The dust is settling in the aftermath of the shock that hit McKinney like a tidal wave following the Oct. 5 reassignment of McKinney’s former Chief of Police, Doug Kowalski. Life goes on in the city and it’s back to business as usual.
But is it? After reading the comments of citizens who posted on the TownSquareBuzz.com news site, or on the TSB Facebook page, I wonder. Is this the city that I’ve grown to love? Is this the city that I thought cared about tradition, treating people with respect and dignity? I’m not sure anymore.
Just in case you’ve been in another world, or too busy to notice, the illustrious Kowalski was reassigned for 30 days, after which 12 years in McKinney will be finished. The action was taken by City Manager Jason Gray on Friday morning, while the mayor and members of council were completely unaware. Gray then immediately appointed Joe Williams, who, prior to Friday, worked for the city manager’s office. Gray sent out a statement to members of the police force and city staff through a YouTube channel, which was open to all of the public to see.
The city sent this written statement to TSB on Friday.
"Doug Kowalski is no longer the Chief of the McKinney Police Department. He has been reassigned effective today. Joe Williams, who has been Deputy City Manager with the City of McKinney since May 2011, is the McKinney Chief of Police. This change is effective today in order to maintain continuity of command for the Police Department."
Councilman Ray Ricchi (Dist. 4) told me that he was completely shocked by Gray’s dismissal of Kowalski and confirmed that members of council were not informed of Gray’s intentions.
Under The City of McKinney’s charter, the city council is responsible for leadership of the city, setting the visions and goals that are then implemented by city manager. All department heads and city employees report to the city manager and that manager has the power to hire and fire. The City Charter also says, “A director for each of the above departments shall be appointed by the City Manager and shall serve until removed by the City Manager, or until his successor is appointed and has qualified, unless otherwise ordered by the City Council.” Chapter IV, Sec. 34
Tom Mackri, president of the McKinney Police Association, said, “ The members (of the Police Association) were totally shocked and saddened by the way the events unfolded on Friday. We were shocked that the Chief was reassigned.”
It is not for us to know, nor should we be informed about the intimate details surrounding Kowalski’s job performance. We cannot and should not be privy to personnel issues – those issues are between an employer and the employee. I read comments like “Kowalski is a good man” and “Kowalski was a great Chief." Officer Mackri told me that the police force were totally in support of Kowalski. Whether or not we agree that Mr. Kowalski should have been terminated doesn’t appear to be the main issue in most people’s minds. The more contentious part of this turn of events is the way the city manager handled Kowalski’s reassignment.
In Corporate America, it isn’t uncommon for new leadership to bring in employees that he or she has worked with previously. If a company hires a new V.P. of Sales, you can expect heads to roll and new faces to appear in the office, usually after a period of assessment. That, I gather, is the norm in our marketplace culture. Since Gray appointed Joe Williams to take the helm as Chief of Police, I hear the word cronyism repeatedly. Gray brought Williams with him from Celina, where he served as Chief of Police, appointed him Deputy City Manager and has now placed him in the role of Chief here in McKinney.
The major difference between Corporate America and city government is that city jobs are funded by taxpayer’s dollars, so I would think the prudent process would be to appoint Williams as interim and open the job to applicants from across the country as well as from within. I have to ask, is Williams the best candidate for the job? I can’t speak to that, however, my guess is that the way this transpired leaves some doubt with the public and Williams will have to add that as another hurdle to get over, under, around and through. No offense, Mr. Williams, but I hope the transition from protecting and serving a city of approximately 7,000 to a city of nearly 140,000 will be an easy one.
While I don’t believe this to be part some nefarious scheme Gray has implemented to gradually rid our city of all its current leadership (the fire chief, assistant fire chief, now the police chief). I do question the city manager’s ability to, ahem, manage. As a citizen, I question the city manager’s decision to terminate such a high profile position in the manner that it was handled.
As Officer Mackri told me, it would have been easier if Mr. Kowalski had been treated with more respect and dignity. It would be been better easier to swallow if Kowalski had been allowed a transition period of 30 to 60 days, alluding to the fact that change is difficult. But Mackri also said, “As professionals, we will continue to go out and serve (the community).”
