Paper Bullets

The 3 P’s - Perception, Perspective, and Performance

10/21/2013

The 3 P’s - Perception, Perspective, and Performance
By:Steve Trubilla

For a number of months I have been focused on what many believe to be serious problems here in Franklin County; strategic planning for economic development,   management/maintenance of facilities, conduct of officials, the preservation of historical documents, and the general posture and direction we are going in.

I did not just wake up one morning and pick these topics. Some of you shared your thoughts with me and asked I consider speaking to them in this column.

From the outset I knew there would be some animosity and blow back as I pursued this, but did not think it would rise to the level it has.

As of late most local officials treat me like a relative that is trying to borrow money from them. Cordial, when I see them, but “sorry I have to go”.

I have been cautioned that large sums of money and people’s jobs are involved with this, and I should be mindful what I was doing could be dangerous.

Note to self, check for strange wires before starting car.

I never considered what I was doing to be dangerous, but upon reflection I guess it could be if someone were trying to hide something and thought they were about to be exposed.

I am very confident that if such a condition exists it is isolated, not some grand conspiracy, and if it were known to most others in leadership they would expose it. I know some will say I am naïve.

The truth is, most involved in our local government are good and honorable people.

To say the least what I found is both shocking and disheartening. It however did not support the charge many make that corruption is pervasive.

My review did however bring overall competence into question. Boy I can hear it now; “there I go again attacking people”.

Well sports fans slow down a bit, this is not an attack. The facts are what they are. Collectively either many people know what they are doing and they are not good at it, or they have no idea what they are doing and are trying.

I have not asked hard or even unreasonable questions. Any competent diligent leader, manager, or supervisor would ask the same questions in the conduct of their duties.

Unequivocally I can tell you there are people that are not being held accountable. It has, and will continue to cost you money unless it is addressed. I am not talking about a few dollars, the numbers are staggering.

Now please think about this for a minute. Why does this condition exist?

As it relates to our current county commissioners, are they all just bad people, no of course not. Most are good people dealing with difficult issues, and are making sacrifices to serve our community. It is important that we always remember this.

Let us examine how we select most officials. It has very little to do with ability, and much more to do with popularity, personality, and a sales pitch. We elect these people the same way high school kids pick a prom queen.

Then when elected, they are then expected to do what amounts to a full time important job with part time hours.

Does it make sense to pick our leaders this way?

Many currently in office hold down full time jobs, it is how they feed their families. When it comes right down to it where do you think the priority is? Where would your priority be?

This said, I am not making excuses for them. They ran for the office because they wanted the job, now they are expected to do the job.

By the way it’s the same way we pick our national leaders, and look at that mess. So Franklin County is not unique.

I had a conversation with someone in authority recently and posed this question. Given what I have exposed why is it simply just not acted on? After all I did not make reckless charges. I supported what I   offered with facts.

I was told the perception may be I was just being seen as an irritant. That many people work very hard and are tired of hearing the negative. I guess to a point I can understand this. However, perception is not always reality. The facts are what they are; if it is wrong fix it. Three day old fish do not smell better on the fourth day.

It is easy to shoot the messenger if you do not like the message. This reminds me of a story I heard about a scout that shot a runner after he had delivered a dispatch.

The question: why did you shoot him? The answer: because I could. The captain asked, “Do I have any volunteers? It appears we need a new runner”.

Humm, I wonder why so few people attend meetings?

Where do we go from here?   Tell me what you want to read about. Email me at [email protected].

0 Comments

“A lesson even a puppy can learn”

10/16/2013

2 Comments

16 Oct 2013

“A lesson even a puppy can learn”

To pick up from my lead in from last week, “What you say is only your opinion; you are not legitimate or validated.”

This in part is what I was told by a long time sitting county commissioner when I contacted him to extend a little courtesy.

He made it clear he was not happy with my commentary on how the board in general is disrespectful to citizens when they appear and ask questions.

In as much as he characterized what I had to say as nothing more than my opinion, let me share something that is just my opinion. Some feel a way of teaching a puppy not to do its business on the floor is to “put his nose” in it.   Well that is what I did. My hope was that like the puppy he/they may learn from it. Clearly he did not.

In his infinite wisdom somehow it was lost to him that his response validated what I had captured on the board’s deportment; arrogance, pure unabashed arrogance.

There is a movement sweeping across this country right now to tell politicians “we the people” are sick and tired of this.

The following is the text from a letter I have sent to the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners. I do not expect a response. If I get one it will most likely be generic. They are not listening. Evidence; next month’s Economic Development meeting has been cancelled.

