Read the whole story for details. The money quote came from former conservator Jay Kimbrough: "It doesn't matter to me if Gregg Phillips was on the grassy knoll in Dallas, Texas, if he has a solution that is good for the youth of TYC."Top executives of the Texas Youth Commission awarded a no-bid contract to a former state official with a slim record in juvenile justice but a long history of controversial business dealings with public agencies.
Gregg Phillips, a former top deputy with the state Health and Human Services Commission, began working this spring to overhaul TYC's inmate classification system after his lobbyist contacted the agency's conservator, Jay Kimbrough.
Despite a lack of familiarity with Mr. Phillips, agency executives arranged a $275,000 contract for his company that bypassed standard procurement rules and the legislative funding process. Mr. Phillips said they did not ask for references or financials.
Really, sir? Because earlier this year you fired dozens of TYC employees for past criminal offenses that the agency knew about when they were hired. Said Kimbrough at the time, "If I have my way, and I bet I do, those people will not be employed by the TYC."
So why did those employees' past matter so much to you, Mr. Kimbrough, but when Arlene Wohlgemuth recommends a lobby client to you, you don't give a hoot if they assassinated JFK?!
UPDATE: This isn't the first contract Wohlgemuth has steered Mr. Phillips' way. See more background on Gregg Phillips' history in Texas and Mississippi state government from:
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48 comments:
It is a shame you're making an issue of the JFK reference. That's gibberish that won't call attention to this problem.
The fact is that Gregg Phillips has enriched himself at public expense regularly over the years. Phillips was Wohlgemuth's boy when it came time to implement HB 2292, that 78th Session business that collapsed 12 Health & Human Services agencies into four, and created the HSHC superstructure that brought us Albert Hawkins and eliminated the democratic process of board-run agencies in that portion of state government. Phillips and Wohlgemuth go way back. Investigate that and stop making an issue of a senseless quote that has no legs.
Is it just me, or does this smack of kickback and favouritisim? I guess when you are appointed by the Gov. you don't have to have ethics or morality...
Scott it is all about money! Jay Kimbrough hooked the guy up and what was his motive of the heart? My best guess it is MONEY! $275,000 to figure out how to classify juvenile offenders is outrageous! Based on this guy’s lack of past experience I know an admin tech at the intake unit who could have done a better job. Scott for the most part, the people who are in control of the State of Texas and its agencies are evil people. They are high level criminals who are destroying countless lives and stealing millions of dollars. I worked with these people for many years and most of the ones I met and got to know were the scum of the earth in expensive business suits. They held high positions and made the big money! They were masters at deception and cover-ups. They did whatever it took to make their agency look good when in truth it is was failing to complete its mission. A case in point was the cover up at West Texas State School.
Only the continued outing of these evil wrong doers will stem the tide in state government. Thank God we have members of the various types of news media who willing to do the hard investigative reporting it takes to get to the truth. Scott I can only believe your blog has been a key factor in bringing the truth to light in Texas politics. Thanks to the reporters at the Dallas Morning News and Austin American Statesman for their hard work.
If you have any good information on wrong doing in TYC or any other state agency Greg Jones at the DMN or Mike Ward at the AAS will keep your name confidential. I have talked to both of these reporters and they keep their word. Maybe God put you in a place to see wrong doing and do something about it.
By FTM
@ 10:21. I pointed to Kimbrough's quote because of its hypocrisy given the firings at TYC this spring - at least to the 66 fired because of skeletons from their past, I don't think it's "senseless" to point out the contrast.
It sounds like you know a lot about the backstory on Phillips and HHSC. Tell us more.
No you don't need ethics. Perry has never had any ethics. I was at A&M with him, he was worthless then and he is worthless now.
Next year is an election year and it is time that we remove these clowns lock stock and barrel. If they are in office they need to be out, and yesterday was not soon enough.
Thanks, FTM - and I agree, I'm glad the Dallas News and Mike Ward are still on this. I appreciate the blog kudos, but I'm afraid nothing I write here has as much impact as what gets printed in the major dailies. best,
Kimbrough ran off or took out some good people that weren't on the grassy knoll. What ashame for someone coined a leader by our Gov. to make this comparison.
