McKeithen's Meddling

It can't believe I'm even living on the same planet as" bystander'
I would be preferable to imagine that the above post has been written with skilled political spin expertise, rather than the actual perception capacity of someone who might be operating a vehicle in local traffic. Better buckle up!

Nice try, I concur.

Bystander, get real.

I don't think Innocent Bystander has it all wrong. Kathy McKeithen has had a negative effect even if she beleives it was done with all good intent. It isn't possible that all these employee were poor choices. There is one common factor...

you are absolutely correct--
and that common factor is Charles Marsala--duping employees into running interference for him. He has turned running McKiethen ragged, into a cult sport
All of this is completely separate from the question of employee quality -- many a good employee has been sacrificed to this gladiator spectacle.

It is time for McKeithen to resign from the City Council. She is doing more harm than good.

I put up a lengthy post explaining why I believe such to be the case.

In spite of my harsh criticism of McKeithen as a councilwoman, I will always think of her as a fine human being.

There is a time however when one must recognize when one's own "baggage" becomes an impediment to progress. Such is the case with Ms. McKeithen I am sorry to say.

I find it odd that I would praise one who has been so critical of me over the years while being so critical of one who has been so supportive.

I find it odd that I would say that Councilman Charles Marsala has my respect and gratitude for stepping down from the City Council. What Charles Marsala is doing is honorable. Councilman Marsala has come to recognition of the fact that he has done what he can for the community and that it is time for new blood and fresh thinking.

Marsala's arch enemy, Ms. McKeithen continues to hang on however. by doing so, Ms. McKeithen remains an impediment to progress. She is a
polarizing figure, a paralyzing influence.

It is for that reason that I have publicly called for Ms. McKeithen's resignation. I do so with deep regret, for Ms. McKeithen has been and I hope will continue to be a friend.

Mr. Johns -

Mr. Marsala decision not to run for office was hardly the "honorable" thing to do. His decision not to run also had nothing to do, in your words, with "recognition of the fact that he has done what he can for the community and that it is time for new blood and fresh thinking."

His decision not to run had everything to do with HIS ADMISSION THAT HE SOLICITED A $500,000 BRIBE FROM A CITIZEN.

You call that honorable? He should be in jail.

Dear POGO

Your lack of situational awareness is appalling but not surprising.

You are exhibiting a blind hatred of Councilman Marsala. I know not why. Saying that Marsala belongs in jail is total nonsense.

I do believe that during the course of his career as a councilman Marsala was unethical. I believe that it is entirely possible that Marsala committed a misdemeanor here and there. However to say that Mr. Marsala should be in jail is hyperbole.

Marsala didn't solicit a bribe. Get real. He solicited a loan and he offered his house up as security. This is why he did not get the loan by the way. Buckheit was not a hard money lender.

For this transgression Marsala got what he deserved, he was subject to public humiliation.

If you would like, you are wecome to send me an e-mail seeking confirmaiton that it is I and not some impersonator who is comming to the defense of Marsala.






But then again

Mr. Johns:

your turn about is shocking to say the least. I am truly dissappointed in you. I thouhgt you were better than this. Your turn about appears to hinge on McKeithen not wanting to hire you.

I have no hatred for Mr. Marsala because I don't know him and have never even met him. I only have disgust for his actions, which he has admitted.

Whether the bribe requested a $500,000 loan, $500,000 cash or a $500,000 wrist watch, it is still a bribe UNDER LAW. And $500,000 meets the threshold for FELONY which is punishable by JAIL.

But even your admission that Mr. Marsala has only "committed a misdemeanor here and there" is simply astonishing. Even more so that you call this confessed lawbreaker "honorable." Laughable.

Dear POGO

Misdemeanor offenses, if committed don't land people in jail under ordinary circumstances.

I don't like Marsala. Marsala betrayed my trust. There was a time I thought of him as a friend. In spite of my dislike of him, I bear him no ill will. If anything I am grateful to him for stepping aside. If McKeithen were to do the same, the Town would have a real shot at reconciliation, healing and progres.

Marsala is not a "confessed lawbreaker" by the way. This is the kind of smear tactic that I have no use for.

As far as your claim and the claim of others that I have lost the "moral high ground" or claims of a stunning "turnabout".
These claims ring hollow.

Ms. McKeithen did not say publicly that I should not be appointed City Manager. What Ms. McKeithen's thoughts are as to whom should become City Manager are not known at present nor will they be until after 3:00 PM this afternoon.

It is simply not possible for one to retaliate against a slight or offense that has yet to have been been inflicted upon one.

As far as my support for Wynne Furth. This support is based upon the principle that no-one City employee deserves to have his or her name drug through the mud. This is what McKeithen did to Furth. This is what Marsala did to me. This is what I object to.

