Blog saga involves SB County's Mark Uffer, Sharon Gilbert

Mark Uffer has a fan. Apparently, the chief administrative officer of San Bernardino County may even have a couple.

[not a Sharon or Mark fan]

Sharon has been using her blog for years to rip apart employees, supervisors and department heads that she believes have wronged her. She is never at fault. She is never to blame. Everyone picks on her. She is angry one moment, apologizing the next. She shares other peoples private information on her blog, even writing about their family members. She needs to be stopped. I am glad she is being suspended. I cannot imagine anyone thinking it is okay to publicly blast their employer, calling them inept, crooks, thieves, commenting about their sexual preferences and the list goes on and on and on. She has been off for "stress". I wonder how much stress she brought and will continue to bring on herself by this constant need to air everyone else's dirty laundry. I think she may want to clean up her own back yard a little.

[Fed Up]

Looks like it's time for a little Federal investigation. Article forwarded to U.S. Attorney Generals office, Civil Rights Division with a request for involvement. We'll seee if anything happens. This is a classic example of what happens when incompetent people are put in positions over their head.

[Susan]

Not a Mark or Sharon fan needs to take a look at what is actually on the blog and stop lying. She doesn't share private information nor does she attack employees. Unfortunately when you work for TAD and the County in General it has become apparent that we do work for inept, unethical, incompetent, and in some cases yes thieves. Mark complains because comments on the blog are "anonymous" but yet he not only makes the same anonymous comments on the same blog but retalliates against Sharon for allowing others to do the same? Thank you Sharon and thank you George for finaly brining this to the people. After the County's response to the scathing Grand Jury report it should be apparent to everyone that the CAO and his managers believe that they know better than the Grand Jury. It's getting more and more emberassing to be a County Employee. Denial will get you no where Mark.

[desert resident]

What I've seen of Uffer I didn't like. Something wrong with a guy that takes such joy out of telling a re-telling a story about how he did the best he could to make some minimum wage employee at mcdonalds feel completely worthless because Uffer didn't feel he was enthusiastic enough about his minimum wage job.

[County Resident]

The use of Blogs as a communication tool allows what most people think is confidential forum to express thoughts on different topics. Most people do not seek a forum that places them in an arena where they may have to discuss their opinions in public. This is even done by public officials and their staff on a daily basis as a tool to influence public opinion and share thoughts. As long as there are no threats or intimidation there is little harm other than the freedom of expression. What is interesting is that this particular Blog is now trying to do the very thing that they criticize the county management for. Tracking people who allegedly post back to their home computers does not relay a message of confidential opportunity to share an opinion. Knowing that, people will shy away from making comments. In this age of computer technology there is a new opportunity to offer a view that in the past one may have been afraid to share.

What is interesting here is that this particular situation involves an employee who is obviously disgruntled and at odds with management. I share the opinion of not a fan above. It is obvious to this reader that there are no comments from the management of the county because this is a personnel matter and to make a comment would be inappropriate. I would guess that any firm whether it public or private would take the same position. The only difference here is that a private company would not tolerate the behavior of an employee that has done what not a fan suggests.

[IEChatter Blog]

As a fellow blogger on subjects pertaining to the Inland Empire, I am very much interested in this story.

After reading the blog, I have even more questions than answers. But, I think I will post some of those on Sharon's blog and hopefully get some better clarification on this.

[county employee]

ARMC Medical Imaging department,Respiratory,Rehabil itation services, and others met with administrators (hospital administrators and at least one from HR) several months ago regarding the formation of a medical support bargaining unit. There were appoximately 30-40 employees in the room, most of whom were unhappy about several topics which included-low pay due to a lack of salary comparisons/lack of action by the county to update payscales, unfair bargaining unit assignment (i.e. Xray techs in same unit as dog license workers and library workers), lack of effective representaion by SPBEA. So, you have a room full of employees who feel their current situation is not good or fair and offer some creative solutions to improve it-this is met with "oh we can't do that", "that has never been done", "your problem doesn't seem to be with the SBPEA but the fact that you lack a voice", also realize that those attending this meeting represented their particular departments and that many others who were not at the meeting felt the same way. The administrators at this meeting offered no creative solutions or ideas to the discussion nor did we ever hear from them again. When it comes to solving salary and or bargaining unit/SBPEA issues there is a complete lack of enthusiasm/action by the county-I am just sharing what I have witnessed. Maybe this is one reason Sharon's blog is so popular. I have witheld the names of those involved but am willing to disclose them if anyone would like to know.

[Mark exposed]

Mark is a "do nothing" man waiting to just someday retire with many perks. He rose to the top, as Aleman, would have with the help of Postmus and his connections.
That is why Mark didn't want to open his eyes to Biane and Postmus. Ovitt looks quite sanitly, but when you are silent when wrong doing is all around you is quite evil.

[private sector worker]

This is ridiculous. If anyone that works here said the stuff that is on that blog, they would be fired in a heart beat. Why should this lady get some special right to rant about her boss just because she works for the government. I say fire her!

[Unbeliever]

I used to be a reader of Sharon's blog, but she got too bazaar for me. Her continuous whining about everyone and everything made me wonder about her mental stability. We used to call her Poison Ivy here at work. Thinking about her still makes me itchy.

[yet another TAD employee]

I have read Sharons webblog off and on for a couple of years. At first it seemed funny, but I am beginning to see its just not. Its unreal to think that other people take her seriously, I mean come on, she made her own union so mad they kicked her out. She makes all these claims but never really gives the information - and if you read carefully, it's usually based on someone else's word...and I'm sure they have their own agenda's too. She has her own agenda and doesn't care who she hurts as long as she feels she is in the right. She pisses people off and then claims retaliation when they react. Keep looking for dirt Sharon but don't be surprised when it sticks to you. You don't have the right to say anything you want - read up the first amendment and don't be surprised if you get sued yourself.

