Bill Stephens and Willie Goode

[Concerned in Cove]

Below is an email sent by a city employee. I have seen the attachment email between Bill Stephens and Willie Goode. It is obvious that Bill Stephens is completely misinformed, as usual, and Willie Goode is his puppet.

Before the Email her are my comments to the Bill and Willie show:

1. The comment that Mr. Goode makes about the IT Department is quite disparaging and hurtful.

2. Mr. Stephens, Our city employees are some of the lowest paid in this area not some of the highest paid in the state.

3. I urge all of you to file an open records request to see the email. I would have put it here as well but I could not figure out how.

4. I also urge you to attend tomorrow’s council meeting and see for yourself just how Bill Stephens and Willie Goode work and continue to be misinformed.

Email
"I’m sending this out to all the city employees that have a city e-mail address because I feel its important everyone is informed of the position some of our council members are taking. Attached is a copy of an e-mail exchange between Bill Stephens and Willie Goode that was acquired through an open records request. The message is clear that some of our council members are not properly educating themselves before making decisions that could have a great impact on our employees and the City. For example, Mr Stephens thinks that city employees do not have to pay anything for health insurance, not even a co-pay. He also thinks that we are some of the highest paid employees in the state. And you can see what Mr Goode thinks about city employees based on his remark about our IT personnel.



I personally wrote Mr Stephens a three page e-mail on 08/31/2009 outlining some of his inaccuracies only to receive a response four days later that was completely off point and not addressing any issues. If any of you would like a copy of that exchange, I’d be happy to also forward that to you as well. Just let me know.



On Tuesday night (09/15/2009), there will be a council meeting where the council will discuss and vote on our health care coverage and tax rate. Both items are very important to the City as well as it’s employees. You can already see the position two of our council members are taking on the health care benefit. Some have also talked about not accepting the proposed tax rate. This means we will have an unbalanced budget and numerous cuts will have to be made that will certainly effect every department. They don’t understand that these same cuts will in turn effect the services provided to our citizens.



I fully understand the difficult position our council is put into when having to make the hard decisions for the City. Although I may not agree with every decision made by the council, I have always respected and stood behind those decisions when made with the proper backing and education that goes into making informed decisions. I think its your right to know this is not what is taking place here.



Please let the employees, who I was unable to reach through e-mail, know about this information. If you care about your benefits, please consider attending and encourage others to attend the upcoming council meeting. It would be great for these council members to put a face with those individuals they are impacting and it could make the difference we need."

[Toucan]

I have viewed the email between Mr. Goode and Mr. Stephens. I can’t upload in either so I’ll just paraphrase it and type what was written and add my comments. I too urge the citizens to make an open records request and decide for yourselves.

Here is part 1:

From: Bill Stephens
To: Willie Goode
Aug 09, 2009
“I submitted this to Andrea so do your second and we should see it on the 18th for briefing and action.
I agree with not buy computers this year also. Those three individuals are supposed to have all kinds of certifications so let them do their job and fix these for one more year. Why didn’t we see this before the budget workshop?
Bill”
From: Willie Goode
To: Bill Stephens
Aug 09, 2009
“Bill I strongly agree and will second the motion. Also the city has an IT man and I don’t feel we need to be purchasing computers at this time. If he can’t take care of all the computers to include any upgrades that may be required I think he needs to find a new job somewhere else.
Willie”
First off, Mr. Stephens there are 3 people in the IT department 1 department manger and 2 workers. The 2 workers are the ones that are charged with the maintenance of all computers in the city. A simple look at the city budget presentation should have told you that. I agree with “Concerned in Cove” you are continually misinformed and you misinform the citizens. How many departments and employees in the city count on computers to do work for you and I? Every one of them! I am sure that they have a hard copy back up system but folks, we live, operate and depend on a technologically advanced society and having city departments and employees go back to hard copy system while waiting on these two individuals to come fix computers all the time will result in a slow down or even a brake down in efficiency, effectiveness and the infrastructure of our city services. From what I have been told the, most of the computers in the city are obsolete and continually braking down.
Secondly, Mr. Goode you should be ashamed of yourself for your comment about the “IT man.” I will not even go in to your gender biased labeling of the department and I will not nor should any other citizen of this city stand for your comments about the employees which you have been elected to oversee in the best interest of the citizens and the city. These are the people who actually provide the necessary and essential services to you, I, and every other citizen.