Even if our city charter gives Gray the right to hire and fire without council’s approval, choosing not to inform the mayor and council is not the way to conduct business. Even in the corporate world, a CEO would inform the Board if such a high profile change were to be implemented. Discussion should ensue with regard to the best way to handle the situation. For example, should the employee be allowed to save face and resign or “retire?" Plans for managing the media would be plotted out – messaging would be consistent and leadership would be prepared so that they would not be blindsided by press and employees (and citizens in this case). Leadership would call together employees and share the information about the changes in person. Remaining staff and employees would be allowed an opportunity to ask questions and have the chance to feel more secure about their own jobs. Well thought out press releases, which were prepared in advance, would be sent to media. To my knowledge, none of this took place. (I’m still waiting for a formal press release, or a press conference, from the city.)
People do the things they do because they don’t know how, don’t understand, or they decide to “do it their way” without regard to protocol. Gray is either ignorant to the proper ways of doing business or he simply refused to be a team player and chose to do things his way. We don't know, however, because attempts by TSB to reach Gray this week have been unsuccessful. Gray, who had previously agreed to speak Oct. 25 at a TSB-sponsored Town Hall event, did send an email to TSB on Monday withdrawing from that commitment.
If Gray's handling of the Kowalski firing was indeed due to ignorance of the proper ways of doing business, city leaders, please make certain that Gray gains the experience to be more effective in a city of our size. Please use this as a teaching moment and enlighten him on the ways to conduct business. Making these kinds of decisions are never easy, but there are ways to make them a bit more palatable to both the employee and to our community. If it’s a case of the later, is this the way we want to do business in our city?
Rumblings following an executive session held by city council on Monday night show that council support for the city manager is mixed as evidenced by a statement released by Councilman Ray Ricchi this morning. Ricchi said, “The City Council was presented on October 8th with the City Manager’s reasons for the action he alone took on October 5th with Chief of Police Kowalski. This was the first time any of this information was ever communicated to me in any way. After careful consideration, it is my opinion the information presented would not warrant the reassignment of Chief Kowalski." (See the entire statement below)
In another statement released by Mayor Brian Loughmiller this morning, Loughmiller said, “While I did not agree with the decision made on October 5, 2012, I understand the Mayor and Council’s limitations of authority and the City Manager’s role of authority as expressed in the City Charter as it relates to personnel decisions of City Staff including Department heads." (Read full statement below.)
Trust has been undermined. I would certainly think that council would have difficulty trusting Gray’s decision-making ability. Trust of city employees and morale in general is at stake. Gray’s actions, particularly if Kowalksi was never given any notification that he needed to make some changes in his job performance, may make it difficult for staff to feel confident in their positions.
Public trust may have been compromised as well. If Gray shows poor judgement in these matters, can we trust him to make good decisions with regard to allocating our tax dollars? Can we trust his plans and guidance for the Gateway project, which should come before council at the next regular meeting, Oct. 16?
Some city managers are still accountable to their city council. One of our neighbor cities to our west decided they had had enough and fired their city manager. So, I have to ask, really council, is this the best we can do for our city or is it time to cut bait and run?
Statement from Mayor Brian Loughmiller, Oct. 9, 2012
Over the next several days Council members will have the opportunity to give their views individually regarding the recent events of Friday October 5, 2012 with the reassignment of Chief Doug Kowalski. This message is not intended to express the views of the Council as a whole rather it is intended to provide the public my statement regarding the events and where I believe we are at this point.
As I stated on Friday, October 5, 2012, the City Council was informed that the City Manager had reassigned the police chief pursuant to his authority under the city charter as city manager. The City Council was first made aware of this decision after Chief Kowalski was informed of the reassignment by the City Manager. Upon learning of the decision, I requested the City Manager call a special council meeting to discuss this decision as well as the decisions relative to transition of the police department that were announced by the City Manager. This meeting was convened with the City Manager the evening of October 8.
While I did not agree with the decision made on October 5, 2012, I understand the Mayor and Council’s limitations of authority and the City Manager’s role of authority as expressed in the City Charter as it relates to personnel decisions of City Staff including Department heads.
Addressing the issue of transition and moving forward as a community given the current status of the position, I have requested that the City Manager conduct a search for a new police chief open to all qualified applicants.
