From Channel 7 News:
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/local_n...2440%2C000-suv
From Channel 7 News:
http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/local_n...2440%2C000-suv
Detroit needs the Chinese solution to graft and corruption.
For once, Detroiters had nothing to do with this particular --redacted--. He was imposed on Detroit.
Oh, so you'd rather go back to the way mismanagement used to be before Bobb?
Not exactly what I wanted to hear. I would have had more respect for him had he declined the car. Shoot, I'm driving a 2002 model, and it was free [[or I'd still be driving my 1987 version). I would bet he has a driver, too, for security reasons. Does he really think we are that insane as to try and harm him? I can handle cuts as long as the perks are done away with and everyone takes them [[except those poor folks on hourly...they don't make squat as is).
I almost had some respect for this guy because he also chopped 10% off his salary...not so much anymore.
I know he isn't a politician, exactly, but this is the kind of misstep that you get from someone who has a bit of a political tin ear. Even if it was the best possible move financially [[which I doubt), it is going to rub people the wrong way under the circumstances.
SUVs are standard personal security vehicles nowadays and I imagine he and Bobb have had plenty of threats made against them.
Seriously, this guy is an ex-GM higher up - he doesn't need the school district to get an SUV and he isn't going to financially gain much, relative to his GM position, from the EFM job.
Some people just want to stir the shit.
If people aren't willing to allow him an SUV for safety's sake then the entire DPS police aren't needed either.
At least it's a less expensive, basic package Tahoe!
Was the car promised to him as part of his compensation package?
Even so, I can see where this sends the wrong message to the public. Besides, as a retired GM executive, he should be able to get a pretty good deal on an SUV on his own.
Kind of bad form.
Yeah, the SUV purchase is not the worse or highest expense it can be argued. At least it's a one time cost allotment... I just hope that there's not a repeat of the 'enterouge' of out of towners with big salaries, and vendors and sub-vendors and consultants to the consultants, and assistants to the assistants, 'hierarchy' merry-go-round.... yah-dah!
That 'option' does seem to emerge doesn't it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Detroitej
In the grand scheme of things the vehicle is not a big deal. However in these times, a good show of support and of shared sacrifice would be not to accept the vehicle. As a matter of fact he should have said " I know I'm making you take 10% cuts I'm going to take a 20% pay cut".
I know its symbolism at best, but it helps the people thats being affected that at least the EFM understands.
You've said it all. I can't even share everything I've learned recently about the current situation, but it's pretty frustrating... and sad for the kids and teens of Detroit... and infuriating for those who feel called to work with them. If ever there was a situation that was a shame, it's this one.
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20110504/FREE/110509958/former-gm-exec-roy-roberts-wife-give-seven-figure-gift-to-dia-african-american-gallery-to-bear-their-names#
Uhhh...I dont know, but being a GM executive and being that loaded he already should have his own "secure vehicle".
Roy Roberts, the Emergency Manager of Detroit Public Schools, appointed by our Governor said, "the world have changed".
Yes Roberts, "the world have changed" [[learn some basic proper English) and it's getting more and more expensive to live out there. Teachers don't deserve the tremendous cuts in pay and increases in health care costs; they don't deserve to have their union contracts voided because of budgets. Most teachers use their own money to supplement classroom costs yet no one out there seems to care much about that do they. No security for the teachers but plenty for this suit and tie.
I've never, EVER, felt the need for protection [[security) in DPS. Yes, it helps to have the presence of security in the schools but, personally, I've never felt the need. What, exactly, does Roberts [[or anyone else, for that matter) need protection from? I am certain that most people wouldn't recognize him if he were to smack them in the face. Bobb came in to our school once and no one really recognized him. If those in charge of other larger urban districts can drive around in their personal vehicle, then why can't those in charge in DPS?
Appearances matter during tough times, right LilPup?
you kno. I can hardly stomach news like this anymore. All i hear about when i read
the news is corruption. This week its DPS, next week the Detroit public library, then
its contracts, next week its the water dept, then its city council and indictments, then
its the dept of Human Services. The other half the time its some sort of homicide or
arson or some other terrible crime. Its to the point where anytime someone tells me
that they have an administrative position for the city of Detroit [[any position i suppose)
i will just assume that they are scoundrels. Kinda like someone without a kid of their
own but coaches kids soccer I automatically think pedophile. Or a cross country
truck driver. Yea... probably a serial killer.
