Snowflakes: No Two Alike? Check This.

"No two snowflakes are alike?"  Not so true, according to this cool video "The Chemistry of Snowflakes" by the American Chemical Society.  (Thanks to Maria Popova @Brainpickings, www.brainpickings.org for pointing it out).

With the prospect of snowfall heading to Charlotte and the surrounding area, I am grateful for a warm, safe place to sleep.  There are heavy storms with snow around half the country at this time, which is less inviting than a light dusting to be enjoyed, or a good drift to ski.

During all these holidays and throughout the brutally cold winter season in the Middle East, I am grateful for our United States Troops serving overseas in even harsher conditions than normal.

As the temperatures drop, don't forget to check on elderly neighbors to be sure they have safe forms of heat.  Also make sure all pets are inside and have a way to keep warm.

Puddle Jumping

There are plenty of things to write about today, including Mayor Foxx's contentious dealing with Charlotte's City Council as he keeps trying to raise our taxes for expensive projects even most in his own party voted down several times already.  Some on City Council who are opposed to Mayor Foxx's plans have said they feel Foxx has threatened them politically for not backing him his nearly $1 Billion plan.

Police Chief Rodney Monroe presented to Council how he wanted to keep not only the millions of dollars in surveillance equipment added for the DNC Convention (shock, surprise) but also wants to access private and university cameras so police can collect additional information through those cameras as well.  Monroe wants to expand the Shotspotter program (technology that purports to zero in on gunshots and report them to police real time) to private property in more areas.  


Instead of that, watch this video.  Feel good.

Video by Julian Burrett with copyrighted music "You're My Best Friend" by Queen.  EMI.  Via YouTube.

(NOT) RESTORING TRUST IN GOVERNMENT

Reports in several outlets released details of what we will be paying now-former Tax Assessor Garrett Alexander since he “resigned” last week.  It is startling to read in the Charlotte Observer that he not only kept a job with Mecklenburg County, but that he “offered his resignation in a closed meeting on the condition he remain a county employee in another job.”  (emphasis added)

Since when does someone in his position make demands on offering his resignation?  Since when are those demands accepted? 

Pearson’s consulting firm was hired by the county to evaluate the process and found dozens of problems with the Revaluation process Alexander was in charge of, leading to tens of thousands of appeals, tens of millions of dollars overcharged to county citizens, talk of having to take North Carolina State Legislature action and millions more in work for the county to fix the mess.  All the while, many citizens are suffering with the daily reality of trying to pay the overcharges and trying to pay other bills.  Many fear losing their homes over this and some have had to sell.

The result?  Alexander’s boss, County Manager Harry Jones, keeps his job (again).  And Garrett Alexander keeps a county job as...   Senior Fiscal Analyst.   Salary:  $98,500 for now. 

The Observer reported that in the closed session:

After the county manager told commissioners he could find Alexander another position, they unanimously voted to accept Alexander’s resignation.

Jones reportedly complained bitterly he did not get a raise.

The new Board of County Commissioners could correct both of these problems.  They could also correct the 2011 appeals that need to be corrected without having the State Legislature clean up the mess the former board created.  They should be too embarrassed to ask.  How much more time and money will be wasted on incompetence? 

• Order a Board of Equalization and Review to set appointments within 2 hour blocks (at least) with anyone who wants or needs a review.  The previous system of forcing people to come at 9 a.m. and remain all day long, sometimes in to the evening, is ridiculous.  Even the courts split the day in half.  Some people paid attorneys (as they were incorrectly instructed by Alexander/staff they needed) to sit with them for hours on end, in addition to missing work and other hardships.  
• Order time limits waived due to the lack of due process and deal with the process in house.  
• Order the Assessor/BER to provide support documents for their basis for assessment to the tax payer—it’s only fair.  
• And then have a fair meeting with tax payers to come to reasonable valuation.

It would be a lot cheaper than the arduous processes being proposed.  And, it has a chance of producing an equitable result.

