With the continuing investigation into prior city practices in Palm Springs, it comes time to think if the 3 new members of the city council should effect more change at the top of city government. While it seem presumptuous and maybe too early, I think the city should consider ending the employment of City Manager David Ready and the contract with the law firm that employs City Attorney Doug Holland.
Now I am in no way implying that either of the above 2 are guilty of any criminal wrongdoing. What is apparent is that they should have exercised some better judgement when presented with various aspects of the redevelopment of Palm Springs. They, not the City Council, are the real managers of day to day affairs in Palm Springs. They set both the tone and the bar at City Hall.
David Ready has been here a long time. While personable, he always give the impression of being fey in his actions and words. It now seems pretty obvious that Rich Meaney got a ton of dispensations from City Hall. As City Manager, Mr. Ready should have put a stop to it. Period.
This crazy story alone should have tongues wagging. It made no sense and it appears to have been solely done for the purpose of enriching a property with connections to Meaney. The fact that it didn't happen should not lessen the gravity of it. Mr. Ready was heavily involved in the preliminary meetings.
As for Doug Holland, he works for the law firm of Woodruff, Spraldin and Smart based in Orange County. I have not seen one piece of evidence that he offered any advice critical of the way the city was winding down it's disposal redevelopment properties n Palm Springs.
Also this may be a minor incident but it may be telling. Back in the spring of 2015, a FOI (Freedom Of Information Act) request was filed for then Mayor Steve Pugnet's schedule. Holland angrily rejected it n writing. At the same time Mayor Pougnet was inviting members of the public to read it!!
Mr. Holland and his firm should also be held accountable for his colleague Patick Desmond's comments invovling the 2012 shooting death of Marine Corporal AJ DeVillena by PSPD officers in November of 2012. Those comments were over the top, and disrespectful of a Marine combat vet.
The city has a chance to start afresh. Now is the time go big and go bold. Many in the Palm Springs power establishment would protest if Ready and Holland moved on. Council members Ginny Foat and Chris Mills would be upset. But the time to make a change is now when the 3 new members of the council are still riding high with a sold base.
Almost all agree that business as usual can not and will not continue in Palm Springs. But 2 of those practitioners, Doug Holland and David Ready still remain in place. Should they?
Steve Kelly can be reached at skelly@rrbroadcasting.com or followed on Twitter @skellynj
Getting rid of Ready at this time would be a very poor call. We have just made major changes to the council, changing managers would, I believe, cripple all the efforts that are currently unfolding. Our form of City Government requires a strong manager to be at the helm. We still have no ruling on the extent if any of wrong doing. Because some of us don't like the current direction and style is not sufficient reason to cut our ability to function. If and when the FBI and other agencies come back with something more than dislike, then I strongly argue that now is not the time to take such a severe action. I will agree that it is time to seriously look at the City Attorney's position.
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