Exhibit A

Sorry Victore--

I guess I thought I was having to defend something I said in a post to Matt!

Been a long week, and it's not over yet. Truce?

Thanks-

SmarteePantz,

OK.. I guess it was just good conversation, have a safe and great weekend..

Victore--

What for? Did I say it was otherwise? Maybe you could re-read my posts to see what I have posted.

Hey SmarteePantz, went back and took another look at Tuesday city council meeting, FYI via the Mayor, it was a done deal before the meeting ever started. Why don't you go back and take a look at it???

Wink, wink, Matt--SmarteePants is not anyone's wife! Possibly a husband, but not a wife! That's funny.

You are welcome, Don.

Thank you for your polite response.

Is it your contention that the City is behind in doing a thorough compensation review for all employees?

If the dispatchers/pbx operators (I thought someone posted this I don't know it to be true) just rec'd a double digit increase, that makes one think that the City's HR is reviewing comp across the board (and rececently).

Just wondering if the city employees who are saying they are underpaid are average or slightly below average in terms of their performance?

Most employees that I know of don't get more than 3% raises unless they rate above expectations or well above expectations. Most employees are average performers. Its not a bad thing, but its no way to get ahead in life. To get ahead, one must consistently exceed expectations.

Why thank you misty for your thoughtful comment, but would it be unreasonable to suggest you just ignore the posts you find boring? I know I do.

As far as people feeling that size of Windwehen's raise is objectionable, there are a whole bunch of City positions that are underpaid when compared to Sugerland, et al. but only receive a 2-5% raise. In light of current tough economic times, it should come as no surprise that people feel that the City Manger should have to tighten his belt along with everyone else and it isn't a personal attack on him or how well he does his job.

Those of you who are so outraged should examine your conscience. Would you really turn down a pay raise if you were undercompensated (according to the available data) and had just gone through the kind of year our city manager had?

What city manager in Victoria's history has had such a challenging year? Can you think of one?

If it wasn't the DA causing problems, it was Hagan's grandstanding. And yet, under Windwehen's leadership, the City kept on chugging, meeting goals and serving its citizens.

I'm embarrased to read your comments of ingratitude toward Mr. Windwehen. This is not about him being a nice man. This is about what he has earned and is owed.

P.S.: Don and Matt can you resolve your issues with each other offline? The rest of us are bored with it.

Okay Matt,

One last time. The point of being willing to work toward a consensus means facing opposing views on a problem and finding a reasonable solution that is acceptable to ALL parties. It doesn't mean going along with the crowd or even agreeing with the majority. It also doesn't mean that a consensus can always be found, but it does mean being willing to find merit in in opposing viewpoints. It takes an even, thoughtful temperment and a willingness to listen carefully - something that has been missing by others on the Council for a long time and I'm not just pointing my finger at David Hagan.

As far as meeting you at the bicycle rack, that's not likely to change each other's opinion, no matter what the outcome; so I declining your invitation since I outgrew that method of problem resolution along time ago.

How Mr. Martinez would or would not have voted seems irrelavant -- he didn't win the election. So what is the point of bringing it up, unless you are simply wanting to be catty.

Matt,

You still don’t get it do you? I commented on the things you said, i.e., “a witless remark” – NOT witty or funny. I accused you of presenting opinion as fact and making insinuating remarks, etc., etc.

On the other hand, you made a disparaging remark about what Martinez “would have done’ – i.e., presenting him as a flunky of the mayor; you compare a poster to a brick wall, i.e. being mentally unable to understand what you consider to be obvious; you claim another poster is incapable of reading comprehension, i.e. another slam at a person’s mental capability.

Instead of attacking their comments, you attack them personally - you seem to be unable to understand the difference. But that’s okay, it doesn’t take folks long to figure out what your attitude is toward people you don’t agree with. That realization is important when people recognize that you aspire to be a judge of all things. It seems to me that being a judge requires a person to be impartial in his interpretation of the law and not prone to personal attacks on those who appear before him in his court.

I would further suggest that it will be a huge mistake on your part if you think voters will forget WHAT you have said here and HOW you have said it come election time.

