Great article Alex you are gaining quite the following here in Toronto around the office water coolers…..pity you don’t have a relative in the area to cover our disgusting political landscape…keep up the great work!!!
Fubar99
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Thank you, Sir. I’ve have a very loyal following from Ontario and the Maritimes too!
Many thx for your kind words. I’m doing the best I can. I’d just like to go home at some point.
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I keep asking myself why a professional doing his job would be treated this way. Why is it so important to the city to keep the electric issues at Olympic village under wraps? Is it legal to sell a condo that was not permitted properly? If I bought a condo and later found out it was not permitted properly and was unsafe what rights or protections would the law provide me? It must be a lot of money to risk fraud.
Cheers,
David
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It is and you raise exceptional points. I’m following a related story at the city…I’m on it.
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