See also previous post with details of Revaluation review recommendations: 

Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners Delays Vote

COMPILATION OF TURKEY FRYING VIDEOS

For anyone who decides to risk deep-frying a turkey, here’s why you should NEVER fry a frozen turkey.  Be sure it’s completely thawed.  Do not overfill oil (check when cool) and do not place the cooker anywhere near flammable objects--like a house, deck, trees or children:

And see a more complete list of safety information on this short video:

And lastly, William Shatner at his weirdest (at least weirdest turkey frying video).  This is an actual Public Safety Announcement done by State Farm last year. 

Don’t burn down your house.  

Don’t drink and drive.  

Enjoy a safe and happy holiday.

Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners Delays Vote

Tonight the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners, replete with several new members, met for several important issues affecting the city and county.

Possibly the most heated issue in recent history is the 2011 Tax Revaluation.  News broke tonight that Tax Assessor Garret Alexander has submitted his resignation for that position, but will stay on in some other unnamed county position at an undisclosed salary (at least for now).

A vote on how to proceed with some actions about what Commissioner Bill James called a "train wreck" of a process was delayed tonight.  All agreed to meet next week Tuesday at 3 p.m. to discuss and possibly amend County Manager Harry Jones' recommendations concerning the audit.  View this information at these links below:

Mecklenburg Revaluation Review Final Report.pdf
Cover Letter for Final Report.pdf
Mecklenburg County Report Cover.pdf
Exhibits for Final Report.pdf
County Manager Recommendations on Revaluation Review.pdf

Comments from the dais stated support for review from the State level in Representative Brawley and Speaker of the House Thom Tillis.  Others maintain that a "rollback" of the 2011 revaluation that so many want is not permitted by law and will not change.  

Three-and-a-half hours of discussion did not result in resolution or a vote.  Many angry property owners showed up again to voice complaints to the Board.

ELECTION INFORMATION

PLAN AHEAD TO SAVE TIME AND AVOID ANY SURPRISES

Under the VOTER INFORMATION link, choose VIEW MY SAMPLE BALLOT, enter your address as instructed.  The program will return a list of what your area-specific choices will be, along with your polling location.

SEE NORTH CAROLINA STATE & LOCAL CHARLOTTE/MECKLENBURG CANDIDATES

The most recent gubernatorial debate with Lt. Governor Dalton and Former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory is from October 24^th , aired on WRALTV and can be viewed HERE with indexed comments and questions (could not embed).

A good place to see many State and Local Candidates is through the non-partisan televised debates sponsored by WTVI and the League of Women voters on PBS. Links to each individual debate they aired are shown here:

Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners, District 1

Karen Bentley and Keith Bradford

Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners, District 5

Paula Harvey and Matthew Ridenhour

County Commission At Large

Pat Cotham (D), Trevor M. Fuller(D), Michael Hobbs (R), James Peterson (R), Wayne Powers (R), Jason Bateman (L)  (not in debate, also running: Kim Michele Ratliff, (D))

NC Senate District 38 

Joel Ford & Richard Rivette

  

NC House District 88

Martha Alexander & Rob Bryan

NC House District 92

Robin Bradford & Charles Jeter

US House District 9

Robert Pittenger & Jennifer Roberts

US House District 12 

Jack Brosch & Mel Watt

JUDGES CONTROL MUCH, HAVE LONG TERMS

As you are deciding all your election choices, note especially the lengthy terms for judges’ seats.  Many people don’t take the time to research or vote for judges, but these are people making decisions about your life every day, whether you ever encounter a court house or not.  They rule in civil court matters if law suits become an issue.  And if you care about crime, sentencing decisions, court efficiency matters, and other important justice issues, judges are the last foothold of the legal system.  Find out who these people are before you elect them or let them stay in office.  Find voting guides and recommendations, as well as reading articles about their past decisions. 

AT-LARGE CANDIDATES SERVE EVERYONE

Don’t forget, too, the At-Large Board of County Commissioner Representatives will serve every person in Mecklenburg County, regardless of your location.  Make sure you choose those who have worked hardest to earn that position, met with the County, and match your values and goals for Mecklenburg County (don’t forget those tax revaluations—and how the money is being spent).

.   .   .   .   .

Educate yourself, family and friends about all candidates. 

VOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6. 

It is a precious right and responsibility.

It is the loudest, most powerful voice we have.

.   .   .   .   .

 Still not sure? Watch this Saturday Night Live sketch “UndecidedVoters”

and then go vote.

