"There's an old Texas saying that you 'ride for the brand,' and if they can't ride for the brand, then they need to leave."Today Pat Lykos lived up to that threat by firing long-time investigator Kenny Rodgers.
Kenny had served as the Chief Investigator under the Johnny Holmes Administration before leaving the Office under Chuck Rosenthal. He's been in law enforcement for 40 years.
In December, approximately 30 minutes after Judge Mike Anderson announced that he would be running for District Attorney, Lykos approached Kenny and asked him to "drive her around" and "introduce her to people" in hopes of him using his contacts in Harris County to get her re-elected. He politely declined, explaining that he would be working on the Sheriff's campaign for Louis Guthrie.
The following evening, Lykos ran into Kenny at the Republican Executive Committee meeting at the Tracy Gee Community Center. She seemed surprised to see him and asked him why he was there. He reminded her that he was working for Louis Guthrie's campaign.
Shortly thereafter, at the Office "holiday cheer" party, Lykos again sought out Kenny. She singled him out and walked over with a grin on her face.
"How's my biggest fan?" she asked.
The next day, he was abruptly transferred to the Juvenile Division.
Last Tuesday, Kenny was out and campaigning for Guthrie at a polling location on Sage Road. Unfortunately for him, Lykos was campaigning for herself in person at that location. Keep in mind, Kenny Rodgers was not campaigning for Anderson nor Lykos. He was simply there supporting Guthrie. He tried to speak with her and say hello, but she ignored him and refused to even say hello.
So, it was little surprise to Kenny today when he became the first person fired by Lykos in retaliation for his First Amendment-protected political beliefs -- not because he supported her opponent.
It was simply because he failed to ride for the brand of Pat Lykos.
44 comments:
Wow! I am not surprised by Lykos' move, honestly. I was really hoping and praying that she would bow out gracefully. Unfortunately, I fear there are many, many more of these vindictive firings on the horizon.
Is there no way to get this evil bitch out of office before January? What a POS she is!!
WOW! I'm guessing anyone who can be identified attending Mike's Watch Party will be next? This just further illustrates get vindictive nature. Can't say I'm surprised. All current HCDA staff keep your head's down and try not to smile so as not to get swept up in the vendetta. Employees have the right to the Fifth Amendment, but not the First! So much for upholding the laws!
I thought the brand was the State of Texas.
Where are the political bigwigs that backed her (Emmett, Cagle, etc.)?? She keeps firing people it's going to result in lawsuits against the county and is just proving what her opponents say about her is true. Those who endorsed her will look TERRIBLE by association--and if the County Judge doesn't intervene, the cost of time and resources spent on the wrongful termination lawsuits is all on his head. They need to smack some sense into her and she needs to be sent into retirement NOW!
Maybe I missed it... but where exactly in this narrative is the proof of your claim that Rogers was fired "simply because he failed to "ride for the brand of Pat Lykos"?
white trash
adj.
1. a chain smoking worthless caucasian unfit to breath on the planet Earth.
2. a chain smoking worthless caucasian unfit to fulfill their job description.
3. a chain smoking worthless caucasian unfit to hold public office.
TopGun
Channel 13 is reporting that Kenny was fired because he blew the whistle on Lykos to the FBI and the Texas Rangers...
What Pat has failed to grasp is that we, the voters changed the brand!
I wouldn't be surprised if Joni Vollman had a say in that firing. she has had it in for Kenny since he was assigned to Special Prosecutions when Lykcos took office.
You finally got your wish Joni "mini" Lykcos. Patsy fired or started an investigation into someone else who was a threat to your self-interests.
I hope her vindictive nature keeps her from ever running for another political office. Just hope voters remember this when she tries to take another elected position to run into the ground.
Channel 13 is reporting that Kenny was fired because he blew the whistle on Lykos to the FBI and the Texas Rangers.
Hey Pat, any chance Jimmy L isn't riding for the brand? I'm not sure I can't wait 214 more days for him to get his walking papers.
