Cathedral City Employee Tami Scott Public Trust Issue
 |
Desert Observer's Page Dear Cathedral City Residents: Please excuse my interloping and offering an unsolicited opinion about events within your city. I've been following news reports about Tami Scott, Cathedral City chief financial and administrative officer, who recently became a convicted felon. The news item which attracted my attention was your city manager's decision to retain Ms. Scott in her financial services position within city government. It's a decision that surprises me and one I find highly inappropriate. |
My early background in finance (auditing and banking) left me imbued with a firm understanding of the importance of honesty, trust and reputation required of all who have financial area responsibilities. In many businesses, an employment bond is required in order to hold financial area positions and, as you probably know, insurance companies seldom agree to issue employment bonds to convicted felons who wish to work in the financial services sector. I suspect that if Cathedral City tried to obtain an employment bond for Ms. Scott, her criminal conviction would preclude success in that endeavor.
I'm not suggesting or agreeing with any who may be calling for resignations or employment terminations in this matter. Instead I would suggest that if Ms. Scott is a valued employee, she be reassigned to another position within the city away from the financial services sector. I would also suggest the City Council review sensitive city positions from a bonding insurance perspective and determine which ones need to meet similar employment standards. Employees holding sensitive positions who are unable to meet appropriate insurance bonding standards should be moved into other service areas.
Government needs the confidence, respect and trust of its citizens. Public employees need to understand the importance of their function as city ambassadors and that those in the public image are viewed as role models. Perceptions are often more important than reality and in the instance of Tami Scott, her image does not send the message that's needed. She's failed to meet the integrity test, is not a positive role model, and should not be allowed to continue as chief financial and administrative officer of Cathedral City.
Bond Shands
Palm Springs
In many businesses, an employment bond is required in order to hold financial area positions and, as you probably know, insurance companies seldom agree to issue employment bonds to convicted felons who wish to work in the financial services sector. I suspect that if Cathedral City tried to obtain an employment bond for Ms. Scott, her criminal conviction would preclude success in that endeavor.
Reply to this
I would also suggest the City Council review sensitive city positions from a bonding insurance perspective and determine which ones need to meet similar employment standards. Employees holding sensitive positions who are unable to meet appropriate insurance bonding standards should be moved into other service areas.
Reply to this