Yes Liz, Lewis Wendell did not at any time, and my ears were focused, confirm or deny the account given by our Councilwoman, Jannie Blackwell. He reread the statement, we've already seen. Late in the meeting, he asserted that all civic associations have a "community representative." Other than that; his lips were sealed.
It was our Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell who reported to us about the "forced resignation," the immediate changing of locks, the gag order (which I heard confirmed from a reporter sitting near me), and the six month severance package. Of course the gag order would not be effective without the severance package. Councilwoman Blackwell also indicated that Paul Levy of the center city district and "a community representative" were involved in the decision to treat Mr. Fenton in this way. The name of the "community representative" happened to be "my representative" from the Spruce Hill area. I'd like to also confirm your report of Councilwoman Blackwell's denial of wrongdoing. She told us she was at this rally for a very short time during a long day. Not having personal knowledge about the set-up process of the reported event is highly believable. Others on the list have turned this UCD long term policy failure into an assault on our Councilwoman's ethics. Even before the Thursday meeting from the reports, it was obvious that it was a short stop for her on a long day. Examining the UCD policies and procedures is what is indicated after this event; not trying to make Mr. Fenton a scapegoat and unfairly accusing the Councilwoman of intentional wrongdoing. Both of those directions are mean and should be exposed for what these are. "My point, is that once Jannie made her statement, any further forays down a path toward termination, appear to be calling our Councilwoman a "liar"." Liz, one civic association leader on this list called my careful report about Councilwoman Blackwell's account false. He then asserted that Mr. Lewis Wendell clarified that the report we all heard from our city Councilwoman, Jannie Blackwell, was false. That leader with that post was absolutely indicating that our city Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell was a liar, and he offered no support to contradict either her account or my report except to assert that Mr. Wendell clearly clarified a different truth. Those of us in attendance know that Mr. Wendell clarified nothing but instead asserted the existance of an internal investigation. This is a very serious matter, spreading false information and making false accusations publicly, while representing a community civic association. I've requested that the civic association remove this leader from the association but I have gotten no response. The individual said what he said, and he identified himself as a representative of the association at the Thursday meeting. I want to thank you for helping to confirm the reports about the meeting and what our Councilwoman told us about the outrageous treatment of Mr. Fenton. It's personally good to receive corroboration of the basic facts after being called a liar. I've been called a liar so often. But by the reaction of the list, my report of the meeting appeared to be the account generally believed. It still feels better that my report was confirmed. Spreading misinformation, demanding secrecy and power, etc. are the roots of what you call nasty tension. It doesn't matter if its individuals on a listserv or a powerful organization like UCD engaging in this. Sometimes, I think the folks who have been asking for clarification and answers are the people being blamed for the nasty tension. As I said at the end of the meeting to Mr. Bryan, the fighting is inevitable when those in power refuse transparency, accountability, and then engage in extremely questionable activities. It is the failed process that causes the nastiness. I know that I'm a nice person too, but I've been treated with incredible nastiness in this failed UCD process. I'm curious, had you heard about the UCD requirement that Karen shared with the list? The need for the associations to send 3 choices to UCD to receive a UCD board rep. I thought I knew a lot about UCD, but I completely missed that one until Karen shared the story. Thanks again, Sincerely, Glenn. ----- Original Message ----- From: Elizabeth F Campion To: UnivCity@list.purple.com Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 12:14 PM Subject: Re: [UC] Reality check I was also at the meeting. I do not remember either side making many fact based declarative statements. But there were lots of distractions and I may have missed a few words. I did not hear Lewis Wendell state either of: "John Fenton has NOT been fired" or "John Fenton HAS been fired". LW read a statement that referred to "suspension" pending an ongoing "internal investigation". I believe most in the room hear it as some version of, "UCD hopes John resigns so that we won't have to fire him." Several people referred to a "Termination package" which would allow John to "resign", and "receive 6 months benefit". I do not remember LW making any comments regarding this. Such