Saturday, August 28, 2010

He's Back

Dear readers, sorry for taking so long to get this out.

Local liar and bad guy, MOB, is back. He has written ANOTHER letter, this time kindly thanking the council for validating him by way of the independent investigation.

Any apologies for wasting the citizens of Woodway's money on his lies? Nope. Any apologies to Yost for slander? Nope. Any remorse for his actions? Of course not. His "gracious" letter is a thank you note to the mayor and council for acting on his lies and slander without him having to provide one single piece of evidence.

Strange, this is the same MOBster that did not have the courage to show up at the council meeting when the results were presented. This is the same MOBster that claims to speak for the Woodway majority, yet he must protect this group and not reveal their identities.

Folks, this is Mike O'Bric 101. The only rules he wants to follow are his own, the only "Truth" is in his head. But why the "nice" tone of this letter, when all others have been venom?

He still wants the city to settle his wife's lawsuit against Yost and the city. Not only will Karen profit if that happens, but he will too. They share and share alike. Also, he doesn't want the city to look into Karen's improprieties as manager at the Arboretum. Not only would that hurt her lawsuit against the city, but she could conceivably become the defendant of a lawsuit by the city to demand rightful funds she withheld for personal gain. Unlike the MOBster's wild claims, there is evidence of her questionable actions in the city records -- I have seen it.

But probably the most immediate reason is MOB believes he has friends on the council. He contributed to their campaigns, directly and indirectly. Some have acknowledged this, some have not claimed his contribution or tried to hide it. He also invested personal time in their campaigns to be elected, and greeted them at a victory party.

Yes, the MOBster believes he has friends on the council - and why not? Have you heard any of the new members publicly state they stand against MOB and his agenda? No? Have any publicly said they will not tolerate his lies? Have you heard any of them state that Michael O'Bric and those that donated to his cause should reimburse the city for the cost of the independent investigation? No? Then ask yourself a simple question..... WHY NOT?

The mayor stated the independent investigation cost $25,000 -- that is not true. That only represents the portion of the bill by Barney Knight. To be accurate, it must include money spent with the two city attorneys, as well as time spent by city employees gathering information. My best guess is $40,000 to $60,000. This is a huge amount of taxpayer money just to provide a second investigation of the internal investigation which also found no merit to the allegations. Remember that internal investigation was directed and managed by the new council.

The time has come for the city council to "man up". The council was so relieved to walk away from this matter that they forgot a crucial part of the healing process. They must now speak up for their actions as individuals and not hide behind a group dynamic. They must state their relationship to MOB past, present, and future. If they don't, the MOBster will hang around and ask them for more time, unjustified injury, and money to be spent for his evil crusade.

The council spent thousands and thousands of our tax dollars on this wild goose chase, even after some ran on a platform to bring integrity and financial responsibility to city leadership. Since they are reluctant to be forth coming, I will do my part to help them find personal integrity. In my next blog I will layout how much money and funds each member of the council received, new and returning members, and how MOB was involved.

Friday, August 20, 2010

The Truth Means Trouble

The Truth means trouble.

On Tuesday night, Truth persevered. Again. Ah, the Truth. It's not as sexy or as exciting as Lies, but it's much more durable. It's definitely more defensible. It keeps good company, standing shoulder to shoulder with Faith and Justice. Lies can seem invincible with impressive wins for fame and fortune, but in the end, Truth usually comes out on top. And when it does, Truth means trouble.

First let's talk about Tuesday night. Before a packed house, special investigator Barney Knight presented his findings after a closed session by the City Council. With an initial statement, Barney announced the innocence of Yost Zachary. The room erupted in cheers and celebration.Barney expanded on his findings, but the results remained - innocent of allegations. Mayor Weber then read a thoughtful statement that was to represent the council as a whole. It was evident these were his words, and I believe they were heartfelt. Mayor Weber reiterated Yost's innocence, noted the admirable way Yost held up during the whole ordeal, noted the burden to his life and family, and expressed his belief that everything is complete and the city must now move forward. This was followed by each council member giving a short statement, followed by four citizen's being allowed time to express their feelings. With that, a collective sigh was breathed and the meeting adjourned.

It 's hard to describe if you weren't there, but the meeting had a flow and feeling all it's own. It was a feeling of accomplishment, of certain progress. For Yost, it was vindication, the release of a crushing weight. For those who supported Yost, it was the recognition of justice served. For those that advanced MOB's agenda of lies, it was a feeling of relief to walk away from a situation that had become untenable. Everyone had a reason to feel good. Banners waved, politicians politicized. What was not evident was the restraint exercised by folks like myself that understand what else this means. It means trouble.

I found the individual statements by each council member revealing. With no emotion, Mayor Pro-Tem Gil Lillard stated this was over and time to focus on the City Bar-B-Que. Councilman Jane Kitner is eager to focus on the Arboretum. Professor Garner stated that although he thought "where there was smoke there was fire", he is now finally convinced there is "no grand conspiracy". Mayor Weber along with Councilmen Baker, Giddings, and Scibielski offered thoughtful and compassionate reflections. More about that later.