Im sorry for all of you that maintain faith in the city. I dont think i would want to do business
there.
There is nothing corrupt about this. It is just unseemly.
He should have been in a 77 Volare.
An 80 Citation saved my butt when I didn't have any other way to get around. Good security too; thugs didn't figure you had anything worth bothering with.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/0..._n_920505.html
Looks like this rag disagrees.
..I'm not sure why he doesn't just drive his own car.
Would he not get reimbursed for travel expenses?
Is this a lease or an outright purchase?
a standard sedan would have been less ostentatious than an SUV.. and driving his own car would have been less ostentatious than arranging for a new "work car".
According to the report this vehicle was purchased on his first day on the job. That means it was likely approved on Robert Bobb's watch, not the new guy's.
Doesn't matter on whose watch it was approved. It can always be rescinded.
Yes it can, but I think this whining is typical Detroit chickenshit.
Its funny that yall giving him a pass on this. Yall didnt give KK a pass on the 25k Navigator. But Give him a pass on a 40k Tahoe. SMH. He should be riding around in one of those Crown Vics if he has to have police protection. under city law you cant have police protecting you in your own car. so give him one of those Crown Vics and let him go w/ that.
^^^^ My response was simply that it is not the highest expense... "it can be argued". Not a pass. A repeat of the "enterouge": well heeled, put up in hotels, expense account laden, flights in and out of town etc.... that is completely unacceptable IMO. But others may "argue" that is fine...
Bottom line: DPS remains very top heavy on the administrative expense side. No pass on that!
This must be some more of that shared sacrifice that's being preached nowadays.
For a millionaire to spend 40000 of a financially bled institution's money show's monumentally poor decision making.
The only one giving him a pass that I can find is LilPup.
There is no comparison. KK lied about the lease purchase of the Navigator. He said it was for police under cover work and even got Ella Bully-Cummings to tell the same lie. Meanwhile his wife kept texting him and asking "Is my Nav ready yet?" Also, all expenditures $25000 and over had to approved by city council. The Nav lease purchase came in at $24.995. Clearly, he was trying to keep the purchase from the eyes of the council.
For the record, the $40,000 purchase for Roberts new vehicle is, in my opinion, indefensible. DPS can't even provide basic necessities, like toilet paper.
Nice. The reason the DPS exists is because there are children who need to go to school. They don't have books or even tp, BUT, on the first day of school, Roberts will be rolling up in his shiny new SUV and his entourage of security.
Clearly, there isn't a revenue problem in DPS, there is a spending problem.
Same goes for DHS, DPL, DWSD, etc, etc, etc.
Exactly. From the looks of it, it's ok for Roberts to drive his new truck but this same forumer would love for me to work for nothing and still have to buy all of the school supplies that I need to do my job.
Maybe I should float to the other side and work downtown where I can get perks and trips to PD and other exotic places [[I do have the background to such a job). Me thinks I am on the wrong end of the Tootsie-pop!
Nothing but sour grapes from you. I'm all for whatever it takes for him to get the stinking pile that is DPS cleaned up.
His actions? With one vehicle [[and probably not the only one the district buys this year)? The hammer's been coming down and the whiners don't like it so in typical Detroit style they start screaming at the top of their lungs and throwing grapes.
When someone doesn't have the money to pay their everyday bills, they don't go out and buy a new vehicle [[well, some do but they may have to sleep in that vehicle). It's not sour grapes, it's about respecting those who are cleaning up the shit pile with their bare hands [[as in pay cuts, loaning money, no chance for better wages for those who are newer to the job). It's like a kid who goes without so his parents can ride around in their brand new car on rims with an excellent sound system. The priorities are screwed up and it's the kids who are suffering [[forget my pay, forget my loans). The students of DPS are really getting the short end of the stick. It's basically education telling the kids they aren't worth shit but the bossman is happy in his new digs so go eff yourselves. You don't need books, teachers, supplies, heat, toilet paper. But don't worry, we have a new Tahoe!