A public servant acting under color of his (or her) office or employment commits an offense of (s)he:
...
Intentionally denies or impedes another in the exercise or enjoent of any right or privilege knowing his/her conduct is unlawful.
Funny thing, that statute. It holds folks with badges to an unexpectedly high standard that private citizens or employers don't think about. Sometimes people with badges get careless and think they're private employers.
If Kenny was a whistle blower on the Grand Jury matter to the FBI and Texas Rangers, and that was the basis of the firing, Emmett and his buddies might be looking at a big hit on Harris County's coffers - I wouldn't think the employment at will doctrine trumps the whistle blower doctrine.
Calvin A. Hartmann
Would it be helpful to print out Hooper's blog and rantings about firing Anderson supporters before that blog disappears? I mean, just in case you get the fire and would like some evidence that it might have been motivated by who you supported in the election.
The definition of "ride for the brand" is, the brand was a “ranch’s trademark and represents pride, duty, and stewardship while employing loyalty, dedication, and cowboy camaraderie.” I would suggest that the brand is not Pat Lykos, but the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. I believe that the voters have passed judgment on whether she employed loyalty and pride to the brand of the DA’s Office. To use her words, the voters have decided that she can’t ride for the brand, and needs to leave.
I am very sorry to hear about Kenny. As a defense lawyer, I came to know and like and truly respect him. He was what I would consider the ideal law enforcement officer-- hardworking and honest with complete integrity. His departure is truly a loss for Harris County residents.
I was hoping for another round of Hector Heathcoate awards to celebrate those who have struggled through and fought the good fight. Maybe better later.
"I would be hard-pressed to punish anyone for invoking a constitutional right." - James Leitner
Guess not. #bullshit.
Keep your head up, Kenny!
Its gonna bite her in the ass! Kenny will be back!
How can you expect the current DA to enforce the law when she ignores the law. I have sent photos of Lykos standing well inside the electioneering marker to Murray. It was funny to watch as she wanted to be the last person who spoke with voters. I spoke with the election judge who came out and chased her off. She seemed upset, called someone, spoke to her husband and then went straight back to standing well inside the electioneering marker until she spotted me taking her photo. Big smile and she then walked to the marker and then across the street where she sat down next to her husband.
"There once was a DA named Pat,
Who asked as she chain-smoked and spat,
Who shall I first fire
Of those who conspired
To kick me from this fine Frat?
I hate to hear that about Kenny, but I'm not surprised. Kenny has too much integrity to play Lykos' unethical games.
Kenny, just get some good fishing in until January...you'll be back. If you need anything in the mean time, let me know. I'm there for you brother...
Hi, my name is Pat. The reason I cuss so much is because fuck all of you.
Pat's firing was clearly for vindictive reasons. But Kenny is hardly a star investigator and has a history of serious judgment issues that pre-date the Lykos administration by decades.
I can't believe the Republican party establishment actually thinks it's wise to support the most inept, incompetent political hack that has ever disgraced the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Following the a*& whoopin' she got on Tuesday night, she blamed her defeat on "being the DA, not a politician". I've never heard such a load of crap. From the moment she was first sworn in as a DA, she has been a partisan whore. Her pimps (Emmett, Woodfill, et al) have tried to dress her up all lady-like. They have failed miserably, on the voters on Tuesday night saw through her 20 layers of makeup. Pat, your time is almost over as DA. I fully expect you to exact revenge on everyone you blame for your defeat. You will forget one person though: that painfully repulsive old hag that you see every morning in the mirror.
Does anyone know whether Rachel still works for the DAO? There are reports that she was in PL's office with all the usual suspects Wed. or Thursday and came out, marched to her office and slammed the door. Apparently PL now places blame on her for losing the election (about 6 months too late, PL).