Matt,
You persist in presenting opinion, innuendo, insinuation and speculation as fact, while continually trying to demean others. This is clear evidence of limited knowledge, a lack of wit, poor debating skills and considerable arrogance when replying to others who disagree with your posts. As others have noted, I too am copying your remarks and am looking forward to you running for office. It will be interesting to see if your debating skills show any improvement or whether you will continue to speak from the nether region.

MattOcker: “Where are all of the Hagan detractors now? Martinez would have voted for the pay raise, guaranteed.”

MattOcker: “Also, I think the police officers and their wives (wink, wink) that mistreated Hagan so vehemently owe him an apology.”

MattOcker: “Don Mader, Read BIGJ's post, and you will know what a flip-flop looks like……I stand corrected. That was YOU that did the 180. Your avatar looked like BIGJ's to me. Oh well, that's even more classic!”

MattOcker: “I will attempt one more time to explain reason to a brick wall.”

MattOcker: “Don, Your opinion means about as much to me as used toilet paper.

MattOcker: “I will be backing the entire Council into a corner very shortly. Just stay tuned.”

MattOcker: Ah...we have another winner. Another person incapable of reading comprehension!

MattOcker: “onewhoshappy: I will spend the rest of the day reflecting with great discernment on your thought-provoking post…..Sorry, but I can't make myself ignorant or apathetic to please you”

onewhoshappy: ”Matt, your last sentence is exactly what I was mentioning to you. You wrote "of those incapable of debating". Do you see how that is demeaning? You demean others while you lift yourself” MattOcker’s reply: “Cumbaya, my friends, cumbaya.”

I know who Smartypanz is and rest assured she is NOT a police officer's wife. She does, however, have a well-tuned BS detector. It's too bad that you just don't "get it."

Matt,

First of all, that your arguement regarding his pay raise increase is only based on this notion of "comparing the payscales of regular citizens in other cities" is absurd. Under this premise I personally think this is the most flacid of criterion. I would have figured you better to say something along the lines of comparing City project portfolios, size of city budgets, size of city (like the Mayor did - since this should have some correlation to the size of the city dept. they are overseeing). The fact that you bring up citizens' pay makes it sound more like you have some personal issues with how much you make.

Moving on. I support everyone else on their comments (especially onewhoshappy) in them standing up to you. You seem to be taking it as if they are trying to "suppress" your freedom of speech, when in fact, I believe that it is you not only trying to suppress theirs and force yours upon them. If you want to debate the issues...then debate the issues. You argue worse than the people you call "ignorant". You resort to calling people names and demeaning them. Where I come from, that is NOT debating. There is NO intelligence in calling people names and demeaning them. If this city government is soo corrupt, I don't think anyone will have a problem with you politically doing anything about it. Based on this message board I think people will resoundingly vote against you if you run for office. If you don't choose to do that, then leave. Go somewhere else and try forming your own government free of corruption. I do not think anyone will have a problem with you leaving either.

Matt, dont take this the wrong way. I think you add much value to these. You seem like a very well informed individual. I have enjoyed learning from you what isnt always publicized in the papers. Just hoping you consider sticking with facts and dropping the demeaning words.

Matt, I can assure you, that although smartee was a supporter of Martinez's, they are NOT a spouse of anyone in VPD or any other LE agency in this county.

Also, I guess you meant to tell visdmom she was a "fine" visd product, but in your haste to insult her, it came out: "five visd product". . . . FYI there Matt.

Pilot, in response to your initial question, while Mr. Armstrong did say originally that Mr. Windwehen was doing a good job, another argument given (and I am not saying I am in agreement with the argument, just that it was given!) was that after a review of the salaries of city managers in like-sized cities, it was felt his salary needed to be raised to be comparable. I noticed no one answered your original question.

However, this is the second (or third, or fourth, I lose count) time this argument has been used - they do it each and every time they give him a huge raise (which is every time they give him a raise). In contrast, when the comparison argument is used to raise the wages of city workers, we are told that is not necessary because Victoria is "not comparable", for whatever reason, to those same-sized cities.

And Mr. Ocker - I would suggest you not lump all police officers and their wives into one group and I take offense at your "wink, wink" comment.

