City Employees Victim Of Vendetta?
December 8, 2009 15 Comments
IT IS TIME FOR SOMEONE TO ACT LIKE AN ADULT AT CITY HALL.
Recent news coverage has given the public only a slight glimpse into what is wrong at Sunnyside City Hall. BLOGSUNNYSIDE has obtained information through public disclosure requests, and other sources, which will be shared in this post. I am a results oriented person, and do not relish going into people’s personal affairs. However, it appears that Interim City Manager Jim Bridges, and City Clerk Deborah Estrada have a personal motivation in their actions regarding Terri Rhode and Pam Sandifer, who have both been placed on administrative leave. A discipline/termination hearing is likely to be held next week, without all relevant information being given to the City Council.
It is my desire that the Sunnyside City Council hear directly from two independent investigators about what they have seen and heard at City Hall. This information should not be filtered by an Interim City Manager who may have an axe to grind. If the accusations against these employees have merit, then disciplinary action can be justified. If not, the Interim City Manager should reinstate these employees. Failure to treat all employees in a similar fashion could result in serious legal consequences for the City, so it is important that the City Council be fully informed. In this way, the Council can make sure that Rhode and Sandifer are not being singled out for unfair treatment.
- Pam Sandifer and Terri Rhode are not being accused of malfeasance, theft, a crime, policy breach, lying, poor work habits or incompetence. The total case against them is based on “inappropriate personal e-mails” and the city has even used their personal Facebook page as evidence. The city does not have an e-mail policy. Rhode is being cited for not making a payment for the city’s insurance, but this issue is easily explained and the problem involves Rhode’s chief antagonist (Deborah Estrada). It is also very troubling to see the double standard being applied. Estrada made a $20,000 plus mistake in June of this year when she did not seek legal advice and incorrectly drafted the termination documents for City Manager Eric Swansen. This resulted in the city having to fire Mr. Swansen twice and the payment of two additional months of salary and benefits. To the best of my knowledge, Estrada has suffered no discipline for this mistake.
- Ms. Estrada is the chief antagonist for the proposed firings and the complaint against Sandifer and Rhode. She has a long record of filing unfounded hostile work environment and sexual harassment complaints. There are also documented reports of her unstable behavior. She also has had several “melt downs” at city hall, i.e. suicide threats, barricading doors and hallways, and hiding out in the City Hall basement. This can easily be confirmed by simple interviews of City Hall employees.
The following is a copy of three pages of documents regarding Deborah Estrada’s claim of harassment directed against a former Council Member in Toppenish which was later proven to be unfounded:
Estrada Claim Toppenish (1)
Estrada Claim Toppenish (2)
Estrada Claim Toppenish (3)
In addition to her unfounded harassment claim against a Council Member in Toppenish, she testified in court depositions that former Sunnyside City Manager Bob Stockwell had harassed her as well. This was mentioned in a recent article in the Yakima Herald, which can be read here. The allegations against Mr. Stockwell turned out to be unfounded as well.
Further evidence of Estrada’s erratic behavior is documented by 2005 Zillah Police Department Incident Number 05-z0519 where a citizen complained that she chased him down and started swearing at him over what she had determined was not the proper way to drive.
Estrada Chases Down Citizen
Estrada’s mental stability has been in question for some time. Prior to her reported threats of suicide at Sunnyside City Hall, Yakima County Sheriff’s Office incident number 04-19433 documents a medical call at her residence in Zillah, in 2004.
Estrada Medical Call
- Estrada is also one of the primary evidence gatherers for the disciplinary complaint against Sandifer and Rhode. This is very inappropriate and unprofessional. This is especially true when the city’s reason for its unwillingness to hear the Canfield insurance report is the city’s stated belief that their own insurance carrier is somehow biased. How can a complaint be more biased than having the supposed “victim” prepare it?