Can someone confirm whether Rachel quit, or was fired, or neither? If she is in fact, gone, I'm guessing she quit. There is further information that she has "found" another job. Can't wait to see where the political connection is between Rachel and this new job. Surely no other county agency would take her with all the taint she has.
Rachel, how does it feel to be on the receiving end of the rath of Pat? Probably didn't feel too good, especially for a delicate flower like you. And so it goes as with dope dealers, mobsters, or any ring of crooks: NOBODY is your friend. Nobody is indispensible. The party's over.
If you did quit, Rachel, that is exactly what PL wanted you to do since she's pissed off at you now but cannot fire you after all that on-camera preaching about being hard pressed to fire someone for exercising her Constitutional Rights. PL has been a political shark way longer than you. Which one of you is going to be first to call a press conference?
I like PL or Patsy much better than Pat, Lykos, or Pay Lykos for branding purposes. If she ran as Patsy, it would have helped her come across as more personable, and perhaps, she would have picked up 5 or 10 more votes.
Frathouse = Their Downfall / Our Saving Grace
I would not wish 7 months of my life away, but I just want this to be OVER. I want get back to a normal working environment.
I felt great relief when Mike was elected and am eternally grateful to and amazed at all the grassroots, compassionate, and heartfelt support.
During this time, besides watching my co-workers humiliated, the saddest thing to me has been the loss of our ability to speak honestly. I have worked here a long time and always felt that I could argue my opinion. Even if others disagreed with me, I enjoyed the basic right of free speech. The shameful way Donna Goode was treated taught us very well to keep our mouths SHUT.
I learned (like my co-workers) that the only way out of this was supporting each other (covertly) and working to get all my friends and family to vote for Mike.
To the political hacks (you know who you are) - you could not and would not understand. The great irony is that you coined the term "frat-house" and completely missed the point about the fraternal/brotherhood/family part.
That is the deep relationship that you failed to transcend or even comprehend.
THAT was your downfall and OUR saving grace.
I will continue to keep my head down for the next 7 months. I'll keep doing my work and supporting my co-workers - in whispers, with looks, and the bond of a shared long and difficult experience that makes us "fraternal."
And on January 1, 2013 - I will let out the breath I've been holding since November 2008.
Is the abc story online - I can't find it - can someone post a link if so?
Rachel Palmer is one poor excuse for a human being. If she is not out, she will be soon. She won a trial dwi trial against a client of mine who defended by presenting that it was medical issues not intoxication. After RP won the trial apparently proving intoxication she wrote to the DPS to have them suspend her license for medical reasons, when the judge did not suspend her license when sentenced. She also over objection violated the 6th Amendment presenting testimonial documents as business records without our being able to cross the writer of those records, which were created specifically for the purpose of criminal prosecution not for business purposes of the creator. RP is right about one thing...God is good. And I would add that RP is has behaved poorly...but maybe her experience will turn her around and cause her to reconsider how she deals with others that have to share this world with her. One can hope.
We can all now start praying that the Rangers conclude the investigation and charges are forthcoming. That should get her out of the office sooner than Jan.
As far as her firing a lot of people who attended Mike's watch party maybe we can get Ted Oberg to keep watch and report. It will show the true nature of Pat Lycos.
Not to mention that lawsuits can be filed for being terminated unjustly.
Oh Ted is watching, be assured of that.
Dear Anon 7:15
Your comment is one that is clearly cowardly in the fact you did not identify yourself. If you do know me well enough as you profess to, show some courage AND integrity to personally contact me about your claims. Opinions are one thing and so is integrity. You have shown little disregard for upholding a high standard in displaying both. If you do not come forth, good luck to you in your future effort to maintain such low standards.
To make it easy at your level, please call me at 713-542-3047.
Kenny Rodgers
Thanks for your years of service Kenny.
I have been acquainted with Robert Talton for years and felt it was very unlikely that there was any truth to the rumor that he had offered Rachel Palmer a job, if he becomes County Attorney. I emailed him and asked. He made it very clear that there is no truth to the rumor. Talton said he has promised no one a job and that it is illegal to do so until after the November election.
