THE TRUTH The City is currently operating in violation of a judges order, to follow the the Civil Service charter as it was originally written.  Management  refuses to involve the commission in hiring and promotion procedures, as well as ignoring the requirement of commission approval of policy and procedures prior to implementation. Did you know that the Organizational Assessment of the Police Department and its recommendations can directly affect the Fire Department employees? And the Fire Assessment can in turn affect the Police Dept.?  Removal of or modification of the Civil Service will set the City back 80 years. It is a system of checks and balances and a direct source for mediation in disciplinary disputes. Disputes arising from suspension,demotion or termination. In this respect it was ahead of it's time when implemented and still a viable part of our local government. After 80 successful years Amendments that favor City Management or complete abolishment implies a complete disregard for public safety professionals. Did you know that in the last 23 years there have been only 23 cases brought before the Commission? And...In that same period there have been 10 times those amounts disciplined or dismissed and never brought before the Commission? The City Manager and City Attorney’s are attempting to remove one or more positions chosen by outside organizations and/or employees, and make those positions appointed by Council, nominated by Managment. This not only gives an unbalanced Commission but clearly violates the Charter of organization. When an employee challenges a management disciplinary action, to the Commission, that employee is doing so with the presumption of guilt prior to a hearing and as such, goes without pay and benefits until the case is settled. This is punishment prior to proof of guilt. Employees that appeal to the Commission do not do so lightly. This is serious business and must be treated as such. Did you know that, as a system of checks and balances, the Commission is supposed to review personnel policies, as they apply to Police and Fire, prior to implementing those policies? This has not been the case for at least 20 years. Who decided to supplant that aspect of the Commission's authority? Maybe if this review had been utilized properly, none of this attempt at removal of Civil Service Protections would be perceived as necessary by Management. Recently, a Superior court judge ruled that the City of Wilmington management must abide by Civil Service Commission charter as originally established!! It is not to be limited in it's function simply because management chooses to do so. The charter clearly states the scope and authority of the commission. With the ruling by the courts, there then came a motion to appeal by the city attorney, as is their right. But, this sends a strong message that management will continue in it's attempts to modify, limit, or completely abolish the commission. The Commission and it's Charter further ensures an employees Constitutional right of free speech. Without the assurance of oversight from this Commission, employees that choose to voice their concerns regarding workplace safety and managment would be summarily dismissed without cause and in violation of their rights. The Civil Service Charter is a part of the Charter of the City of Wilmington, and as such, can only be modified by a change in the State Legislature, if they want to strip away protections from half of the City's workforce, what might they do to you?    We, as employees of this municipality, have not been seriously questioned or otherwise interviewed with regard to our position on civil service. Since there are 450+ civil service certified employees, don't you think we might get a chance to weigh in on this issue, directly? When the Commission convenes for review of this charter, employee representatives are not allowed to participate Stay tuned.......the next Civil Service Commission meeting regarding potential changes to the charter will be Nov. 6th, 2008. We will kep you posted, and will post the proposed changes for your viewing pleasure.