Preparing for this post, I came upon the Waco Trib editorial dated Thursday August 19th. By the time I reached the end, I had an epiphany. It was this -- that the Truth would mean trouble.

Point of Reference -- Epiphany: a sudden intuitive perception or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple or commonplace experience or occurrence. Like reading the paper.

I agree with many of the thoughts voiced in the editorial, well at least in the first column. But as the editorial progressed, I was dumb founded by two glaring omissions. The first was this-- as the editors laid blame to O'Bric and those that carried his message, they never once acknowledged the damage done by the Trib. As professional wordsmiths, they fully understand how their story presentation can validate one viewpoint over another. From pre-election until halfway through the summer, the Trib was reckless in their representation of events. Numerous times they would reiterate MOB's allegations while giving no presentation of facts. They would print pictures of MOB and KOB smiling, Yost with a frown. In June I asked Trib reporter Erin Quinn why she never checked Mike's allegations for truth. She point blank told me that was not her job; that she simply reported what was alleged and it was up to readers to determine what was real. In a follow up conversation, I asked why her articles were weighted to MOB's perspective - she said no one else seemed interested in talking to her. I replied no one trusted her due to her bias presentations. Then as her articles became more equitable, Trib headlines screamed sensational bylines. Headlines are approved by managers, not by reporters, so this points to a selfish desire on the paper's part to serve their own interest over fidelity to the story.

Secondly, was the editorial statement that "we shouldn't judge those who demanded investigations too harshly. In the face of serious allegations, city leaders were right to order investigations, one internal, one independent - the last costing local taxpayers $25,000".

Excuse me for a second, I feel a little throw-up in my throat. There, that's better. This is nothing more than a self-serving statement to provide cover in a "sheepskin" of compassion.

Epiphany Revelation: A fundamental problem with leadership today is that they want the benefits of power without the burden of responsibility and accountability. Point in case, there never were serious allegations, only unfounded, wildly worded allegations by one man. NO PROOF WAS EVER OFFERED BY MIKE O'BRIC. NO PROOF WAS EVER UNCOVERED BY THE TRIB OR AN INTERNAL INVESTIGATION BY THE NEW COUNCIL. The new council is made up of a majority of new members, all that had the campaign support of MOB. How do you develop the logic that if this group, our new leaders, can't find any foundation for these allegations, that the citizens should pay for an additional independent investigation? That is precisely the kind of thing that fuels the Tea Party movement. Did you read the 40+ page report? Even investigator Barney Knight acknowledged how silly some of allegations are. So no, there never was any proof of serious allegations. And $25,000 is not the real price tag of this last investigation -- that only covers Barney Knight's fees. When you add in the cost of the city attorney fees plus time spent by staff members to collect data for the investigation, the price tag will more likely be between $40,000 -- $60,000. The Trib should and would know this if they took the time to verify statements made by others.

For the city to fully heal, we must ensure this situation is not repeatable, with MOB or the next deceiver that comes along. We must be diligent and examine all the reasons we got to this point. We must review the decision making process of our leadership, and have full disclosure of all the facts - costs, allegiance's, etc. We must know the extent of their MOB relationships and have public statements from them that they no longer adhere to his agenda. They must be scrutinized and held accountable for their actions. Our leaders should have no objection being held to the same standards we expect from our city employees. And that is why the Truth means trouble -- our civic leaders must be held accountable to the same standards they exact on others. When they weld power, it must be with the understanding that they too must justify their actions both ethically and financially. When they don't, then there must be a consequence. They can not be above reproach. Without accountability and it's personal ramifications, expect more power abuse in the name of personal agendas and "allegations".

And for our friends at the Trib, get out the Caster Oil. "Physician, heal thyself".

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Investigation Culmination

Regardless of aim, the string has been freed, the bow's job done. The arrow of Justice has flown through multiple allegations and investigations, destined to strike on Tuesday. The impact of this event will culminate months of energy and effort, both good and bad. Per the city of Woodway website, a special meeting has been called for Tuesday August 17th @ 5:30pm. Here is the agenda as posted:

1. Invocation
2. Executive Session ( Closed to Public) Private review by Council of the results.
3. Open Session ( Open to Public) Public report of Investigation and action by Council responding to those results.
4. Public Comment Time
5. Close.

Point of Reference - The agenda states this investigation is a response to allegations made by a citizen ( singular).

I encourage everyone to attend, especially Mike O'Bric. He has labored for years to make this happen and convinced the city council to spend a huge sum of our tax dollars to satisfy his quest. He started it, he drove it. The council empowered it. This investigation is really for MOB and those that supported his agenda of lies. Now it's done, and the results are in.

The finish of this whole affair is in the hands of the seated City Council. Two new council members have now recorded in writing that their campaigns were funded by MOB. A third one has big questions about his funding, with indications it went through MOB's grass roots campaign organization. So, when presented with the results, we will find out what each council member is really made of.