Offices on the Ballot 2012

President and Vice President (4 Years)
1 Seat

U.S. House of Representatives (2 Years)
8th Congressional District
9th Congressional District
12th Congressional District
1 Seat

Governor (4 Years)
1 Seat

Council of State (4 Years)
Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General 
State Auditor
Commissioner of Agriculture
Commissioner of Insurance
Commissioner of Labor
Secretary of State
Superintendent of Public Instruction
State Treasurer
1 Seat

State Senator (2 Years)
District 37
District 38
District 39
District 40
District 41
1 Seat

State Representative (2 Years)
District 88
District 92
District 98
District 99
District 100
District 101
District 102
District 103
District 104
District 105
District 106
District 107
1 Seat

County Commissioner At-Large (2 Years)
3 Seats

County Commission Districts (2 Years)
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
1 Seat

Register of Deeds (4 Years)
1 Seat

Soil & Water Conservation District (4 Years)
1 Seat

NC Superior Court District 26-A (8 Years)
Non-Partisan
2 Seats

NC Supreme Court (8 Years)
Non-Partisan
1 Seats

NC Court of Appeals (8 Years)
 Non-Partisan
3 Seats

District Court Judges (4 Years)
Non-Partisan
12 Seats

THIS LIST TAKEN FROM:

http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/BOE/elections/Pages/Officeson2012Ballot.aspx

HALLOWEEN: The Right Kind of Scary

BASICS AND COSTUMES    

Younger children especially should be accompanied by adults. 

Reinforce traffic safety rules to kids who will be excited and distracted.  Remind them the rules to wait for adults before crossing a street, look both ways for cars and bikes, and hold hands with their buddy or parent before crossing.

Make sure costumes do not impede line of sight or cause any other safety problems with breathing or movement.  Be sure they are flame retardant.  Use bright colors and reflective surfaces.  Add reflective tape to costumes and bags for safety.

Everyone should trick-or-treat in groups, and make use of the buddy system to keep track of each other.  Establish routes, check-in times, and curfews for older kids and be sure they have a phone with them.  For Halloween parties, know who they’ll be with and review all rules about friends, drinking, getting in cars, and having the designated adult pick them up. 

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD   

Stay in well-lit areas, and remember you can see cars better than drivers can see you.

Do not go to unfamiliar areas.  Do not enter houses of people you don’t know or accept unwrapped treats from people you don’t know. 

It’s unfortunate to need to know, but all year round, you should be aware of registered sex offenders in your area.  You can check by street, zip code, name, or other ways at the NATIONAL SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY and at the NC SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY. 

Remind kids BASIC SAFETY that applies all year:  if they need help, try to find a police officer for help.  After that, it is usually safer to ask a woman for help than a man—especially if she has children with her.  Teach children their home phone numbers and how to call 911.

Teach children that if anyone tries to harm them, touch them the wrong way (and talk about what that means) or grab them to remove them from their location, they should scream as loudly as possible, drop down from someone’s arms, and run away.  Teach them it’s okay to punch and kick adults in that case.

 

DEADLY NUT ALLERGIES

Check with parents about any potential nut allergies, which can be deadly, if you are watching children for other people.   Let others know if your children have allergies.  Read packages carefully.  Some items are “processed in plants that also process peanuts or other nuts” and can trigger severe allergies, even if they don’t contain whole or chopped nuts that are obvious.

PARTIES AT HOME

Consider having a party at home with friends and healthy treats as part of the evening, but don’t suck all the fun out of Halloween.  Just be prepared and safe.  And wear layers, because it’s going to be cold out there!

MORE ABOUT MISSING CMPD RECORDS

TIP OF THE ICEBERG AT CMPD ACADEMY?

Following extensive research and inquiry, citynewswatch discovered that the initial report of hundreds of Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Officer records was just the beginning.  It turns out the first 499 out of 501 Officers’ records on the AUDIT list which indicated a problem were merely out of the first 501 checked…   it seemed CMPD and the NCDOJ Criminal Justice Standards Division were happy to leave the impression after many questions about a full audit of CMPD that those were all the problems found.  This would have been bad enough, but was only the first < 1/3 they checked out of 1782 officers’ files.

