The real OBs. We've all seen the letters. We've all heard the lies. We've all seen the self promotion. Who are they really - what kind of people are they?
I described the OB "Cycle" in my 5/23 post - how they enter an organization, volunteering and working hard, gaining a position with responsibility. Then their attacks begin on any who oppose their goal of ultimate power. I've described two other local organizations they have run " the Cycle" on -- Baylor's Track Program, and the Marine Corp League. Let me offer a little more information on each.
With Baylor, MOB volunteered to help. He was described as helpful, and in return was asked to help with track events. What you may not know is why the OBs chose the track program. It was because one of their closest family members was a track athlete for Baylor during this time. Unfortunately, MOB wanted to start telling and demanding things from the paid professionals at Baylor. By example, MOB demanded a key to the stadium so he could come and go at will, and wanted a mailbox at the stadium with his name on it. It went on from there, and Baylor's track program had no choice but to severe the relationship with MOB. By the way, letters were written - surprised?
At Baylor, MOB was sent off. The Marine Corps League situation ended in a stronger reprimand. Do your homework and discover that the Marines had their veteran's organization federally chartered in 1923. This organization is the Marine Corps League, and they are represented at the national, state, and local level. Their website states they are over 76,000 members strong. Besides the good work they do with Marine Veterans, they also have programs to teach youth values of "honesty, courage, and respect" . After arriving in Waco from California, MOB sought out and joined the local chapter. He became Adjunct Paymaster ( the equivalent of a Treasurer ) then began "the cycle". Two honorable men stood in his way - Commandant Ken Bates and Joe Martinez. MOB began writing letters to everyone in the organization with lies about these men. He also describes himself as the only honest, self sacrificing individual. I have seen the letters, and the slander goes on, but here is the important part. The Marine Corps League investigated, called MOB to a hearing, which I am told he refused to attend. In the end, the Marine Corps League expelled MOB from the organization for his actions. Since MOB is always promoting his past accomplishments as a marine, this is a telling piece he leaves out of his resume.
So, what happened to MOB, why did he suddenly change when arriving in Waco? The answer is he didn't - he came with habits intact. On a website for a military prep school, MOB lists among his accomplishments that he was a school district superintendent. According to the LA Times, that's not quite true. In one of his California employments, MOB became an assistant superintendent in the Bellflower Unified School District ( Los Angeles area). An August 13, 1978 article notes MOB as a subject of controversy among trustees ( school board members) and the community. The controversy revolved around his performance and self promotion to a higher paying job classification. An article written one month later describes MOB as a man of questioned credentials, and notes he came from the Fountain Valley United School District. At Fountain Valley as well, MOB was a point of controversy due to questionable credentials. By 1979, the LA Times writes that five key administrators left the Bellflower District, with only one administrator left --- MOB, assistant superintendent for planning and operations. Several former employees complain of overwork and dissatisfaction with the administration. This real life example shows the damage done when MOB gets the power he craves.
MOB is a man of controversy where ever he goes. One more piece of his past from California makes this even more interesting. The Jan 1978 article notes that the man in question was originally named Micheal Brick and that he changed his name to Micheal O'Bric during this time frame. In California, my understanding is that there are two main reasons men change their name - to seek a career in Hollywood, or to run from something in their past. Did MOB ever tell any of his candidates about his past? Did they ask before embracing his agenda? I don't know, but the implications are scary.
Allow me to reflect about KOB. I have said that MOB and KOB are inseparable. What one is involved in, so is the other. At the first council meeting MOB spoke on record and said he had nothing to do with KOBs lawsuit. That is a lie. MOB personally sent me two letters last year when I was on council, letters from the attorney representing KOB. The letters contain his name as well as hers. Once again, MOB is caught in a lie. Secondly, at the third council meeting I disclosed a problem I discovered concerning KOB denying revenue to the city of Woodway. I pointed the direction and told the new council it needed to be investigated. Two days later Councilman Garner had announced on his blog site that the OBs explained it away.
This says many things. For starters, Chuck is now conducting city business through his blog.He obviously is not worried about the ethical implications of this action as a city representative. With the overwhelming tide of facts to the contrary, Chuck did not look at city records, he simply turned once again to Bricopedia for his information. I have a written document, sent by KOB last year, listing all the Arboretum donors eligible for free rentals. KOB is not on that list, a list that came from her. A list that I believe will be confirmed as truth. Chuck is demonstrating a double standard - put Yost under the microscope, but accept the OBs version of the "truth" without investigation. Sadly, Chuck's actions suggest he is still eager to please the OBs or repay their help in his election. I still hold out hope that the remaining council members will look into how KOB cut unapproved "special deals" with groups like the unofficial track booster club.
One note of clarification. I find anyone that got a "deal" from KOB innocent. They simply took advantage of a great offer, something any group would do. KOB on the other hand, should never have bent the rules - not as a city employee. The irony is that the couple crying foul of everyone elses actions are the actual abusers.
So here are the real OBs. Verifiable. Next blog - What Needs to Happen Next.
