Posted by Ha_Ha_On_You on April 24, 2008 at 3:12 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by Voter on April 24, 2008 at 7:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why did the City Call Askren in? Al Huerta was just as qualified. Seems no one has the brains to save money.
Egedi on Paid Leave.
How much did he steal$$$???
Askren additional costs.
Now how much is this costing the City of Fillmore?

Posted by bmclean , Moderator, on April 24, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by mmshoot on April 24, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To me, the appointment of Mr. Askren is an attempt to rally the confidence of Fillmore firefighters and restore the communities faith in that department for all of the citizens in the area. That does not sound like a move of desparation on the part of the City Counsil; it sounds like mandatory involvement in helping maintain the necessary level of safety in Fillmore.

The reason the Counsil wanted to speak to the embattled Cheif Egedi in a "secret" closed session is the only thing that baffles me here. Unless is was to ask for his resignation.

Review boards and most likely courts of law will decide Egedi's ultimate fate. That could potentially be more of a cost than a year's budget for the entire Fillmore Fire Department. The first question I would have essentially the same as bmclean's: How much (potentially) did he steal? Then I would want to know how much Fillmore could expect to get back.

Posted by richardg on April 24, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Comments must be hittin some nerves!!!
Uh oh!!!

They should just been following rules, and all this bull wouldnt be going on!!!!!!

Posted by Pogmothoin on April 24, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Without treading into the rumors and inmyendo, it would seem to me that the misuse of funds was not something obvious, but rather, something more gray otherwise it wouldn't take that much time to review.

Posted by mmshoot on April 24, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think the corruption was gray or even black. It seems like it was so shrewd it became invisible.

Posted by Ventura22 on April 24, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The misuse of funds most likely involves many other city employees and officials. It is rarely an isolated event. It will be a costly investigation either way. Fillmore needs to stand behind it's Fire Department and show suport for those actually doing the work and providing public safety services.

Posted by Q_E_Public on April 24, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Doesn't realy matter if the council wants to back Mr. Egedi or not. But the FACT remains that Mr. Egedi did something (unknown exactly) that tarnished his good standing in his position as Fire Chief. Mr Egedi is an "At Will" empolyee. Hence, the council should dismiss him immediately and start the search for a new chief.

Posted by tookiebird on April 24, 2008 at 11:46 a.m.

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Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 24, 2008 at 12:31 p.m.

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Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 24, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess we will have to wait and see what the star writes after the meeting, and it will take a great deal of time for all the other people investigating this case.

Posted by GramMars on April 24, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tookiebird: You know for a fact that the allegations are true?! Have all the facts been gathered? All witnesses interviewed? All documents evaluated? I'd like to know your basis for your assertion. Enlighten me, please.

Posted by del on April 24, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems Marshall Dillon is trying to hold back the lynch mob.

Posted by mmshoot on April 24, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, GramMars, it seems Tookiebird is tounge-tied.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 24, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good grief! Why did my comment get removed? Bruce? What did I say wrong? Im just not going to comment anymore on this! BUT the TRUTH will prevail........

Posted by Ha_Ha_On_You on April 24, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SHUT THIS DAMN COMMENT PAGE DOWN THEN BRUCE! IM CANCELLING MY ACCOUNT. THIS WEBSITE SUCKS NOW. GOOD BYE EVERYBODY. ANNAWHAAT... KEEP ON TELLING THE TRUTH! YOURE THE BEST.

Posted by GramMars on April 24, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

HA HA ON YOU: So far, I haven't read any of AnnaWhaat's comments that have anything to do with the truth -- SHE DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THE TRUTH OF THIS MATTER IS. I am dismayed also to see that members of the fire department are being painted with the same brush as Mr. Egedi and his alleged involvement in anything illegal. I'm not sure how this came to be -- it must be the rumor and innuendo that Mr. McLean refers to in his warning.....

