Obama names “most fined” Washington State bureaucrat to HUD
posted at 9:19 am on February 4, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
Barack Obama didn’t do much except run for President during his four years in the US Senate, but he did partner with Tom Coburn on transparency in budgeting. That accomplishment allowed for some hope that Obama would work to make the federal government more transparent. Unfortunately, as our friend Stefan Sharkansky reports from Sound Politics, Obama’s appointment of Ron Sims to the #2 position at HUD sends exactly the opposite message. A court levied the biggest fine for illegal record withholding against Sims in Washington State history — and that record hasn’t finished yet:
Sims is culpable for what may well become the largest fine for violations of public records laws in U.S. history: see Yousoufian, Armen
My own public records suit against Sims (for delaying release of election records which revealed that King County officials unlawfully counted hundreds of ineligible ballots in the 2004 governor’s race) goes to trial in April.
The Yousoufian case should have derailed Sims’ appointment all by itself. The Seattle Times just reported on the state Supreme Court decision that demanded a higher fine for King County under Sims’ governance for illegally blocking records that Yousoufian wanted to investigate the public financing of Qwest Field, the stadium where the Seattle Seahawks now play. Their years-long delay ensured that Yousoufian could not find any potentially damaging information before a referendum that approved public financing for the NFL stadium. The court found “hundreds” of instances where they gave misleading information or refused to give information at all while Sims was King County Executive.
Sharkansky feels Yousoufian’s pain. When the Seattle blogger attempted to investigate King County’s performance in the 2004 election, the county — under Sims’ governance — gave him the same kind of runaround rather than comply with legal records requests. Sharkansky eventually discovered what Sims and King County wanted to keep hidden: they counted ineligible ballots during the recount to give Christine Gregoire the necessary margin of victory over Dino Rossi for governor. Sharkansky’s suit will finally go to trial in April. Sims might get called to testify, and if Sharkansky wins, King County can expect to pay another large fine to mitigate Sims’ mismanagement and opacity.
The Obama transition team appears to have fumbled another key appointment. Senate Republicans should start making the argument that issuing executive orders for transparency means nothing if the administration gets filled with people who routinely violate existing Freedom of Information laws. Sims needs to get the boot back to Washington, where he should answer for his misdeeds in King County.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
Oh. My. G-d.
Hey, he’s a record holder! We need overachievers in government, don’t we? The best. Only the best.
progressoverpeace on February 4, 2009 at 9:24 AM
Please, God, no! We don’t need him here anymore! Take him!
wccawa on February 4, 2009 at 9:24 AM
and yet another…
Wade on February 4, 2009 at 9:25 AM
Got to give Obama high marks for consistency. If there’s a crook out there, Obama will find him and appoint him to something, anything.
jeanie on February 4, 2009 at 9:25 AM
All of Obama’s appointments are ‘most fine’.
Phoenician on February 4, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Another day, another appointment falling apart at the seams.
Bishop on February 4, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Another Democratic motto.
Rules are for the little guy.
MarkTheGreat on February 4, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Historic.
the_nile on February 4, 2009 at 9:27 AM
So the man who came out of the Chicago machine all nice and squeaky clean apparently knows only dirty friends and politicians?
Soooo… confused… ;o(
katy on February 4, 2009 at 9:28 AM
When libs say they are the most ethical administration, the complete opposite is what they mean.
grapeknutz on February 4, 2009 at 9:28 AM
Comedy. Of. Errors.
Ferris on February 4, 2009 at 9:28 AM
This guy needs to be going to jail, not D.C.
MarkTheGreat on February 4, 2009 at 9:29 AM
Too bad Robert Vesco died a few years ago. He’d have been perfect for this administration.
Mr. D on February 4, 2009 at 9:29 AM
Oh, he’s transparent, all right. He transparently does whatever he wants to do because he’s a Democrat and knows he can get away with it.
whitetop on February 4, 2009 at 9:31 AM
That’s usually the case whenever a liberal is speaking.
MarkTheGreat on February 4, 2009 at 9:31 AM
Aren’t a few positions at the Justice Department still waiting to be filled?
A quick pardon and Charles Manson would be available, Mr. President.
Bishop on February 4, 2009 at 9:32 AM
If by “fine” you mean thin and insubstantial, prone to breaking at the slightest stress, well then yeah. We can call him “fine.”
Bob's Kid on February 4, 2009 at 9:32 AM
Now maybe we’re being too judgmental here! Perhaps, just perhaps–there’s nothing BUT shady Democrats out there and it comes down to a matter of degree of criminality.
jeanie on February 4, 2009 at 9:32 AM
Geez. The hits just keep comin’.