Every time I think the gross stupidity and corruption has reached its limit, something else comes forward.
Now we learn that Kimbrough awarded a massive no-bid contract to a friend of a friend because he, like, uses computers. How high-tech.
These classification problems are as old as juvenile justice itself and it is inconceivable that TYC's classification system could have been in the same state it was in the 1920s. But with TYC the inconceivable has to be taken as a given, apparently.
Unreal.
Bill Bush
Grits,
I apologize for the snippy complaint about your focus on Kimbrough. I meant to suggest that the story runs deeper. In response to query for more on the connection between Gregg Phillips and Arlene Wohlgemuth, enter this search into Google:
"gregg phillips" wohlgemuth 2292
Thanks, I ran the search you suggested and added a few interesting links.
What will happen?
More than likely -- nothing.
We are a very small minority and do not have the money to make a real difference.
This got was brought on board to show them that :
PRIVITAZATION = PROFIT
If you set it up right.
Oops
PERSONAL PROFIT
Grits,
I think the legislature should insist that TYC produce concrete evidence of an improved classification system. Let's see what TYC got for its money.
This means a printed description of both the old and new classification schedules. And examples of the databases at work. And maybe legislators should actually visit a TYC intake facility and observe the system in action.
And maybe then Isela Gutierrez or Barry Krisberg could submit evidence showing how the NCCD's or another state's system works for comparison. And a comparison of costs would be in order.
All this would show clearly whether Texas got its money's worth. It isn't really that hard to do, with a little effort and an exertion of authority.
Bill Bush
It's pretty friggin' astonishing, isn't it?
I'm starting to wish I'd taken the other pill. I'm not sure I want to find out how deep this rabbit hole goes.
Before it was reasonable to allege management has been incompetent. Now the DMN is basically saying they're incompetent and corrupt. Be sure to look at the links in the update about allegations of Mr. Phillips' past self dealing. He cuts quite a figure.
You have to give the Pope and her crew credit for one thing. It may have taken the previous adminstration years to get this bad, but the new TDCJ group is so professional they were able to take corruption to whole new levels in less than 8 months. Now that is talent.....
Grits,
The basic question: Is a new classification really needed?
There is plenty of information available before a youth leaves the orientation unit. The problem is that specialized programs do not exist in sufficient bed numbers to meet the need. Refining classification is like shopping from the Nieman Marcus catalog without having any money. It is a waste of time.
And there are other contracts out there just as unnecessary and given to friends.
Howard A. Hickman
Howard, what really frosts me about this is that the BRP report was dismissed as politically unfeasible largely b/c it was perceived as too expensive.
And yet they are throwing money around on crap like this with no oversight. Not to mention blowing through overtime pay b/c of foolishly dumping staff.
Maybe "politically unfeasible" doesn't mean what I thought it did. Maybe it means "won't lead to lucrative private contracts for my political fellow travelers."
BB
But Pope says Hes got it Going On !!!!! What kind of Professional talk is that ???? Maybe we should Hire Snoop Doggg,, I think He got it goin on!!! And He has also been on a grassy whatever for all of His life...Damn these people are trash
Bill,
There are lots of budget busting expenditures. The numbers and salaries of the TDCJ new hires exceed anything TYC previously paid for much more experienced personnel. Buying those infamous vests and replacing them with the even more infamous polo shirts. Spending money on studies and consultants and ignoring any recommendations. Etc. etc. It strikes me that the reformers just won the lottery and are spending it on friends and a good time without realizing the jackpot really is not that big. Can Vitapro be far behind?
Howard A. Hickman
TYC employees have been screaming for months that the leadership was both incompetent and corrupt. Lets hope the reporters will dig down deep into the abyss these crooks have created and fish out all the fat wallets they have filled, elected officials inclusive.
Howard is right. There is nothing wrong with the current classification and assessment system. There are just not enough treatment programs for the youth to go into due to budgetary constraints.
However, Pope and her crew want to change something to make themselves look like they are doing something good. But, it blew up in their face.
Howard is right. Almost without exception, every single one of the TDCJ transplants were brought in at higher salaries than any of the remaining TYC employees. Some much higher. That's public info, too!!