Victore--
Not everything out of the norm is funky and requires an investigation.

You're retired--get out of suspicious mode! Chillax!

Smartee Pantz,

Let me say this, the normal policy for a city employee on rasies is 3-5%, Mayor wanted to give him a 22% raise it was rolled back to 16% that was the vote. This was done on the fly, not the norm. Bad timing in these hard times. Even if the economy was in good shape there still be a big question. In a city of this size you just do not give out a 16% raise like that, it is not in the norm. So red flags go up. The Mayor's fall back is, wanted bring the city manager up to other city standards, poor judgement was used.

Yes there is merit for an investigation when is not the norm. Now if a bounes was given for doing an outstanding job I would have no problem with that, but that is not the case here. This raise was not in the context of normal policy. So when you go take a look at the records on this issue you will have a lot of questions.

My post were about finding out information, and I have no other comments about this issue, time will tell all.

Well, Victore, I would have never guessed! I was merely responding to your posts, and quietly wondering why you weren't getting it.

You'll have to explain the "easier to be on the outside looking in than it is to be on the inside looking out." comment. Are you on the inside? Are you a city council member?

So, what exactly IS the problem with the Mayor and the City Council? They do differently than you think they should, so they should be investigated? If you have figured out the bigger picture, then for heaven's sakes--do enlighten us!

Don Mader probably knows this, but for those of you who don't, I'll say it. City employees are obviously outraged. They get a mere 1-5%. City employees can attend city council meetings but CAN NON speak or voice their opinion. Fair? No. Why would you prohibit your employees from using their 1st Amendment right? Afraid they will educate all of us on the goings on? This is BS. Charles or Chuck, you are a greedy bufoon. You would have earned so much respect if you would of turned down the raise or told the council to give you no more than 5%. But you didn;t do that. I agree with other posters, lets quit griping on here and step up and do something about it. I'll be the first to sign up or sign a petition. Just show me the dotted line.

Smartee Pantz,

I'm a retired federal investigator w/over 30 yrs., I know how the city council works, I do not need you to tell me that I need to be educated on that issue.. It is must easier to be on the outside looking in than being on the inside looking out.

I wasn't trying to be rude, there is a problem with this city council and Mayor, like I said there is a much bigger picture here that really needs a long hard look. Have a great evening..

MattOcker,

I hope you do run for county judge--I can only imagine how many of us have already starting saving your comments in case you do!

Victore--I cannot encourage you strongly enough to get a better grasp of how the City Council works. For some reason you insist on interpreting my encouragement as being judgmental and/or naive. I am neither, but I am wondering about you. If you had followed along with ALL of my posts, you would have seen more than one post where I, too, complain about the raise. I do not believe that the City Manager should be rewarded for doing his job. He gets a salary for doing his job. A 16% raise, against other employees' 3-5%, is a reward.

Smartee Pantz,

You are very judgemental and unable to answer a question with a very naive point of view. You are missing the big picture here. Yes they do work for us, I couldn't careless if they were paid five bucks, represent, work, call it as you may, bottom line they have a responsibility to the ctizens of Victoria, that is to be honest and truthful. That is not happen here in Victoria, it is the good old boy gang. So stop being naive with what ever information your getting. You just don't jump up and give a 16% raise to a city offical w/out it being questioned. When this counrty is in economic hard times w/ the city of Victoria moving downward, because there is no growth here it's dead..

WB Pilot

Okay, couple of things, and then I am moving on, I hope, from the Matt and Victore show.

Matt—What if the Mayor supported James Martinez? Does the Mayor have to be apolitical? The Mayor and current council members cannot voice an opinion on a candidate? And do you really think the Mayor is going to all this trouble to get one dissenting vote off the Council?

Victore—You and a lot of others continue to claim that no elected official is good, honest, or trustworthy. Who do you want? We can only pick from the selection presented. And they do not work for the citizens. They represent the citizens, to the best of their ability-hopefully-in a manner that benefits the greater number. If they did what you wanted, and then did what I wanted, and then did what Matt Ocker wanted, and then Don Mader—you can see where that would lead us. Utter chaos. Victore—Go to some meetings. Find out for yourself what is going on. Follow the workings for a while and see what you learn. It wouldn’t hurt for anyone to be an informed consumer.

