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Union chief got only what he asked for

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Tom Jackson

tjackson@tampatrib.com

Published: May 31, 2009

As one is conditioned to expect from union chiefs, Shawn Baptist wants it both ways.

In Baptist's case, he would maximize what he can extract from the public on behalf of those he represents as head of the Zephyrhills firefighters local while denying the public's right to know the particulars behind his firing as a Zephyrhills firefighter.

City Manager Steve Spina understands, far better than he once did, the reality of the former; regarding the latter, he suspects Baptist is completely - oh, there's a contract negotiation coming up soon; what's the diplomatic phrase we're looking for? - misinformed.

To be sure, there are a couple of competing interests here: the individual's right to have personal, biological, chemical and medical information protected from public view, and every governmental agency's obligation to operate in as forthright and transparent manner as possible.

Now, Baptist may not like it, but in this land of government in the sunshine, the city's disclosure - he was fired last month for a second violation of the city's drug-free workplace code - dominates the contest.

And within that domination is the wisdom of sunshine's eminence.

Why sunshine rules

In his lawyered-up argument, Baptist claims the city could have been purposely vague about which rule he had violated and achieved the same end. Well.

It's not that easy. Stashing all terminations or disciplinary action under the umbrella of "violations of city code," as Baptist seems to suggest, invites managerial mischief and public suspicion.

Becoming the subject of that sunshine is, plainly, painful business. However, requiring full disclosure from the city's officers enforces strict guidelines for documentation across the board, documentation that is then open to inspection by rank-and-file city employees and the citizens who pay them.

Sunshine doesn't just disinfect; it protects. Limiting the details to a select few, as Baptist seems to recommend, fosters rumor-mongering and strategic leaking for political advantage. Nobody wins that game.

Comes with the territory

Don't want your lifestyle choices - those framing your employment status, anyway - being subject to public scrutiny? Find a career in the private sector. You may yet be disciplined, demoted or dismissed for violations of your company's drug and/or alcohol policies, but the likelihood of it showing up in the headlines is extremely remote.

Shawn Baptist instead chose to make his professional bed in the public square. The subsequent leering was an inevitable, and necessary, consequence.

No two ways about it.

Keyword: The Jax Files, for Tom Jackson's bonus musings.

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