Robert McWilliams [IV] *2yr term

[IAG]

Robert McWilliams is running for City Council seat [Ward IV]

Post your question or comments for Robert McWilliams.
Note: This thread is NOT for any comments or discussions between members. Please only between the candidate and poster asking a question or making a statement. This is so the thread won't be hijacked by others and turn into a general discussion thread.Thank you!

[Scott]

Is this Rob McWilliams the Police Officer? :ph34r:

[RPD COP]

Go Rob!!

[Daisy]

Talk Roswell Admin team has decided to remove polls for City Council candidates due to the ability of members to vote outside their wards.

We feel it does not reflect the correct position of citizens of those wards.

The polls for mayoral candidates were left intact because those are city wide elections.

[Taco101]

I've recently had opportunity to look quite deeply into Rob's background. If I lived in his ward I would vote for him. Good man.

[kralspaces]

Here is the $25M scenario. Lets say that in order for Governor Bill Richardson and Rep Ben Lujan to secure the vote of Senator Tim Jennings and Senator Rod Adair to support the $300M ‘temporary’ tax increases proposed by Legislature last Friday, the City of Roswell would be allocated $25M from ARRA to do as they please to stimulate the economy of Roswell and Chaves County.

As a candidate for Mayor or City Council, how would you recommend distribution of the money, amount or percentage allocated to each, order of priority and a brief reason for your recommendation?

I will provide my list, amounts, priority and reasoning in a letter to the editor the week-end before election.

[Billyboy]

McWilliams. You really are becoming a joke. It was funny listening to you whine at the PD but now it just sounds like sour grapes. If you really wanted to make the changes you should have stayed and fixed the department from the inside. :censored2:

[Lebo]

[QUOTE=Billyboy;22819]McWilliams. You really are becoming a joke.

That's just a downright rude thing to say about anyone. So you are qualified to make this assessment how?

It was funny listening to you whine at the PD but now it just sounds like sour grapes.

Sounds like you are with the PD; didn't think they had anyone as rude as you there. Learn something new every day.

If you really wanted to make the changes you should have stayed and fixed the department from the inside.

That's your opinion. Everyone has one, just like everyone has something else. Maybe you should make fixing the department from the inside your mission now. That would be an admirable endeavor and I'm sure there would be plenty of people to applaud your efforts in that direction.

Or I mean your wife could as she usually did all the calling complaining when you did not get your lunch or off on time.

Is it really necessary to pick on McWilliams' wife? She may be a little on the outspoken side, but maybe that's what endears her to him. From what I've observed at different gatherings it seems obvious she cares very much for him, and that could create stirrings of jealousy in someone who isn't fortunate enough to have a loving/caring spouse.

You quit the military you quit the pd.

If that is indeed so, it might be noted that it is not uncommon in life's journey to find it necessary to close one door in order to open another, for what that individual might deem as the betterment of their family's position as a whole.

[Daisy]

I thought it a very rude post, too. The poster became a member late last night, came on here only to post this (in the wrong thread) and then left.

It sounds to me like a personal grudge and the only reason we didn't throw it into the trash is so that Councilor McWilliams would see it and then have a chance to reply. That seemed to be the fair thing to do.

It may be that it and all responses will then be put into the trash.....

[mcwilliams293]

Thank you Lebo and Daisy, I read the thread late last night when I got home at 3 am. I will reply but I am now getting ready to go to city hall for a meeting then off to work at 5, Billyboy must not really know me or my situation.

Rob

[postmaster]

BillyBoy,

You appear to be quite cowardly in that you arrive on this forum, spew your venom toward McWilliams and his wife, and then leave. Is this a drive-by posting? Man-up already!:nerves:

[mfish]

Oh where have you gone, Billyboy, Billyboy ...???

[Daisy]

....tell me where have you gone, charming Billy?

Only "hit and run" Billboy isn't so charming...

For you youngsters who might think mfish and I have lost it, 'Billy boy, Billy Boy' is a very old folk song.

[TerryCat]

Somebody with the name Billyboy posts on the RDR website often. Doesn't make much sense there either.
Maybe someone should make him a cherry pie.:smk3:

[Hoyle]

Mr. McWilliams, what is your opinion on the Dan Foley lawsuit against the City of Roswell?