For details and copies of memos sent a year ago from Deputy Chief Katrina Graue ordering officers to come in and have fingerprints re-done and obviously admitting the missing records, see these previous citynewswatch posts here and here.

WHAT IS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY DOING?

The NCDOJ CJSD has said they have no answer from Chief Monroe or any surrogate for him on what the heck happened in the first place, even for multiple officers who had to be pulled from duty by the State because they were working without certification standards—some for years.  Recent NCDOJ CJSD Director Wayne Woodard and current Deputy Director Pam Pope had issued letters to CMPD demanding immediate removal from active duty of the officers and a list of requirements for those officers (names blacked out here) before they could be reinstated.  However, the same agency says they don’t have any such letter from Monroe—but have reinstated the officers.   Hmm.  

One of the requirements was clearly to explain what the heck is going on in CMPD and the management issues.  You can read for yourself in some of the letters found below, including that multiple officers were working uncertified, that Chief Monroe was required to issue letters explaining the lack of management control was missed in his agency, and a recommendation in July, 2011 that CMPD should contact the District Attorney's Office, advise of the separations involving these officers and then “it is up to them whether they believe any action may be warranted.”  These are exactly the type of issues raised by citynewswatch a year ago, but there’s still no answer what action, if any, has been taken.

FULL AUDIT RESULTS VERY CONCERNING

When the full audit was complete, results show in a letter in September, 2012, that:

·        41 officers are deficient in some manner with mandated in-service training required in previous years; and

·        47 officers are deficient with Certification requirements of the Commission

The completion and report of audit findings does not preclude further Commission action as deemed appropriate.

When asked if this statement on his letterhead by Deputy Director Pope meant that 47 CMPD officers were now considered out of Certification and would be removed from active duty status, current Interim Director of the NCDOJ Criminal Justice Standards Division, Robert Yow, has said “the issues included in the final audit report (for all 1792 files) have been referred for further inquiry, and I cannot comment upon them.”

CONCERNED DIRECTOR FROM NCDOJ

Former NCDOJ CJSD Director Wayne Woodard expressed his concerns before the final audit was complete:

From: Woodard, Wayne

Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 4:50 PM

To: kgraue@cmpd.org

Cc: Pope, Pam

Subject: CMPD Issues

Deputy Chief Graue,

I would like to talk with you in regards to several issues involving your agency. First, there is a need to follow-up with you concerning the audit of officer certification files that our staff recently conducted at your agency. Secondly, there are several other issues that have come up, both before and since the audit which merit our discussion. I will tell you I am very concerned about these other issues and concerned about the actions of some members of your agency regarding these issues.

Please let me know if you are available anytime within the next several days for a phone conversation. If so, what is a good time and at what number may I reach you. I do plan to ask my Deputy director, Pam Pope, to join us since she was involved in the audit process and has relevant information to share.

Thank you,

Wayne Woodard, Director

Criminal Justice Standards Division

North Carolina Department of Justice

919-661-5980

SUMMARY OF FIRST OFFICER RECORDS AUDITED

To get an idea the extent of the problem, here is a summary of the issues with the first 501 records reviewed:

From: Marrella, Teresa

Sent: Monday, October 10, 2011 3:41 PM

To: Pope, Pam

Subject: CMPD Audit Stats

Pam,

Below are the stats of files which were missing items or the wrong form was used.

I have attached the spreadsheet.

Proof of Minimum Age of 20

13 Missing

Proof of Education

27 Missing

Proof of Citizenship

15 Missing

Results of FP Record Check

111 Missing

Medical History F-1

397 Missing

Medical Exam Report F-2

417 Missing

Personal History Statement F-3

13 Missing

Qualifications Appraisal

22 Missing

Mandated Background Investigation F-8

16 Missing

191 CMPD form

Firearms Qualification

379 Missing

---

Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 4:23 PM

To: Pearsall, Sherie

Cc: Little, Jenny; Sauber, Jason; jcfields@cmpd.org

Subject:

Major Pearsall,

Per our earlier telephone conversation, we are requesting the following documents to straighten out the information and correct status on the above persons with your agency/formerly with your agency:

XXXXXX

• need an amended Form F-5B with corrected identifying information (DOB, SSN, Oath of Office)

• Letter from Chief Monroe that has not separated from your agency and that has been working full time since XXXXXX date of hire on whatever specific date.

