Copied below is a memo I received from Kathy Gerk, CEM, City of Richmond Fire Departmnet Office of Emergency Services (OES) Emergency Services Manager. Incidentally, Kathy was the winner of the 2104 City Manager’s Merit Award.

For many years, I have solicited suggestions for best and worst City employees for my year-end E-FORUM. I do not print the names of the submitters, and I include the following warning:

What follows is not based on a scientific poll or survey by any standard. The only public input quoted herein is from readers of the E-FORUM, which is a self-limiting sample. Comments from E-FORUM readers are in italics to distinguish them from my own. This year-end summary is uncensored. This is an equal opportunity forum, and I welcome responses, comments, arguments and debates. I especially solicit corrections.
When I solicit comments, I make it clear that they will be published (Help Me Write My Year-end Review and Predictions for 2015, December 20, 2014).
I am again inviting E-FORUM readers to weigh in with what you consumers of City of Richmond services want to say about what works and what doesn’t, who works and who doesn’t, and what will work and what won’t. Information provided is guaranteed to be treated with complete confidentiality. Responses from City staff are welcome. Some suggestions include:

• Best and worst City departments and managers – and why.
• City employees who have distinguished themselves by superior service, ideas, leadership or deeds.
• Organizations that have made Richmond a better place, and how.
• Best and worst of what has happened in Richmond this year that is connected with the City.
• Best and worst development projects.
• Predictions for the coming year.

One of the complaints I received was about Kathy Gerk, and I was surprised because a far as I know, Kathy is an exemplary employee. However, I have never censored anything, even when it is a complaint about me, and I did not want to start now. So Kathy’s nomination is in New Year 2015 - Richmond Keen in 2015? December 31, 2014.
Below is Kathy’s response along with an email of apology from her critic. These are both good people, and I regret they fell into the tangled web of the Year End E-FORUM. I hope we can begin the New Year on that upnote.

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