If he doesn't want to drive one of his vehicles, I'll loan him mine for free! It's secure [[it's a truck). It is an older model but it runs great and no body damage. Crap, I know a person who would drive him around, too...for minimum wage [[the guy is HUGE, has an appropriate license, can beat up who needs beating up, and is looking for a job).
He is rubbing the teachers noses in his shit, as well as snubbing his nose at the children he's supposed to be protecting and making sure they get the best education possible. While he's cutting salaries and taking away health care from the very people who are teaching these children and wanting their moral to remain high, he orders DPS to purchase a big SUV and more than likely has a driver so he can sit in the backseat like a dictator and be chauffeured from place to place. What kind of example is that?
Go tell him that to his face and see what he says. Has anyone even bothered to get his reaction? Nope, easier to bitch and whine.
What makes you think that many people haven't already done that? Letters and phone calls are pouring into DPS with concerns.
This blog offers a place where people can voice their opinions, good and bad, gripes, concerns, anger and frustration towards what happens in the City of Detroit. I suppose you look at everything through rose colored glasses....unlike Roberts and all the other politicians, appointees, relatives and cronies in Detroit government who look out for themselves and how much they can scam from the City while saying the hell with the residents and children who live there. Corruption is rampant in Detroit and it's people like yourself who think this type of leadership is perfectly okay.
You might not like it but merely legally purchasing a vehicle for an administrator's use is NOT corruption.
Actually, Detroiters have a long history of getting right in elected and appointed officials' faces. You will find no lack of city residents who would be more than willing to tell Roberts their thoughts.
"You might not like it but merely legally purchasing a vehicle for an administrator's use is NOT corruption."
Corruption? No. Stupidity? Yes.
Maybe not in your eyes... but in the eyes of every DPS teacher who has been laid off, called back, had their pay slashed, had their health benefits cut, and have to supplement their classrooms with their own money may feel differently. I would think Roberts would set an example to those he's asking to make sacrifices, although he's not asking them, he's ordering these cuts.
The City of Detroit and the DPS has become personal ATM machines for those who have access to the money...and they spend it on everything from a washer and dryer, remodeling homes, wedding plans, dog grooming, vacations, you name it.
So, YES, it is corruption.
If it's corruption prosecute it.
Some people will never get it.
Working for the Detroit Fire Department for 30 years didn't offer any "perks" on the job. I would say my contributions to Detroit and the residents living there were appreciated and that's all I asked for. I worked and earned everything I got from the City.
Everybody claims they've earned everything they get.
funny how most of those bitching the loudest about this vehicle are/were city/school [[taxpayer paid) employees
You said he was there to clean up the shit and make it better. How does buying a new vehicle help achieve that goal?
If there is $40,000 to throw around, how about spending it on books, or teacher aides, or even toilet paper. Does the DPS exist to provide transportation for the administrators or does it exist to educate children?
The purchase says a lot about what the priorities are at DPS.
Any entity that is so financially bankrupt that it needs an EFM, shouldn’t be handing out any perks.
Yeah, I'm bitchin', so what? It fucking pisses me off.
Same shit, different day.
You must have a screw loose and I'm not going to waste my time on a person like you, who, in my opinion, is very jealous of someone who worked hard for many years, and earned whatever they have today. You must enjoy people taking advantage of you at every turn. Good luck with that. [[Incidentally, is your real name Kwame or Roberts?)
What Thames said.
I salute your dedication and admire you for what you did for the city. My dad was DFD for 30 years, as well. Can't thank you guys enough for risking your lives each day you went to work.
I saw first hand how dad EARNED every dollar he got paid. He did so with his blood, sweat, tears, and almost his life. Dad came home and cried about the kids that they found inside a building. He came home and cried because his friends and "brothers" were murdered by an arsonist. He came home exhausted because he was up all night at a fire. He came home with heat stroke. He came home with pnemonia because he was soaking wet, standing outside in the freezing weather. I saw how he went without so we kids would have...because the city screwed up his paycheck. I saw how he had to work a 2nd job because the city didn't pay him enough to feed his kids and pay the bills, too. I saw how much he loved what he did and, despite all of the bullcrap and risks, he did it with passion. It wasn't about the money. It was about his love for the city and the people in it. Did he earn his pay? He sure did. Some guys he worked with that were like fathers to me lost their lives for the pay. Do people who do this and other jobs no one else wants have a right to bitch and complain when things are unsafe and the tools to do the job aren't there yet city officials drive around in luxury vehicles? You betcha! Shit, half the firetrucks were unsafe and ill equipped...yet the city admin drove around in brand new, city owned vehicles! Something isn't right there or in the case of DPS and the Tahoe.