[Toucan]

Here is Part 2

From: Bill Stephens
To: Willie Goode
Aug 8, 2009
“…The salary of the employees and their healthcare and their healthcare package ins the biggest cost to the city and growing tremendously each year and will soon break the city.”
“…The program will be increasing $758.000+- this year. This plan covers 100% of the cost of health insurance for the employees and their families. They do not even have a co-pay for treatment. The salary of the employees and their healthcare package is the biggest cost to the city and growing tremendously each year and will soon break the city.”
“I really feel that we have the city manager rehab and the healthcare package when it comes due this year. Each employee can pay their part of the healthcare just like every other American worker, just like you and I do and like all soldiers, sailors and marines. No on e but our Federal Senators and Representatives and President and staff have free health care.”
“…Our city employees are some of the highest paid employees in the state and the can well afford paying their own share of healthcare like other American working people.”
“…I will ask Charlie to be the third approval on this as he agrees totally.
Let me know.
Bill”
To: Mr. Stephens, Mr. Goode and Mr. Youngs
1. Whether in private business or public administration, personnel costs are always the largest item.
2. I have seen the cities healthcare plan and it is very easy to see that the employees do have a co-pay. Did you three not read it?
3. Only the employees themselves are covered. If they wish to add a spouse or child there is a charge to them. There is also a small charge to the employee for single coverage. Did you three not read it?
4. I am a former Marine, and I received full medical and dental benefits while I served as is due all branches of military. What U.S. branch did you serve in that didn’t pay for medical and dental?
5. Our city employees are not even close to the highest paid in the state. Where are figures comparing Copperas Cove to other cities in the area of the same size? A quick look at other cities budgets will show that our employees are grossly underpaid. I don’t know about the Department head and Senior Administration salaries.
6. You would be taking money away from the men and women who actually make this city go and keep it running for you and I. If you three have a problem with a department head or anyone in upper management then deal with them individually but do continue with this and hurt our meat and potatoes workers.

[Retired 1SG]

This should really heat up at the next council meeting.

[Anon]

Yeah no kidding.

[who knows]

ISG ISINT WAHT WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT. THERE ALL A BUNC OF NUTS. GOOD JOB DIANA

[oyes]

Kind of stupid to use the email instead of a phone call. Or use a private email so it woould not be monitored. Some people are slow in learning the ropes. Common sense better than a college degree.

[who knows]

you mean phd

[CCW]

I think many on our city council have forgotten, dont know or dont care that many city employees are also citizens of cove with a vote.

[Bill_Stephens_Mo ustache]

They've done studies on not knowing what you are talking about, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.

[CoveRocks]

I saw this at the council meeting and was appalled at the low level of knowledge of Mr. Stephens. I consider myself Computer Stupid and even I know that they can only so much memory and speed to my old machine. It doesn't matter how good the tech. is. If the machine it too old, you gotta replace it to get what you need.
As a citizen, I want them to have good computers. It's not for their personal use, Mr. Stephens. It's to process our bills, keep up with our usage of utilities, and work for us! This helps US, not the employee. Then can just say "The city council didn't want us to have new updated computers and software, so I can't access that information. Just pay the darn bill."

Toucan wrote:

I have viewed the email between Mr. Goode and Mr. Stephens. I can’t upload in either so I’ll just paraphrase it and type what was written and add my comments. I too urge the citizens to make an open records request and decide for yourselves.
Here is part 1:
From: Bill Stephens
To: Willie Goode
Aug 09, 2009
“I submitted this to Andrea so do your second and we should see it on the 18th for briefing and action.
I agree with not buy computers this year also. Those three individuals are supposed to have all kinds of certifications so let them do their job and fix these for one more year. Why didn’t we see this before the budget workshop?
Bill”
From: Willie Goode
To: Bill Stephens
Aug 09, 2009
“Bill I strongly agree and will second the motion. Also the city has an IT man and I don’t feel we need to be purchasing computers at this time. If he can’t take care of all the computers to include any upgrades that may be required I think he needs to find a new job somewhere else.
Willie”
First off, Mr. Stephens there are 3 people in the IT department 1 department manger and 2 workers. The 2 workers are the ones that are charged with the maintenance of all computers in the city. A simple look at the city budget presentation should have told you that. I agree with “Concerned in Cove” you are continually misinformed and you misinform the citizens. How many departments and employees in the city count on computers to do work for you and I? Every one of them! I am sure that they have a hard copy back up system but folks, we live, operate and depend on a technologically advanced society and having city departments and employees go back to hard copy system while waiting on these two individuals to come fix computers all the time will result in a slow down or even a brake down in efficiency, effectiveness and the infrastructure of our city services. From what I have been told the, most of the computers in the city are obsolete and continually braking down.
Secondly, Mr. Goode you should be ashamed of yourself for your comment about the “IT man.” I will not even go in to your gender biased labeling of the department and I will not nor should any other citizen of this city stand for your comments about the employees which you have been elected to oversee in the best interest of the citizens and the city. These are the people who actually provide the necessary and essential services to you, I, and every other citizen.

