One of these is Deputy Director of Human Resources Michael Twining. He's the guy whom HR Director Amy "Toxic" Trapp sent to Las Vegas, and then to New Orleans, on the public dime. You may have seen him operating Trapp's $800 popcorn machine at the "wellness" fair.
The deal with Twining is to send him to take over Bill Hillanbrand's job at 911. Bill, unfortunately, retired. This position was advertised, and lo and behold, the only person qualified was none other than Twining. What a coincidence!
Here's what a reader tells me:
"My main concern is that fact Michael Twining is suddenly popping up as a supervisor at the 911 center. Myself and Mr. Twining went head to head on several issues during his time in HR and now he's going to be my supervisor. I fear retribution. Thanks in advance for any information you can provide on the legality of this process."
The other special arrangement is with Deputy Director of Public Works Landon Parker. He's going from there to a union position somewhere in the County.
This is contrary to tradition in Northampton County, but so far as I know, it is legal.
The problem that both Twining and Parker have is that they will be considered probationary employees. They have no property right to continued employment unless they successfully make it out of probation.
Keep looking Bernie there are more of them rats abandoning the ship. The probation period is 6 months. Go get em McClure. No hanky panky.
ReplyDeleteSo what makes anyone think Twining would not make it past the probationary period if he’s been employed by the county before? Looks like your “reader” may need to pack their bags also if he is their supervisor and he don’t like them.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you pushing this now O'Hare? It does depend on who it is, doesn't it. How about Stoffa's old gal pal Collis? She ended up with a nice protected county job, didn't she?
ReplyDeleteThis has always been a problem but it is very hard to really stop it without stepping on someone's rights.
ReplyDeleteSo far as I am aware, Collins came to work as a member of career service, not exempt. I think Council should address the issue of exempt employees going into career service prospectively.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Hartley, the DCED Deputy, has found a soft landing somewhere in the county.
While Michael Twining had no experience for his HR position he does have experience and the necessary certification for the 911 Center. He was a supervisor in Allentown's 911.
ReplyDeleteTwining was hired as a 911 training coordinator in Allentown and then became a crime analyst, though he is no cop. He is entitled to a fair shake.
ReplyDeleteSo what makes anyone think Twining would not make it past the probationary period if he’s been employed by the county before? Looks like your “reader” may need to pack their bags also if he is their supervisor and he don’t like them.
ReplyDeleteAn employee can be dismissed during their probationary period. No reason needs to be given for cause.
One thing most rational people can agree on is that Mr. Brown fixed the county finances. He inherited a county out of control and spending cash reserves like crazy. His predecessor was not a very good money man so the county was a financial mess. Mr. Brown with the help of county council fixed the counties numerous financial woes.
ReplyDeleteStoffa was a good fiscal steward. During most of his tenure, the fund balance had over $60 million. The only reason cash reserves dropped is bc he paid off the swaption. I would like to say Brown was good with money, but he created savings by screwing the workforce. He refused to fill positions, cut medical benefits and forced many veterans out the door, knowing it is cheaper to pay new hires. Stoffa could have done that. McClure could do that. But it is not in their nature to screw the public sector employee.
ReplyDeleteThis should be looked at about Twining. If the job isn't properly posted, or the job description specially designed just for him, then he should be recalled. This is just another way to get around the rules.
ReplyDeleteAlso, someone who is rendering comments on this Blog appears to be quite knowledgeable about the rules. Could it be the head of HR or an employee in HR, or maybe a past employee who helped Twining get the job because they were told to violate he rules. We need to find out.
Parker is not immune to the hiring rules. Unless the union agreement has their own set of rules, Parker must follow the same set of Career Service Rules as Twining. Check his start date. He too is a probationary employee. Check it out.
ReplyDeleteI am sure many positions have been left open so folks can slide into them. When the witch gets a new job she can recall her monkeys.
ReplyDeleteI do not object to Cathy Allen being appointed butt kisser after all she carried Brownstain's and "pocketbook Peg's" baggage for such a long time- "Kitty" Cathy Allen should be given a new job at the Tax Office.. maybe she can see how real working people do pay their taxes..... OH WAIT! I hear there is a waitress job- ALL she is qualified for at the Blue Valley diner Cat waiting for you!!!! Booo Wooo... Cannot wait for the Slate Belt filth to leave... just a countin the days
ReplyDelete? - No ill will to Mr. Parker, but doesn't he need to apply for a position in career service, pass a test and be one of the three top candidates for consideration for a county job. you know, like all other career service positions. ??? How does the union regulations fit into this ??? Not fair to the other county employees who jump through hoops to try to get a promotion or a better job and one is just handed over to a politically connected party. Total BS
ReplyDeleteMaybe Twinning will run the popcorn machine at 911 and use the popcorn to soak up hazard waste spills and use the hover board as a special emergency response vehicle. lol
ReplyDeleteTwinning will be fired
ReplyDelete"? - No ill will to Mr. Parker, but doesn't he need to apply for a position in career service, pass a test and be one of the three top candidates for consideration for a county job"
ReplyDeleteSo far as I know, everything was done right for Landon, who found a union job. But I am just as sure that everything will be closely checked.
wONDER WHERE bROWNSTAIN WILL APPEAR NEXT? RUMOR IS HE IS SLITHERING AROUND SOME CORPORATIONS. AS FOR THE TAX EVADER ALLEN... THAT DINER JOB WOULD BE A PERFECT FIT SINCE SHE IS NOT QUALIFIED FOR ANYTHING BUT WAITRESS AND A DISHWASHER. YOU CANNOT MAKE ASS KISSING A PROFESSIONAL...OR CAN YOU?
ReplyDeleteI guess you just don't get it.its not what you know it's who you know
ReplyDeleteComing from a person who frequents Lehigh Valley Ramblings often and has a fairly decent grip on the climate of this blog as well as the election, I'm able to see how clear it is that very few of you on here actually know Michael Twining. It's just an onslaught of verbal attacks against him by people who don't like Brown/Trapp. In opposition to the negativity towards Mr. Twining, he's a pretty likeable dude. Despite the fact that he didn't have professional HR experience prior to serving as a Deputy Director, the guy's got a ton of quality skills that would make him an asset to any organization, but most importantly he's one of the most genuine people you'll ever meet. Come on people, you're better than this. I'm guilty of speaking negatively of people as well, so I should actually say that WE'RE better than this. If there's only one thing you take away from my post I hope it's this..... Your guy won. You got McClure. It's over. Let the appointed employees who McClure's replacing live their lives without the never ending barrage of negativity that this blog hurls at them. Don't be sore winners.
ReplyDeleteGood job Mike Twining posting about yourself...
DeleteClean house!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah twinning he was one of the people that were there when trap gave out the little gift cards at the prison . Yes Man for trap.
ReplyDelete