Watchdog Mike Matthews broke the story of an MLGW exec, Armstead Ward, who says he lives in one place while he really in another. Mike found the home Ward listed as his address to get a job at MLGW (Execs are required to live within city limits) is worth $28,000, doesn’t appear to have utilities and neighbors say no one ever enters the home. Mike then found Ward really lives in a $650,000 home in Eads. MLGW president Jerry Collins admitted the rules aren’t tough enough and plans to address the matter Thursday.
What do you think? Should city employees be told where they can and cannot live?
The residency requirement is ridiculous. That is just one of the reasons why city employees are so inept.
Heck, they have already admitted it by wanting to go outside the city for their firemen EMS people & cops.
Now, what does that tell one??? I’ll help you with this. It’s the city saying we don’t have the qualified people in the city limits for these jobs.
Now, what is different about the other city departments being able to recruit the best qualified personnel available???
Answer … not a damn thing. They are content with hiring the leftovers, the scraps … the ones who cannot find employment in the private sector. The performance shows this … loud & clear.
Regarding ole Armstead flouting the intent of the rules … It demonstrates a complete lack of personal integrity. Wasn’t he the Human Resources peep who was smack in the middle of the Ed Ford fiasco??? I thought so.
Corruption, and personal dishonesty vein the entire city government, since mayor bill a*s*s*umed his throne.
How do you think the “rank & file” employees feel about this miscreant?
Throw the bums out….
Honestly on MLGW I dont see that it matters where they live. The question is whether it was a requirement of his hire. The anwswer in yes. This is obvious attempt to bend the rules without breaking them and he should be let go or forced to reside where he claims. I do believe that owning a property and residing in a property are two serarate things and he should be made to follow the requirements of his hiring agreement. This is another example of Memphis exec’s getting around the system. In any profession. Lying on your application is grounds for dismissal. I think he should be let go “IF” the story reported is true. At the minimum it should be investigated and dealt with. As I said I think the requirement is not necessary and limits our Employee Pool and the requirement should be dropped.
YES, if he works for MLGW he should have to live among us that have to pay these high utilities bills. At first I said I didn’t care where he lived but since he LIED about it,he needs to be made move back into Memphis or be Fired… I’m sure sick of the Thieves and liars. Jerry Collins had to have known where this guy lives and for sure we know Willy knew it…
nfin8lup is quite correct. If his contract with the City enumerates that he should be a resident of the City, then this is prima facie evidence of bad faith - wanting all the benefits of a City job without the requirements of having to abide by the terms of his contract…. Bad faith is a violation of the performance of his contract, and is grounds for termination on the basis of that bad faith.
The residency are fair. If you don’t want to live here—allegedly because of the crime—then you certainly should not want to work here, since crime can happen anywhere at anytime. People in the suburbs cannot have it both ways. The notion that the city “has no qualified people” to fill its jobs is based off the belief that there are qualified people in the suburbs. That is a lie, plain and simple.
If the rules at MLGW state that you MUST live within the city in upper management positions then it’s quite simple you MUST live in the city. If you can’t do so, lie about it or refuse to do so, I say fire his azz……
Every other major city has a residency requirement, time for Memphis to join the rest of the world. If you work here you should be taxed here, not DeSoto county, not Tipton county. You make it here, you pay it here.
If he was an honorable soldier he would fall on the sword, somehow I don’t think his integrity is intact enough to do this.
Ex-Pat
What next…will the governor of Tennessee be allowed to live in Kentucky?
Naw TJ, the President will reside in Mexico because the taxes are lower!
Ex-Pat
Touche’ expat. He must follow the rules. If the rules are bad, go throught the process and change them. As it stands, the man needs be fired for breaking them. Simple.
Going forward I think that as long as you are in Shelby County or atleast in an area where the MLGW services are offered it should be allowed. He is still paying for the services he offers. However dont get me wrong. He should be gone based on his “playing the game” to get what he wanted.
“The fact of the matter is, “facts” from racists are hardly reliable.”
What an ignorant statement!!! If it is a F-A-C-T, it doesn’t matter who utters them because they are indeed true, lmfao!