Speaking of DonMader—you are right. Ocker has softened his criticism of the DA. Now he is like the little bratty kid in the third grade who stirs the pot with strong language and absolutes, and then when called on it screams, “I didn’t do it!” Crawfishing never was a good move.

Some of you folks watch too much junk on TV. Not every politician is corrupt. There are no conspiracies lurking around the next corner. Hagan’s integrity is not nearly what you may think. And it is way too early to have an opinion about Soliz.

Pilot
Read the heading of the blog "city manager gets 16% raise" sheeish What do you mean you dont know what official???

Bizzare, no I wasn't at the council meeting nor am privy to what was discussed behind close doors.... but pray tell, oh wise one, where else will the money come from? Where does the money come from to pay the salaries of city/county/state employees? hmmm?

MattOker,

I think it's time for an investigation, the Mayor needs to be backed into a corner here. This needs to be placed on the agenda, and questions need to be ask in a public forum, not behind closed doors. If the Mayor want comply, then we ask for a state investigation..

Mattoker,

I understand the workings of it all, there is something missing here as to why Armstrong would go for such a large pay increase.

Does someone know something here that is not being told? Do we have that pay to play game going on here? I just don't think the Mayor can get elected with this issue hanging over his head. So is small town Victoria involed in corrupation?

Why did Mayor Armstrong push for this raise?

Why would the city council even put this issue on the table?

Why go behind close doors on this issue?

Where is the honesty and integerity of the city council?

Now is the time for an investigation of these questions.

I admit, Jeff Lyon was very articulate and appeared very intelligent.

However, the big elephant in the room is “Nuclear Power”. This is were Jeff Lyon could kill two birds, with one stone.

If he wants to bring higher paying jobs Victoria, why not work on developing an “alternative energy business development initiative”.

I’m talking about bringing non-nuclear power generating companies to the Victoria area. Provide incentives for alternative fuel vehicle production in Victoria. Provide incentives for relocation of alternative energy research companies to Victoria.

Just up the road in Houston they are working on next generation solar panels, why not encourage them to move to Victoria.

Work to bring higher education resources in areas of alternative energy.

Expand and develop energy and water conservation programs for the city, business, and citizen homes.

Work to build off shore desalination plants near Victoria.

This would create jobs, eliminate the need for a nuclear power plant that would be a drain on our local water resource, and be a clear a realistic direction for Victoria to follow.

Not to mention it would place Victoria in a stronger position when gas goes up to 7 dollars a gallon. This would also make Victoria attractive for high speed rail on the next round of talks.

Ok, love all the comments. So, what is the plan to band together and make the people's voice heard? I have already attempted to contact Houston news to get them to investigate this raise. We shall see if they take it. If not, then we can keep trying to get a REAL newspaper to investigate. Attending meetings together is also a great idea.

darlins64,

Where did you get the idea that taxes were being raised in order to fund Mr. Windwehen's raise? Out of thin air?

You wrote "The man was already getting more than twice what most people make, yet he wanted more.... Greedy B*st*rd!" So, I take it you were at the council meeting--in the executive session, right?? You really should get your facts straight rather than attempting to pass off your opinions as fact.

Hmmm. Nice Raise.

Based on all of the comments that have been made, maybe the Texas Rangers should be called in to conduct an investigation in the area of corrupation, because this deal "STINKS"!

Oh Matt,

I'm crushed, I tell you! Simply crushed by your last witless remark. Still no coment about why you keep taking cheap shots and beating a dead horse re: your post about Martinez.

That's okay Matt, sometimes it's hard to be witty when you make silly comments.

I'll let you off the hook though - enough of this sideline issue.

Perhaps the public should show up enmasse at the next City Council meeting and express their opinions on the raise.

Maybe the Advocate will take a poll.

Maybe Windwehen will do the right thing.

Maybe.......

we can always go and pickit outside city hall or at the next board meeting! That would get this arguement really going and show them we mean business.

Matt,

I don’t have any desire to be a politician, so I’ll think just support Mr. Holy, since he appears to be as well qualified as you are to be a county judge (in my opinion).