Posted by mmshoot on April 24, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GramMars, I haven't been able to read anything from HA HA HA ON YOU or AnnaWhaat reguarding this article except insults of the VC Star and threats of cancelling their subscriptions.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 24, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ha_Ha_On_You . I will miss your comments !!!I hope you pop in now and then. :(

Posted by KLM2001 on April 24, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Of course they are going to hold a closed door meeting..If it were to be open door then who knows what would happen.. Oh wait its fillmore, people would all be nice to each others faces & then turn around and talk about them behind their back! isnt that what usually happens. Im glad they brought in Askren he reminds everyone of a time when we had moral people running the show. And I do beleive that Mr. Huerta should get the job. I have known him for a long time and grew up knowing that he was a good fire fighter. He should have been given the job in the first place.

Posted by Voter on April 24, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Open forum on this subject here, you can talk all you want about the chief and his associates.
http://fillmorecitycouncilelection07-...

Posted by Ventura22 on April 24, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Again, I reiterate to the people of Fillmore to stand behind their public safety providers during this transition. The Chief should get his due process, like anyone else being investigated or charged. This is a management problem and certainly not a representation of the rank & file employees, nor is it exclusive to the City of Fillmore. Misuse and misrepresentation by managers and administrators can be found in the county fire department as well. They just have more places and managers involved to hide it better.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 24, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GramMars, I spoke the TRUTH ! But I guess were not allowed to let others know now. So I will stick to the rules. And I never put down the fire dept. as a whole. I stood behind them. There are many fine men working there !!!!!
mmshoot ,I never said anything bad about the STAR ! Why are you making accusations? And I never said anything about canceling any subscription? Why are you attacking me? What I said in the past was the truth. I will not repeat it as per Bruce's instructions.
Thanks Voter!!!!!! Will do !!!!!
So everyone will have to wait and see what the investigation comes up with. And when the truth comes out alot of red faces. As for now everyone should just not say anything and stop the attacks!!!!!!!!! I have agree'd to wait for everything to come out and be published.

Posted by del on April 24, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And so on and so on...at least one one has been lynched yet. Perhaps they will get their day in court.

Posted by del on April 24, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"one one" should be "no one".

Posted by mmshoot on April 24, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AnnaWhaat, if you're not on the other forum now, I was not accusing you of anything specifically. I just noticed that one of your comments was removed from this forum, as has happened to my own, and I re-joined the group with my gab after apologizing for being abusive, or mean-spirited, and obscene with intentional double-entendre. So, I did not say you were censored for being critical of the Star. I just said that I had not seen that words that caused that censorship.

Posted by mmshoot on April 24, 2008 at 6 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's "see you were..."

Posted by mmshoot on April 24, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For the record, I thought I made a grammatic error in my previous post and suggested my removal of my correction. I read it back wrong myself. DUH.

Posted by whatif on April 24, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AnnaWhaat...you are pathetic, but entertaining. Egedie needs to get terminated ASAP,if he is found innocent, wich i doubt, he could get back pay..And now the city brings back Askren??? Same Askren that busted me twice with over 300 dollars of illegal fireworks, and all he did was take them away and said i couldnt have these because they are illegal.The rest of the fire department is doing a good job, i dont believe the had any idea that their head jancho was a thief. Cops get paid too much, fire fighters are real heroes, they safe lives, not take them like the cops.

Posted by smithjc on April 24, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

whatif, you complain that all he did was take away your fireworks instead of arresting for violations that could have cost you up to $1,000 per individual firework? you should be kissing his feet instead of complaining.

also, personnel issues are always heard behind closed doors, as they are considered confidential. there is, generally, a public report made after a closed door session that summarizes what transpired. it is not some "secret backroom" thing they are doing, but normal procedure.

Posted by psoto4mat on April 24, 2008 at 7:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I to want thank the firefighters and the EMT's because with out them my son would not be here and most of the cops are good here. We will have to wait and see what happens and not speculate of what is yet to come, only facts. And it will be behind closed doors, because employees have the right for privacy and confidential issues, as it should be in any business.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 25, 2008 at 5:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mmshoot ,No I never have been taken off or stopped.Cant think of the word. Thankyou. I have no clue why that comment was removed.
I do not think anything should be behind closed doors. Its the publics funds that are missing hmmm And we have the right to know who is getting paid money, earned or otherwise taken out of our pockets.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 25, 2008 at 6:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Never been banned. That is the word I couldn't think of.........