Below is a copy of a letter to Mayor Garcia, from five city employees, dated July 7, 2009, regarding one of the investigations into the work environment there. Pam Sandifer and Terri Rhode are two of the five employees who signed the letter. The City still does not have this investigation report, as the investigation was suspended by Interim City Manager Jim Bridges. Now, Jim Bridges has Rhode and Sandifer on administrative leave, with a discipline/termination hearing pending. In my view, this is not a coincidence.
Mr. Bridges inappropriate past relationship with a subordinate was the cause of a recent court settlement the City of Sunnyside had to pay. Had this relationship not occurred, none of these events would be taking place today. Mr. Bridges nearly lost his job when former City Manager Bob Stockwell had to get involved. Perhaps he is blaming Sandifer and Rhode for troubles arising from his own transgressions.
Letter To Mayor Hostile Work Investigation
- The City and Mr. Bridges seem to think that if they ignore and refuse to hear the two reports they asked for from the investigators Larry Hellie and Alan Key, the information does not exist. The problem is that the information does exist and will come out in the civil law suit that is sure to follow any terminations. The city will look very foolish when asked why they refused to hear any information by independent third parties that would show Sandifer and Rhode in a positive light.
- Sunnyside has been in the news enough with recent firings and resignations. Can’t we stop the madness and bloodletting? In January we will have a new council and a fresh start. Let’s not start the year with another law suit against the city.
“I expect an open, transparent government with quality services delivered with honesty and integrity” Council Member Theresa Hancock, Oct. 20, 2009.
About Jason R. Raines
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WSRP BLOG
Why must this city make everything far more complicated than it needs to be, they have two perfectly different outside investigations to read, or listen to if the people who conducted them are allowed to speak. Why all the secrecy city of Sunnyside afraid someone might air out all your dirty laundry and show your citizens whats really going on.
This is so obviously a vendetta. So if Mr Bridges girlfriend can win a lawsuit against the city after she is fired for lieing and get 150k, I can imagine how much two good employees who did not lie are going to get. If you don’t stop this from happening council you better set aside a few million. Or better yet just pay Sandifer and Rhode a million each now.
This is where I think that you are out of line by using half truths and posting documents that are not relavent to the situtation regarding Rhode and Sandifer. For two grown women using facebook to post information and comments regarding a co-worker is a bit imature don’t you think? I agree that the City Gov’t needs to be held accountable, but this just seems to be your personal vendetta against certain individuals. I also believe that good ,moral conduct does not include public attacks and abuse of public documents.
KW,
Posting on Facebook may or may not be immature. Are we going to schedule a discipline/termination hearing for all City employees using Facebook, who may have said something immature?
The only reason I am involved is because of the public railroading of these two long-time, dedicated, women employees on administrative leave. Since they have already been publicly named in newspapers as being placed on administrative leave, I consider this a public matter. Mr. Bridges could have handled this quietly, but chose to take action in a very public way.
By your definition, this is not good, moral conduct, as it is a public attack.
Posting on Facebook immature? Wow ~ if this is the best Mr. Bridges and Ms. Estrada can come up with ~ what a waste of tax payor’s money. I have seen the “evidence” that Mr. Bridges and Ms. Estrada think they have against Ms. Sandifer and Ms. Rhode and NO WHERE do I see Ms. Estrada’s name mentioned in the Facebook post. Is she that paranoid that she thinks that every conversation is about her? Give me a break. I have to ask ~ who is actually working at City Hall and what official business is getting done?
KW it is obvious you have chosen a camp. You are now choosing to be “immature” by posting on this blog. Welcome to social media. If Rhode and Sandifer are being targeted would it not be reasonable for them to seek the comfort of their friends. Well facebook is about friends. They can not turn to the city manager. Being the HR department Rhode could not contact HR to seek assistance. With Theresa and Carols intimate relationship with Deborah and the current councils history they could not turn to council members. So, they turned to the investigators from the citys insurance and the citys attorneys.
But these investigations have not been released. It is amazing that you propose goverment be accountable. My question is when? Not this time? Why should not Bridges and Estrada be held accountable now?