I notice you didn’t comment on why you bothered to bring up James Martinez name or how you have the inside information on how he might have voted. I spoke to James and he said he hasn’t spoken to anyone as to how he would have voted on the City Manager’s raise. The terms “cheap shot” and “beating a dead horse” come to mind when I read your post – common attributes of a typical politician, but then I digress…..

I hope everyone in Victoria is OUTRAGED that Windwehen will be receiving nearly $170K per year and let's their voices be heard!

In these economic times, when people are struggling to keep their home and keep their kids fed, our taxes are being increased so he can have a raise?

How can anyone, even Mr. Hagen, look his constituents in the eye and say they are friends of the Taxpayers??? I know, according to the article, Mr. Hagen proposed a 5% salary increase --- but even that is ludacris under the circumstances.... The man was already getting more than twice what most people make, yet he wanted more.... Greedy B*st*rd! People in your city are losing their jobs on a daily basis, or having to move to other cities to keep their job, or taking a cut in salary and you get a 16% raise????

I'm angry people!!! I hope you all are too! That money could have gone to other uses.... better uses!

Well, congrats, on your raise Mr. Moneybags! Enjoy that money and your free car and your "allowance".... many in your city can't afford their car payments because our taxes are going up to pay for YOURS!!!!

My wife said

Instead of posting a blog ranting and raving, why don't you organize a group of people to attend city council meetings, protesting these actions?

I posted a ranting and raving blog, because I have to be me. However, I am seriously considering her idea of attending meetings at least once a month.

I wonder if that is a good idea or would I get picked up for speaking out against corruption and irresponsible government?

Na! They wouldn’t take me serious, to powerful people we are all just fly’s on the wall, which is probably why they feed us so much SH_T. I know that was a crude joke, to those offended I apologize.

Maybe if I go online and make my experience into a show on “youtube”, I could call my show “small town politics 101”. Then when I get millions of hits to see Victoria politics; the national spotlight will be brought here.

If you could hand out thousands of dollars in raises, while many of your citizenry struggles to hold on to their jobs on national TV, you’re ready to be “governor of Illinois”.

I wonder what the world would be like if there were more of me.
= )

LoL!

Well Matt,

Let’s take them one at a time:

“I have always held the same position about the man. I find him arrogant, and I maintain that he is shortsighted when it comes to Constitutional Rights and personal liberties “... but I make no determination on how well or poorly he is doing his job.”

So if he’s short-sighted about rights and liberties, that’s NOT a comment on how he does his job?

“Hagan is not tied to Tyler. That was a myth that many officers spread to drum up negative sentiment.”

That’s YOUR opinion! How about some facts to back it up?

“I brought up Martinez because he was the pick of Armstrong. We all know how he would have voted.”

Since Martinez is not on the Council, I ask again – what’s your point in bringing him up? If you want take a slap at Armstrong, than try having the wits to do so directly – it’ll give your more credibility. “As far as WE all know” – just WHO might all that be? Just more unsubstantiated speculation on your part..

“ Without Hagan on the Council, the raise would have been 22%.”

Hmmm, didn’t Soliz also vote against a big raise? Your unabashed hero worship is also getting “boring and tiresome”.

I think I’ll see if I can motivate R. M. Holy to run against you for County Judge in 2010. He garnered a couple of hundred votes in his last race - that’s probably enough to beat you. As far as I know he doesn’t own a silencer either. LOL

By the way, stooping to personal attacks against me shows a decided lack of wit on your part.

Wow..

Wreckless....

Wow...

Let me also chime in about the 16% raise - that's absolutely ridiculous! I can't believe that the Mayor wouldn't expect a loud uproar from the taxpayers. It is NOT a political issue! In these economical times it's down-right outrageous!

Windwehen has a great chance to show some fiscal responsiblity and leadership by asking that he be given a maximum raise of 5%.

Matt,

Now that the election is over, I’m not sure why you continue to hammer James Martinez - it’s a dead issue. Are you’re upset that he had the audacity to run against your preferred candidate? You still haven’t shown any facts that Armstrong urged him to run against Hagan. James is an honorable man and your statements are pure speculation, supposition and opinion.

