NHC News Item

[Frank2]

I am not happy to post this, but, thought all here would want to read what is currently taking place at the NHC - as mentioned a few weeks ago, I did think the Director's comments would cause some backlash - unfortunately, they have:

http://www.miamiherald.com/460/story/15 ... ecent_comm

my heart is heavy for them - hopefully this will be resolved quickly and to everyone's benefit...

[cycloneye]

I thought that things would cool off but as I see in that office it seems like chaos.Avila may want to not talk too much as he may be in hot water inside NHC.What a mess,and the peak of the season is drawing closer.

[caneman]

Damage a few egos of the hire ups and the witch hunt begins. Sad.

[Stratosphere747]

They can be PO'ed all they want at Bill, but it would be a PR nightmare to try and oust him as we head into the heart of the season.

Looks like some chest thumping going on.

[miamicanes177]

This is what I said in the other thread about Proenza. I thought it was wrong for him to go public about an issue like QuikScat because it could cause the public to panic. You also should not run to the media and trash you boss. If you have a problem then you talk to them in person. Even if he tried that and they did not listen, at least he gave it a shot. Now he has created a circus out of an honorable position. Having said that, I say give him another chance. He's new on the job and nobody is perfect. We're all humans and we screw up. Apologize for what you did and move on.

[x-y-no]

I don't agree about keeping the truth from the public lest they be panicked. Proenza spoke the truth, pure and simple. It's a sad state of affairs that punishes the NHC director for doing that.

[caneman]

This is what I said in the other thread about Proenza. I thought it was wrong for him to go public about an issue like QuikScat because it could cause the public to panic. You also should not run to the media and trash you boss. If you have a problem then you talk to them in person. Even if he tried that and they did not listen, at least he gave it a shot. Now he has created a circus out of an honorable position. Having said that, I say give him another chance. He's new on the job and nobody is perfect. We're all humans and we screw up. Apologize for what you did and move on.

I don't think he was wrong at all. Like my pappa use to tell me, "if you can't handle the heat then get out of the kitchen". I'll take a straight shooter any day of the week rathen than an oh ok lets sweep in under the carpet type. Which in the longer run do you think does the best job of protecting us?

[Windsurfer_NYC]

Is this all over the QuikScat issue, or is there more about Proenza that we don't know about?

[caneman]

Best I can tell so far it's because he says it like he sees it. Of course the peoples feathers he's ruffled can now surely find a way to prove him incompetent.

[Frank2]

The problem is likely more the matter of how his comments were made - as some here mentioned, it was done in a way that embarrassed those who he works for, since no employer wants to be embarrassed by his own employee, and, in this case, he possibly violated the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (the NHC Director's position falls under this category).

At this point, it's very possible that any further dissention on his part could lead to his removal from the position.

[Trader Ron]

Doesn't sound good for Proenza's future. It's too bad.

[Frank2]

True - in the end, he just needs to relax a bit, since being tense and making tense comments at his superiors will only make things more difficult, a/k/a "The Barney Fife Syndrome"...

I never knew him, so, I can't give my opinion, but, he is one of the old-timers and seems like a fine person, but, the process of constantly bumping heads will only give everyone a headache...

[Berwick Bay]

This really ticks me off! They want total conformity over there. Its like everyone has to march lock-step in agreement. "There are no problems here. We have EVERYTHING under control". And look how ugly this is!! Like Caneman said, this is a witchhunt! You talk about a monolith of opinion. And you even feel their pressure on boards which originate out of Fl. Not much room for independence anywhere. I really think Bill needs the support of the public right now. But its probably too late. This REALLY ticks me off!! No criticism allowed. This is the people's agency. Last time I looked it wasn't an arm of the military either. This REALLY ticks me off!!

[Frank2]

Well, I don't think it's that, but, I don't know of one employer, civil service or private, who likes to be embarrassed by his own employee - any issues on satelitte life or budget in general should have beeen discussed internally - not internetally (gee, I might have created a new word)...

Sometimes, I'd also be too outspoken, and, not being versed in the Bible, one day someone in the office showed me a verse from the Good Book (Colossians 3:22-24) that put this topic in perspective (and helps to keep me quiet when I don't agree with something that is happening with my employer)...

Of course, we are to speak up if we are encouraged to, but, often it is a matter of working for the employer instead of against them - God will handle the rest if the employer is not doing something the way they should...

[StormTracker]

Bill reminds me of me, "straight up & down, like 6:00"! If your'e right your'e right, if your'e wrong your'e wrong!!! He says what needs to be said no matter who ears hear it! Yes, sometimes it can get you into trouble, but, it gets things done in the end!!!

[Frank2]

I'd like to agree, but, with employers in today's world, that usually gets the person fired pretty quickly - I've seen it happen more than once, even with someone in my own family (not me)...

Being continually outspoken might have worked for Hawkeye Pierce (MASH), but, if he did what he often did in real life, he'd have been sent home with a "thank you for your service" letter - and that'd been that...

[caneman]

Frank,

Yes, it can you get you fired but at least you can say you walked out with your dignity in hand. There is also a verse that says sometimes God shows you things in a kind way and other times he has to use a 2x4. I know we're not God but I think there may be some truth to that in our own relationships with family and friends. By all means try diplomacy first but in the end you have to walk softly but carry a big stick.

[x-y-no]

Being continually outspoken might have worked for Hawkeye Pierce (MASH), but, if he did what he often did in real life, he'd have been sent home with a "thank you for your service" letter - and that'd been that...

Hawkeye wouldn't have objected to that at all.

[Frank2]

I understand, Caneman, but, I prefer the Bible's way of only "walking softly"...

Too true, x-y-no, but, Radar (not the doppler kind) would have probably traded a couple of hams and a Spike Jones record with lots of burps and hic-ups for a new weather satellite (haw)...

[artist]

The problem is likely more the matter of how his comments were made - as some here mentioned, it was done in a way that embarrassed those who he works for, since no employer wants to be embarrassed by his own employee, and, in this case, he possibly violated the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (the NHC Director's position falls under this category).

At this point, it's very possible that any further dissention on his part could lead to his removal from the position.

Do you not think that he had already approached them to no avail? I can't imagine he went to the paper before he would have approached his bosses. He has been in the NWS for so long I would guess that to be true, along with having held management positions. Since he is responsible for public safety, both by job and obviously feels he is morally, then this must have seemed like his only other route. True, not knowing how he approached them is another thing, but the outcome was the same. If they don't replace the satellite then they can't be as accurate, period. If they didn't like the way he approached him then why not the surprise inspection at that time? And whether they did like his approach or not they did not give him the money when he asked for it to replace the satellite. From my power of deduction - seems to me it is because they don't want to have to give the money period. So much for their NOAA'S) own moral character and obligation. I guess they are more worried about the how's and why's of salmon than on man's right to life.