The Newsroom

Steve,

I really think you are becoming guilty of what you accuse others: if someone dares to question what you report or editorialize on then you attack them. Where is fair and balanced? You have repeatedly given your "opinions." Why is it such a big deal if those you hammer wish to respond? That is how it comes across in the paper...as if you have some kind of ax to grind.

I know some will read this and think "another Morris supporter." But, I'm a City supporter and am giving you my honest perception of your comments. I hope you will at least let others respond without immediately referring to their views as "vitriol." Talk about "tainting the waters" before people have a chance to view the article, letter or whatever for themselves first.

Frankly, I have wanted to comment much more but find the constant level of insults in Robert Roger's blogs disappointing (I think Robert is civil, but it is the responses that are disappointing). In fact, if I really believed that I could talk in person freely with you or Robert, without the worry that I too would be dragged through the mud I would. And now with your post above, it appears there is no room for any side except yours....your thoughts please?

Mr Lambert,

I would like to respond to the above commentary regarding Robert Roger's blog. First of all, Robert has been digging up some unpleasant truth that our Mayor and Police Chief believed was burried deep in the hills. So naturally his coverage is likely to generate much controversy. Although the insults refered to by the above reader may seem unpleasant and even unbecoming of what are most likely police and other City employees, we should recognize them for what they are. Crys for help! They are the pent up frustrations of men and women who are passionate about making this City and their respective deparments better. Through Robert Rogers blog these men and women have a voice. Although it may be an annonymous one it is still a voice. A voice which could not have been heard prior to this technology and one the Mayor and Police Chief could have previously denied existed. It is now being heard loud and clear and one by one City and Police Department employees are conquering their fear of retaliation and attempting to shed light on the dirty truths which hide in the confines of Police administrative offices. So please be tolerant of the unedited thoughts and encourage Robert to keep focused on his mission.

Mr. Lambert;

In reference to all the blogs that have been shared about Operation Phoenix (past and present) as well as the blogs about the City P/D Chief, YOU Sir, of all folks should be asking repetitively is it good for the City of San Bernardino? Do the off chutes of OP shine brighter than the distractions? Is the City better off today as a result of this program and was it lead effectively by Mayor Morris? Have the results from having OP paid the dividends we the taxpayer and bankroller expected? Has the black-eye the City now has worth it? Will the future litigation (costs) that will no doubt come to Mr. Penman’s lap be worth the bottom line…the costs? Lastly, looking back is or has Mayor Morris been good for San Bernardino? Can we continue to afford him and his son?

Next, many of these same questions need to be asked about the P/D Chief. Is there a return on investment with him being at the helm of the P/D. Just what does the no confidence vote of 76% of its membership mean? Political or not, is he effective, will his rank and file follow his lead in times of need? What do the citizens think or feel about this Chief? Are the hearts of the rank and file membership still in their work? Does SB benefit from his leadership or lack of it? Is Chief Mike Billdt good for San Bernardino? How much longer can we expect to see this cloud of mistrust and distrust hang over the P/D Chief and thus the City of SB?

The City can not seem to move on away from OP and the P/D distracting issues. On to more pressing issues like rebuilding the leadership roles and trust throughout the City. We continue to have individuals sitting at home on full pay and temporary department heads filling in at unbelievable costs to the City. Is this good for the City? The City must replace/fill one of the most important positions in its leadership, that being the City Manager. This alone has put all other distractions on the back burner of priorities. Allowing this to happen, is it good for the City? Why can’t the administrative issues be resolved in a timely fashion? It is now mid September, and if you remember, it was early July that the house of cards started to fall. Is waiting this long good for the City…even longer?

Bottom line, the two most controversial individuals trying and failing to providing leadership and direction to or for the City have failed in their appointed tasks. Are they still good for the City? Are they preventing the City to heal and move on? Will they see that they have lost focus and effectiveness and elect to move on in their careers or lives for the betterment of the City of SB? Mr. Lambert, it is these (type of) questions you and the SUN should champion. Ask them everyday, after every decision made by the Council. Is the path SB is currently on now today, good for the City?