Now that you found a way to legally own a silencer, your sudden show of affection for the D.A. is confusing. Just a few weeks ago, you were maligning Tyler ever chance you got. You posts did everything but question the legitimacy of his birth or compare him to a male offspring of a female dog.

Isn’t this known as a flip-flop? Have you decided to run for an elected office? I wonder, since you’re starting to sound like a typical politician. I’ll be certain to keep this in mind if you decide to enter local politics.

Smartee Pantz,

council members work for you & I, that is why we elect them. The problem is, they fail to represent us, because of their on personal agenda's, good old boy spin or who you know.. Show me honesty and integerity of anyone of these members, because if they had any, their would not have been a 16% pay raise for any city official.

Do away with the car allowance and have the city provide him with a car, no driver, to be used for city business use only, such as a Dodge Charger, you can probably get it cheap since Chrysler is in bankruptcy, it will pay for itself in 3 yrs based on $18000 advertised price in the paper.

Victore--

I am not trying to insult anyone. I am serious when I suggest that folks learn how city government works. Do you think most folks even understand what time of city government Victoria has?

Yes, we have a Mayor, but he only has one vote. Being Mayor in Victoria is not a full time job, unlike other cities that have a Mayor whose position allows them a great deal of power.

I do believe if folks understood how things work, they may be less disgruntled at the process and the result. It may even cause them to want to participate more in that process.

It had been a very long time since we have seen so many folks vying for council positions, and it was good. People had choices, and people made their selections. And for the educated (those who have an idea of how things work) sector, we understand that we now have to live with those choices. If we are not happy with them, there is always another election.

Smartee Pantz,
I would hope the City Council take your advise on how city government works. Don't insult the opinions of comments made on this page.

Do you think council members went to the local book store and bought "city government for dummies", I don't think so. These council members are not the smartist & brightest this city has to offer. It is just a path they choose, because there was somthing they didn't like about how the city was being run or they had their on agenda. They are just politican full of hot air and smoke. When the citizens get mad they will make changes, but not until then.

I was going to take a break from posting on the Victoria Advocate blogsphere, but I cannot go without speaking out against this.

The City Manager should be treated like any other employee.

The business of operating city government has been proven a failure, plain and simple. When profit oriented business fail to perform employees are forced to take a pay cut, hourly cut, or termination.

Why should the City Manager position be any different, if the city prospers you get a pay raise and if the city suffers you get a pay raise.

For those that do not like profanities do not read the rest of this sentence, “That is B-U-L-L-S-H-_-T!”

These people are spitting on the faces of the wives and the children of those who have lost their jobs in Victoria, they are insulting the honor of your families.

There is not excuse, no argument, no B-U-L-L-S-H-_-T, that can justify this S-H-_-T!

For the record I do not condone, approve, or advocate violence the following statement is a metaphor of my outrage, “These people need to be taken out back and be given and old fashion beaten!”

Hagan, I can admit when I was wrong, I’m glad you have proven me so.

These people will learn eventually that big money and powerful connections may work for now, but there is a consequence to everything. Those with big money and power in Victoria are just made of flesh and bones, they answer to the same person as the rest of us, there is a special place in hell for those who tread on God’s people when they are suffering.

The pharaohs had their day, so will the modern day ones.

You CAN break me but it will be the will of God that will break you, I may be watching from heaven but I will see the day.

Fly straight and make right with God or reap what you sow.

I must admit to you that I was extremely angry when I read the article in the newspaper this morning because I didn't see anything of tremendous accomplishments to warrant such a tremendous pay increase. The average increase for employees nationwide is about 3.5% and the average raise for the city of Victoria employees was 3%.

It is very troublesome to me that despite the current economic downturn that have caused many to lose their jobs, yet our city officials had the conscious to vote for this atrocity. The argument for the pay increase lacks logic and reasonable explanation.

Aside from all of the emotions, anxieties and feelings of anger about this colossal pay increase. It is of the utmost importance that we are vigilant in our approach and logic here and not just emotions or what feels good. Here are few of the things that should have been taken into consideration before the vote that was taken in haste.