[mcwilliams293]

Hoyle, I have been following the subject in the paper, but that is as far as I know about it, I have not seen any of the information on the lawsuit. I am sorry that he feels it necessary to come after the city for the incident that took place over two years or more ago. I am sure that the NMML (new mexico municipal league) will want to settle out of court since a court battle would be costly to the city. The other thing is that since Mr. Foley no longer resides here in Roswell he does not have to worry that we are trying to watch our money to take care of the city, but then again he was a true politician in my view. I will check to see if I am allowed to view the information. I hope this satisfied your curiosity.

Rob

[oladcock]

"I am sure that the NMML (new mexico municipal league) will want to settle out of court since a court battle would be costly to the city."

Rob, I'm sure that has been/is the common practice but at some point we're all going to have to put our foot down and stand on principles. Even if it hurts. Even if it costs a bit more. Settling these things out of court is bowing to blackmail. It's paying ransoms to terrorists..It's no different. If it hurts bad enough maybe the folks that allow their politicians to put policies in place that support such practices will get mad enough to demand change and or throw their butts out. The status quo of it being cheaper to settle does nothing but invite more of it. I'd rather see my taxes go for a fight like this than more blue rocks! :)....O.L.

[shotgun]

Hoyle, I have been following the subject in the paper, but that is as far as I know about it, I have not seen any of the information on the lawsuit. I am sorry that he feels it necessary to come after the city for the incident that took place over two years or more ago. I am sure that the NMML (new mexico municipal league) will want to settle out of court since a court battle would be costly to the city. The other thing is that since Mr. Foley no longer resides here in Roswell he does not have to worry that we are trying to watch our money to take care of the city, but then again he was a true politician in my view. I will check to see if I am allowed to view the information. I hope this satisfied your curiosity.

Rob

As a former Roswell police officer and a newly elected City Councilor I hope you will look into the Foley lawsuit. Mr. McWilliams you said you'd be the voice of the people and RPD?

The people spoke very loud when they voted Foley out of office for many reasons. Mr. McWilliams you should check the arrest report before the city would ever think to settle due to the high legal cost:shoot:

[Hoyle]

Thank you for you quick reply, Mr. McWilliams. I believe the lawsuit filing is available under the FOIA.
I agree with Oladcock, this case should NOT be settled. Seems to me that it would merely suggest to any lawbreaker... do something wrong, sue the Police, walk away with cash.
THAT is wrong.:no3:
I hope you will be a strong advocate of NOT SETTLING with FOLEY with your new position on the city council.
I think the citizens of Roswell will be outraged and disgusted if a settlement occurs.

[Billy Wood]

This is from mfish's post COURT DOCS click the link at the bottom of post. The City of Roswell has two Attorneys they should be able to handle this, if they can't then the city need to hire city Attorneys that can handle this and others city business. Just a thought.
The City of Roswell is an easy mark when it comes to litigious minded people looking to augment their lifestyles. The city evidently likes to settle lawsuits quickly, so almost anyone with any kind of "incident" can go to the trough and receive 'compensation.'
Lawsuits do serve a purpose - when one is truly wronged, sometimes it's the only way to get compensation. But here are some examples of frivolity that the City /county have bowed to:

Councilor Maples wife got some dough for not knowing how to ride a bicycle and watch the bike path at the same time, Ralph Fresquez got some dough because he backed over his wife at the landfill, it's reported that newly elected city councilor Jimmy Craig got (or is in the process of getting) some dough because of a family incident (the arrest of a family member the same night Foley was arrested, is how I heard it) ... the list is astounding. What's amazing is that so many of these are filed by former, or current "public servants" looking to "give back to the community" as so many have stated when asked why they run for office ...

Here's the newest piggie to come to the trough:
Dan. freakin'. Foley.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/28757117/foley

[kralspaces]

What better case to show off the new Roswell Government. It is the perfect case because it will get State notoriety and I want the rest of this city and the state to know that the new Roswell is not a push over and that we will stand up for justice. This is a place where new business can come and be protected from frivolous lawsuits.

Stand up Roswell and fight this one all the way. I’ll even give up some of my pet projects for this fight.
.

[Daisy]

I am sure that the NMML (new mexico municipal league) will want to settle out of court since a court battle would be costly to the city.