TJ says:
The notion that the city “has no qualified people” to fill its jobs is based off the belief that there are qualified people in the suburbs. That is a lie, plain and simple
TJ I do agree with you on some level. I think we should give consideration to the local people first. If they are indeed qualified fully to do the job and they are “THE BEST” for the job no doubt hire them first. However I do believe that at times you have to look for people outside your area to get the best person. If you are looking specifically for Utility Company execs my guess is that it would be hard to find someone in the area with experience. NO not impossible but sometimes OJT is not acceptible. I think this is why MC Schools has had to hire a firm to help local a new Super for the System. There are time when we just dont have them locally. I dont look at hiring outside as a lie but merely as a necessary step at times. Not to be the norm by any means. We really need to have the Best sometimes for some jobs. Thats my point.
Is MLGW Exec Lying About Where He Be Stayin’?
Methinks so.
A “fact” is only relevant in context. If you were educated, you would know that. Since you’re not, your empty headed buffoonery is expected. “Facts” can very easily be used to mislead people, like bigots such as yourself and others try to do. So many of you have been waiting to say something derogatory about this city and its leaders for quite awhile now, so you use questionable statistics that have been labeled as “fact” by those who support your bigotry to try to make a point you do not have. It is a fact that this city may have some people in positions for which they are not qualified, but it is also a FACT that none of the people whining about these indiscretions are more qualified than anyone else. If you use only one “fact”, what you say takes on a whole different meaning. So, you can get off the floor now, you bigot.
Who better to say something derogatory about this city and its leaders than those of us who have to suffer these fools, gladly or otherwise?
The fact is that Armstead lied about where he resided. He needs to be given the opportunity to resign or be fired for lying on his employment application and for not complying with the rule of living within the city limits.
I agree. This one has exhibited several questionable personal character “traits” over the last few years. …
If my memory serves me correctly, ole Armstead, was smack dab in the middle of the John Ford utility bill snafu. Can’t remember what, if any, disposition was taken on that matter by MLGW. Now, this incident displays even more evidence of a, shall we say, faulty moral comp*a*s*s.
This is a senior executive in the organization, the SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES person, … who is flouting the intent of the company’s conditions of employment.
I’m on the record as disagreeing with the residency requirements, BUT … it’s the “law of the land” at MLGW. This miscreant has exibited more than enough “questionable behaviors” to demand his removal as the CHRO!
How can this “sneak” command respect any longer???
Morning folks…Coffee and convo…How are you guys and gals today?
Hey George,
You forgot to snip the 9:22 comment.
It’s sure not “on topic”.
You’re doin’ one helluva job!
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From George: It’s not but it’s the nicest comment I’ve seen in a long time here.
What a double standard. You’re on the books whining about how “ridiculous” the law is, but you support it. What a gope. For all of those who are mad about this, the County Commission has stated the vp is not following the rules of residency. I have no idea where he would live, but, it appears he’ll have to relocate to the greater Memphis Area.
Fly, I do apologize I did intend on posting more about the topic at hand I just wanted to start the morning with a hello to all my fellow blogers…
Now about the topic as to comply with the rule, if he lied on his app he should be fired effective ASAP bottom line, if and when any one of us lie on a app if caught during the interview process the app would be tossed out the door and you as well, if found after the fact we would be terminated for giving false information on a offical document…
If you cant be trusted to provide accurate information on something as simple as a app then you cant be trusted to do the job…
Maybe you should delete dumb comments too, George.
The one immediately above this certainly qualifies. The “County Commission” is looking at residency requirements for Memphis employees???
The author claims to work for the city. Talk about poor comprehension skills. … BTW, he can’t even understand how one can be against a residency requirement, and a senior executive flouting company rules, at the same time. Yoo hoo, they are two different issues.
I suppose, if he doesn’t like a particular law, he won’t abide by it. Not unusual in Memphis.
Oh well, we get a glimpse at the quality of Memphis employees.
If I recall, you were the one calling the residency requirement “ridiculous”. But, when someone flouts the very rule you claim to hate so much, you condemn him. That is the meaning of the term “double standard”. If it’s so “dumb”, then you shouldn’t mind when someone ignores that rule, as you want to do.
I said I worked in government; I never said where I worked. And, if George deleted “dumb posts”, you wouldn’t have anything up.
To further illustrate this, an example: When I went up to Detroit a few years ago, I had a chance to go by the Ford Motor Co. corporate headquarters. In the parking space of the senior engineer was parked a bright, shiny Lexus. Now, what does that say about the product when the employees of the company don’t buy them? The same goes for a city. If the employees of a city government don’t live in that city, it doesn’t say very much for that city. Despite this nonsene about there being “more qualified people” in the suburbs, that notion does not holdwater. There are “qualified people” in the borders of every city; always have been, and always will be. Just because you’re not one of them does not mean you should whine about it.