1- Cost of Living between Victoria and the comparison city or cities (Food, Utilities, Housing, etc.)
2- Median Household Income between Victoria and the comparison city or cities
3- The income per Capita
4- Size of Budget
5- Size of City Revenues
6- Tax Base
7- Number of Employees
8- Number of Direct Reports (Department Heads)… do other cities have an “Assistant City Manager”?
9- Challenges & Responsibilities
10- Benefits (Medical & Dental)
11- Car Allowance - $7000 is way too much… how many miles does he drive on behalf of the city? Based on the IRS reimbursement rate of 55 cents/mile, he should be driving 12,000+ miles on behalf of the city. I doubt he’s doing that.
12- Deferred Compensation – $19,000 - Is this based on % of base pay? Will this increase of his pay is increased?

Additionally:

1- What goals were set for him in the last performance review?
2- Did he accomplish such goals?
3- What is the satisfaction level among city employees?
4- Was he subjected to a 360* review process?
5- What is the turn over rate for the city?

Furthermore, I’m certain that you know that there are many other jobs within the city and in the private sector pay less than the average of a comparable city, simply because there are many variables.

Sorry, Matt, but I have done my homework, and I am not lying for James or anyone else.

Show me your proof. I know what you believe, but show me the proof.

fairminded--
Actually, I agree with you. I stated early on this was crazy. 16% is still crazy. Will firefighters and law enforcement get 14, 15 or 16%? I doubt it, and that will be a shame.

But, just because I agree with you, don't be getting the big head!

I think you're right Matt...

I think an investigation is in order...

How come they didn't vote a raise for Charmelle? I hear she's the one that really runs the city... Charles is just a figure head and poor people skills...

So why did the vote had to happen last night? why did Armstrong push for a vote? he should've provided the council more time to review and receive feedbackand information so that they may make sound decisions and vote accordingly?

fairminded--

"However, there is that occasional item that falls from the sky."

No, Armstrong did not have Martinez signs at either his home or his business. That is a fact.

Armstrong and Halepaska are not the same person. That is a fact.

Hagan may say he's met with Tyler only twice, but who knows? Being 'tied to someone' and being in a partnership are two different things.

Armstrong did not do any fund raising for Martinez. That is a fact.

Armstrong did not introduce Martinez to Hagan. That is a fact.

Halepaska did put Martinez signs up at his business, and hosted a meet and greet at the same location. This is a fact.

Now, if you want to discuss this further and show me your proof, you know how to use the Advocate's contact stuff. Feel free to contact me.

Smarteepantz: The subject of Windwehen’s performance and pay increase has only come up once… Yesterday. The council didn’t discuss this issue before. The review & pay increase was due on the first week of April… Why wasn’t it discussed then? I bet you it had something to do with the elections…. Polasek wouldn’t have been voted in a second term…. Which is now is going to be his last…

Okay, Matt--

I don’t think your dislike of Tyler has anything to do with how well he does his job. You’ve been very vocal about how he’s been a problem for you. Why try to indicate differently?

Hagan is aligned with Tyler. It is well documented that Tyler and Hagan met on several occasions to discuss what the City Council was doing behind closed doors. The only thing in question here is which time Hagan was lying—the time he said Tyler contacted him first, or the time he said he contacted Tyler first. Neither party is disputing the contacts.

Hagan is CRG—first signature on their charter amendments petition, accepted Jack Mullins’ campaign contribution. He does enjoy their support.

This is the myth—Armstrong picked Martinez. I visited with James at the very beginning of his decision to run, and no one recruited him. I worked on his campaign. Armstrong had nothing to do with James’ decision to run. That was the myth that many Hagan followers spread to drum up negative sentiment.

As for most of the rest of you—Please, please educate yourself on how City Government works. Understand the process so you can understand what is going on. The actions taken by City Council do not just drop out of the blue. Just because YOU are not aware of something being voted on does not mean it hasn’t possibly been discussed to death. Budgets are set well in advance, and budgeted money is spent along the way. However, there is that occasional item that falls from the sky.

Advocate—perhaps this would be a good series for you to do. Become useful—educate the fine citizens of Victoria on how City Government works. We’ll never convince them to attend City Council meetings, but maybe they’ll read it here, and actually learn a thing or two.