I hope the city DOES NOT settle with Dan Foley! I agree with O.L. and Kral that Roswell should stand up to this lawsuit and let it be decided in court. If you don't take a stand against these frivolous lawsuits, you're just inviting other bullies to do the same thing.

Billy's right, too - we have two lawyers here who are already being paid by the city - if neither of them are capable of taking on a case like this, they need to be replaced by someone who can.

NO SETTLEMENT IN THE FOLEY CASE.........:no3:

[NeightGT]

I think a better slogan is "Don't Pay Foley!!!" let's make some shirts

[Daisy]

Good shirt idea - run with it, NeightGT!

Rob, I'm interested to know if you are in favor of the city settling this Foley lawsuit - after you catch up on the facts of it.

Aren't the mayor and councilors kept up to date on something of this magnitude? Or are they kept in the dark until the city manager or whoever deals with this decides to let them in on it?

[rover]

Many years our police department, and whoever governs it (city?), settles lawsuits out of court. Many suits are brought by truly bad guys (in addition to the bad politicians). The city thinks it costs less (money and publicity) to just settle it quietly and move on. Same with state police. When the police/city settles and pays, it wrongly looks as if the guy suing is innocent when he isn't. Someone said it very well: it's a form of paying for blackmail, which I'd always thought was a no no. Regular people who sue, like our so-called public servants who bite the hands that had fed and nurtured them for so long, are even worse than the criminals because that makes them hypocrites too.

Dan Foley's suit is completely frivolous, just shows what a bad temper he has and how long he carries a grudge. He is using that lawsuit as an excuse why he lost his state rep position. He lost the votes because he is unlikeable. His misbehavior at that game in front of kids and lots of witnesses is only one of many examples.

[pdc]

I really hope the lawyers handle this based upon the merits of the case, and that the politicians, except for establishing general policy, butt out....

If the politicians don't like the lawyers, hire better lawyers - but I see no advantage to politicians making legal decisions....

[Hoyle]

I think a better slogan is "Don't Pay Foley!!!" let's make some shirts
I will buy one! AND wear it to the city council meeting.

[shotgun]

Many years our police department, and whoever governs it (city?), settles lawsuits out of court. Many suits are brought by truly bad guys (in addition to the bad politicians). The city thinks it costs less (money and publicity) to just settle it quietly and move on. Same with state police. When the police/city settles and pays, it wrongly looks as if the guy suing is innocent when he isn't. Someone said it very well: it's a form of paying for blackmail, which I'd always thought was a no no. Regular people who sue, like our so-called public servants who bite the hands that had fed and nurtured them for so long, are even worse than the criminals because that makes them hypocrites too.

Dan Foley's suit is completely frivolous, just shows what a bad temper he has and how long he carries a grudge. He is using that lawsuit as an excuse why he lost his state rep position. He lost the votes because he is unlikeable. His misbehavior at that game in front of kids and lots of witnesses is only one of many examples.

VERY WELL SAID! Now let's see if our newly elected will stand up and say enough paying blackmail:shoot:

[mfish]

I'd wager that Foley is counting on a swift settlement. If this incident caused him so much mental distress, I find it fascinating that he's willing to put himself and his family through it all again. One would think that this is an unfortunate incident that one would move forward from with lessons learned. He's already left Roswell, as I suspect it was difficult for him to make a living selling insurance to people once his temperment was exposed. It was probably difficult for his children to maintain friendships in school, and it was probably difficult for his wife to hold her head up at the grcoery store.

Now, Foley wants to scrape away the scab and re-live this all over again? I'm a bit suspect - I think he's definitely counting on the city of Roswell to settle based on their miserable past track record (examples listed in the opening post of this thread) of doing just that.

[kralspaces]

If the politicians don't like the lawyers, hire better lawyers - but I see no advantage to politicians making legal decisions....

We are not asking the politicians to make legal decisions. We are asking the politicians to let it happen in a court room with a jury of his peers and not by settlement.

[shotgun]

I'd wager that Foley is counting on a swift settlement. If this incident caused him so much mental distress, I find it fascinating that he's willing to put himself and his family through it all again. One would think that this is an unfortunate incident that one would move forward from with lessons learned. He's already left Roswell, as I suspect it was difficult for him to make a living selling insurance to people once his temperment was exposed. It was probably difficult for his children to maintain friendships in school, and it was probably difficult for his wife to hold her head up at the grcoery store.

