Things that make you go “Huh?” City hires first, negotiates second?

Sarasota City Commissioners hire a new City Clerk and THEN begin salary and benefits contract negotiations? That’s what all the news reports have mentioned, as an almost irrelevant aside, in the print papers ever since Pamela Nadalini was hired.

Does that process sound backward to anyone else but me?

In their search for a new City Clerk, this language was included in the posting on the City’s website: “Salary is negotiable. Qualified candidates should have demonstrated experience that would justify a six-figure income.” Okay, well, at least we know that the salary to be negotiated is $100,000-plus. And, yes, I know how government works — with their pay scale ranges and all that … but still, something’s on the table, or else they wouldn’t be negotiating any contract at all.

I’ve hired (and fired) and been hired (never fired) more times than I can count, and not once did salary negotiation begin AFTER after hiring someone. After making an initial offer, sure … but after hiring someone and splashing the news all around town? Exactly how much leverage do they expect to have in their negotiations? Maybe none at all?

The new city clerk, and I wish her well and offer congrats, and yes, I’m glad to see a woman, and a black woman, at that level in local government (though I’ll be glad for the day when/if we ever can just laud someone for their experience and not for their being the “first” of some group to break the erstwhile all-white/all-male bastions of higher up government positions). But here’s my advice to Nadalini: she should hold the City up for every dime on and even off the table. She’s got ‘em on the ropes … they’ve got zero leverage — what are they going to do … fire her? — especially after all the “first woman/first black” write-ups they’ve been getting from the press? I’d like to know what precisely is on the table for negotiation? A range of $10,000? Five weeks of paid vacation instead of three? A government auto? I don’t know — I wish the local reporting covered that, and I just haven’t had time to investigate it myself. If anyone knows — feel free to add some input in the comment section of this blog.

I’m sure the city would say this is just business as usual, everybody does it, yada, yada, yada. Color me stupid if you want, but how about doing business unusually?… by that I mean, how about doing business intelligently and with forethought. Even if hiring first, negotiating second, is de rigueur among government types … why not break the mold and think for ourselves as city leaders? The formula should be simple: search, interview, determine the best candidate, express an initial interest in hiring subject to salary and benefits discussion, if the candidate is interested too, then you move on to negotiate salary and benefits, and, then, if the negotiations end up with the candidate you want at the price you can afford, you then offer the job, they accept or don’t accept, and you hire or don’t hire.

Look, I know this is a very small matter in a big world of big matters. But it’s stuff like this — multiplied times a gazillion — that creates inefficiencies, irrelevant time-wasters, and inflated costs in our government.
I know — I’m just a simple taxpayer, so what do I know? — but in my book: negotiate first; hire second.

Kitty, kitty

One more photo to tug at the hearts of potential adopters!

Stop! Oh, yes, wait a minute, Mister Postman!

Now, I hear the USPS might shut down Saturday service … I’m okay with that — as long as they continue five days a week.

But what I lament is the idea that people just don’t write old-fashioned letters anymore. We’re losing something — an archive of loves, loves lost, travels, penmanship, the ability to coherently write down our thoughts without the benefit of the backspace button or cut and paste rearranging of our thoughts. (more…)

60,000 stray cats in Sarasota? Let’s make that 59,999!!

Did you read Eric Ernst’s recent column on the subject of the estimated 60,000 stray cats in Sarasota county? It’s shocking — and important — reporting. I had no idea there were that many. I’m trying to do my part to solve the problem — I’ve adopted and neutered or spayed three cats and made them a part of my family … but three’s my limit!!

Stray kitty in front of his carport box and blanket home ... but he wants a REAL home!!

February Fun!

I did manage to have some fun in February … to wit:

I spent one afternoon at my Mom’s house — clearing an area of weeds and vines, laying down a supposedly-weed/grass-stopping fabric, and then topping it with pretty stones (gravel) I’d bought for her as one of her Christmas presents. It wasn’t really hard work, and it was actually fun. I find it really gratifying to work on a project and complete it and I especially enjoy improving home and yard … even though in this case, it was my Mum’s. Wish I’d taken a picture of the before … but at least here’s one of the after.
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BIZ(y) People to Watch

BIZ 941 Magazine is “looking for the 25 rising stars and prime movers in the local business world. They can be newcomers of note, young talents and established powers who are tacking new and exciting initiatives. We want you to nominate the Sarasota and Manatee businesspeople—including you—who are making their mark on the region. Our 25 People to Watch will be the centerpiece of our July issue and will be honored at a special Biz941 event. Deadline to submit the online ballot is April 19, 2010.”

Nominate your fave biz(y) person “to watch” online at http://www.biz941.com/Misc/People-To-Watch-Nomination.asp. (and no, I’m not talking ’bout me — I’m bizarre(y), not biz(y)!