• Copies of all certification paperwork ("F" forms from our office)

• Letter from Chief Monroe stating status of employment with CMPD including rank, current assignment, etc. Also, please include how this was missed on your agency profile since 1998.

• Date of drug test for employment or copy of same

• Training for in-service has been received by email and we will notify you if we need additional information

• Copies of all certification paperwork ("F" forms from our office)

• Letter from Chief Monroe stating status of employment with CMPD including rank, current assignment, etc. Also, please include how this was missed on your agency profile since 1998.

• Date of drug test for employment or copy of same

• Training for in-service has been received by email and we will notify you if we need additional information

Again, these officers are not to work until properly certified through our Division. Additionally, as I mentioned, CJ Standards recommended that CMPD contact your District Attorney's Office and advise of the separations involving these officers and then it is up to them whether they believe any action may be warranted.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at 919-779-8204.

Pam

Pam Pope

Deputy Director

Criminal Justice Standards Division

ppope@ncdoj.gov

919-661-5980

---

From: Pearsall, Sherie [mailto:spearsall©cmpd.org]

Sent: Thursday, July 07, 2011 8:26 AM

To: Pope, Pam

Cc: Kukowski, Rebecca L. (Becky); Graue, Katrina; Monroe, Rodney

Subject: RE: XXXXXX and XXXXXX

Importance: High

Sensitivity: Confidential

Deputy Director Pope, first thank you once again for your prompt attention to this matter.

All items have been pulled and copies are on their way to you this morning. In addition a member of our H/R staff, Thyssen Brawley will be accompanying Sgt. Ray Williams this morning with each employee's complete file for your review and extraction of any additional data that you may require in order to expedite this process.

• We are currently attempting to locate the original drug screen form with date for XXXXXX and as soon as we have it in hand it will be delivered to you.

• I am unable to provide a comprehensive explanation about how XXXXXX and XXXXXX were missed on our agency profile at this time. This issue is currently being researched by one of our current H/R supervisors. There appears to be some discrepancies regarding actual receipt of the profiles by our agency.

Rebecca Kukowski will be contacting Jenny Little today regarding same so that we may better coordinate our efforts moving forward.

Please feel free to contact me once you have these items in hand should we need to coordinate any additional efforts throughout the day. I can be reached at 704.619.2995.

Major Sherie E. Pearsall

CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

1770 SHOPTON ROAD

CHARLOTTE. N.C. 28217

704.432.1641

SPEARSALL@CMPD.ORG

"...PEOPLE WILL FORGE I WHAT YOU SAID, PEOPLE WILL FORGET WHAT YOU DID, BUT PEOPLE WILL NEVER FORGET HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL."

AUTHOR." MAYA ANGELOU

---

From: Pope, Pam

Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2011 1:03 PM

To: mhannan@cmPd.org

Cc: Woodard, Wayne

Subject: FW: Audit results needing important follow up response

Importance: High

Miriam,

As I mentioned to you on the telephone the other day, we felt that it was important to send you information in writing on three of your officers where there were serious issues found during our audit of your certification files.

XXXXXX:

XXXXXX failed to complete his 2007 mandated in-service training as reported by your agency as deficient on the Form F-9 was suspended as of April 10, 2008 and a certified letter was mailed to him.  XXXXXX signed for this letter on April 18, 2008. At that point in time, XXXXXX should have ceased performing any law enforcement actions. My understanding is that this had not happened as of September 28, 2011. Per my conversation with Captain Bannerman, must immediately cease performing law enforcement actions until ill has complied with the following and has received a letter from this office rescinding. XXXXXX 's suspension:

• XXXXXX.  needs to write a statement to address why XXXXXX continued to work as a law enforcement officer after receiving a letter of suspension. Also, this statement needs to address whether, XXXXXX discussed XXXXXX s suspension with any member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department including who XXXXXX spoke with, when XXXXXX spoke with them and what was XXXXXX told.

• XXXXXX must complete the 2007 mandated in-service training which XXXXXX failed to complete (everything but firearms) or provide verification in the form of a certificate of completion with date, title, and hours of the course or a roster with the same information.