[CoveRocks]

I hope they read and can understand this, Toucan! I agree. Our employees are low paid. They should NOT be taking a pay cut, which is what an increase in health pay is.
Employee pay is the biggest part of the budget. Even if Mr. Stephens or Mr. Goode offered to give back their city pay, it wouldn't help. How about if we ask them to take a pay cut in their retirement pay and give that money to others who still have families to care for and pay for and need health care?
Yeah, even I understood the health care options - and I'm pretty stupid, I've been told on here - but I got that it covers the employee who still pays and then pays more to cover his family.
I'm embarrassed by this city council. Thanks to all who signed that recall petition. Look what you got.

Toucan wrote:

Here is Part 2
From: Bill Stephens
To: Willie Goode
Aug 8, 2009
“…The salary of the employees and their healthcare and their healthcare package ins the biggest cost to the city and growing tremendously each year and will soon break the city.”
“…The program will be increasing $758.000+- this year. This plan covers 100% of the cost of health insurance for the employees and their families. They do not even have a co-pay for treatment. The salary of the employees and their healthcare package is the biggest cost to the city and growing tremendously each year and will soon break the city.”
“I really feel that we have the city manager rehab and the healthcare package when it comes due this year. Each employee can pay their part of the healthcare just like every other American worker, just like you and I do and like all soldiers, sailors and marines. No on e but our Federal Senators and Representatives and President and staff have free health care.”
“…Our city employees are some of the highest paid employees in the state and the can well afford paying their own share of healthcare like other American working people.”
“…I will ask Charlie to be the third approval on this as he agrees totally.
Let me know.
Bill”
To: Mr. Stephens, Mr. Goode and Mr. Youngs
1. Whether in private business or public administration, personnel costs are always the largest item.
2. I have seen the cities healthcare plan and it is very easy to see that the employees do have a co-pay. Did you three not read it?
3. Only the employees themselves are covered. If they wish to add a spouse or child there is a charge to them. There is also a small charge to the employee for single coverage. Did you three not read it?
4. I am a former Marine, and I received full medical and dental benefits while I served as is due all branches of military. What U.S. branch did you serve in that didn’t pay for medical and dental?
5. Our city employees are not even close to the highest paid in the state. Where are figures comparing Copperas Cove to other cities in the area of the same size? A quick look at other cities budgets will show that our employees are grossly underpaid. I don’t know about the Department head and Senior Administration salaries.
6. You would be taking money away from the men and women who actually make this city go and keep it running for you and I. If you three have a problem with a department head or anyone in upper management then deal with them individually but do continue with this and hurt our meat and potatoes workers.

[oyes]

who knows wrote:

you mean phd

Didn;t want to call names

[Retired 1SG]

"Thanks to all who signed that recall petition. Look what you got." You're very welcome!!
The recall petition just lead to getting rid of four council members. These new guys were elected after a bunch of debates. Mark Peterson, one of the ousted council members, ran again and was defeated.
The council elections had a pretty good turnout of voters. The voters said they'd had enough of the Fab Four and the good ol' boys that ran this town. Yes, I don't understand what the council did last week, but give them a chance. Most of them have only been in office 4 months.
Perhaps other than the council needs to be put under a microscope. For too long the CM and department heads have gotten what they want. So just how old are these computers the city workers use? What make/model are the computers? What processor do they have in them? How much RAM?
Virtually any computer can be upgraded numerous times. Now, a computer for the city engineer would need the latest graphics card, etc. That's understandable. But unless these computers are older than 10 years, I think it's another "the sky is falling" type of thing that this city's management is famous for.
The health insurance is a serious problem. Killeen got nailed with the same rates. Obviously we have many employees who are going to have to make a choice of carry health insurance for the family or go without a lot of other stuff. Cove needs to get with Killeen, Heights, Belton and Temple and see if a consolidation can be made for health care.
And this goes back to the health care plan the government is now pushing. We don't need health care reform; we need health insurance reform.

[Gilbert]

Why are you guys still talking about the computers? The city council approved their purchase a couple of meetings ago.

Retired 1SG wrote:

"Thanks to all who signed that recall petition. Look what you got." You're very welcome!!
The recall petition just lead to getting rid of four council members. These new guys were elected after a bunch of debates. Mark Peterson, one of the ousted council members, ran again and was defeated.
The council elections had a pretty good turnout of voters. The voters said they'd had enough of the Fab Four and the good ol' boys that ran this town. Yes, I don't understand what the council did last week, but give them a chance. Most of them have only been in office 4 months.
Perhaps other than the council needs to be put under a microscope. For too long the CM and department heads have gotten what they want. So just how old are these computers the city workers use? What make/model are the computers? What processor do they have in them? How much RAM?
Virtually any computer can be upgraded numerous times. Now, a computer for the city engineer would need the latest graphics card, etc. That's understandable. But unless these computers are older than 10 years, I think it's another "the sky is falling" type of thing that this city's management is famous for.
The health insurance is a serious problem. Killeen got nailed with the same rates. Obviously we have many employees who are going to have to make a choice of carry health insurance for the family or go without a lot of other stuff. Cove needs to get with Killeen, Heights, Belton and Temple and see if a consolidation can be made for health care.
And this goes back to the health care plan the government is now pushing. We don't need health care reform; we need health insurance reform.