Now, Foley wants to scrape away the scab and re-live this all over again? I'm a bit suspect - I think he's definitely counting on the city of Roswell to settle based on their miserable past track record (examples listed in the opening post of this thread) of doing just that.

Mfish,

My opinion is Foley wants a swift settlement $$$ for two reasons. First Foley wants the money, second, he wants the right to say "I beat the city of Roswell and the RPD, I was wronged" then Foley will try to reclaim what he believes is his rightful place, in the Santa Fe roundhouse!:shoot:

I do not think Foley positions his family over "Foley's World". Foley loved living in what he believed was a world of power and self fame. Foley couldn't understand he was voted out of office because voters did not trust or like him. I really believe Foley enjoyed the power and perks of his elected office to the point, he had a hard time to surrender the special license plate issued only to elected officials.

I think Foley knows under the leadership of John Capps settlements are not hard to come get, it's cheaper top settle.

Mfish, as always, your right on target!

[mcwilliams293]

Ok, Billy I have read the feed from Mfish. I had to laugh histerically**laugh** when I read who Mr. Foley retained as the Attorney which is Raul Carrillo from Las Cruces, this is the guy who went after me when the DA's office filed criminal charges, against a certain female officer that I was involved with in late summer early fall for about three months, after she started being Bi-Polar again and started physically abusing me, anyway we lost the criminal trial due to the jury even though I had a voice recording of one of the attacks, so then she hires the Carrillo guy to sue the city which she got a settlement, but it was under $100,000 and the attorney took 33% and then she was already in debt so she ended up with squat. The city tried to get rif of her since she has been to Sunrise at ENMMC numerous times for mental instability:no3::no3:, the city council could have overridden John Capps through NM Case Law that allows the city council to look at stuff like this on as needed basis and actually terminate these kinds of people, but the old council just buried their heads in the sand as usual:new_shocked:. This Attorney is a slick person and now that I know all of that it will be a very cold day in hell when I agree to settle with Foley. Thanks for the Link.

Rob

[Daisy]

This Attorney is a slick person and now that I know all of that it will be a very cold day in hell when I agree to settle with Foley.

I'm very glad to hear that, Rob....:smk3:

[Serio Aldenevich]

I THINK lawsuits filed against the city and/or police dept. are referred to the city insurer for defense or settlement. Then that insurance company retains a law firm it uses locally for such matters, to represent the insurer (who covers city losses from lawsuits not administratively resolved by Mr. Capps). In the past I believe that was the law firm where Lee Rogers is a partner. If so, they'll investigate as req'd and begin negotiating with the plaintiff's lawyer.
Any settlement offer has to be approved by the insurance company and Foley's lawyer with his clients consent but many times settling is much less costly than going to trial. The lawyers will likely argue about this at length (charging billable hours) during many phone calls and faxes until they either reach an agreement or say they'll meet in court. If the latter they then may settle on the courthouse steps. Just like any insurer the more claims you have the more your premiums go up.

If I was a gambler I'd bet on Foley settling out of court. I'd prefer to see the lawsuit defended vigorously but odds are for a settlement to resolve it as quickly and as least costly as possible. I don't know of any incentive for lawyers charging an hourly fee to rush things.

The city has city attorney (s) so it would seem logical that they'd handle these lawsuits. If a city insurer is involved and is going to have to pay to resolve the lawsuit then the insurer uses a law firm of their choice or they could use "in-house" lawyers. I think ......

[mcwilliams293]

Yes it is always more costly to go to court on these matters but that is what the other side bets on as to a quick settlement for a large number, either way the insurance always goes up as far as I am aware for these types of situations, I will be the opposing voice against settlement, since I think Foley should be a big boy and get out of his diapers and just face the facts, he was wrong, he got arrested, he was embarresed in front of all his peers and he wants to save face, but the truth hurts so he needs to swallow his pride and do the right thing and drop the suit, if not I think we will spend what ever it takes to win hopefully.

Rob

[mfish]

Could the city counter-sue for damages ...?

[Hoyle]

And make Foley pay the city legal fees, if he loses? I dunno about juries these days. Which is why we need good Judges.