• XXXXXX must also provide documentation that XXXXXX has completed all of the 2008, 2009 and 2010 mandated in-service training. The same documentation noted in the second bullet must be provided.

XXXXXX

XXXXXX was separated by an F-5B (Report of Separation) which was filed by your agency on May 15, 2008. We did not receive any additional information from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department requesting XXXXXX be moved to a reserve status instead of separated. Therefore, XXXXXX has not been certified since May 2008 and should not have been working in a law enforcement capacity. My understanding is that did not happen and IMO XXXXXX has been working actively as a reserve officer. Per my conversation with Captain Bannerman, XXXXXX must immediately cease performing law enforcement actions until XXXXXX has complied with the following and has received a letter from this office rescinding XXXXXX separation and reissuing le certification:

• A letter from Chief Monroe to Criminal Justice Standards Director Wayne Woodard addressing the request to rescind the separation of XXXXXX which would restore his certification. Additionally, include in the letter how did the error of separation happen.

• XXXXXX must provide documentation that'll-las completed all of the 2008, 2009 and 2010 mandated in-service training. XXXXXX must provide verification of completion of this training in the form of a certificate of completion with date, title, and hours of the course or a roster with the same information.

XXXXXX

XXXXXX was separated by an F-5B (Report of Separation) which was filed by your agency on September 5, 2008. We did not receive any information from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department requesting XXXXXX be moved to a reserve status instead of separated. Therefore, has not been certified since May 2008 and should not have been working in a law enforcement capacity. My understanding is that did not happen and XXXXXX has been working actively as a reserve officer. Per my conversation with Captain Bannerman, XXXXXX must immediately cease performing law enforcement actions until has complied with the following and has received a letter from this office rescinding XXXXXX ',separation and reissuing XXXXXX certification:

• A letter from Chief Monroe to Criminal Justice Standards Director Wayne Woodard addressing the request to rescind the separation of XXXXXX which would restore her certification. Additionally, include in the letter how did the error of separation happen.

• XXXXXX must provide documentation that XXXXXX has completed all of the 2008, 2009 and 2010 mandated in-service training. XXXXXX must provide verification of completion of this training in the form of a certificate of completion with date, title, and hours of the course or a roster with the same information.

If you should have any questions about this issue, please feel free to contact me.

Pam Pope

Pam Pope

Deputy Director

Criminal Justice Standards Division

ppope@ncdoj.gov

919-661-5980

---

From: Pope, Pam [mailto:ppope@ncdoj.gov]

Sent: Monday, October 10, 2011 2:11 PM

To: Hannan, Miriam

Cc: Woodard, Wayne

Subject: RE: Audit results needing important follow up response

Importance: High

Miriam,

I hope that you are doing well this Monday afternoon. I am following up on the below email which was sent to you last Wednesday reference CMPD officers who were to be pulled from active law enforcement duties.

My Director, Wayne Woodard, has requested confirmation that Officers  XXXX, XXXX and  XXXX   have been reassigned to duties which do not require law enforcement action to be taken. Would you please advise ASAP when these officers were reassigned and by whom in the Command Staff was this action taken by?

Additionally, who will be responsible for forwarding the requested information to me?

I appreciate your time in advance as I know how busy that you are.

Pam

Pam Pope

Deputy Director

Criminal Justice Standards Division

ppope@ncdoj.gov

919-661-5980

---

As of June, 2012, Major Sheri Pearsall of the Administrative Services Group is paid $98,642/yr.  Deputy Chief Katrina Graue of the Administrative Services Group is paid $112,785/yr.  Chief Rodney Monroe is paid $190,550/yr.  These amounts are according to the Charlotte Observer and DO NOT include free cars and plenty of other benefits and perks.  An interesting point is that Monroe promoted both Pearsall and Graue on August 2, 2011—after the problems of officers working without being certified were reported on their watch (and Monroe’s).  Correction noted Oct. 4: Graue was actually promoted to the position in Administrative Services Group May 12, 2010, different from most recent pay increase.

Costs to City of Charlotte tax payers for lawsuits generated by Monroe have been tremendous.  Spending has exploded.  Maybe he could at least keep track of which police officers are certified to do the job.

Maybe they could find those 50 missing new police cars, too.