[1st amendment belvr]

The reasons people "rant and rave" on the blog in my opinion is that San Bernardino county officials are inactive when it comes to resolving conflicts with employees. Many lack the motivation and or skill to provide a solution to the many issues employees face. A prime example for those of you who think we are just a bunch of whiners is when administration knew about per-diem Rad Techs not being paid overtime even though they were called upon to do so weekly. This situation occurred for at least 6-7 yrs. They were the only department at the time in which this occurred and it took 3-4 yrs to resolve after it was discovered (yes I did say 3-4 years). It has been my experience that when a problem is communicated to upper management and or SBPEA that they recite county policy/guidelines which usually deal with why they cannot take any action. I do not necessarily think that naming people on Sharon's site is a good idea but I can understand the frustration that leads to it. The county is not a "private organization" and therefore it must answer to the taxpayers. County workers are taxpayers, so I do think we have a right to speak up. It should not be done in a disrespectful manner though.

[get a clue]

you all seem to miss the point here. Sharon is not in trouble for stating her opinion, or not liking the CAO. Or her hatred for SBPEA. She got in trouble for lying, and spreading confidential information about her work in public. Government employees cannot do that

[Planet Postmus]

Sharon's Blog serves an important function, exposing our corrupt county government and things which otherwise would not be aired. If Mark is the source of these supposedly-different blog commentors which lauded his management style, then this is in itself an indictment of his character and ethics.

[Pollyanna]

I hear and see a bunch of 5%ers out there. Why can't we ever believe that some of our leaders truly have only the public's best interest at heart? It's pretty clear that wouldn't sell papers though. Nor would it benefit anyone who "writes" for The Sun. Get away from the blogs and please go back to reporting stories we can rely on. Watson, if your paper held you as accountable as the County is Ms. Gilbert you'd be out on your ear! Join Rogers and go back to school to learn the profession of true journalism.

[sick of the blog]

exposing our corrupt government? Don't you mean making endless unfounded charges and claims, taking personal potshots and tearing down morale wherever she goes? She gets on her sanctimonious high horse and puts her own spin on every situation. Just because it is a government agency, that doesn't mean "rule by the staff". Just because you don't like a policy or process or person, doesn't make it or them inherently evil. Sharon is an unhappy disgruntled person who gets her sick form of happiness by rabble-rousing, gossip mongering and causing problems. Even this post gives her more attention then she deserves.

[Poison Ivy Watcher]

Sharon has always claimed she has proof of all the corruption and wrong doing in the County and that everyone should wait for the big expose', then at the last minute she "accidentally" deletes the proof and doesn't want to take the time to retype it, or some other excuse for not coming thru. If she is so unhappy with herself and her work she should just move on and stop annoying her co-workers who she stuck with doing her work as well as her own because she couldn't come to work. I don't understand know how anyone thinks anything she says has any credibility. The worst thing is that people who are really trying to work hard for the public are being painted with the same brush as Sharon, when she is among the worst of the five percenters that waste taxpayer money by not doing their job.

[1st amendment belvr]

I do not know Sharon personally so I cannot comment on her motives. All I know is people are going to talk about their work-period it's gonna happen I'm not saying it's right but it will continue. I hear alot of talk about Sharon but please realize that her blog is popular because people are "venting" they feel shut off from management. Until the powers that be take action on employee issues instead of just talking about it the blogging will remain a popular outlet. Not everyone who is dissatisfied shares their opinion on the blog so... it only makes sense that there are many more unhappy people within the county. To be fair not everyone who is satisfied shares there opinion on the blog either. In any case, the real issue for anyone who cares is to follow the issues raised on the blog by the employees and see if any "action" is taken to remedy or make the situation better-those of us who are actual employees know that if history is any indication no action will be taken. But maybe in the future things will change until then the blog will remain popular. Hey look you really want an example of corrupt government how about the B.O.S. granting themselves a raise just prior to our "financial crisis". They are the second highest paid board in the area second only to L.A.. They receive a $1000.00/mo. car allowance (yes 1000.00), a $200.00/mo. cell phone allowance and free medical insurance. Who in the sam heck needs a $1000.00/mo. car allowance, can't you buy like a plane for $1000.00/mo. This type of behavior creates a lack of trust among county employees-who by the way are no where near the second highest paid in the area.

[Worker]

Reading Sharon's blog reminds me of a typical Worker's Compensation Claimant; always wanting someone to blame, then lavishing in all the attention whether it's negative or positive. Maybe praying for getting people on the same path to solve problems might help.
Knowing we must keep people in leadership positions accountable is fine, however is all of this helping to find solutions ? Maybe personal accountability in our own departments is what is called for. Have respect for your fellow employee and do your job... If you find a way to do things differently that benefit your department or the county at large, get your fellow workers on board with you and then have something positive to take to your leaders.... if they are good leaders they will appreciate and listen to your ideas. Sometimes when you stop talking, your mind opens to new ideas and new ways of thinking. Sometimes then things have a way of working themselves out.

Every job has it's challenges whether its in San Bernardino County or elsewhere; SBC is not unique to work issues you experience.

Perhaps a job away from San Bernardino County would be a good change for your stress Sharon. Good luck.

[Not Real Bright]

A blog is a blog. Unless there is a real security issue that could damage our national interests, where is the harm in allowing a variety of opinions to be aired in a public forum. If you are not interested in what Sharon has to say, don't read her blog. If you do read it, as Uffer has said he does, then respond in an intelligent manner to what is being said. Maybe Uffer should be a little more concerned about what employees think rather than trying to make excuses for his lack of action in addressing problems throughout the county.