Editorial: Mr. Hjelle's sense of irony

A. Mr. Hjelle's 2005 campaign questionnaire response to the Chamber of Commerce

We have a great bunch of people providing these services in Maplewood, it is the self-serving and highly paid senior staff that needs to be replaced. These are the idiots that cost us money and waste our tax dollars. Again, I see it everywhere in Fire and the Police

B. Mr. Hjelle's unbroken voting record in 2006-2007 in support of Mr. Copeland, his reorganization, and management style. From Judge Gearin's findings in the Le decision which detail the results:

This group of 38 [managers] decided that they wished to form a bargaining unit after Ms. Cave's election. They were concerned because the Mayor, Councilmember Hjelle, and Councilmember Cave were critical of management level employees. (p.17)

Mr. Copeland testified that three Association postions were eliminated. The facts show that nine Association positions were eliminated. They included: the Human Resource Director, Park and Recreation Director, Finance Director, Community Center Manager, Deputy Police Chief, City Clerk, Deputy Fire Chief, Public Safety Communications Supervisor, and Public Safety Communications Manager. (p.22)

Other management positions became vacant during this same time including the Assistant City Manager and the Assistant Finance Director.

C. Agenda item from April 14, 2008 council meeting:

L. (New Business)
3. Consider Policy on Department Continuation Planning (Council Member Hjelle)

Mr. Hjelle urged a discussion of continuity planning since so much managerial and administrative know-how has been lost in the City.