Mr Raines is only demanding that the truth be heard. I for one want to hear the truth. If it determines they were not hostile then so be it.
I wonder who you are to be so threatened.
Mr Raines, your negative comments towards individuals mentioned have come before the public attack on these “two dedicated women”.
Della Street, very clever. You must be a fan of Perry Mason. I stand corrected regarding the facebook info. I made an assumption due to the comments on Mr. Raines blog. I don’t know where you got the idea that I’ve been prompted by anyone. I’ve been following the Sunnyside drama for sometime now. I have nothing invested in this case, but believe by putting things like this it divides communities and causes hate and malice toward otherwise good people. I’ve enjoyed your comments.
Honestly, I believe it shows your equal immaturity by responding to my comments. I have not chosen a “camp” as you put it. What’s going on here is a shame and people should want to get the truth and not taint public opinion towards ANYONE involved.
KW,
These employees were placed on leave and scheduled for a discipline/termination hearing before I ever made a post on my blog, but those are just “facts” which you may find inconvenient.
Speaking of facts, why would the City start two different investigations into the work environment, using third party investigators, and then not receive their findings?
Watching employees getting treated this way, and commenting on it, is not the cause of any “strife”, “hate”, or “malice”; merely a reaction to it.
I, too, agree with Mr. Raines and Honestly ~ let the investigation reports come out, if there is found to not be a hostile work environment, then so be it. Everyone moves on. These “two dedicated women” do not deserve to be crucified by the three people who view them as such a threat and to lose their jobs.
Let the process work but put it all out there. Not just what Mr. Bridges, Ms. Estrada and Ms. Hancock want the public and other council members to know.
Mr.Raines,
Nice try. Have you not posted negative comments several months ago regarding an individual involved in other investigations as well? You have not merely commented on it, you have bashed individuals and your blog proves that. You have not shown me any inconvenience. I believe the street goes two ways. The women in question have behaved in a manner that has put into question their ethical behavior, other wise why are they on admin. leave? Are you “putting out there what you want the public to know” by posting these blogs? Please share with us what it is that these “dedicated women” are so publicly being crucified for. Give us details. Not just mere bits of what you want the readers to feed off of.
Della, What do you want the public to know? Put it out there…..Hostile puts in mildly….and YOU know what I’m talking about Della….bring it out……………….You’ve seen what the “evidence” is, right? Make that public knowledge and let us know what it is that makes the “crucification” of these particular individuals intolerable, but yet it allows the crucification of the three in question allowable? And why are the women such a threat to these three people? Is it not a double standard that makes it OK for Mr. Raines to post ugly comments about some and make the ” two dedicated women” victims of public scrutiny? What is it they want the world to know other then how “evil” Ms.Estrada supposedly is? Please, by all means share the story with the rest of us. You’ve given us black and white, but where is the real evidence?……Anxious to see it. Should we investigate everything you’ve done in your life? Let’s troll the waters for police reports on you and see what that may bring into the light. Your comments are so very welcome……….Help me to understand this. I have never seen such a toxic community slam down. I feel very fortunate to live in a community where such hatred isn’t projected toward another. May GOD touch your hearts and help you through such tragedy.
KW,
These two long-time City employees were only placed on administrative leave in recent weeks, so it is impossible for me to have written about this months ago. I also disagree with your suggestion that because they are on leave, they must be guilty of something.
Many City Managers have come and gone, without any incident regarding these two employees that have only recently been placed on administrative leave. Only Mr. Bridges seems to have encountered this “problem” regarding these particular employees. In addition, many City employees have expressed concern regarding the City Clerk, who is carrying water for Mr. Bridges and his female companion. By the way, Mr. Bridges’ relationship with a former subordinate employee just resulted in a court settlement that is being paid for by Sunnyside taxpayers.
Contrary to your opinion that I am covering up information, I want the investigators’ reports to be received by the City Council. Why would they not want to hear from them? This is especially true, as it impacts the City budget. Council Members need to take care of the citizens’ fiduciary interest in this situation. This is why I am recommending that they personally hear what the independent investigations have discovered.