It could have been a used car being sold, it may have been his it may have not who knows…But was it in the contract that he HAD to drive a ford to work for the company? who knows…what does this say about ford nothing really unless it is written into a contract and everyone within the company has been made aware of the policy…I think there could be a person within the city that could do the job but for one reason or another this person/persons have not shown up and the one we have in now as stated by facts listed on the NC3 home page choose to disregard the rules that where listed in the contract…
Again personal accountability, he broke the rule and lied on a offical document which was his application, this application had rules attacted to it which which in turn he signed and that app upon his sig became a contract…He breached the contract and should be removed from that spot within MLGW…
I missread the part about the car being IN the person in question listed parking area but I think you get the point I was attempting to make…But lets get serious if you where the Sr.Engineer making a 6 figure paycheck and didnt have to drive a ford would you???
But, he WORKED for Ford. He was the one that designed the cars his company was trying to sell. Now, do you see my point?
tj21, Maybe his Ford was broken. Like the Ford’s in Memphis. (broken)
“If you where the Sr.Engineer making a 6 figure paycheck and didnt have to drive a ford would you???”
You work for Ford (or GM) that’s what you drive. Sure, you can drive anything you want but I think you’ll find the opportunities for advancement…..limited.
Once a company or business (or government) invests in you they expect you to equally invest in and support them. That’s the unwritten agreement. I doubt WREG employees would be wise to watch Fox news at their desks.
Ex-Pat
Why is it a question about Ward lying? He’s obviously lying if he doesn’t return to the house he lists as his residence?
Fire him. If you’re going to be paid by the taxpayers, at least be one of them. Lying says he does not respect the rules of his organization, the people he works with and the people he works for.
I don’t like the residence requirement but if it’s in place and you agree to abide by it, abide by it.
How about giving him a chance to relocate before you give him the ax???
The “Fords” in Memphis are fine. There is no one in the history of the planet whose family has not faced some upheaval, be it by their own hands or not. That some of you people take delight in the fall of some of the Fords and other black civic leaders in this city is very pathetic, and doesn’t speak very well for you.
Armstead Ward has had a chance to make it right. How long has he gotten away with it to date? Being a top representative of the Human Resources Department, he no doubt knows the Rule. If you give him (the leader) a pa.ss, then everyone else is entitled to a pa.ss. I would bet that he isn’t the only one doing this.
Not only did Mr. Ward falsify his job application, he obviously lied on his drivers license application. To get a Tennessee Regular Cla.ss D Driver License, one needs to present “Two (2) Proofs of Tennessee Residency with your name and resident address - NO P.O. BOXES (Documents must be current = dated within last 4 months).”
http://www.state.tn.us/safety/driverlicense/dlproof.htm
The man should be relieved of his duties. Only in Memphis can a person disregard the rules then the same rules be amended to allow the disregarded action. Its unbelievable!!
Seems that MLGW needs to post a sign on their front lawn saying “Out of Order.” It’s surprising that the people (yes, you) that own the place allow this incident and other types of negative conduct to happen again and again.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Memphis Light, Gas and Robbery had a chance to make things right last night, and failed to do so miserably. Last night, they voted to “close the loopholes” that alllowed Armstead Wright to have a home somewhere outside of Memphis and keep his job. But, they took the termination punishment off the board. Now, someone “may or may not be fired” for living outside the city. This is an example of executives abusing their authority.
YAWWWWNNNN
His name is Armstead Ward, numbskull!
Don’t even bother to mumble your standard … “we all make mistakes, … You don’t ever make a mistake” nonsense.
Most people don’t make nearly as many as you, dolt.
This is just another example of the snow job being perpetrated by Willie & the Titanics on the city of Slumphis…
There is something called ’specific performance’ of a contract, and if his contract specifically called for X requirement, then he should be publicly given the opportunity to comply with specific performance of X requirement, and if he fails or refuses to do so then he should be fired for bad faith and failure of specific performance.
Then we have one of two outcomes: Either the citizens get stuck with the bill to buy him out of his contract, or he is fired and then sues for breach of contract. Either way, we pay the bills… Throw these bums out once and for all.
When you have a dead tree, you dig it up and remove it, roots and all. This is what needs to be done in this case.
