10 Matching Annotations
  1. Jul 2023
    1. One of Alan’s first acts as Commander was to change the name of the organization. Theorganization became the County Search and Rescue.

      Did the name change actually do anything?

    2. Controversy over radios was a major battle the Dirty Dozen and the Old Guard experienced. Theteam needed a reliable way to be in contact as soon as a call came in and also a way tocommunicate when they were actually working on a rescue. They initially had large, outdated,hard-to-handle radios that did not properly transmit communications between the men at theCommand Center and the men on the mountain. The Dirty Dozen went to the leadership of theJeep Patrol to see if they could figure out a way to upgrade their radios. They were told “no”; asystem was already in place that included such practices as driving up and down the canyonhonking the car horn to cancel a call out.

      This passage highlights the issue of radio communication faced by the Dirty Dozen and the Old Guard, emphasizing its significance as a major battle for the teams. The need for reliable and efficient communication during emergency situations and rescue operations is crucial, as it ensures the safety and coordination of the team members. The mention of the initial challenges with large, outdated radios that hindered effective transmission between the Command Center and the team on the mountain emphasizes the urgency for an upgrade.

      The Dirty Dozen, recognizing the importance of improved radio communication, approached the leadership of the Jeep Patrol to address the issue. However, they were met with a refusal, as the existing system was deemed sufficient. The mention of alternative practices, such as driving up and down the canyon honking car horns to cancel a call out, suggests that the current communication methods were unconventional and potentially inadequate.

    3. One of the guys [at the command center] came over to me and said ‘Maybe we canchange things.

      Is this an example of on the job policy changes?

    4. About a year after Chris Reed joined the Jeep Patrol, John Valentine and his climbing partnerwere in the High Uinta Wilderness area. They had just finished their first summit of a highlytechnical peak and were on their way back to their base camp when they ran across somemembers of the Uintah County Jeep Patrol conducting a search for a lost child.

      This passage introduces the character Chris Reed, who recently joined the Jeep Patrol. While not directly related to Chris's story, the mention of John Valentine and his climbing partner encountering members of the Uintah County Jeep Patrol during their expedition in the High Uinta Wilderness adds an interesting element to the narrative. It suggests that the Jeep Patrol is involved in search and rescue operations, potentially showcasing the diverse responsibilities and roles of the organization. The encounter with the lost child search highlights the patrol's commitment to public safety and their presence in remote wilderness areas. This annotation sets the stage for potential future developments involving Chris and his involvement in similar search and rescue scenarios.

  2. Jun 2023
    1. Coler believed that such statements were the public's due. "You have to be willing, I think," he muses, "to show people that you're sensitive to what they're trying to say, be it fair or not fair, ... to say, 'Okay, I hear your concerns and I'm going to do this and not to be a smartass about it, and to have some humility about it, public humility.'"

      Acknowledging the concerns of the public requires an open mindset that appreciates different viewpoints. It is essential to create a space where individuals feel heard and respected, even if their opinions may differ from those in positions of authority. By doing so, public figures can bridge the gap between themselves and the public, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.

      Coler's mention of "public humility" underscores the importance of approaching public discourse with humility and respect. Recognizing that no one has a monopoly on wisdom or knowledge allows for a more constructive and inclusive dialogue. Humility can also serve as a catalyst for personal and organizational growth, leading to better outcomes and more effective decision-making processes.

    2. that HRS had hired the former wife of a close friend and Republican supporter, real estate developer Bill Knight, to work for the agency. Knight, Coler told the paper, had not asked him to find a job for his ex-wife, nor had Coler himself exerted pressure on HRS to employ her. The job itself, which paid a little over $300 a week, involved working with juveniles in a detention center and a halfway house.

      This kind of sounds like nepotism what do you all think?

    3. Never a favorite with the press, Martinez had appeared to commit political suicide when, in his very first "state of the state" address, he urged the passage of a tax on services, such as advertising. In the ensuing storm of criticism, his approval rating had plunged to 12 percent.

      Connections to the Regan administrations scandals?

    4. Coler had billed the state for $75,000

      Can this create a conflict of interest in the long run by receiving gifts from "donors" that can also shape policy?

    5. Coler's efforts to win over the legislature appeared to pay off. Recalls Steve Press, who later became the chairman of the House Committee on Health and Rehabilitative Services, "From the very beginning, when I first met with Greg Coler, I thought I was talking to a Democrat .... There was ... no feedback to me that he wasn't trying to do the best job he could, given what he had to deal with." Ben Graber, who chaired the HRS Committee's oversight subcommittee, also carried away a good impression from his early meetings with Coler. "He spoke very well,'' Graber recalls, "and he had some great ideas about child care and about how to handle it. He did not sound like your conservative Republican; he sounded very moderate, almost liberal in some ways. Very concemed about child care and poor people. He came across very positive."

      Coler's efforts to win support from the legislature proved successful as lawmakers, even those from opposing parties, were impressed by his dedication and ideas. Steve Press, a prominent legislator, initially thought Coler was a Democrat due to his commitment to the job. Ben Graber, another committee chair, was impressed by Coler's progressive approach and genuine concern for child care and disadvantaged individuals. Coler's positive demeanor and moderate stance left a lasting impression. What specific actions did Coler take regarding child care and poverty alleviation, and how did he navigate political differences to implement his ideas effectively? navigating political stress can be part of the job.

    6. Overall, Coler's efforts to imprint an agenda and a dynamic image on the agency and on the public mind appeared to meet with a favorable response from the press. On February 26, 1987, for instance, the Fort Lauderdiile News and Sun-Sentinel ran an editorial entitled "Coler's Initial Performance Good," applauding the new secretary for his quick action in dismissing HRS managers and in clearing up a backlog of unresolved food stamp cases.

      Coler's efforts to bring change and a positive image to the agency were well-received by the press. The Fort Lauderdale News and Sun-Sentinel praised him for swiftly addressing issues within the agency, such as firing HRS managers and resolving food stamp cases. What were some other notable achievements or actions by Coler during his tenure as secretary?