I totally agree with a rasie in order to bring him up to "Fair Market Value".........................under these conditions.

Let's make sure that everyone from sanitation workers, Fire Fightrs, Administrative Assistants, Traffic Control technicians, Municipal Court clerks, Animal Control employees, etc., etc., etc., are all being paid the "Fair Market Value" comparable to other employees in cities our size.

I am actually somewhat dissappointed that Windwehen took the raise so readily, and didn't publicly demand that his employee's pay be analyzed and given the same consideration for a raise that he was given.

Windwehen missed a Golden opportunity to win his employees respect, and truly make an impact as a "leader".

Hopefully the city takes a long hard look at the salaries of the people that actually work and make the city go round?

I encourage all to send this e-link to other sizeable cities and lets see how many "APPLY" here with better pay, half the budget, cheaper COLA and of course! new schools.

would we face systematic failure as a City by not giving a raise? NO, the city appears not to be in any financial crisis. So why do we need a raise so overwhelming to laymens???? How about 3-5%, and why not discuss his performance for several meetings?

of course we have a 'floating' city atty so was this a legal vote just because a quorum was present. Just smells like bull-caca to me!

As the wife of a city police officer, I should hope the council will look at raising the police officer's pay with that of the same comparative cities. I don't think the citizens realize how much of their personal lives they do give up to do their jobs. Yes they chose the profession, but it shouldn't be for low wages.

One more thing. Does anyone know if this is front page news on the printed edition? If it isn't, and the VicAd threw some stupid colors or most powerful on the front instead, then we truly know who they are working for and it isn't the citizens.

This sounds like the perfect opportunity for VicAd to make the people known and try to organize some sort of rally or meeting for the citizens.

This is just another fine example of poor leadership by council members. The city of Victoria is in a economic downturn and the city leaders are giving a 16% pay raise to the city manager, that is nothing more than out right stupidity. When this city needs to be cutting back on the budget in order to make street improvements. We need a remove each of these council members that voted on this pay issue.. I say this to those council members that voted on this pay raise, you better get out and drive around your city so that you might obtain a better understanding as to what is going on in Victoria..

This is indeed a slap in the face of Victoria citizens, especially small bussiness owners. Check all the signs going down at the strip malls. Talk to the un-employed industrial plant workers. If the CM wants a raise drive over and apply for the job in Sugarland. BTW check out the Sugarland website. When th CM gets Victoria going like that, give him a raise!! City Council needs to get real!!!

Matt--you confuse me.

It seems to me you are:

Anti-Tyler. Pro Hagan. Yet, Hagan is tied to Tyler.

Anti-Grumpy Old Men. Pro-Hagan. Yet, Hagan is tied to the GOM.

How are you able to separate all of that out?

And James Martinez is not sitting on the Council, so why bring him up? He wasn't voting last night. We can all sit around and play 'what if', but the reality is you don't know.

In yesterdays article, Armstrong said,
"It would be very easy to make this a political issue. If we do, I think that would be a mistake."
Well, I think that Armstrong, and the other council members that voted in favor of the raise, made a big mistake. Everything that the council votes on is a political issue, and the majority of the council does not care what John Q. Public thinks.

I guess Mr. Windwehen will now be able to afford to hire Mr. Armstrongs moving company when he decides to move on to "greener pastures".

Thumbs up to Mr. Hagan, and Soliz for voting against this motion.

THAT IS WRONG FOR THAT PERSON TO GET A RAISE. YOU HAVE PEOPLE WITH COLLEGE DEGREE THAT DO NOT EVEN MAKE 30, 000 A YEAR WORKING FOR THE COUNTY. THOSE ARE THE JOBS THAT HAVE HIGH TURN OVER IN THE JOB MARKET.

this is Bull-CACA!!!!!!

goes to show the people that once voted in--members vote as they please and not what the people want. How much 'thought' was put into this idea. Pollard voted for this too???? Anyone know?

Looks like we will know who NOT to vote for in the next election. Good for the 2 members that voted no...you will have my vote!!

This is a sad day, a slap in the face to the citizens, and to all the other city employees. I just dont understand it, at all.