And in answer to the question - NO, TYC did NOT need a 'new classification' system!! There's not a damn thing that has been contracted for that could not be done in house or even was not already being done. But nobody was listening, nobody cared.
And just watch - there's more to come.
Please, PLEASE, somebody somewhere tell us there's a light at the end of this tunnell!!!!
I think there is a light.
The light is there, it will come when you walk thru the gatehouse of your TYC and never go back. You will then be free.
Let's all walk towards the light!!
A couple of other TYC intake related contracts are to Dr. Pablo Martinez of Texas State to develop a classification system and to Dr. Daniel Murrie of Sam Houston State to look at intake assessment. I'm not sure how these fit in with either the Phillips contract or the Connextions contract. Grits, you may want to ask Jim Hurley about those.
Focusing on the bureaucrats brought in to do the bidding of their masters must be of great comfort to Phillips, Wohlgemuth, and Perry. The story here relates to individuals who repeatly have come to the trouph for personal enrichment, not thier petty henchmen. While the story has referenced irregularities with HHSC and TYC, this is not thier first trip to the well. Let's not forget Phillips involvement with a Texas Workforce Commission contract for Alien Labor Certification.
Wow. If my fellow readers have time, they should read every link that Grits posted.
This Greg Phillips takes "self-dealing" to a whole new level: One that could only be matched by a conjoined twin!
The DMN article doesn't even scratch the surface. That $275K bag-o'-loot is light compared to his plunder from other agencies...which looks like it's in the millions of dollars.
[Hey, JCOs: are you upset about your not getting paid overtime? Sorry, we need that money to buy Mr. Phillips another boat].
How ironic it is that the rank-and-file employees are admonished to not accept gifts over $50...And how they are sternly cautioned that any part-time job they may hold must not interfere with their principal job...And how they are forbidden from accepting dual, simultaneous positions within the state...
...But these top guys can write legislation, get appointed to top jobs, create consulting & services companies, and via their newly-appointed positions, steer contracts to those very same companies. Nice!
Oh, by the way? What qualifies Mr. Phillips to rework the classification system? Is he borrowing that expertise from those Ph.Ds (Martinez, Murrie), to whom contracts were also awarded?
I hope Mr. Phillips' contribution is more than that little software package. Hell , our in-house IT staff could have written such a gizmo for about $40K.
That saddest thing about all this sorry mess is that the average voter in Texas doesn't care! Here we have blatant corruption that crosses party lines, and the majority of those who do get out and vote will blindly vote for the party of their preference without any regard for the character of the individual representing that party. It is a sad, sad thing!
It is time for Democrats and Republicans alike to rise up and nominate persons of high character to represent them in the General Election.
And - Don't ever expect an incumbent to vote for term limits - look at how many have run on that platform, only to find reasons to turn once they are in. It impetus has to come from the voters themselves.
Get interested, people - we are all getting screwed!
Right on the voters dont care. Only you sour idiots. An automated system to place kids. Great Advancement. To bad you folk don't see it. The message here is you smart TYC employees have been not properly placing kids. Here is a system that takes human error out of the equation. Why wonder about the person who is delivering it?
Oh thas right, you had someone who wanted to do the same thing but they never approached TYC, they even participated on some pannel, or even had coffee with them.
Perhaps we should dive more into your inappropriate relationships.....hmmm.
Why is Isela Gutierrez Now and Previously tied to South West Key. Why they pay salary for other so-called advocates through indirect channels? Why is she dating and sleeping with Will Harrell? Does she have any juvenile justice exerpience? Any degrees (bachelors or masters, phD) to be a true educated person on such matter? HELL NO. Check her personal history.
SouthWest Key....TYC Contrator....has musch to gain from the issues at tyc discretly funnels money, studies, and skewed stats to advocacy groups. Lets look into the history and ties of Joella Brooks and Connie Perez.
But let me stop here. Can't wait for MONDAY.
Here's a rule for bloggers - when you don't like what someone is doing, then accuse them of sleeping with someone else you do not like. It's called "ad hominem" attack. It is especially useful when the rest of your argument is weak.
that was hilarious 3:11, but so true.