With regard to key positions in the City under our Charter, the Charter authorizes the City Council to evaluate the City Manager, the City Attorney, and the Municipal Judge. While the City Council does not have authority related to personnel decisions over other positions, I believe that in order for us to be effective and operate in the best interests of our community, the City Council at a minimum should be given the opportunity to state opinions concerning key leadership positions on city staff that impact our community.
I am currently evaluating charter language in the City Manager/City Council form of government that may address this issue for consideration by the City Council and City of McKinney in the future.
Concerning Chief Kowalski, I appreciate his service and leadership to the City of McKinney. Our city has received recognition for being a safe city and a family oriented community. I thank Chief Kowalski for being instrumental in creating a safe environment despite unprecedented growth in our community over past twelve years.
Mayor Brian Loughmiller
Statement from Councilman Ray Ricchi: Oct. 9
I would like to address recent events at McKinney City Hall on October 5th 2012. The purpose of this message is to provide the citizens with my views as an individual City Council member; I am not speaking for the City Council. I am fully aware of the City of McKinney’s charter language giving the City Manager sole authority on personnel matters and personnel decisions and this message is intended to be consistent with the City of McKinney Charter.
The City Council was presented on October 8th with the City Manager’s reasons for the action he alone took on October 5th with Chief of Police Kowalski. This was the first time any of this information was ever communicated to me in any way. After careful consideration, it is my opinion the information presented would not warrant the reassignment of Chief Kowalski.
I understand the City Manager’s role is to evaluate employees, and while I respect that role, our job as Council Members is to evaluate the City Manager’s performance, including his exercise of judgment in the performance of his duties.
I intend to completely evaluate the City Manager’s job performance and will do so with an open mind. I do not believe the information presented to me justifies the actions taken by City Manager Gray. Additionally, I feel that the manner in which Mr. Gray executed his decision was extremely disrespectful, unprofessional, and inconsistent with that which our citizen’s demand and city personnel deserve.
Comments
We are now turning off the comment feature on this story as discussion is going in circles.
Thank you for the kind words and sharing what must have been a very difficult time. I have no ill will towards anyone. Neither do I ever want to see harm come to anyone. I pray for all.
First, thank you to Texas Commentator. I do not know who you are, but I am deeply appreciative of your passion for that which is good, right and true. In the words of Elie Weisel, "We may be powerless to affect justice, but we must never fail to protest injustice." Now for McKinney Town Square Buzz. It's seldom popular to stand up for that which one believes so while I realize there will be consequences for my posting on this thread, it cannot matter. I am not here to please mortal man. Neither am I here to win a popularity contest with the public. I am here to prepare for all eternity and such is a job I take very seriously. And besides, with God on my side there is nothing that can happen that He and I together cannot handle.
I know little about McKinney Town Square Buzz. It's simply not one of the publications I read. Only recently was I advised to follow threads regarding the dismissal of our Chief of Police, Doug Kowalski. To say I found some of the comments disturbing is an understatement. Nothing good will ever come from bad. And that includes speaking unkindly about another person. For those who know me, it is redundant, my mantra so forgive me. For those who do know me let me make it clear: I cannot bear witness or knowledge of abuse and cruelty in any manner. That's why I became an investigative journalist. McKinney Town Square Buzz is not the place to explain why I choose to write under pseudonyms. Nor is McKinney Town Square Buzz the place to discuss serious issues. I don't mean such unkindly; I mean it as a compliment. It appears McKinney Town Square Buzz is intended to be a friendly upbeat neighborhood publication. From what I see, not only does it fulfill a community need, it does so beautifully. Recent comments aside, McKinney Town Square Buzz appears a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day. Angie Bado is to be admired. I understand why she deleted deleterious comments. I must believe Ms. Bado is smart enough to know that most people are smart enough to know how to verify that which is true and that which is not. Most people don't need a roadmap. Credible sources tell me Mayor Pro tem Travis Ussery was a significant influence in deleting pejorative comments. If so, I respect him for it. Instinct tells me Mr. Ussery is a good man. As for comments urging the release of a recorded conversation made by MPD Assistant Chief of Police , Randy Roland, legal counsel has requested that I refrain from comment. All I will say is that it was unfortunate. Please understand the voice recording is no longer in my hands. It is in the hands of legal counsel whom I am confident will do that which they believe is the just and Godly thing to do. Not just for me, but for all people regardless of race, color and creed. Best of luck to McKinney Town Square Buzz and it's loyal readers.