To: The Franklin County, North Carolina, Board of County Commissioners
From: Steve Trubilla

I have given considerable thought to a recent telephone conversation I had with a board member. My purpose in contacting the member was to extend the courtesy of letting him know I was going to mention his name in an article I was going to write.

It was not a veiled effort to engage him or the pursuit of an agenda. Just a consideration I felt he deserved.

Over an extended period he and I have had casual contact. To my remembrance I have never done anything to purposefully offend him. To the contrary during those rare moments we have spoken I have made the conscious effort to be courteous.

During the conversation he expressed his displeasure with my characterization, in a recent article concerning the board’s deportment towards citizens.

I understand the piece was not complimentary and can appreciate how he may feel about it. In deference to his view this is more than my opinion. The audio record of meetings shows questions are not answered and the statement of “are you done?” was made.

My commentary on this was in part a reporting of what many have told me. I would also share with you I have been told there are members on the board that do not disagree with much of what I wrote.

The more I study, learn and research, the clearer it becomes that there are serious oversight and managerial problems within the county.

With ease I can point to many hundreds of thousands of dollars that are about to be expended for simply failing to do preventative maintenance. This is but one example I can cite to support my assertion.

A proposition is true if it corresponds with reality. There are overwhelming facts to support what I am saying on this.

If you would care to, take the country’s maintenance management program under review and you will clearly see it. Please know I am not making this up. There are senior officials in the county that I believe if asked will be more than willing to attest to this.

I am not pointing this out to entertain myself, to agitate others, or to set up adversarial relationships. I would like you to consider the possibility that the effort I have expended may hold value. Others are actually being paid to address this. What I am doing is not costing the county one dime.

During the conduct of the above referenced telephone conversation the board member clearly stated he felt I am not “legitimate” and I have not been “validated” by anyone. That he is an elected official and   anyone having issues with him could address them at the polls.

I found the board member’s comments to me to be at the very least disingenuous and a bit arrogant. In the context of all of this I am a concerned citizen, as such certainly relevant, and did nothing more than extend a little common courtesy.

Given that we live in a time when most are not willing to do anything one would expect those that are would minimally be shown a little courtesy and respect.

This board member’s response to me speaks to the core of the column that he took so personally.

I did not mean to offend anyone. However I am not going to apologize for stating what is by this member’s rebuke self-evident.

As you may know I write a column for “The Franklin Times.” I will be addressing the subject matter of the letter in a future article. I will, out of respect for the board, not mention anyone’s name specifically. It is the bigger issue that has captured my interest.

I would like this letter to be read publically at your next meeting, and request this letter be made part of the public record.

Respectfully,

Steve Trubilla

Franklin County please attend meetings, write email, and letters to the editor. Put their nose in it!

The Southern Franklin Republican Club meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the Youngsville Community House, 115 E. Main Street. You are invited.

2 Comments

Standing post at Arlington

10/12/2013

1 Comment

12 May 2013 – Revised 12 Oct 2013

Standing post at Arlington
By Steve Trubilla

Taps bled into the setting gray haze as the Duty Non-commissioned Officer, Sergeant Smith, called out, “guard mount”, “guard mount”.

“Settle down”, the NCO commanded, as he read off the names on the duty roster; Aliganga,” yo”, Arthur, “here sir”, “Fitzgibbon ….. Fitzgibbon, has anyone seen Fitzgibbon”? “Yes sir”, Arthur answered, “his son arrived today”. “Where is the super numeracy”, the NCO asked? “Here sir”, Eckfield, replied. (A supernumerary is a person to replace someone that does not report for duty)

The Guard Officer, Ensign Drexler, read the Special Orders reminding everyone tomorrow is Memorial Day. After the orders were read he told the company clerk, Lance Corporal Sargent, to post them in the duty hut.

The excitement of tomorrow’s events filled the air. Troops were on foot lockers shining brass and putting final touches on their dress uniforms.

“Hey Aliganga, you think there will be a big crowd”, Arthur asked, as he bounced a cotton rag off his boot. “I remember my grandfather bringing me on Armistice Day and the whole town turned out”, Sergeant Aliganga answered. “Seems not as many come as use to. I reckon most have just plain forgotten about us”, Arthur said, as he dabbed a little more polish.

The radiating sun had invited a Carolina blue sky for the event. It was a perfect spring day in Virginia. In the distance, just south of Fort Myer’s Chapel, military units were making their way past General Kearny’s monument. In the parking lot just off Wilson Drive families were parking and making their way to the ceremony. You could feel the excitement building; reverence in the air.