Posted by whatif on April 25, 2008 at 11:11 a.m.

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Posted by akizer20 on April 25, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

whatif, who are you then?

Posted by psoto4mat on April 25, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whether it's city funds or not and I am not taking anyone's side either. What's the policy in place? California State Law protects employees and has the right to privacy whether being terminated or not. What happens after words at a press conference giving details only if the City funds were taken or not and whatever other violations were committed and whoever else is involved.

Posted by mmshoot on April 25, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

akizer20, you shouldn't ask that. He may be a Fire Chief.

Posted by smithjc on April 25, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

whatif, i really don't care who you are, or who you THINK you are. you sound like some windbag "tough guy" who's going to take a hard fall someday.

you weren't going to "let" him arrest you? uh-huh, yeah, right.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 25, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When you work in a building that controls part of my money I have every right to be at your meetings, court and everything else. Just dont ask me to be your penpal!!!!

Posted by Brownpride on April 25, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is Fillmore city hall a castle? Shouldnt they have spent some of that money on the crap city itself? Its like Mexico. The government spends all the money on itself.

Posted by psoto4mat on April 26, 2008 at midnight (Suggest removal)

I am sorry if I am a little sensitive about the privacy issue. I told you what happened to me in the prior reports but you don't know what drove me to almost insanity. When I worked the last months at my work, they planted ileagal drugs in my purse and took pictures. I saw the employee go by me with white powder baggy and went straight to my office where I worked with my superior and they closed the door and when I went back in my purse was on the floor. My superior brought a used bag which I could not imagine probably cash, since she did bring cash sales in every week. My job was I never touched cash. Occassioanally I checked on the Petty Cash person to make sure she was honest. I seen another employee in my car in the back doing I don't know what with my keys. No permission to enter my car. He walked around showing pictures of my husband and I in our birthday suits compliments from a hotel in Las Vegas and at the end my superior was leaving her purse out and coming in and out of the office every minute hoping I would take her money. No conversation was sacred in that office. I made a few mistakes, yes, but never a thief. I base my reputation on just being honest, especially the trust issue of accounting. Maybe she was scared that I would be a whistleblower or because other people were buying medication from Mexico, she could not do anything, I don't know. But I will never again work for someone else. That she did teach me. I will work for myself, that's a fact.
Hiring and Firing someone, should be done in private, even reprimands. The press will get the facts.

Posted by mmshoot on April 26, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

psoto4mat, yours reminds me of an old joke that turns out to be poignant in this context:

"Just because you're paranoid doen't mean that everyone is not out to get you."

I don't know how you went through that kind of abuse in the workplace. I would have quit the second time it happened. I hope the press does get the facts and I hope you get a lucrative book and movie deal. If you want that.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 26, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

psoto4mat,Geezzzzzzz you really let the cat out of the bag. Someone put drugs in your purse to set you up????????OMG You should have filed a report with the police Dept. or at least went and talked to them about what you saw happening instead of closing your eyes. And if someone was snooping around in my car you bet I would go out and confront them!!!! And why did they have your car keys!!!!!!!!!! OMG
So some were going to Mexico and getting illegal prescriptions? As you stated. So you knew that things weren't right at City Hall when you worked there. And as far as the pictures I sure wouldn't leave things like that in my car for someone to find. They would be home locked away in a safe! So I do wonder about your comment.... As I said many were getting free monthly trips to Vegas which you just confirmed. So I was right. Why dont you just put all the facts you know out. You already said they tried to frame you! Although you say your innocent. Which I hope you are. I am sure you will be involved in the trial with all the details you have just spoken about. And yes I still think that it should be open to all !!!!!!!! Our tax money! Spent illegally !!!! Abuse of power etc. And I better not get banned for replying to your comment since you just let the cat out of the bag not me!

Posted by mmshoot on April 26, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anna, I thought psoto4mat suggested about the pictures that they were planted, too. And that they were "doctored" by some Las Vegas-type sleaze bag. Only psoto4mat can explain the involvement of the photographs but I am prone to believing the rest of this sad tale.