Thank you for sharing your opinion Holly, however, I want to be clear, TSB is here to fulfill a community need, and yes, we are a "friendly upbeat neighborhood publication" and we are definitely the place where McKinney citizens can discuss serious issues that effect our city. We take our role as a city watchdog very seriously, and encourage open, honest debate and discussion of all aspects of what goes on in McKinney, TX. Our mission is to keep our community informed by providing high quality news and information to our readers, while covering the news impartially. We strive to treat readers, news sources and advertisers fairly and openly. To that end, we are an independent news source, offering an independent voice, which is an alternative to "mainstream media". We are not influenced by, or associated with, any city group or organization, including members of City Council, the Tea Party, or any other faction that exists within the City of McKinney.
There has been a lot of mud slinging on here. Rumors spreading like wild fire on both sides of the fence. I think with all these rumors, misinterpretation of cryptic messages, and personal attacks at each other we are forgetting the issue at hand.
That issue is that Jason Gray brought shame to our community with the youtube video he posted regarding the firing of Chief Kowalski. The professionalism which Mr. Gray speaks of, he is lacking. You don't blind side your Mayor and City Council Members and put them in this position. You don't post a video to you tube to inform the mayor, council members, city staff, press, and the public of your actions. You don't immediately name your buddy the new chief. This incident has brought National Exposure to McKinney, and not the good kind. We need to show the Nation that we do NOT tolerate this type of behavior of our city leaders.
While we at TSB welcome and encourage readers' comments, we ask that you are respectful of the opinions of others and not bring personal attacks into the comments. It is difficult to foster open communication if personal attacks are allowed, particularly in a city where it is likely that we will cross paths with each other regularly.
We also ask that comments be related to the thread of discussion.
Thank you.
Angie Bado, Publisher
The rules for TSB include: Debate, but don't attack. In a community full of opinions and preferences, people always disagree. TSB encourages active discussions and welcomes heated debate on the TSB website, but personal attacks are a direct violation of these Terms of Service and are grounds for immediate and permanent suspension of access to all or part of the Service.
TSB welcomes opinions of all, including those opinions which differ from my own. The problem is that this thread had become a personal attack on Mr. Kowalski's character and a personal attack on several other individuals who had posted. Let's get back to the original discussion - I am not judging whether Mr. Kowalski should have been fired, I'm critical of the way the entire process was handled.
Cronyism, ABSOLUTLY.
Jason Gray, Joe Williams, Robert Daake, Jack Carr, Tadd Phillips and Chris "The Big Boy" director of IT. You asked here they are Ms. Bado. Feel bad for Doug but, there are more good people, from the city of McKinney that have already fallen VICTIM to their CRONYISM !
I haven't seen cronyism like this in McKinney in a long time. Of course, Gray and Williams should go. IMHO
Apolgy to John Rigo, Texas Poet, Commentator or whatever he calls himself on line. We didnt mean to leave you out of the list with Geralyn Kever and David Brooks. Kowalski ranted about you all the time. Officers will be forced to admit it on the stand unless they perjure themselves for him which is possible because they perjure for him in the past but even if they don't our support for him is laughable. But you probably wouldn't be the one laughing would you?
charlesNick cracks me up!
It's been an interesting week with all the people who have contacted me with thier insightful information. Please keep it coming.
The bottom line here is the coruption in our city government (City Manager is responsible for hiring them), I know it's nothing new. However many council member who are privilage to the reasoning Mr. Gray provided them, did NOT agree with the reason for the ternimation of the Chief. Mr. Gray choice in doing so via YouTube shows his inability to lead and manage the people who represent our city. I can't imagine that anyone would or should respect him.
As far as Chief Kowalski's personal life, not only do I not know, I don't care to know what is going on. It's personal and not my business or concern.
JASON GRAY MUST GO!
