Commenting in official capacity?

[HST]

Mr. Haddix-

Is this PTC City employee making these comments in the Citizen's public forum in an official capacity as a city employee?

Can we now quote him as speaking on behalf of the city government?



http://www.thecitizen.com/~citizen0/node/31871 (http://www.thecitizen.com/%7Ecitizen0/node/31871)

$5600 Well Spent!! MAYOR and Manger JOB WELL DONE!

Fri, 09/19/2008 - 4:49pm
By: cmc865
I am tired of people BITCHIN about $5600 that the Mayor and City Manager spent on a trip to China. OHHH the poor seniors have to spend Ten bucks to get in the Taj Mahal to play bridge....I am a firm believer that you have to spend money to make money. If it cost $5600 to send a couple of folks to China to lure tax paying companies into Peachtree City than so be it. WE NEED more trips like this selling Peachtree City to companies who will bring JOBS to our area and support OUR economy. YOU Liberals speak out both sides of your freakin heads and are CONSTANTLY complaining. If they were not doing anything to lure jobs and firm TAX BASE to our city you would be complaining as well. MR. Mayor and City Manager keep up the good work and continue what you are doing.
Signed, CITY EMPLOYEE and City Resident
C. Campbell

[Don Haddix]

He is absolutely not speaking for Peachtree City. He is speaking purely for himself.

Good question and thanks for asking.

[HST]

Well, his post is signed as a city employee. I know every company I have ever worked for or with has very explicit governances regarding usage of your employer's name or your official/professional capacity while making personal statements.

Does Peachtree City lack guidance for employees regarding speaking personally while representing yourself as a city employee? I don't wish to belabor this issue but surely you can see how this could very easily be construed as someone with PTC speaking officially.

[Don Haddix]

I do understand your point and there are various guidelines in place.

I will pass your concerns along to the City Manager.

Thanks.

[HST]

Ah. Pass along concerns about a city employee's praising of the mayor and the city manager to... the city manager. I'm sure he'll be livid.

Sorry, I got a big chuckle out of that one. Thanks Mr. Haddix.

[Don Haddix]

Ah. Pass along concerns about a city employee's praising of the mayor and the city manager to... the city manager. I'm sure he'll be livid.

Sorry, I got a big chuckle out of that one. Thanks Mr. Haddix.
I asked for a response I can pass along to you and others concerning this issue.

[CitizenAl]

Thanks, love to see that response.

Comforting to know we have City employees that are cool headed and articulate.

[Don Haddix]

I got an answer back today after they did some research.

There is no guideline or rule concerning employees. It is held an employee, when on their own time, has a first amendment right to speak their minds.

Hope that covers it, Al.