PW's Hardt & Zachary Sit to Sing Kum-Bi-Yah

[DowntownNow]

Reported in today's Tulsa World - Center of Fury: One man's alleged actions set off uproar in city staff
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectID=&articleID=20090201_11_A1_Albert80380&allcom=1#commentform

What a fluff story. This must be why the World won their shiny new award, for creating drivel like this. This is merely a "make em look good" story so the public backs off of their criticisms. They were friends, they were family, they dicussed The Purpose Driven Life, it was like Miracle on 34th Street - come on! I think the TW won for its ability to spin.

I'm now more uneasy and questionable of what Zachary and Hardt knew since they were all such close friends - funny how no other "friends" of Martinez or Baker were interviewed. Makes it smell all the more like a setup feel good story trying to make a shining example of Hardt and Zachary to the public.

Where is the balance in this reporting? Where is the statement that the TW contacted Martinez and he confirmed that he actually said these things to Zachary (putting his turning state's evidence deal in jeopardy by doing so mind you)?

Where has the story been on the public reaction to this scandal and the deepening mistrust and criticism of the PWD by the public? The TV stations have managed to get that out there. There is no balance with the TW. This story is completely one sided and in favor of holding Zachary, Hardt and the Mayor in the best public light on this issue. Again this story confirms the Mayor did not have substantial knowledge or conversations with the Feds before the indictments were released as the TW had suggested clearly in a past article.

"The mayor indicated she was aware of the indictments before they were unsealed, having had significant discussions with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office, but was unable to talk publicly about them until now." Tulsa World - Taylor: 'Zero Tolerance of Corruption' 01/22/09

Management must be the first to be held accountable for this mess - those two (Hardt and Zachary) should go and go now.

[blindnil]

The TW has reported before that Martinez has been unavailable for comment and that his attorney has not returned calls. Even so, I'm sure his federal deal precludes him from talking publicly.

[sgrizzle]

I liked the Glamor Shot.

[Rico]

And through all of this.....

Tulsa Public Works Director Charles Hardt was not available remains unavailable for comment.


Is he also at a "secret undisclosed location"??

[MDepr2007]

quote:Originally posted by Rico

And through all of this.....

Tulsa Public Works Director Charles Hardt was not available remains unavailable for comment.


Is he also at a "secret undisclosed location"??

Question is , is it the city attorney keeping him quiet or the Fed's [?]

[blindnil]

What are you talking about? Hardt was quoted in this story.

[Vision 2025]

quote:Originally posted by blindnil

What are you talking about? Hardt was quoted in this story.

And was at last weeks City Council committee meetings...

[Double A]

quote:Originally posted by Vision 2025

quote:Originally posted by blindnil

What are you talking about? Hardt was quoted in this story.

And was at last weeks City Council committee meetings...

Speaking of keeping a low profile, haven't heard much from PMG since Randi "Brain Candy" Miller got shown the door, either.

[shadows]

The citizens that often attend the council meetings will notice the magic name of the frequent persons appearing before the meeting have a common given name as "Charles".   When they appear, at which time the councilors kind of slide down in the chairs and open the city check book "with how much do you need now or how do you want the land to be used?". Now a couple or three federal employees are coming to town and look at the practice which has been expanding for fifty years.  Don't believe that a hundred auditors would not spend another fifty years going over questionable dealings and still not find all the implied frauds.   .

It is all in the political game where the winners always keep control.. There is plenty of  information around but a great shortage of crusaders.

I believe the present elected city auditor supported the appointing of city auditors instead of electing them.    .    

[Double A]

quote:Originally posted by shadows

The citizens that often attend the council meetings will notice the magic name of the frequent persons appearing before the meeting have a common given name as "Charles".   When they appear, at which time the councilors kind of slide down in the chairs and open the city check book "with how much do you need now or how do you want the land to be used?". Now a couple or three federal employees are coming to town and look at the practice which has been expanding for fifty years.  Don't believe that a hundred auditors would not spend another fifty years going over questionable dealings and still not find all the implied frauds.   .

It is all in the political game where the winners always keep control.. There is plenty of  information around but a great shortage of crusaders.

I believe the present elected city auditor supported the appointing of city auditors instead of electing them.    .    

As a matter of fact, he did so at the last city Council meeting under the agenda item: public hearing of proposed charter changes. Although, he requested the Auditor not be appointed by the Mayor, but by the Council.

[waterboy]

quote:Originally posted by Rico

And through all of this.....

Tulsa Public Works Director Charles Hardt was not available remains unavailable for comment.


Is he also at a "secret undisclosed location"??

I heard that Martinez was wearing a wire. If so, there may be some salacious details to come.

This all must seem rather curious to the area businessmen who cut deals with each other routinely. What is typical business practice for them is corruption for their counterparts. We all end up paying for their greed.