It was about to begin. The weathered speakers crackled the announcement:” ladies and gentlemen welcome to this year’s Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day Service. Please take your seats our program will begin in five minutes”.

“SOUND ATTENTION”, the Adjutant Commanded! The Colors marched on to uplifting martial music; it was underway.

Politicians made their usual speeches, and as it has been in the past people endured them.   It came time for the benediction when staffers were seen frantically using their phones. A serious grey haired officer was heard to say, “where is the Chaplin, HAS ANYONE seen the Chaplin”?

Eckfield said to Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon,” this is serious…., find Father Bliemel”. “Look! “There he is”, said a little girl, that was sitting in a wheel chair next to her grandmother. As she pointed to the back of the seating area all eyes turned to see a priest following his seasoned hickory cane to the platform.

“Ladies and Gentlemen please rise for the benediction and remain standing for the retiring of the Colors”, the narrator announced.

Father Emmeran Bliemel revealed great sorrow for the fallen and their families. The power of his offerings left even combat hardened soldiers wiping tears. His words were more than the moment; they were eternal, penetrating, yet gentle. As he offered, “brethren hear me,   from Shiloh, to Hamburger Hill, to the Argon, and Nasiriya, They are here, he said. From Santiago de Cube, to Andong, and the Rock Pile they are here, they are all here”. He closed his prayers with,” heavenly Father I pray there are no more. Lord dear God, let there be no more”.

In the assembly area families reminisced while staff mingled. Many, so moved by Father Bliemel’s prayers they wanted to thank him. Again the question, where is the Chaplin? It appeared in the excitement he had left without notice.

Upon hearing the inquiry a young Navy lieutenant answered, “here I am”, and began apologizing for being late.

He was to render the service, but had been delayed due to a traffic accident.

Someone said to the Lieutenant, “we are looking for Father Bliemel, the priest that gave the benediction”.

Hearing the name the lieutenant was viably shaken, shaken to a stammer. “You must be mistaken, it could not have been Father Bliemel”, replied the lieutenant.

Just then a Colonel, having over heard the young Chaplin’s reply, in only the tone a field grade officer could, said, “Lieutenant I do not know why you were late, But Father Bliemel covered you, the least you can do is acknowledge and thank him”.

Now standing at parade rest the lieutenant replied, “sir but you do not understand”. It simply could not have been Father Emmeran Bliemel”.   “Lieutenant, stand down the Colonel snapped, I heard the man speak with my own ears”.   In an equal but cautioned tone the young Chaplin answered, “Sir, Father Bliemel died with the Bloody 10th Tennessee at the battle of Jonesboro 31 August 1864”. “It could not have been him”.

Stunned by what he had just been told and feeling the power of the hallowed ground he stood upon the senior officer bowed his head and seemed very distant.

Someone called out, “Sir, Sir are you alright”?

He was there, but he was not. He was back in Hue City, and Mogadishu, and Fallujah. It was sucking chest wounds, and dead children, and letters to his men’s mothers. It was the never ending stench of death in his nostrils; burning oil, and the dead animals. His past was present. As his mind returned to the moment he realized he too one day would finally be at peace. He would be home, home forever at Arlington.

In a voice that opened years of torment the colonel said to the lieutenant, “son, he was here, Father Bliemel is here; they are all here”.   “May God forgive those that put them here, because I never will”!

The players in this story are more than just characters. Their names are among the many that have given their lives to defend our county, and way of life.

The story is a rendering of how the fallen might view a ceremony for Memorial Day if they were to observe it. They are Standing Post at Arlington.

Sgt. Charles H. Smith, USMC, 31, was recorded as the first American killed on Cuban soil in the Spanish American War. He was killed in action on June 11, 1898, when his unit was taken under fire by Spanish regulars and gorillas.

Ensign Henry C. Drexler, USN, 23, lost his life aboard the USS Trenton, October 20, 1924, trying to save shipmates after the Trenton suffered a gun mount explosion. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.

Sergeant Jesse Nathanael Aliganga, USMC,21, killed by a car-bomb as he guarded the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya on Friday, August 7, 1998.

Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Patrick James Arthur, 31, died of malnutrition and diseases while a prisoner of war, July 31, 1951 in North Korea. His remains were returned to the United States many years later. He was buried in Arlington on May 1, 2009.

Lance Corporal James Ray Sargent, USMC, 18, missing in Action, 1968 Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam. He receives burial in Arlington October 07, 2005.