The Frat Rats need to go; Give Anderson a clean house to work with.
Remember that very, very last scene in “Ferris Buhler’s Day Off?
"Hey, what are you all still doing here? The movie is over...now go...go....leave"
Well in this same vein of thought and tone of speech: "Hey, you/we…. Won. Why are we still talking about this woman? Let’s get to work and she WILL be gone in a few short months – compared to the last 3 + years....so go on now"
Wanna drive a narcissistic queen crazy? Ignore her. Be indifferent. Positive and negative energy make for a battery or energy...let’s let of all this kvetching – die on the gossip line. Remember the movie “The Omega Man” staring Charlton Heston - of the similar type movie with Will Smith where they are (supposedly) last surviving people on earth? Imagine PL NOT being praised or bitched about ANYWHERE. Murray - start the weaning process please....time to taper - unless something comes of these investigations.....Woo Saei!
This firing of Kenny Rodgers may well be what it takes for us to understand a truly bizarre personality - firing those who did not even campaign for her opponent but chose to exercise personal judgment in an unrelated race. This makes Captain Queeg a poster child for rational conduct.
Anon 12:48, just because its illegal did not keep Pat from promising the 1st Assistant job to Jim, well before the election,
Just a little post election analysis:
Pat and her henchmen must have been sitting around and saying, when we took over this office and began running it in the ground, I never thought Wyatt would return and bring 63% of the vote. I guess the era of the cowboys is over. Bridgewater is saying his prayers that no one ran against him or he might have been on the receiving end of the 63% vote. Barnhill is heading to the hills and not soon enough. Chow is asking why she will not get paid for January. Lietner is sitting in his office trying to get in as much solitaire as he can before the change. The other henchmen need to be concerned about jobs. Palmer just needs to move somewhere where nobody knows her at Palmer the 5th.
BJ has demonstrated his complete lack of knowledge in the political field and no knowledge of the courthouse crowd. And then there is Gary Polland. Read his posting about getting together and supporting the chosen candidates after threatening sitting judges with opponents. I don't think he picked a single winner. Maybe he should have posted, I know I did not support you for judge but I still need court appointments, surely you don't expect me to work for a living.
I don't read the Chronicle and have not in since Jeff whatever became editor but someone told me they wrote that Mike would have won even if the election had occurred in March. Here's news for you, Mike would have won on the day he announced he was running for DA.
Mike, I will see you in October/November when I will be working the polls and coming to your watch party. Come January I would really like to watch you sworn in as Harris County District Attorney.
Here below is a cut and paste from a writing by Big Jolly to Murray Newman about whether Lykos would ever retaliate against an employee for supporting another candidate. It sort of brings into focus where we are today:
"It is a FELONY to retaliate against an employee for their support of a political candiate. Texas law is explicity clear (Title 16, Chapter 276, Section 001):
Sec. 276.001. RETALIATION AGAINST VOTER. (a) A person commits an offense if, in retaliation against a voter who has voted for or against a candidate or measure or a voter who has refused to reveal how the voter voted, the person knowingly:(1) harms or threatens to harm the voter by an unlawful act; or(2) with respect to a voter over whom the person has authority in the scope of employment, subjects or threatens to subject the voter to a loss or reduction of wages or another benefit of employment.(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
Pat Lykos may be the worst boss ever in history but there is no way that she is going to retaliate against an employee for supporting Mike Anderson. As I said before, could there be “soft” retaliation, such as being overlooked for a promotion? Certainly, but if you believe the public is at risk because of her leadership, isn’t it your duty as a prosecutor to do everything you can to protect the public, including being passed over for a promotion?"
Well now, Mr. Jennings, seems like you are wrong AGAIN about Ms Lykos and her proclivity for violating the law. It's kind of interesting reading your old posts in light of what happened on May 29th.
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