You said on another thread that I should be happy to have a job and take my cuts and just accept it. Why doesn't that work the other way for admin? Cut the little guy so the big guy can have a buggy to ride around in? I hate to disappoint you, his 40 grand truck isn't hurting me...it's hurting the kids. Tell me what Roberts, Bobb or any other CEO of DPS does to EARN a car and driver? What exactly do they do that is so worthy of perks DPS can't afford? You are all about earning things. YOUR tax dollars went to purchase the truck. YOUR tax dollars didn't go toward buying 40 grand worth of books or anything else, for that matter, that benefits the kids. YOU bought him that truck. I don't get to provide books and supplies, coats, hats, and other things my students need because I can't afford it anymore with the paycuts. Would you care to donate to my class? I'll gladly accept your money for the things that I used to buy with my pay.
The previous EFM had a vehicle, too. This is not a new expense category.
Have you ever considered that by actually spending your own money on things the school should be providing you're just being an enabler? And you like that because then you get to play martyr.
I think today it's worse than it was back then. Guys have to buy batteries for their flashlights with their own money because the friggin' City doesn't. This is a basic survival item needed in a fire. The protective clothing is old and weathered, embers can get through and necks are burned all the time. Half of the equipment is in the shop and what they have doesn't work most of the time.
Then you have people like lilpup spouting their rhetoric about what anyone has earned, not knowing the first thing about what it takes to just work for the City, let alone work for the City in a dangerous job like police or fire. The Commissioners would ride around with their chauffeurs while the truck your dad was on may not have been safe for anyone. It makes my blood boil when I see someone acting as though these cronies from the Governors office or appointees of thug KK's or heads of departments in the Bing administration get these perks and actually flaunt them in the faces of the taxpayers or the children in Detroit. Is it any wonder that the City is in the state it's in today? Take, take, take ... and then take some more... that's the thing they do best.
And thank you for your kind thoughts and telling us your memories of your father and what he went through. Believe me, it wasn't the easiest of careers but I loved it like your Dad did.
I can't believe you're real lilpup.
Teachers have spent their own money on the kids in the classroom for years and years...not just in Detroit. The Board of Education in many places just don't provide enough resources to help the kids in their district...and, most teachers, being dedicated educators [[because they certainly don't do it for the pay), will spend their own money purchasing books, pencils, paper, or whatever for the kids. I know of one particular teacher in the Warren Consolidated district who bought a pair of shoes for a little hispanic child whose shoes were full of holes and the teacher knew the parents were desperate. She told the parents she "found" the shoes because she didn't want to offend them by offering them charity.
You need to lighten up and stop the bitterness and jealousy that you are showing and understand that these teachers are special and one of a kind; and when the directors and administrators just keep filling their pockets with money or purchasing SUV's, all of that could be helping just one child. In the meantime, teachers are being asked to take pay cuts that they can't afford, they are being asked to pay more for health care that they can't afford...remember, they all have families, too. The administrators should set an example and quit expecting the live in the lavish lifestyle.
Roberts' philosophy: "Let them eat cake." Unbelievable. I know this has been debated to death on another thread, but there really is no defense for this. This is a former auto executive [[who can purchase his own car at a discount) now making $250,000 a year and asking others to sacrifice. And as important as it is to Detroiters [[if nothing else, symbolically), he treats it lightheartedly. Unbelievable.
Motherfucker.Quote:
Asked why he won't use his own car, Roberts said, "I would if they paid me like they pay other superintendents."
The "leadership" in this city/state would be wise to look at recent world events[[or hell our own local history). There's only so many slaps in the face a people can be expected to take before one nut gets some diabolical thoughts lodged in their noggin.
I was kind of waiting for this attitude to surface from this guy; 'To get mine while the getin's good.'
Another expected and not surprising example of Greed & Power overtaking Integrity & Common Sense.