[shotgun]

Ok, Billy I have read the feed from Mfish. I had to laugh histerically**laugh** when I read who Mr. Foley retained as the Attorney which is Raul Carrillo from Las Cruces, this is the guy who went after me when the DA's office filed criminal charges, against a certain female officer that I was involved with in late summer early fall for about three months, after she started being Bi-Polar again and started physically abusing me, anyway we lost the criminal trial due to the jury even though I had a voice recording of one of the attacks, so then she hires the Carrillo guy to sue the city which she got a settlement, but it was under $100,000 and the attorney took 33% and then she was already in debt so she ended up with squat. The city tried to get rif of her since she has been to Sunrise at ENMMC numerous times for mental instability:no3::no3:, the city council could have overridden John Capps through NM Case Law that allows the city council to look at stuff like this on as needed basis and actually terminate these kinds of people, but the old council just buried their heads in the sand as usual:new_shocked:. This Attorney is a slick person and now that I know all of that it will be a very cold day in hell when I agree to settle with Foley. Thanks for the Link.

Rob

How much did Carrillo get awarded from your case settlement?? He'll try to get more from the Foley deal than he did from your case. Carrillo might not realize the city is smarter now since the last city council election!

[Serio Aldenevich]

McWilliams ..... are you named as a defendant in Foley's lawsuit? Have you been served with the Complaint? Do you have to file an Answer w/i 30 days? Do you have an attorney representing you?

Do we know the District Court case # so we can look it up online? It will show the attorneys and any action that has been taken since filing.

Is it Foley v. the City of Roswell?

[shotgun]

MCWilliams was not on the City Council at the time this happened, but he was a fellow officer. I would think McWilliams would know his fellow officers and this case very well. I'd say he'd stand up for the saftey of families at all sporting events?

"Roswell Daily Record" as did "Talk Roswell" cover both Foley filing a frivolous and todays answer to Foley's frivolous lawsuit.

I would assume all conscious elected city councilors and mayor should have a copy of both filings in hand to review and kept updated. :shoot:

[mcwilliams293]

Sergio, I was not involved in the incident involving Foley, I have a copy of the filing of the lawsuit it is public record, I will be glad to make you a copy, I do think that Billy Wood has posted a link to the lawsuit somewhere here on TRAC.

To Shotgun, I do have a copy not sure how current it is but will be speaking to Mayor tonight to let him know the city needs to fight and not to bow to such a lawsuit.

[shotgun]

McWilliams, we're counting on you not to let the RPD and the tax paying citizens of Roswell down. The counter to Foley's frivolous lawsuit was answered by Atwood/Malone and filed this week.

It's time we stand up to all frivolous lawsuits and the people who file them. :shoot:

I'll be listening to you at the meeting.

[Daisy]

I do think that Billy Wood has posted a link to the lawsuit somewhere here on TRAC.

mfish posted this site in the Foley Sues City thread.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/28757117/foley

[mcwilliams293]

Ok, well I am truly disappointed with city politics, I know that I was not going to effect change in a short period of time, but I did not think that I would serve with individuals that are narrow minded when they vote against a store just trying to compete in the market and to add some jobs to a store on the southside of town without asking for the council to fund it with a CDBG loan"GRANT FUNDS" or General Fund Money from the city, These businesses need to be commended for staying alive on there ability to manage funds to prosper. I was disappointed with the city passing the buck as usual on the Old Airport building, It was complacency and wearing horse blinders by previous councils and mayors that let the building get to that condition. The more I find out the more I find wrong with the way things have been run to bring us to this point. I am at a loss where to start. I knew it would not be easy but my priority list changes everyday.

[kralspaces]

As I said in the other thread... stay focused on your orignal priority list. My wife changes her 'to-do' list for me every week. It doesn't bother me because I still have the original list that I am working on.

[Belkin]

McWilliams you just have to be tougher, smarter than the other guys! Most of the city councilors are still good ole boys, and girls. All eyes are on Mayor Jurney. If he supports Baldwin by giving them more money, the voters made a big mistake. :smk2:

[Daisy]

Ok, well I am truly disappointed with city politics,

Hang in there, Rob - you knew it wasn't gonna be easy. I agree with kral - you need to pick a few things to work on and let the rest go for awhile. If you keep trying to take on everything, all at once, you're just gonna get more frustrated and burned out.

I guess what I'm trying to say is.......pick your battles and concentrate only on those you feel are most important.