I appreciate you wanting God to help me through this. In turn, may I just say: God help us all!
@ Della Street – You say you have reviewed the evidence regarding the employees in question, can you tell me where I might find that? I would have to assume that if you have seen the evidence, it must be available somewhere publicly. If not, then one would have to assume that you are somehow involved with the employees in question (or be one of the employee’s in question) and if that’s the case, then that wouldn’t make for a very independent review of the evidence, now would it?
Firinne Beir,
Thanks for commenting. Your concerns about an independent review echo my sentiments. I hope the Council will hear from the two independent investigators before the City takes any action against employees.
First, do we know for sure that the City Council hasn’t been given the information regarding the investigation results? I am not sure about Sunnyside’s Council but many boards / councils meet in private in board or executive meeting (per se), to discuss matters that wouldn’t be publicly appropriate to discuss. It’s possible they already know the outcome. I would assume that the City’s attorneys know what the investigation’s outcome is and if they do and the disciplinary action / termination is still going forward, that says to me that they have reason to do so. Is the author of this blog implying otherwise? I would think that a very odd accusation to make as the attorneys for the City are not representing Jim Bridges, Debra Estrada or any one Council Member. The attorneys are representing the Citizens of Sunnyside. It would be in bad (and potentially detrimental) judgment for professional council members, attorneys, or a city manager to go public with personnel issues. None of the above have, to my knowledge. In fact, on the contrary, Ms. Rhode, Ms. Sandifer, the author of this blog and the people he serves have gone public in an attempt to save the jobs of the two employees in question. Why would the author of this blog be so passionate on this subject? Have you been reviewed the results of the investigation? Do you hold a personal relationship with the employees in question? It seems an extremely far stretch to believe that six rational people and a respected law firm are so wrong or willing to ignore information. The righteousness exuded by the author and his circle is so glaring that it’s hard to watch. Something about glass houses comes to mind. The point is moot, anyhow, as Washington State Law does not allow a City Council to direct personnel matters (other than the hiring / firing of a City Manager). Action such as hiring / firing is administrative and one would assume that the City Council would look to their legal council before taking any actions. That just brings us back to … Would the City’s attorneys allow two employees to be disciplined / fired without good cause? Honestly? The author speaks of the two employees personal email messages coming into play in this matter but that the City doesn’t have an email policy. First of all, who would truly think that their email at work was private? Really? Secondly, you mention Jim Bridges relationship with an employee. Does Sunnyside have a nepotism policy? Nope! So, it’s okay to tear him apart for his relationship with an employee that he didn’t supervise, but not the employees in question for their email transgressions? By the way, the author failed to mention that the employee that was fired for her relationship with Bridges was fired by Stockwell, solely because of the relationship and that the lawsuit mentioned was not because Bridges was in a relationship with the employee it was because she was wrongfully terminated by Stockwell. The author also mentions that Jim Bridges is the first manager to have issues with the employees in question. Maybe there is a reason that those other managers are gone and now the employees in question seem to be on their way out, too. Maybe, just maybe, it means that things really are getting turned around at City Hall. Just a thought. The more I read this blog the more it seems that it is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Operating under the guise of truth in government and building up the City when really the intent seems to be fueled by a desire to inflame and stir up the community to further their agenda and bring their desired outcome regardless of the costs to individuals or the city. It’s truly sickening that someone would post such private things about a person. True or not, you aren’t dealing with Tiger Woods or some other celebrity here, yet this blog looks as if it’s turning into the National Enquirer or worse!
Come on folks. Most of us what the sane thing a fair process. The complaint is that it is not fair YET. All that is being asked is that all of the facts be concerned. It will be a travesty if 2 long time good employers are fired in a way that causes the city to have to pay for lawsuits.
Someone independent needs to see and hear all of the facts. This has not been done and Bridges is obviously not the one to do it.