Wynne Furth is a victim. Kathy McKeithen made her a victim. I do not agree with Wynne Furth. I believe the Town will be better served if someone else were to become City Attorney.

Ms. McKeithen had no business for calling her unethical. By calling her unethical, the Town has interefered with her ability to earn a living in the future should a new City Council dump her.

Finally, as a minor editorial comment, typing in all caps doesn't make your points more persuasive if anything it makes you appear shrill and therefore detracts from your message.

I would refer readers to the article in The Almanac dated July 29th, 2010: Atherton City Attorney Under Fire By Mayor" and Helene Wickett's subsequent post on August 1st (11:42 A.M.) which went on at length giving high praise to Mayor McKeithen. Mr. Johns chimed in (1:19 P.M.)with his post "I wholeheartedly agree with Helene Wickett's characterization of Mayor McKeithen." Seems to me Mr. Johns talks out of both sides of his mouth.

Menlo Voter is right but I can't understand why it's taken so long for people to see that he is a nuisance.

POGO, Again, you don't live in Atherton. Please go take care of Woodside issues. You state that you don't even know some of these people. You don't pay taxes here, don't go to our schools. I'm sure Woodside would love your contributions and input there.

Don't listen to this Pogo- in fact please apply ASAP--allmost managers come from somewhere else
We need all the help we can get
Pogo for City manager

POGO - Thank you for your thoughtful advice. As Nice Try stated - we need all the help we can get.

Atherton Resident:

I don't live in your town either, but adjacent communities are effected by Atherton's disfunction. In addition, there are many of us that cannot sit idly by and watch the malfeasance and corruption occurring inyour town go on without comment. I would have the same comments were it happening in Woodside. Perhaps POGO's comments cut top close to the bone?

Atherton Resident -

I suspect I've attended more of Atherton's Town Council meetings than you have.

And I clearly have a greater familiarity with our Constitution than you do.

To nice try: Thank you for the kind comments and show of support, but I have a full time job and have already devoted many years to public service.

As a former Civcs College Instructor, I sincerely doubt your superior Constitutional knowledge. You just continue to appear an Atherton "wannabe." Woodside could seriously use your help, if you have so much to offer. (And as for attendance at Atherton meeting, no, there's no way you could have attended more than I have)

Although I will say, many believe you and Peter are the same person.

Mr. Johns. I certainly hope that the Mayor does not step down until she has employed a capable City Manager. It should be clear that cannot, will not, and should not be you.

You have your settlement. Go in peace.

Bystander....Keep standing by. The function of a Public Official is NOT to keep their mouths shut. It is to express their opinion and to cast their votes accordingly.

I can tell you this much: POGO and Peter are NOT the same person. POGO would be a tremendous asset for Atherton if he could serve in any capacity.

Dear "Thomas"

I disagree with your characterization of my posts as "talking out of both sides of one's mouth".

We are all human beings. We are all capable of doing something heroic one moment as did Kathy McKeithen when she rescued Ms. Wickett yet be incredibly foolish at a later point in time.

I would also say that praising someone at one point in time and criticising the very same person at another point in time is by no means being duplicitous.

In reply to the post of "Interested". Your statement that the next city manager "should not be you". Is your opinion expressed anonymously. Unless you are on the City Council your vote does not matter.

If you are by a chance an Atherton department head, your days are numbered because of the crescendo of calls from the community for a "fresh start". So if I were you, I'd spend less time on this Forum and more time updating your resume.

In reference to the post by Atherton Resident. He is right. POGO has betrayed his ignorance of constitutional law at the very same time he claims to have superior knowledge. Another example of a "shocking lack of situational awareness".

Athertonians have said that the Town needs an individual with experience, one with integrity, one that will speak his mind, stand up to the City Council, one who is recognized to have made an outstanding contibution to the community.

Athertonians say they need someone who isn't part of the current management team. One who hasn't contributed to the Town's problems of the past couple of years.

Athertonians should be careful of what they are asking for.

One person who has all of the credentials described above is the former finance director who successfully prosecuted a wrongful termination case against the Town and who seeks to be re-employed with the Town as its next City Manager.

Atherton Resident -

You were really a college civics "instructor?" Very impressive.

Cut the snide remarks POGO.

It's childish and reflects badly on the rest of us who live here.

Sorry you took my remark the wrong way, fellow Woodsider, but I only speak for myself.

And if you'll review this thread, it's pretty apparent that Atherton Resident lobbed the first salvo AT ME.

You know what they say, if you can't stand the heat...

[Post removed; stick to the topic and refrain from personal attacks on other posters.]

[Post removed; stick to the topic and refrain from personal attacks on other posters.]

Why are developers so worried about Kathy's goal of making Atherton a great place to live and work? And, the agenda is....

Oh, of course, $$$$$$$

I'm closing this thread because it appears to be exhausted.