Thanks. Add this to facebook. Common law marriage in Texas is defined by:
• The couple must cohabitate for a significant amount of time or hold themselves out as married. This can include use of the same last name. Or referring to each other as husband and wife. Or maintaining a joint checking account.
• The couple must have the capacity to be married which means they must have the legal and mental capacity to be married and not be already married to someone else.
• The couple must intend (consent) to be married which can be determined by material evidence material representation or conduct.
There is now a facebook page which has been set up to serve as an online petition to inform City Council that the actions of Mr. Gray are deserving of termination.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/McKinney-Says-No-to-Jason-Gray/361876200565454
Just a little FYI....It is against the law for any mail carrier to discuss the mail they deliver to anyone, so unless Kowalski's mail carrier doesn't value his job, don't believe what you see here... Besides that, I don't see why Kowalski's personal life is anybody's business. Kowalski was hired to protect our community (which he did an outstanding job of doing and everyone agrees). Everyone has a right to his/her private life. Has he been convicted of any criminal activity as for as bigamy? No, because he is single and he can do as he pleases and it is none our business. Let us not lose focus on the matter. It is not Chief Kowalski's private life, it is Jason Gray's personal gain and cronyism. Finance Director, Police Chief and the firing of Rick Chaffin and Jim Parrish, both that were fired to make way for his "Friends". The Fire Dept got rid of a few good folks and went through the process of selecting replacements unlke Mr. Gray's selection of Joe Williams (His Buddy). The Council needs to step up and do what they did to Frank Reagan and get rid of a bad seed. McKinney IS a good City and we need responsible leaders to take us forward, not dead beats with poor credit ratings, debt summons, poor personnel decsions and bad business decisions to take us forward.
..
Poodle girl it sounds like you're intimately involved with Kowalski otherwise how would you know about the "criminal" city council member he's not so fond of?
No lying here. Google Dallas County Court Record search and go into Family Court section. Type in the ex-chief's name and see what comes up. Why would your fair haired boy have been forced to take a paternity test and forced to make child payments? You want what happened in Detroit to happen here? I don't think so.
Bottom line - Mr. Gray fired Chief Kowalski to make room for his crony, Joe Williams, to become Chief of Police. He fired the Assistant Cty Manager to make room for Mr. Williams to become the Assistant City Manager after Mr. Williams was let go in Celina due to budgetary reasons.
While in Celina, Mr. Gray fired the police chief and fire chief to make room for his cronies there too, one of whom was Mr. Williams. These positions were NOT advertised, because again, it is highly unlikely that Mr. Williams would be able to successfully complete against a qualified field of applicants. Go check the record.
Everything else is a smoke screen. There is a trend....this is factually documented. Don't be distracted from the real issue. Cronyism is alive and well in McKinney and power and authority is going unchecked. Through acquiescence, some members of Mayor and Council are condoning cronyism and political patronage.
Additionally, it is my understanding that the new finance director for the city is a brother in law (former) and an old high school buddy of Mr. Williams. Why did the finance director leave Collin County where he previously worked?
As for Mr. Kowalski, I understand that he isn't married. As for Mr. Williams, perhaps someone should check on his history of marriages and relationships while he was with the City of Frisco?
Again, Cronyism is alive and well in McKinney. Is this how we want our fair city to be managed and led? What does this say about integrity, moral character, fairness and leadership?
How can one lead or manage when it appears these leadership traits are lacking?
Brooks, Harris, Day & Kever; the 4 council members who feel that City Manager, Jason Gray was just doing his job when he fired Chief Kowalski.
Mr. Gray didn't give the council any specific reason to terminate the Chief; basically he didn't like him. However choosing to fire someone via YouTube is a low-blow and very disrespectful. Mr. Gray's actions show me he is narcissistic, unstable and cannot be trusted. It is also apparent that he is too inmature to handle business because he lets his personal conflicts get in the way of doing "good" business.
I heard there are NO PLANS TO FIRE Jason Gray. The 4 crooked council members are using him for their own agenda. It's a sad day in McKinney,TX.
Someone already said it right, we could have been #1 in America if it wasn't for these crooks. Get involved McKinney citizens and LETS TAKE BACK OUR CITY!
http://courts.dallascounty.org/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=2976887
Kowalski has been in a common law marriage for well over a decade. He's been living with the same woman he married and divorced years later. His letter carrier can verify it by mail he delivers. He's not the only one though, ask her.