Posted by psoto4mat on April 26, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Annwhat you are way off the mark here, I did not work for Fillmore City, I worked in Oxnard at a regular company and they came here to destroy me with the almighty insurance companies. Will I do anything about no. She helped me a lot during my tenure there. Why she did it I don't know. The hotel courtesy pictures were done online. Ileagal! I don't do street drugs and I certainly believe in protecting employee's rights. I don't even know Pete, so stop speculating! The internet is a powerful tool. People can make you look like something your not and I just blew at the end with anger. I would never do the things they did, it was like living in a different country. We live in the United States and I am not prejudice here. I will start allover, get clients that I can work from my home and still help thy neighbor when in need. Paranoid yes, that's where it took me, getting better everyday!

Posted by mmshoot on April 26, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

psoto4mat, please let me know how to contact you. My web address is mmshoot@yahoo.com.
Good luck!

Posted by psoto4mat on April 26, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know mmshoot, I am not the one who said I could make a book deal out of this, I was being sarcastic. My superior stated this. You see,all the employees except a handful are ileagal immigrants and if someone was caught, they would go out a get a new card under a different name and came back to work. I hired a buyer and I knew within the month I did not want to keep her. She did not think she had to answer to anyone, but the son liked her. I could not handle her and even took a class on handle difficult people. So we would literally get into yelling matches. What I did not know was she was being sent to my office so they could get it on film and I followed her back to her office and she had a smile on her face, then I knew. Everyone else knew about it, but me. My husband worked for the state and after 37 years he accumulated a large amount of vacation and sick pay, he never took a day off, so it was a large check in the amount of $28,000 approximately. So, I did not think anything about it, maybe I should of told her, she asked me at the end if I won the lotto. I spent money and I helped people. I guess in my position, people was probably putting rumors in her ears, but being with her for so long, I did not think about it. I did not feel it was anyone's business. She had me change the books so her partner would not know how much one of her son's was making, I even called the CPA about this, because I felt it was immorally wrong. I changed it back. Financial lies about how much her son's were making when they bought there homes. I told the son, I did not like doing that, again morally wrong. To the payroll person, don't threaten me that you know drug people that will send someone after me. You are filing taxes without a license and bartering is income. Employee rights? Yes I am proactive about it, I have been literally in my room for the last year and half and I am done worrying if someone is going to come after me, it may still be, I don't know. The almighty insurance people are involved. So if Pete is guilty with evidence, he will be terminated and it should be done in private and if there is any miss use of funds of course should be reported in the newspaper and anyone else involved.

Posted by mmshoot on April 27, 2008 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)

psoto4mat, your incidental sarcasm and sense of humor and perspective on things is well noted. My thought was that I could help you tell your story to hopefully have an good impact on other people's lives.

It IS the story of how to survive under sniper fire, one of bravery, courage, sense of purpose and resolve. Your story should be in the next "State of the Union" pep rally no matter who the next president is. To me it exemplifies "the American Dream"- to overcome incredible odds to acheive a peaceful, sensible, and pridefull life. You should be proud and you should get the recognition you deserve.

You don't have to use your real name, you can use fictional characters if you prefer, and embellish with all the creativity you can muster to drive home a point and express the emotions that you felt along the way. In short, you can have not only a book deal but a series of best sellers on the shelves of most every book retailer in the country. The movie deal is just a given once you start selling books or articles.

I already have some title ideas, so that is why I wanted to hear from you. I could do it myself but I would be making a bunch of stuff up out of unwhole cloth. But it is you that can provide substantive evidence and so the story should be easy to "vet"; to be able to prove or disprove.

You deserve the credit, though. Mine would just be a creative writing project. But I can relate to your experiences.

Peace to you and yours.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 27, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

psoto4mat , I am sorry but you had me so confused! I thought you were speaking about the story on hand. And apparently your talking about a whole different workplace and story. I do feel for you and hope you get the help you need. I think honestly you need to speak to someone ........ Vent.....as you stated. It seems your a victim of the workplace. Correct? And they have laws to protect you! Please look into that. Sorry if I offended you in anyway. BUT like I said above I was under the impression you were talking about this story on hand in the article.