Naw its all true. Not weak. Take notice of what has been said and the throught all these tyc comments. not just this one. ITS TRUE AND RIGHT AND ALL YOU CAN DO IT BYTCH AND COMPLAIN ABOUT IT.
As yourselves a question.....Why did the OT really stop? Prolly cause you won't spray when told. Now You get your paychecks jacked with.
Sorry but I have to prepare for next week and finish with investigating relationships. I will have a busy next week. Celebrating.....Happy Holidays.
I Love it lets ust all contract out to the Great State of Texas ,, Man what can I charge for hmmmm.Sounds like a plan who cares who runs it as long as I get Mine....
Pope's support of Gregg Phillips tells us exactly what kind of ethics she has, NONE. The question is; what is keeping our elected officials from firing her and all her cronies?
2:40
Isela Gutierrez is the state's leading advocate on juvenile justice reform. She is supported by the advocacy community fully. She is also the most trusted professional advocate that the parents of incarcerated youth turn to. She is highly educated and incredibly bright.
She does not work for SW Key. She was the coordinator of the Texas Coalition Advocating Justice for Juveniles TCAJJ. While based at SW Key, TCAJJ was and is directed by a board of directors composed of advocates and parents from all over the state, including PODER, Texas Civil Rights Project, LULAC, Texas Appleseed, ACLU, NAACP and others.
She is now at the state's leading criminal justice think tank, the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition where she directs the Juvenile Justice Initiative and coordinates the Texas Families of Incarcerated Youth.
Grits is right when he says Isela was an unsung hero during the Legislative Session. She wrote most of SB 103 and lobbied it passage.
You clearly don't know much about Isela, but you claim to know about juvenile justice. I propose a public debate between you and her. Then let the public decide who they trust to protect the interests of TYC youth and their parents.
2:43,
Wow, you've really "got it going on"
thanks 11:03. Its just about time to let it all out on who is who and what they are really doing.
TYC Youth and Parents. Great. The same parents who let their kids become members of the criminal justice system. Wow. Guess they would support their own now would they.
Hey 11:00 care to comment on the money funding those groups? Relationships with TYC Ombudsman? NO YOU DONT WANT TO GO THERE. THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS FOLLOW THE MONEY. Will wrote the bill and told her what to say and how to say it down to the very last testimony this year.
I'm trying to help you folk. You are not innoncent. You want to talk about a vendor and the way a contract exist. Go ahead. Its a 2 way street. Start with your own relationships...Business and Personal. Be Honest with yourselves.
Like I said earlier, as hominem attacks are the way to go when you have a weak argument. Old Salty
Make that "ad hominem". Sorry, Old Salty.
How many more criminals will Jay Kimbrough bring to TYC? And to think he was a Marine! So much for 'Duty, Honor, Country". I learned these things at MCRD and unlike Jay, they still mean something to me. Evidently he puts more stock in "personal profit".
Where have you been? Kimbrough is long gone - he was rewarded with a plush appointment as deputy commissar of TAMU.
Why are people surprised at all this? Goodhair took gobs of money from the coal-fired electric industries, then tried to fast-track approvals for new coal-fired plants that do not meet current clean air standards. This TYC thing is another example of profiteering at the public trough.
Dementia, so Phillips has it going on, huh? Do you mean physically, mentally or with you? What kind of a dumb SNAFU was that?
You let us down, we considered you such a role model. NOT!!! Where is the rhyme or method to your madness, pray tell!!
It's embarassing to tell people you are an acting executive director of the agency! Forgive us if we laugh at you, but you are a laugh a minute. Kinda like Claytie and his his rape remark back when!! He thought he had it going on too!! It cost him his election, so don't plan on running for office any time soon! Puke!
Bad Dementia! Please someone take her away! Enough is enough, she has embarassed the agency consistently since she and her cronies took over! Someone needs to monitor the kind of music she listens to! That might be where she is picking those sorts of remarks, MTV has it going on 24 hours a day!
WOW HOW BOUT THAT COURT ROOM ACTION TODAY. YALL JUST DONT GET IT.
Court Room Action
Just shows that the judges are elected politicians too and this is going back to federal court. Another loss for the taxpayers of Texas.
It's all about the money, honey! That is what this whole phoney-baloney crisis is all about.
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