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published: Friday, August 03, 2012

Union votes no confidence in Deleon

A letter from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees to the City of Avon Park sent on Thursday night:

To: Mayor and Council, City of Avon Park

From: Tammy Macklin, President AFSCME Council 79 Local #3597

Ref: Vote of No Confidence - City Manager Julian Deleon

As President of AFSCME Council Local #3597, it is my responsibility to inform the City Council, that the majority of the membership have undertaken a vote in which they overwhelmingly voted "no confidence" in City Manager, Julian Deleon.

Mr. Deleon has created an atmosphere of distrust and hostility throughout the employees of various departments, and in some cases, between employees and himsef. Sadly, establish this "culture of fear" as oposed to building mutual respect between himself and the employee base, fostering lasting professinal working relationships, and leading by example, as was done by his predecessor is troubling to our long-term and loyal employees of the City of Avon Park. He has repeatedly, resisted and undermined the solid working relationship the various bargaining units had with the City through intimidation, unwarranted disciplinary actions, and in some cases, termination. Having trust in the City Manager is essential for having open and honest two way dialog to better serve our citizens. Due to Mr. Deleon's fast temper, and short fuse many employees are weary of bringing problems and complaints to management's attention thus having a negative impact on the services we provide. As City employees we look forward to completing our tasks and servicing our community every day. Mr. Deleon's stewardship is changing this task from a commitment to a burden. This is not how we as employees and citizens of Avon Park want to work. We aspire to work under conditions of mutual respect and trust, as it was before Mr. Deleon embarked on changing how the City operates.

The City of Avon Park needs a City Manager with strong leadership and management skills; one who can, and will lead the employees and staff by re-establishing mutual respect, a positive work ethic, and strive to earn the trust, and respect of the citizens, staff, and employees of the City of Avon Park. It is our desire that the City Council of the City of Avon Park will take immediate steps to take corrective measures and insure that Avon Park becomes once again the City of Charm in which to live in and work for.

We advocate fairness in the workplace and excellence in public service.

God Bless.

Tammy Macklin

President

AFSCME Union Council 79 Local #3597

Deleon's response, in an email sent Thursday morning to several parties:

The timing, selfishness, and convenience of taking these actions by the PBA speaks volumes. There is a clear vested interest for the PBA. I am sure the other Unions are looking at similar measures against me. This is fine too, lets get it all out. Sometimes, the operation of efficient government conflicts with the objectives of the Unions.

They clearly have taken a defensive stance at us looking at contracting with the SO. The vote of "no confidence" means nothing given the timing and environment. Nonetheless, I can only speak of our organizational track record, and the value oriented decisions made on behalf of the Avon Park tax Payers:

1) Reduced garbage and sewer rates, by 10% this year.
2) Looking at reducing property taxes by 39% for the upcoming year.
3) Paid off 40% of our debt last year.
4) City Reserves and contigency funds at an all time high.
5) Roads and sidewalks are in top shape.
6) Level of service has been increased community wide
7) Annexations have matrialized.
8) Utility was taken from losing moneys to being in the Black.
9) Recycling is coming soon.

Deleon (by: from ap - 8/4/2012)

I was wondering if the City Council who has so much faith in Deleon would change his contact so that the people of Avon Park could vote on the City Manager like every 2 or 3 years . People who want to be City Manager could run for election and answer also to the people. A voice at the council meeting is a lot different than a vote in the box. He has talked about people living in town when people had a comment does he ? The City is paying him not to by giving him a ride home everyday

"the people" (by: Union - 8/4/2012)

Is not the Union itself that voted no confidence on the city manager. Was the employees of avon park that voted. Macklin is jjust the spoke person for the city union. So i dont know why macklin is getting bashed. Lets go ahead andget rid of all the unions and then the employers can do whatever they want to the employees and have no say so. Thats why the unions were created to protect the workers rights from employers.

The President has spoken (by: JJ - 8/3/2012)

OK- so if the guy is such a louse, why all these issues now? An oger isnt created overnight. Why is this coming out now? This union letter would have been more credible if it had been written before all the PD and SO issues rose up. It really smells like its a hatchet job worked incahoots amongst the unions. So obvious. How dense.

Double Dose of Macklin (by: razzle dazzle - 8/3/2012)

There's another one? Oh my Lord.
I agree with the first poster- Get a life and get a grip!

union games (by: buggle - 8/3/2012)

This is such a bad move by the unions. None of them can possibly expect that Julian Deleon will be sad by this move. They are playing right into his hands by showing themselves to be big, greedy babies. Anyone ever heard of the underdog? Well Mr and Mrs Union, you just created one! No one likes anyone to gang up in numbers and the unions just did that.

Macklins vs. Sutherlands (by: Fred - 8/3/2012)

Crass vs. class.

Here we go again (by: Sam Schultz - 8/3/2012)

Anyone read between the lines here? This is so pathetic of the unions to try to get rid of the city manager. I wasnt a big fan of his before, but I sure am now. Good luck Avon Park.

I agree (by: Jim Barnard - 8/3/2012)

I agree with J.A. Gaines,time to move forward in a positive way.

APPD (by: Brother in Blue - 8/3/2012)

Lose your PD and Lose your city identity! Without a PD what does a city have to offer? Water and sewer? Can that help you feel safe. Is that going to listen to you when you have a problem and need to speak to an officer? KEEP THE APPD.

If you are looking... (by: Judy - 8/3/2012)

for a new business, come to Donaldson Park here in Avon Park. Sight Unseen Enterprises is a new business. The owner, Robert Talley, who is a lifelong resident of Avon Park, will be offering watercraft for use on Lake Verona. The business will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

really, the unions don't like him, really? (by: Ray Napper - 8/3/2012)

As the baby in the commercial says,,,here's my shocked face. Oh glad there is no conflict with this writer but it is good to know that Tom never had any problems,,,nope not a negative word the entire time Tom was in charge,,,no problems at all....Go to the meeting tomorrow and speak your minds. this is just more politics with everyone wanting their side to win. I wonder when the citizens will matter and not just a few that are louder....

STAND TALL AP EMPLOYEES! (by: O.C. - 8/3/2012)

My question is how can Mr. DeLeon justify getting rid of the police department when clearly by his own admission and horn blowing he has "saved the city so much money". There is no financial reason for this blatant attack on the Public Safety departments. Mr. DeLeon is upset because the people who were afraid to speak out are now standing united against the hostile work enviornment he created! P.S. READ YOUR CONSTITUTION!!!!! (also amendment IV)

God Bless You Too, Tammy (by: J. A. Gaines - 8/3/2012)

Get a grip. Get a life. Get on with real business of Avon Park and find some businesses for other than the nearly dead (I'm one of 'em, so no nasty comments necessary). Find a quality chain restaurant for this end of town; search out businesses and offer incentives. Quit looking inward and start marching forward and make some positive things happen.