Hmm, so the Health Dept. no longer reports to Finch. I assume the Library still does, since it doesn't show up on the chart?

First take: Pretty smart reorg.

The Mayor is now more directly involved in line operations with more direct reports, Van de Vate and Troyer get promotions, Arms gets some help, nobody really moves down in the org chart line to the Mayor's Office from where they were before, and new oversight responsibilities are established.

Having been through too many such reorganizations to count, the outcome for staff is pretty good and could have been a lot worse. Now we will see if it makes any difference. On the surface, it seems like a positive step. I'm a little curious about the dotted lines.

What's that cliche about rearranging chairs on the deck of the Titanic? -- s.

may be the most conflicted man in Knox County right now. He has to be happy to escape from Finch, but...

Larry Van Guilder

Major restructuring? I think not.

This is identical to exactly how the system works now.

This is another example of Ragsdale and Arms pulling the "wool" of the people's eyes.

It's nothing more than a strategy to generate positive press.

~SYM

You should call Dwight. He may need an additional attorney now that he's been kicked upstairs.

Larry Van Guilder

That is an apt description Sandra to an appalling situation. The restructuring is a shallow political move that elevates insider politics over good policy decisions. Has this administration no shame? What will it take for the mayor's ouster? Their deceitfulness is worse than that of the county commission.

just a different name. Does the mayor and staff not have any shame left?

reorganization! that's the ticket!!

It's hard to believe there are no pay increases involved.

For instance, Van de Vate is taking on considerably more responsibility.

Mark Jones and Frances Fogerson have been elevated to "senior directors"

David Skinner was elevated to "senior accountant"

Ann Acuff seemed to get a promotion, and four more were elevated to "senior accountants," reporting to Acuff.

Ironically, while Mike Arms retains the title "chief of staff," it seems most of the staff is now reporting to someone else.

now that he's been kicked upstairs.

Tell me if I'm wrong, but I think Dwight's office is in Suite 615. All of these folks, Arms, Finch and Van De Vate have offices a few steps from Ragsdale's office. The same receptionist serves them all. I don't think any of these people are 'moving' anywhere.

This is pure form over substance. Nothing's changed. The question is will the media covering the Mayor's office give him props for making worthless changes or call this what it is? See Sandra's comment.

Oh, and Larry, according to the papers, Dwight already has a lawyer. I'm guessing Van De Vate will be a witness in the open meetings trial. He was the point man all day for Ragsdale at the meeting, lobbying Commissioners for votes for certain candidates. Which, by the way, I have no problem with. The Mayor can have his say. It's ultimately up to Commissioners to appoint.

Chad, he sure does. I watched a few jaws drop at commission when he made the announcement. And you're right, of course, none of these folks are "moving" anywhere. They're all ensconced within Suite 615. Sandra, BTW, makes a good point: all these "promotions" and no pay adjustments? Doesn't wash.

Larry Van Guilder

Since Finch's responsibilities have diminished, will she receive a reduction in grade? Seems like a logical proposition on its face.

Larry Van Guilder

Heard Alexander Haig was looking for work.
Got experience as chief of staff when things go south for an elected executive officer.

Haig, looking fried, proclaimed, "I am in charge here!"

I over heard discussion at a restaurant about the county wanting to get out of the library business as part of their reorganization. I called my commissioner and he sounded a little surprised but had no comment. Is that just the library downtown? Would they give it back to the city and would the city fund it?

I'm a little slow on this, but if everybody reported to strongArms Mike before, and he alone reported to Raggedy Mike, no wonder we are in this mess! What was Rags elected (and paid handsomely) to do? Does he think he is a King?

Carol: I doubt they would try to dump the libraries. The Knox County Public Library system is one of the few shining stars that they have. Even in the KNS/WBIR poll, the library system was one of very few areas that got very high ratings. They need all the good press they can get.

I understand that the decision not to elevate the library director to "senior" status like they did at the health department had more to do with a lack of trust of Mr. Frank on the part of some senior staffers and not as some kind of prelude to dumping the libraries.

sp

Larry Frank was named one of the top 21 librarians In America by the New York Times just last November.

And who was the fellow that Ragsdale ran off from the Health Department? Said he wasn't a "team player" as I recall. -- s.

Bolt, I think. Hall is still there. -- s.

She left a year or more ago to go back to school in some field of Psychiatry. Bolt was canned shortly after Ragsdale took office

sp