JQ just stop this...I have not called you out by name but this blatant lie is bordering on libel!
He's not even married you dodo! Hasn't been for many years now. Didn't your mother teach you any manners? It's not nice to spread lies about people when you have no idea what you're talking about. As to the alleged affairs, we all know this is a lie as well because Chief Kowalski was too busy keeping our city safe and allowing us to be the #2 Best City to have time to juggle multiple women. This is laughable and you need to get another hobby.
I heard Kowalski was fired because Gray found out about all his affairs and worried about a scandal if it was made public. Not the smartest thing for a married man to have multiple affairs going on at the same time , just sayin'
Not sure where this is coming from but Mr. Kowalski is not married.
I respectfully request that this posting be deleted by Ms. Bado. Such statements have no place on this blog posting. Would have no doubt that if the posters name was actually researched (which can be done), the posting orginated from Mr. Gray's office. This is truely outright slander. Remove the posting, as well as well as the poster from the site! Note: This poster just joined the town square buzz site five minutes ago to strickly post this slander.
No what you're wanting to do is control this thread. You're so out of the loop regarding the truth its laughable. Only if Mckinney Square Buzz is dedicated to bias as opposed to real news coverage they'll honor your request. Don't be surprised when more women come forth. You'll look even more like the bullying buffoon you are.
Wrong again. Two women have already come forward. What will you do then, crucifiy the women blaming them?
After reading the news paper article in the Dallas Morning, I find the comments by the remaining councilmen (missing one or not) interesting! Thank you for the post "Rathpack". It's now clear to me who made the funds available to bail out Mr Gray's financial problems as a result to why he originally couldn't get approved for a home loan in McKinney. Certainly it's disturbing but fits into the reasoning for the cautious answers from certain members if the city council. Needless to say it appears that the citizens in McKinney may have been duped by the councilmen in the responsibility of hiring an honest City Manager to do right by the people and not someone's own personal agenda!
Texas Commentator: Maliciousness never solves anything. Neither does character defamation, whether an individual or institution. Far more dignified is respect for both. First you attack Ms. Hobby Rothschild, then an entire university. If as you say, the University of Texas espouses a "liberal education" it's funny a "red state" has so many liberals. But that's beside the point. The point is this forum has no place for vicious attacks. For the record, I know for a fact Ms. Hobby Rothschild wanted to clarify her position. Specifically, she wanted to address your concerns and knowing her as I do, you can be certain it would have been with the kindness that people love her for. In the end though it wasn't legal counsel who silenced her, it was fear so with all due respect, back off Texas Commentator because there's more to the story than anyone knows.
Without a doubt sir, you truly are a "weenie." Your definition of "vicious" is truly laughable. You need to get a job and stop watching so many of those "soapies." The majority of posters on this subject are on a positive track in addressing this sad situation in McKinney, yet your "friend" makes a post that contributes nothing to the positive approach to these postings. It was some quasi. unknown mystery as to what was really happening. It seems your postings are nothing more than a distraction perhaps by Mr. Gray himself to derail this positive response by concerned citizens in McKinney. From this point, post all the crap you wish, it will not divert us from the task at hand. It was additionally interesting that you related that her statement concerning "legal counsel" was actually an "untruth" on her part. P.S. Guess what, I will also be happy to ignore your future postings, as I am sure the balance of these posters will.
He didn't claim she'd said an untruth. He said, "in the end it wasn't legal counsel who silenced her." Go back and read, moron then do us all a favor and shut up.
Just sent this email to Mayor, Council and City Manager:
Dear Mayor, Council Members and City Manager,
As a resident, a business owner, a former city employee, a former Chamber director, a graduate of Leadership McKinney, a former Director of the Board of TSAB, and a graduate of Citizen's Police Academy - i take serious issue with the reassingment / firing and handling of Chief Kowalski.