Posted by psoto4mat on April 27, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AnnaWhaat your okay! I love hearing you but the fact was that there was some agencies here in town was part of it, that included my superior and others in management positions (I was in management). I won't say if it's public or not, but you would be surprised! mmshoot, I will contact on your email.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 27, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well I hope things work out for you! I will be praying for your situation. And please talk to someone about all of this......

Posted by h2odog on April 28, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

psoto4mat-You should go see Dr. Phil or contact
Jerry Springer ASAP.

Posted by Pogmothoin on April 28, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds perfect for Tyra Banks show.

Posted by psoto4mat on April 28, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh I have had my share of seeing doctors and getting better every day. It would be perfect for the Jerry Springer show! lol.Can't believe people treat others like this, even in our town. Unreal!

Posted by psoto4mat on April 28, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To h2odog and Pogmothoin are you with the Fire Dept? Or are you with the insurance companies, big names? Or are you a goonie who works for the insurance companies? You could tell the whole world what we watch, but that don't mean anything to me anymore.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 28, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

psoto4mat , Do you live in Fillmore?

Posted by psoto4mat on April 28, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yes

Posted by psoto4mat on April 28, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, I guess I will have to take my camera with me, they were out in droves this morning when I went to the store and honking the horns, their way of communicating around here for the last 3 years. Invading privacy.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 29, 2008 at 6:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This has been going on for three years?? I wish you could say where you work. I would most definately take me a camera cell phone or something to take thier pictures of harrassment and invasion of privacy. While Im still unsure of exactly what is happening in your life. I do feel for you. Keep you head up !!!! Honk and smile back!

Posted by stopit on April 29, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AnnaWhaat, psoto4mat,what does any of your posts have to do with the topic at hand? I would hate for this topic(or any other)to be shut down especially after we have been warned.Maybe the Star can start a chat room? PS I was told Pat Askren volunteered to stand in.He doesn't want our fire dept tarnished after all his years of leadership and building up this fine department,Thank you Pat

Posted by AnnaWhaat on April 30, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mmshoot ,As per you comment April 24th.Please enlighten me WHERE I said anything about the Star or canceling my subscription?????? Why must people make things up? Geeeeeeeeez
stopit ,If you would have stopped.......and read my comments I was under the impession we were talking about this article. Until I found out it was something else. So you go find a chat room. Maybe I will join you!!!!
Actually this should be shut down. People are already making attacks on others. I guess it the way they handle situations..........

Posted by AnnaWhaat on May 5, 2008 at 6:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There is a Fillmore web site for those wanting to blog on this. Fillmore Politics and beyond.....

Posted by psoto4mat on May 6, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Annwhat, why so no one knows what is going on in our town on the outside? Well I dropped off my son at a meeting tonight and I am waiting at the light. A woman in a green mustang is on the phone and rolling back into my car. I honked. I would of thought nothing of it but she decided to let me know by making gestures of moving her car back and forth that is was done on purpose, as she went one way and I went the other. It was intentional. Next stop is the District Attorney. I am sick of everyone thinking they have the right to anything they want here in Fillmore. I have had my privacy invaded, stalked, breaking into my house, watching my computer. I even called the police to ask them am I under investigation? I will not be intimidated anymore.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on May 7, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No, because due to the VCS rules people can not express themselves without being banned. This site they can.
If your not guilty what do you have to FEAR??????

Posted by psoto4mat on May 7, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Annawhat, no fear, I apologize. I am tired, people think that they have rights to violate other people's privacy here in Fillmore. Annawhat what is the website or blog to go to? I will go and speak my mind. Not guilty of anything.

Posted by psoto4mat on May 7, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Annawhat, please post the blog site!!!

Posted by psoto4mat on May 7, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Annawhat, please post the blog site!!! Being in pain is not a crime.

Posted by LuvBuggyBug on May 7, 2008 at 11:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what's the latest???? it's been a month since egedi was placed on leave.........his myspace profile is now private!!! tsk! tsk! tsk!! i wonder what is taking so long?????? the fillmore blog is
http://fillmorecitycouncilelection07-...

Posted by AnnaWhaat on May 9, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

psoto4mat ,Thats what is nice about this site you can post your thoughts without being banned. Looks like the site is already in the other comment. I tried to get the thing to slide over and put it up here and it wouldn't work. Sorry !