Lance Corporal Robert F. Eckfield Jr., USMC, 23, died October 27, 2005, from an indirect fire explosion in Saqlawiyah, Iraq.

Air Force Technical Sergeant Richard B. Fitzgibbon Jr. 35 was killed on June 8, 1956. Disputed as the first American service death in the Vietnam War. He was not killed in action. A U.S. Airman shot him as he reportedly was handing out candy to orphans in Saigon.

Lance Corporal Richard Fitzgibbon III, USMC, 22, was Air Force Technical Sergeant Richard B. Fitzgibbon’s son. He was tragically killed in combat on Sept. 7, 1965, in Quang Tin, Vietnam.

Confederate Chaplin, O.S.B Father Emmeran Bliemel was the first Catholic Chaplin to be killed in action in an American war. He died 31 August 1864 in the battle of Jonesboro, in Georgia as he was praying with a mortally wounded officer.

There are more than 400,000 buried in Arlington National Cemetery. They are not forgotten they are not gone; they are Standing Post at Arlington.

1 Comment

You put your left foot in, you put your left foot out

10/10/2013

0 Comments

You put your left foot in, you put your left foot out
By: Steve Trubilla

Well, here you go, the story of the chicken dance. A few weeks ago, I was at a Franklin County Board of Commissioners meeting and I committed the sin of not making sure my cell phone was off.

Anyone that has ever been somewhere when a cell phone rings during a meeting thinks how inconsiderate the violator was of others.

It would have only taken the person a few seconds to turn it off. Why didn't they just do it?

At the same time they are probably thinking it’s a little funny, and boy, I am glad it wasn't me. Then inconspicuously they check to make sure their own phone is muted or off.

You know it would not have been as bad, except as the meeting was getting started, Commissioner Sidney Dunston announced to everyone, “make sure your electronic devices are off.”

With his announcement, I reached inside my jacket and pressed the magic button to make sure it was off. I was not going to be the, “inconsiderate person.” Well, so much for that plan. I had inadvertently turned my phone back on!

Of course, when it rang all eyes, like lasers, tracked the sound to where I was sitting. I am sure everyone was relieved to know it was not their phone.

This is when, what I will characterize as an episode of the chicken dance, got started.

Mindful of the caution Dunston issued, and wanting to apologize, I made eye contact with him. It was not hard to do; his eyes were already locked on me. It was clear, and justifiably so, he was not happy.

Of course I was embarrassed for having disrupted the meeting. I gestured to him and mouthed, “Sorry, thought it was off.”

He pointedly gestured his displeasure back to me. I apologetically again gestured with my hands and shoulders, he gestured back.

There were additional exchanges; examples include the turning of heads and expressions.

Normally I really like the chicken dance. It is an event often played out at weddings. It is fun; not so much this time. Our exchange just reminded me of it.

“You put your left foot in, you put your left foot out, you do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself about.”

Don’t get me wrong, I understand his reaction. You can bet it will be sometime before my phone goes off in a meeting again, or at least I hope it is anyway.

It is unfortunate citizens do not gain this level of attention from officials when they ask questions or inquire about county fiscal, maintenance, economic, and other issues.

Accepting being held accountable for not doing what you are supposed to do is a good thing. It is an important part of the process that builds strength in character.

This serves to help us avoid making the same or similar mistakes in the future.

When those in leadership demonstrate this trait they inspire confidence. Unfortunately the exact opposite is true when they do not.

Admonishment and criticism can be a bit unpleasant. One can only hope that such things are being offered constructively, rather than to simply find fault or to advance someone’s personal agenda.

In any case, we are not perfect and such things are part of life’s learning continuum. Sometimes you learn what to do, and other times you learn what not to do.

The important thing is that you learn something.

Could it be there is a lesson in this for all of us, to include our elected and other county officials?

Remember Miss Emily’s guidance. Now everyone, sit up and listen.

The parody on the chicken dance was offered lightheartedly. I should have made sure the phone was off. Commissioner Dunston was right to point it out.

This is where the story should end, but it doesn't.

Here is the lead in for next week’s column. Paraphrased, “What you say is only your opinion; you are not legitimate or validated.”

The monthly Franklin County Republican Party meeting will be held tonight, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m.   at GOP Headquarters, 101 W. Nash St., Louisburg. The guest speaker is going to be NC State Representative Jeff Collins. Everyone is invited. Come and register to vote

0 Comments

With out the question there the answer never comes.

The 3 P’s - Perception, Perspective, and Performance

“A lesson even a puppy can learn”

Standing post at Arlington

You put your left foot in, you put your left foot out

Author

Categories

Archives