Not sure what is happening at City Hall, but here's my take:
1. Mr. Gray, this smacks of good-old-boy cronyism.
2. How can some random guy from small-town Celina function as Police Chief of McKinney? even in the interim?
3. Chief Kowalski gets my my support - always has, always will.
4. How do you explain the underhanded way this was handled? Kowalski deserves much better after having served with distinction for so many years. To just spring this on council and put it on YouTube?
I will be getting involved in this issue.
Thank you for your time,
laura kayata
Council Speaks. Kever, Brooks and Harris declare their support for Gray's action. Clearly, Ricchi and Loughmiller wanted to do the right thing, possibly by reinstating the Chief and stopping Gray from rewarding his cronies.
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/mckinney/headlines/20121010-mckinney-mayor-councilman-say-police-chief-should-not-have-been-reassigned.ece
Thank you so much for sharing this article. I don't know how to respond. The thought that Mr. Gray has been acting in this fashion this entire time is absurd.
Not surprising that these three supported Gray. They are all hooked at the spine by self-interests in serving on our city council. These are three that have kept our community from being number one. Vote them out on the next round of elections. Let's keep our tax dollars working for McKinney.
I feel blessed to announce that there is a small group of dedicated citizens in the McKinney community. They are behind the scenes in gathering information about an out-of-state interest that pulls the strings of a small group of our city council members that are in public service for one thing, that is their own "financial self-interests." This group has gathered information that will eventually indicate that criminal activity is a major factor in these "self-interests." Recently a certified letter was sent to the Attorney General of Texas requesting a full background investigation of one of these individuals. Such cases move slowly, but when put into full play generally bring criminal charges that will win in a court of law. Stay tuned, what is coming will blow the top off the Texas' state news regarding McKinney, Texas.
Sounds like you're working with Kowalski..
I too intend to make my tax dollars work and will do everything in my power to ensure others vote to get them out the next time they are up for re-election...but Jason Gray needs to go NOW and find some other town to destroy. The City Charter needs to be amended ASAP to replace the language giving the city manager sole right on personnel.
Ultimately the Mayor and Council are responsible for this travesty. They don't have a great history of hiring good City Managers anyway but I was shocked when they announced the hiring of Jason Gray. I am sure he is a competent manager for a small town which is where he was working before he was hired to run McKinney but for the Council to hire a person who one had not been a City Manager for that many years and was the City Manager for a town with a population of 6,000 to become the City Manager of a major growing City with a population of 130,000 makes absolutely no sense. Then once hired Mr Gray did the exact same thing by taking a person who worked with him as a police officer in Frisco and who he had hired to be the Police Chief of Celina he brought to McKinney under the guise of making him the Deputy City Manager after getting rid of one of our long time managers. You didn't need to be clairvoyant to know what the real plan was that Mr Gray had in mind. If this isn't cronyism I don't know what is.
Chief Kowalski has been an outstanding chief and citizen of our City. Now obviously I don't know if there was a legitimate reason for removing the Chief but to do it in the way that Mr. Gray chose to showed poor judgement at the very least or an absolute case of cronyism or worse. Yes the Mayor is correct that the Council is not to be involved directly in personnel matters and hiring/firing decisions of staff but at the very least the City Manager should of met with the Council prior to the decision being made. Again by not doing that Mr. Gray showed his youth and inexperience.
Now the Council needs to do whats right for the Citizens of McKinney and correct their original hiring mistake and do not pay some ridiculous severance package like they did 2 City Managers ago. If they don't fix this the Citizens need to do their job and replace the Mayor and Council as soon as elections make it possible. As it is we already have too much cronyism going on with the Council and their board appointments we don't need it in the upper management of McKinney as well.
Thank you Angie for your article, report and your views. I am aware of the City Manager's duties. However I feel that if Mr. Gray felt so strongly about his decision to fire Chief Kowalski then why was it done so sheepishly on YouTube or behind the backs of the Mayor and City Council? Then without notice he cowardly notified them via email and YouTube Friday morning.
What was so terrible that the Police Chief did to warrant this termination or 30 day reassignment? If there was turmoil between the City Manager and the Police Chief then why wasn't anyone else aware of this matter?