[Gilbert]

which side of the fence you going to ride?

"I agree with you, Charlie. I've had it with Downard, Goode and Palmer. They all made a bunch of promises to make changes at the EDC. They haven't done a thing except bless them and let them get away with that sign (which still isn't up), etc. Mark Peterson may have pissed me off at times, but at least he did what he said.
Believe me, come next election when they run I will be pulling no punches in asking them the tough questions."

Retired 1SG wrote:

"Thanks to all who signed that recall petition. Look what you got." You're very welcome!!
The recall petition just lead to getting rid of four council members. These new guys were elected after a bunch of debates. Mark Peterson, one of the ousted council members, ran again and was defeated.
The council elections had a pretty good turnout of voters. The voters said they'd had enough of the Fab Four and the good ol' boys that ran this town. Yes, I don't understand what the council did last week, but give them a chance. Most of them have only been in office 4 months.
Perhaps other than the council needs to be put under a microscope. For too long the CM and department heads have gotten what they want. So just how old are these computers the city workers use? What make/model are the computers? What processor do they have in them? How much RAM?
Virtually any computer can be upgraded numerous times. Now, a computer for the city engineer would need the latest graphics card, etc. That's understandable. But unless these computers are older than 10 years, I think it's another "the sky is falling" type of thing that this city's management is famous for.
The health insurance is a serious problem. Killeen got nailed with the same rates. Obviously we have many employees who are going to have to make a choice of carry health insurance for the family or go without a lot of other stuff. Cove needs to get with Killeen, Heights, Belton and Temple and see if a consolidation can be made for health care.
And this goes back to the health care plan the government is now pushing. We don't need health care reform; we need health insurance reform.

[Toucan]

The Dead Horse topic of the "Fab Four" has now decomposed. For better or for worse, the fab four is not sitting on this council and they are not part of this budget process. Certain sitting council members, one in particular with a nasally voice, contiually shows up with a misdirected aganda and an inability to comprehend information. Tomorrow should be a vey interesting council meeting.

[Perhaps too late]

Concerned in Cove wrote:

Please let the employees, who I was unable to reach through e-mail, know about this information. If you care about your benefits, please consider attending and encourage others to attend the upcoming council meeting. It would be great for these council members to put a face with those individuals they are impacting and it could make the difference we need."

I think tonight is a little too late for discussion. The Mayor has closed the public discussions according to the Leader Press because no citizens came forward to speak at any of the previous public hearings. Tonight's meeting will have the Citizen's Forum, but the citizens speaking will not be able to have a discussion with the council. If I am wrong please correct me because I don't want to give out wrong information.
It is probably better to try and get phone calls in or emails to the council, than wait for tonight.

[who knows]

Retired 1SG wrote:

"Thanks to all who signed that recall petition. Look what you got." You're very welcome!!
The recall petition just lead to getting rid of four council members. These new guys were elected after a bunch of debates. Mark Peterson, one of the ousted council members, ran again and was defeated.
The council elections had a pretty good turnout of voters. The voters said they'd had enough of the Fab Four and the good ol' boys that ran this town. Yes, I don't understand what the council did last week, but give them a chance. Most of them have only been in office 4 months.
Perhaps other than the council needs to be put under a microscope. For too long the CM and department heads have gotten what they want. So just how old are these computers the city workers use? What make/model are the computers? What processor do they have in them? How much RAM?
Virtually any computer can be upgraded numerous times. Now, a computer for the city engineer would need the latest graphics card, etc. That's understandable. But unless these computers are older than 10 years, I think it's another "the sky is falling" type of thing that this city's management is famous for.
The health insurance is a serious problem. Killeen got nailed with the same rates. Obviously we have many employees who are going to have to make a choice of carry health insurance for the family or go without a lot of other stuff. Cove needs to get with Killeen, Heights, Belton and Temple and see if a consolidation can be made for health care.
And this goes back to the health care plan the government is now pushing. We don't need health care reform; we need health insurance reform.

ARE YOU STARTING TO SEE THE LIGHT 1SG. COME TO THE OTHER SIDE AND TAKE A DRINK.

[Charlie Youngs]

To one and all.

I want to make sure that you all understand that I was not part of the e-mails.

I was never approached by Goode or Stephens on these subjects.

I don't agree with Goode or Stephens on many issues and I was against his discussion on health care and city employees.

v/r

Charlie Youngs