a package may be better than sending John back to work in a tainted environment, but maybe a better paradigm for all of us could be reached. IF UCD and JF could achieve public and private accommodations, it could catalyses work place toxins into useful compounds benefiting the people, institutions and neighborhoods that are affected. Such success could be a model for others undergoing work place traumas. I like Lewis Wendell, John Fenton and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. Lewis is a good neighbor. I have learned much from him, and in listening to him I have developed more informed views of our neighborhood. For me personally, he has been a voice for introspection and good. I do not know how much of this brouhaha results from his decisions, but I was sorry to see the "Lord of the Flies" attacks on his character. Two wrongs do not make a right. Jannie is a friend and hero. She defied a Mayor and was arrested in the best of civil protests, FEEDING THE HUNGRY. Even those who did not agree with her methods were forced to think about the problem and more viable solutions. She is not perfect, no one is. But I trust her heart, resilience and stamina. John has been the type of guy we want to call family. He has been helpful, accessible, cheery, accommodating and effective. I do not know how well anyone's work would survive a rigid "investigation". In my experience, speed and effectiveness can sometimes require corner cutting and mutual back scratching. I know I would not want my work life disrupted by internal or external audit. And I don't like the idea that everything he has done will be put under a microscope based upon reaction to gossip and a news report which may pan out to be little more than juicy hyperbole born of the creative whining of a PENN miscreant. IMHO, these three people are strong, effective, intelligent and grounded in good will. They could be powerful enemies or a magnificent force for good. I hope they work out their differences and channel their abundant energies and talents for good. Several people accused another neighbor, someone not at the meeting, of being the Machiavelli in this mess. His thumbprint is on too many other projects, too lightly dismiss the accusations. But, I have no fact upon which to base my doubts and nothing concrete to contribute regarding a solution. The person, in question, makes many valuable contributions to our community and puts his time, money and labor behind his ideas. When his goals align with mine I am delighted with the good he does, when they do not align, I feel outgunned. He may be smarter, better trained, more energetic, and have more free time, stamina and resources than I. I do not know why my last message transmitted in Asian characters. I was trying to say that I did not see Kathleen at the meeting. And IMHO, it does not seem fair that folks who were unable or unwilling to attend, should post assumptions about words that were or were not spoken. I heard the Councilwoman state unequivocally that it was a community fair, with many components, but NOT a political rally. She stated that Knox walked around the park for about "10 minutes" and that the fair ran "All Day" and separately gave times (which may have been "9 AM-5 PM") that indicated Knox was present for only a fraction of the days events. If such is the case, Knox's presence seems little different than his perambulation through the more upscale "Party for the Park". My point, is that once Jannie made her statement, any further forays down a path toward termination, appear to be calling our Councilwoman a "liar". Diplomacy and preservation of community bonds would both recommend against such name calling. John and Lewis are different types of people doing different types of jobs. John makes Lewis and UCD look good. Lewis cleans up nice and can take UCD's successes, including John's popularity, to the halls of power and the people with the big bucks. One is the "go to guy" who gets the streets cleaned, the other handles planning and development. Together there is success, separated we've seen 3+ weeks of nasty tension. Sincerely, Liz On Fri, 8 Jun 2007 10:06:03 -0400 "Anthony West" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: Glenn's report is false. John Fenton has not been fired. His employer, Lewis Wendell stated that clearly at the meeting Glenn attended. Seventy people heard him say that. -- Tony West ----- Original Message ----- From: Glenn To: Anthony West ; UnivCity@list.purple.com Sent: Friday, June 08, 2007 8:32 AM Subject: Re: [UC] Reality check Look at what West suggests: "But to bash it for steps it was virtually compelled to take ... that strikes me as unfair and stupid." He is asserting according to this wanker "manual" that he made up, that UCD was "compelled" to immediately fire John Fenton and lock him out. West, did the manual require UCD to lie about a 2 week suspension? Does the wanker "manual" demand that they immediately impose a gag order on Mr. Fenton and bar him from talking to his former employees or anyone else? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.14/845 - Release Date: 6/12/2007 6:39 AM