Which makes me ask , what is the direction Mr. Gray is trying to take my city? It appears he has his own agenda. In his short term here in McKinney as the City Manager he has fired Fire Chief Wallace, the Assistant Fire Chief Roma and now Police Chief Kowalski and replaced the positions with his friends (cronies) with less experience. It just doesn't make any good sense. Not to mention his lack of professionism, maturity and poor judgement in handling the termination (30 day reassignment) of Chief Kowalski. It appears the writing was on the wall, when Mr. Gray appointed Joe Williams as Depty City Manager with his experience in law enforcement that Chief Kowalski's job was in jeopardy. In my opinion, I feel Joe Williams is hardly qualified to be responsible for enforcing the law in a city with over 133,000 citizens.
Overall I question Mr. Gray's motives, honesty and intellegence. I see he lacks maturity, leadership, accountability, integrity and humility. It appears to me that he continues to prove he is not qualified for the position of City Manager in McKinney or any other city of our size. It is my opinion that he should be fired or (30 day reassignment) and immediately replaced with an interim City Manager until the council and mayor can find a qualified canidate to consider.
As a citizen, tax payer, business owner and registered voter
in McKinney I want to know that my mayor and council will not make another mistake by hiring another unexperienced City Manager. As we now see the seriousiness of the repercussion of an out of control, egotistical, irresponsible, unprofessional, inexperienced City Manager can be to the lives of our citizens and public servants, that go above and beyond to keep us safe.
Why isn't anyone asking WHY Kowalski was fired? Shouldn't that be the FIRST question here? Or don't we care?
" So, I have to ask, really council, is this the best we can do for our city or is it time to cut bait and run?" Great question... We conducted a nationwide search and all we can find is a guy with limited experience who came from a small town with 6,000 citizens? Really? Gray must have ties to someone on the City Council. Best guess is... It's someone on council who has yet to speak out.
As for Joe Williams... He isn't a resident of McKinney and to date has not demonstrated the capability to be Deputy City Manager or Police Chief. He needs to go with Gray. Lastly, any other individual hired by Gray needs to be evaluated and action taken accordingly.
In response to replies asking for further information, I would be the first to share but legal counsel advises otherwise. The only thing I can say is that I believe Ray Ricchi is on the right track. Although I have not spoken to Mr. Ricchi, I am confident of his leadership ability, confident of both his intelligence and common sense.
I guess what troubles me about this posting is what was the benefit or goal of it to begin with. I find nothing on you in Google searches on internet as an investigative reporter. I find your picture attractive and that is where it ends on your posting. This type of info is generally not how investigative reporters......report. Excuse my possible offense in this statement, but I think this was some form of ego trip on your part without a end point to it. Truthfully, in falls in the same catergory as the Mayor of our city council, other than Mr. Ricchi, in offering nothing but vague conversation referring to the power of the City Manager over our city.
Although I can't speak for Holly Rothschild-Hobby, I can speak for myself. Had you carefully read her comments you wouldn't be attacking her. I've known Holly since our freshman year in college and that was quite some time ago. If anyone lacks ego, it's Ms. Rothschild-Hobby. Your comment accusing her of a non facto career because you cannot find her name in a simple Google search denotes a man who needs to check the definition of "pseududonym." Were you privledged enough to know Holly Rothschild Hobby the way so many others do, you'd know she's spent a lifetime advocating for fairness in an unfair world. .
If you will note, I was not the only one who questioned the posting. Hopefully your post got you points with the young lady from your college days. You are typical of a liberal education. Doing the talk but never the walk. When you have contriubted to your community as I have in the forty years I have lived here, you will truly have something of importance to relate.
Mr. Gray needs to be terminated! The Police Chief isn't the only bad decision Mr. Gray has made. He is slowly moving people into positions of power who are not qualified or have agendas counter to the City of McKinney. Structure changes are being made, which reduce or eliminate checks and balance. Our government from Federal all the way down to local Communities are built on the cornerstone of checks and balances. In addition, A large number of City Employees are not citizens of McKinney and have "no skin in the game". The Mayor/City Council needs to search for a new City Manager with the expectation of restoring transparency and trust among their constituents.
They have less than 30 days to demonstrate they are in control and make this situation (among others) right. If not, there could be sweeping change in City Politics when the polls close.
I second this John. Gray and his cronies must go.
Agreed,the City Manager needs to be terminated ASAP.