This is the same thinking that thought it was wise to fly in private jets to Washington, hat in hand, to beg for the bailouts from Congress.
That's basically a great, big F YOU to the media that deserves it.
As far as I can tell, at $250,000, he is by far the highest paid superintendent in the state.Quote:
Asked why he won't use his own car, Roberts said, "I would if they paid me like they pay other superintendents."
Does he mean "they" should reduce his salary in order for him to provide his own transportation?
Ann Arbor is paying their new superintendent $245,000 base salary and there isn't anywhere near the hassles [[nor size) in Ann Arbor as in Detroit. You also seemed to have missed the closing paragraph:
Quote:
Roberts is paid $250,000 a year and is taking a 10% pay cut along with the district's other 10,000 employees. The prior two DPS leaders earned from $280,000 to an excess of $400,000. The DPS leader is typically driven around in a DPS vehicle by an armed DPS police officer.
I guess the real question is, "what does Ann Arbor pay their EFM?"
DPS is paying their current EFM over $150k/year less than their last hired super - soon to be $175k/year after the 10% cut takes effect. You think that can't cover the cost difference between a Dodge Durango with 110k miles on it and a new Chevy Tahoe over the years the Tahoe is used? [[current amortization for public use/commercial vehicles is 3-5 years)
A tempest in a teapot. The job comes with a car. The guy needs a bodyguard or two because many citizens threaten him. The vehicle he inherited too well-used. He needs a big vehicle. My little car cost $20,000 a few years ago. This is nothing.
And remember, the problem with the Red Navigator was that it wasclandestinely purchased from DPD funds and outfitted, not for the Mayor [[who had already spent $1 million on his fleet of Navigators after refusing to use Archer's Lincoln) but for his wife's use.
AND the Navigator was a lease at just under $25k PER YEAR
[[The base price alone on the Navigator was $57K)
Hey, Buy American, do you have ANY business experience?
Here's what Roberts had to say about the SUV purchase. Funny, my truck has over 150,000 miles on it and runs like a top. Perhaps DPS should look into a mechanic for some preventative measures? Does he really need an armed driver? At 250 grand a year, I'd be able to drive my own vehicle...he's just ripping us off.
http://www.freep.com/article/2011081...xt%7CFRONTPAGE
There's been a 44% base pay reduction between the last superintendent and the current EFM. Perhaps THAT'S what the rest of the staff deserve, too.
Even Calloway was making $280,000 base.
OK...so how is that 44%? I'm no math teacher but even I know that 280 down to 250 isn't 44%.
44% from the previous leadership high of $400,000 down to the $225,000 Roberts will get with the 10% cut in place
almost 11% cut between Calloway and Roberts - over 19% cut between Calloway and Roberts once the 10% cut takes effect
as if a former GM exec is going to get anything other than a GM product
Maybe of the previous vehicle hadn't been a piece of shit Dodge it would have been more cost effective.
I'd be pissed, too, if a company vehicle broke down on the way up north to a major conference.
Why do some folks [[lilpup) yell and scream that teachers should take one for the team yet they defend a stupid purchase of a vehicle? Some staff in DPS are going to have to file for food stamps with the pay cuts and yet, it's OK for Roberts to drive around in luxury with an armed driver? I just don't get it.
The job came with a vehicle. If he didn’t like it, he could have provided his own transportation.
DPS has an Emergency Financial Manager, not a superintendent.
The former vehicle had 111,000 miles on it and needed a $1000 repair, so what? 111,000 isn’t a big deal these days for vehicles. For him, it is. He’s not accustomed to using older model vehicles. He *needed* a new one.
He’s a retired GM executive. He’s used to rolling around town in brand new shiny vehicles. He’s also used to getting those vehicles at no cost to him.
Why should taxpayers have to maintain the level of comfort to which he is accustomed?
Sorry buddy, you don’t like the vehicle that comes with the job of Emergency Financial Manager of DPS, then get your own.
I hope his office furnishings are acceptable to him, but something tells me they won’t be.
I suppose it's a good thing you people work where you do. You'd never cut it in the real world.
It was pretty "real" where I worked as I'm sure it was for most on here. You certainly have a different "slant" on things. Where do you work that's so "real"?
not some cushy, taxpayer-extorting unionized government job