When all is said and done, this would not be a topic of discussion if Armstead Ward, White, or whatever-his-name-is was white. Then, he would have just been “escaping the crime”, and you people would be on his side. That makes this “moral outrage” you people claim to have nothing more than typical racism.
How is that “low”, Fly? Please explain…
TJ all I see as far as Racism goes is you. Most of the comments regarding racism is coming from you. Yes others in the past but come on! This is part of the problem. Racism goes both ways. Its takes both sides to stop it. Not just one. What I see is that anytime someone doesnt agree with you that you know it up to racism and take it to a personal level. Seems like you need to grow up to me.
White or Black has nothing to do with the issue. The fact is that he “LIED” and that alone should be grounds for dismissal. There is truly no gray area on this issue. If any of us lied to get a job and were found out we would be fired and our integrity brought into question. I am required to live in certain parts of town for my position, however, with enough notice and consideration my board, boss, and myself would be able to work out a compromise should the need arise. I don’t feel that Mr. Ward has honored his contract with MLGW and therefore the contract should be null and void. He should be terminated and have no legal recourse in this matter.
Should have read:
What I see is that anytime someone doesnt agree with you that you “knock” it up to racism and take it to a personal level. Seems like you need to grow up to me.
ctrygrl78 is right on the mark here. He at the least “mislead” the public and should be fired for playing “the game”.
White and Black has EVERYTHING to do with this issue. The fact is, like I said in an earlier post, if this guy were white, many of you would be singing a different tune. When I point it out, now I’m the racist. Whatever, kid. Most of the whining about Herenton has nothing to do with his performance, and everything to do with his race. I know it and you know it. You people believe that, if you don’t say skin color, then it cannot be implied. That is not the case. Now, if Fly will indulge me, please answer my question, dir.
What’s more, there is no such thing as a “black racist”. The fact that many of us do not trust you—present company included—does not mean we hate you. In this case, Mr. Ward took advantage of a loophole—a loophole that was there for all employees to use. Had he been a white guy, I doubt very seriously if any of you would be calling for his head. If anything, you people would be making excused for him, citing the crime, taxes, etc. So, yes, race plays a huge role in this.
Thank you, ctrygrl78. Very well put.
tj, go home and lie down. Don’t go out to MusicFest this weekend - you know drinking’s not good for that ulcer….
Maybe not, but that’s the only way you can get a man; if he’s drunk…
Wellll, king George has been busy today with the delete button.
TJ, he even got some of yours…GO George!!!
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Between the tornadoes and you guys, I’ve been very busy.
“Had he been a white guy … same ole same ole…”
And look who keeps bringing “color” into everything! The same person who continually accuses everyone else of being a racist and bigot. It’s obvious who has the color hangups around here.
“The fact is, like I said in an earlier post, if this guy were white, many of you would be singing a different tune.”
The fact is that you don’t know what the hell you are talking about. If this guy were white, WE’D BE SAYING THE SAME THING. Just like in the Farrow matter…if the officer were black, WE’D BE SAYING THE SAME THING. It is what it is.
I’m so tired of you trying to speak for me and my race and attempting to paint us in the most negative of light all of the time.
Between the tornadoes and you guys, I’ve been very busy.
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LoL
At Tat-whatever-your-name-is:
Stop lying. If Ward would have been white, most if not all of you would have expressed support for him, and cited all the crime you people are so scared of as an excuse for him to move out of the city but keep his job. That is so pathetic.
TJ00, you aren’t white therefore, you cannot speak for white people - you don’t have that say. Sorry.
A falsehood on a job application is a L-I-E no matter the color of the person submitting it. Army Ward (whatever his color is) needs to be terminated for not following the RULES that the majority black population voted for!!!
He also needs to be investigated by the State of Tennessee driver license division for falsifying his driver license application.
http://tinyurl.com/3gazyx
tj as you love to remind us “the white community” that we in no way can speak for any black man or woman the same rule of thumb applies to you…You sound pretty ignorant in that post telling a white man you have some authority to claim this about one set group of people and then when the same crap is tossed in your face you want to cry foul and racist…
Further more, this is not about race as stated 1000x now, this is about a “man” who lied on a offical document and his TN-DL to obtain a job within the city that had rules in place for anyone looking to accept this job….That being said what he made his bed now its time to hold him liable and let him go…If his job ment this much to him from the start he would have moved within the city and done what was expected of him…
They don’t call it Light, Gas & ROBBERY for nothing…..