Since they authorized a large expenditure of city funds for this legal investigation (after their own internal audit found no basis or merit to the allegations), I find it only right and fair that each councilman bring closure for citizens and make a summary statement. Citizens deserve to know and must hear:

1.Their individual feelings on Mike O'Bric's allegations.
2.If they each believe Yost is innocent in regards to the investigated allegations.
3.What they believe Yost is due at this point - a reprimand or apology.
4. Their personal statement of confidence in Yost.
5.What, if any, other investigations or plans concerning Yost do they plan to act on in the next year.

This meeting will set the framework for the immediate future of Yost, the sitting Council, the City of Woodway, city employees, and citizens. Pray for truth, root for justice. Accept nothing less.

The house will be packed, so come early. See you there.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

What to Expect from MOB

The independent investigation of Yost Zakhary has been completed and the results due back in the next couple of weeks. As noted in my last blog, Mayor Weber said these results will first be reviewed by the council in closed session. Following the closed portion, the meeting will be opened to the public and the results detailed for citizens. Afterwards, a motion will be made and the council will vote. They can vote to accept the results, vote to reject the results, or make a motion altogether different. What they can't do is sit on the fence any longer. After this special meeting, each councilman will have placed on record, in one way or another, the following:
1. Whether or not they believe MOB allegations are truthful and have merit.
2. Whether City Manager Yost Zahkary committed any wrongful behavior or unlawful acts.

The results affect everyone involved - Yost, current council members, past council members,
citizens, and the O'Brics. So let's talk about the OBs.

Based on everything revealed to date, I believe there will be no big surprises and Yost's reputation will be restored. When that happens, what will MOB do?

If he makes the meeting, expect a defiant speech. He will cry foul, saying a conspiracy against the good citizens was carried out in the dark of night. He will wail how his "brave wife" has been humiliated and persecuted. He will stress how the REAL evidence was destroyed or manipulated by those loyal to Yost. He will talk of travesty. He will also tell everyone of the great personal toll this has taken on his health and that of Karen. In short, he will say and do all the things he has done in the past, accepting no responsibility for his damaging actions. If he doesn't make the meeting, expect the same rantings in letter form.

MOB is a creature of habit. If he can get press from the paper, he will rehash his conspiracy theory. If television news comes calling, expect him to hide once more. Then as the attention wains and the spotlight fades, expect the following -- MOB will begin to hunt for a new victim. He will look for some organization eager for "hands on" help, an organization with a good reputation that needs active participants. When he finds such a group, expect "the cycle" to begin all over.

If you see MOB surface in another group, take courage and ask that group if they know about Mike, really know about Mike. If they don't, do the right thing and share the truth.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

The Deafening Silence

For weeks now, it's been growing. And now it's so loud, it practically drowns out everything else. Hear that -- or rather don't hear that? It's the overwhelming silence, the noise that is gone. What happened? Where did it go? Is it coming back?

"The Silence". Like a child maturing into a good adult, it is the product of caring people, family, and friends. It is the culmination of perseverance and dedication to noble principals that serve the greater good we call Woodway. The principals of self-sacrifice over self-service, of truth over slander. It represents the idea that right is might, that good things are worth fighting for.


So what has been silenced?

1. The lies of Micheal O'Bric. MOB, who has hurt more area people than he ever helped, has suddenly quit spewing his poison. He has prematurely ended his "victory lap" and disappeared. Edmund Burke once said " All that's necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." MOB was on his way to proving just that. Except out of these dark days good men AND WOMEN of Woodway decided to put a stop to his madness. They stood up in public, stood face to face with MOB, and challenged his allegations. They championed facts over fiction, truth over slander. Their courage became contagious. It led to interest by local television, the first media to really question MOB and ask for proof. Next thing you know, Saddam O'Bric not only jumped down his spider hole, but he and Karen called the Woodway Police and wanted charges against Channel 10 News for trespassing when they rang the doorbell and asked for an audience. MOB, the man in love with printed media when they were repeating his fabrications, demanded police protection from broadcast media when they put him under the microscope. Folks, some things you just can't make up.


2. The Support for MOB. Since May, those demanding justice have grown in numbers and voice. Conversely, those supporting the MOB agenda have strangely lost their voice. Maybe the mounting facts have become too much for them to bear. Maybe they've actually had a change of heart, feeling deceived themselves. No matter they are silent. Hey, what about the grass roots group that Mike claimed to be the leader of, Woodway Citizens Concerned For Good City Government? Remember, pre-election, how they were suppose to be afraid? Not afraid of supporting a man with no ethics in his quest to damage others, but oddly afraid to have their name mentioned for fear of retribution?

Well, their candidates not only won, but became the majority. And with that, suddenly there was no reason to hide. The candidates they supported control the council. So, where are they at city meetings -- who are they? Why haven't they come forward with pride at their accomplishment, proud of their association with MOB? Ollie, Ollie, Oxen, All In Free!

Mayor Weber announced last night that at the next appointed council meeting, he believes the final investigation will be complete and results presented to the council. After closed session, the council will then come out and the findings presented to the public. Then the council will have to vote publicly on a final response. Come early, it should be interesting. Please save a seat for Mike.

Next week - What to Expect From MOB