We're all rooting for you and applaud what you're doing - things didn't get this bad overnight and you can't possibly fix 'em overnight, either.

[mfish]

Don Quixote tilted windmills. Don't fall into that trap and try to be a one man avenger. You'll find there are probably more things you can't get accomplished than can, so focus on the battles that you feel you have a shot at winning. Winning a battle doesn't win the war, however. And as long as the city council is entrenched in old school mindsets with apathetic attitudes and larger than life egos, you'll be alone most of the time. So get used to it, and hunker down, if you've got the stomach for it.

[mcwilliams293]

Thanks everyone, let me qualify last nights post; Do I feel the need to expand the hanger, Yes, Do I feel the need to get a grant and other federal money, Yes. I am just worried about how it might be done, Yes, I think if the city is going to run like a business then we must weigh the good and the the risk in everything we do. Am I going to agree with everything, No, but I will make sure to look at everything with a close eye. I am going to ask that the city get reassurances from any company, firm or business that will do business in Roswell, that we help, that they are going to do their best to run their businesses with integrity, honesty, and smartly as to show us that they are committed to Roswell. I think that those things are not too much to ask since we will be working with them to take care of issues on our end that effect their ability to conduct business on their end.
Yes, I know that I need to keep my list the same, but its hard for me, as a law enforcement officer, since when I go on a call, I am the guy that solves the problem right then and there some like the outcome others not so much, but its done right then and then I am on to the next issue, so it does frustrate me to see things dragging along.
As to the mayor's power, I attended the newly elected official course in Alb, and I am under the impression from the instructors that the mayor in a mayor-council-manager form of Gov't is the head honcho and he does have the power to do more than kiss babies and stuff. I would be glad to share this info with anyone that would like the handout that was provided in our book that we received, I know that some will probably look at it differently, but thats the way I see it.
Thanks again for all the kind words of encouragement, it means a lot.
Rob

[kralspaces]

I attended the newly elected official course in Alb, and I am under the impression from the instructors that the mayor in a mayor-council-manager form of Gov't is the head honcho and he does have the power to do more than kiss babies and stuff.
Rob

And what form of government is Roswell under? It is definitely not mayor-council-manager. What form would you like?

[Serio Aldenevich]

If McWilliams attended a briefing on governing a city with our form of government and learned that our mayor does have operational control authorities, and really is the "head honcho" (a term I first heard in the Korean War era), then that's great. Mayor Journey can use that authority to improve city government.

I suppose it depends on who the mayor and city manager are. If the city mgr is the dominant one he/she may assume those head honcho duties.

Many years ago new Army officers would report in for their 3 year tour as the OIC of whatever Army office. Often a high ranking civilian (DAC) was their deputy. The DAC provided the continuity as they were there many more years than the rotating Army officers. The routine would sometimes be that the DAC deputy invited the newly assigned OIC to the O Club where he'd be told he was now the pilot and the DAC was the co-pilot. If the new OIC would just sit back and let the DAC fly the airplane things would go smoothly and after this tour the officer could look forward to a new assignment and maybe promotion. If they started on-the-job training as head honcho they could run into problems. I hope our head honcho OIC (mayor) exercises all the authority he has as mayor and is not stifled by someone who has been used to flying the airplane much longer.

[kralspaces]

I hope our head honcho OIC (mayor) exercises all the authority he has as mayor and is not stifled by someone who has been used to flying the airplane much longer.

I think our OIC has already excercised some influence (power) to get Capps (DAC) to resign, wouldn't you say? That's a big start in my eyes.

[badger4540]

Rob you keep up the good work. I talked to Rob before he was voted in and after. He appears to be doing a good job. I believe he will continue to do a good job.
I have seen the photos of one of the officers that was involved in the arrest and Foley. His shirt had spit all down the front from the chewing tobacco that Foley always had in his mouth. The Roswell Police Dept and the City of Roswell should tell him to sit on it and rotate. He believes himself above the law. DONT SETTLE.
It might cost more in the short run but if Roswell stops paying these stupid lawsuits out of court it will stop because it will become known that ROSWELL does not pay and it will cost for BS suits to be filed and taken to court. In the end the suits will slow down. If we pay we just set ourselves up for more of the same type of lawsuits. WHEN DO WE SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH???