The worst, having to cut away a part of the team that is not fitting the goals going forward. I have never fired anyone, never thought about it much, been more on the being fired end!
In this new role, I have more responsibility than most, wearing a lot of titles because of the lack of money. In a Council race- about $ 200,000- would allow--paid staff to head tasks.
My style is to delegate--but with that comes a lot of expectations. I brought in with me, a white male, Harvard Business School graduate, (he states he attended school the same year as George Bush) former CEO of several small businesses, as the Campaign Treasurer. Obviously I expected him to immediately learn the finance campaign laws, and advise me every step of the way.
Instead I got a smooth talker, very warm and friendly who is a little dishonest. Last week after delays from my candidate, and delays from him we finally opened up the Committee business account.
While at the bank as we were being processed, when I was asked my social security number--I thought I saw him writing simultaneously--but shrugged off the little soft tiny voice--saying "look- pay attention"--two days later -my candidate confesses that she saw him write muy social security number on a napkin!!!
I immediatley sent an e-mail advising him of the what I consider an egregious act and the consequent perception. I also mentioned that his proclivity for doing background checks could land him in the same position. (He had run a background check on the candidate with a meritorious claim that we needed to know if there were any unpleasantries looming as to not be caught off guard and I agreed.)
I also reminded him that he does not really know me, my abilities or my connections. In any event the appearance of being sneaky or deceptive did not sit well with me. He went into a I am sorry-I did it in case I needed the number which is about as lame as one can get..my response to that is -why not just ask me?
In a move, to call my bluff he stated if you feel uncomfortable I will tender my resignation. My reply: Resignation accepted. Long before this incident I had observed the lollygagging,the procrastination, that was setting me back because the unique rules of campaign finance rules that state you are not officially running until you open the committee bank account,( in New York State.)
It set my calendar back from my responsibilities as fundraiser--due to his lapse --donations received on January 16th now have to be sent back because of the 10 day deposit rule, which he knew of, but failed to apprise me. The website my , campaign literature, the office space, equipment rental all of that is behind schedule.
He is pleading to my candidate,that he is so hurt!!! what?? that he would never do anything to hurt me, well he has. I have a business to run,the business of getting her elected, I have a plethora of timeline tasks that have deadlines. I cannot afford the fuzzy wuzzy--I really like you stuff--.
I in anticipating this closure (though certainly not in this fashion) had primed another prospective treasurer--whom I met in Ohio at the Obama headquarters. Of course---young ..smart --knows what needs to be done.
So now I am on the other side--of the firing line--I understand the bottom line--really when you are trying to get off the ground you have to cut your losses asap. I have always had the innate ability to separate business from friendship. Due to my candidate's fuzzy wuzzy side she wants to find another position for him--one that is obviously better suited to the person he has become since leaving Harvard. I couldn't agree more--after all as the main fundraiser his 5k monthly would have been paid from the sweat of my brow. I can see clearly now.
Posted By: Marta Fernandez
Friday, February 13th 2009 at 11:36AM
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