NPS ends silence on Latschar

Harrisburg wrote:

Technically, it sounds like what is called a lateral transfer, in merit/civil service system speak. A lateral transfer IS a movement to a position at the same GS level and pay grade so there is no reduction of pay or benefits as a result. In real world terms, it IS a demotion to be sent anywhere other than a promotion from an assignment like Gettysburg NMP.
Any or all of you may not like this. Whether you do or not is your business. What you see is only the tip of the iceberg, the part that the person leaking the report wanted you to see. Disciplinary actions in merit/civil service and unionized systems require that management have just cause for whatever action is taken and that includes a complex host of factors, including what has been done to others who have committed the same offense. It appears that action that the NPS took about the offense and which it believe could be defended under the just cause standard had already occurred. This would have been handled confidentially as is legally required for federal personnel matters. This seems more like Secy. Salazar taking action to end an embarassing PR situation by doing as much as is within his authority to do without violating the merit protection rules.

AMAZED wrote:

The next thing that crosses my mind is are we still going to be paying forLatschar to live in a NPS house in Gettysburg at the taxpayer's expense ?

Spitonya wrote:

Lots more doubletalk and Newspeak from Harrisburg, as usual. Funny how she mentioned the word "merit" and felt it applied to this case. This has been one of the least meritorious situations in which the National Porn Service has ever found itself (at least so far as we in the proletariat know).

former chief wrote:

I am so displeased with this situation I can't make a serious comment. The fact of the matter is Government workers is held at a different standard of which we the people don't understand. This is just a part of what is coming down the road with the government we have in place in DC. now. They promised change look what is already happened and I can't see it getting better. War, Economy, Health is just some of the issues that this administration leaders can't seem to make serious decisions. Happy Days Wayne

Sharon Sheppard wrote:

<quoted text>
Will all due respect "Harrisburg", I believe you are incorrect about what you believe is our "business". WE (taxpayers) are paying for the salaries of each and everyone in government - whether elected or part of this bloated bureaucracy that was created by elected officials)- It IS our business to know if our money is being spent efficiently. What ANY employee does in their own house is their business. Whether YOU think (as a bureaucrat, I assume) that this individual's "lateral transfer" is appropriate is of little importance. Why should we accept policies for those working for US that WE cannot have in the REAL world? WE are tired of NO accountability. If you want something JUST do it and send the bill to us - Game OVER!
I did not know this person - I have no agenda here. There are rules for ALL of us. If you do not like a law, you do not ignore it without expectation of consequence. I suspect that there are many out there who may have used their computers inappropriately on the clock - this is NOT productive and essentially that person is "stealing" - think about it. Would you want to pay someone for the time it took to mow your lawn and be happy if you found them in your garage on their cell phone? This man was a leader - he should be held to a higher standard.
This situation speaks to a larger concern about the way this country operates - WE ARE DISGUSTED. Maybe it's time to change not just this policy regarding this so-called "demotion" but a complete overhaul - about time!

Sam wrote:

Latschar should have been fired. GOOD RIDDANCE.
Other government workers who looked on the internet at far less offensive content have been fired.
I would also like to know if the new job was magically created for him once this story hit the media. Plus it's in Frederick, MD, an easy commute from his house.
The Park Service must be horribly corrupt. Get rid of them all.

Sharon Sheppard wrote:

<quoted text>
Will all due respect "Harrisburg", I believe you are incorrect about what you believe is our "business". WE (taxpayers) are paying for the salaries of each and everyone in government - whether elected or part of this bloated bureaucracy that was created by elected officials)- It IS our business to know if our money is being spent efficiently. What ANY employee does in their own house is their business. Whether YOU think (as a bureaucrat, I assume) that this individual's "lateral transfer" is appropriate is of little importance. Why should we accept policies for those working for US that WE cannot have in the REAL world? WE are tired of NO accountability. If you want something JUST do it and send the bill to us - Game OVER!
I did not know this person - I have no agenda here. There are rules for ALL of us. If you do not like a law, you do not ignore it without expectation of consequence. I suspect that there are many out there who may have used their computers inappropriately on the clock - this is NOT productive and essentially that person is "stealing" - think about it. Would you want to pay someone for the time it took to mow your lawn and be happy if you found them in your garage on their cell phone? This man was a leader - he should be held to a higher standard.
This situation speaks to a larger concern about the way this country operates - WE ARE DISGUSTED. Maybe it's time to change not just this policy regarding this so-called "demotion" but a complete overhaul - about time!