CP on February 4, 2009 at 9:33 AM
Like someone else said, Obama seems to have a radar for crooks.
And yet people are naive enough to think that Obama somehow stayed out of the middle of true Chicago politics and that he’s squeaky clean.
MobileVideoEngineer on February 4, 2009 at 9:34 AM
What is this? The New Administration or reruns of “America’s Most Wanted”?
kingsjester on February 4, 2009 at 9:35 AM
Dear Barry,
Sorry to hear that your search for cabinet appointees has left you with only tax cheats and liars. I of course understand the Herculean task presented to you, since you must select the candidates from the Democrat Party. That’s like trying to find an innocent convict at Rykers. I do think there are two people you might want to consider for your next appointment – Zell Miller & Joe Lieberman. Other than those two fine gentleman, I think you’re screwed.
Hugs,
Joe “Just Lookin-Out-for-Ya” Republican
fogw on February 4, 2009 at 9:37 AM
I told everyone that BO’s famous questionnaire wasn’t meant to exclude the criminals.
Elektra on February 4, 2009 at 9:37 AM
But he’s black. Are we allowed to make fun of him?
JammieWearingFool on February 4, 2009 at 9:38 AM
This has got to be the funnies/saddest beginning of an administration that i could remember.
MDWNJ on February 4, 2009 at 9:39 AM
Seriously, though, when you’re picking nominees from a field of liberals – and hoping for people of high ethics – you’re drawing to an inside straight. A good many Democrat officials get where they are by cheating, gouging, lying, slandering, bullying and denying the truth. When the cream hits the surface, it’s already starting to stink.
whitetop on February 4, 2009 at 9:39 AM
damn spell check
MDWNJ on February 4, 2009 at 9:40 AM
Ok after two weeks and 3 appointees, two of which dropped out for “tax” reasons and one got confirmed despite “tax” problems we now get this POS? WTF? I know that we all question the Stupidity of this administration but for the love of God. How “f” ing stupid are they? Please…… someone….anyone….
milwife88 on February 4, 2009 at 9:40 AM
Well, Obama did promise “change” and its exactly what we got. We’ve gone from a reasonably competent Bush administration to a corrupt incompetent one.
Bravo Mr. Obama.
.
GT on February 4, 2009 at 9:40 AM
I understand the last Obama administration poition to be filled will be the… “bend over” position.
Rumor has it the American people are in the running.
katy on February 4, 2009 at 9:42 AM
This administration is gonna be up for a Peoples Choice Award for best comedy next year.
MDWNJ on February 4, 2009 at 9:42 AM
It just never ends, eh?
This administration seems on track to eclipse the Clinton mob’s record of corruption and beat Jimmy Carter’s record for incompetence.
Skandia Recluse on February 4, 2009 at 9:44 AM
He’ll fit right in.
Vashta.Nerada on February 4, 2009 at 9:44 AM
First Mistake # 74.
Patrick S on February 4, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Points finger accusingly at JWF THOUGHT CRIMINAL! Straight to room 101 with you. See how progressive I am, I didn’t even point out that your post was racist :-)
Oldnuke on February 4, 2009 at 9:47 AM
It’s like he’s not even trying anymore… at some point, BarryO just said, “Screw it, I’m going to appoint whoever I like. I dare you to try to make a big deal of it. I double-dog dare you.”
kiltedscotsman5 on February 4, 2009 at 9:48 AM
He goes all in holding the race card.
the_nile on February 4, 2009 at 9:48 AM
I understand your sentiment and your dilemma completely. There’s nothing funny about this disaster, but you can’t keep from laughing a little. It’s Pathetic.
Oldnuke on February 4, 2009 at 9:49 AM
BOHICA next first..
the_nile on February 4, 2009 at 9:50 AM
The Barack Obama Administration – aka ‘The Rolling Trainwreck’ – is following the same paths as Marion Barry, Kwame Kilpatrick, Bill Campbell and others in creating the same sort of corrupt, incompetent, Administration as found in most Third World countries.
SeniorD on February 4, 2009 at 9:51 AM
What a snafu! When, when will the media finally wise up and start reporting ALL this crap to the stupid general public who voted for this useless piece of crap. this is YOUR president folks, not mine and I wouldn’t lay claim to him if you paid me. The man is an idiot, unfortunately, he is also the potus…….*sigh*
clinker46 on February 4, 2009 at 9:52 AM
For a second, I thought the headline here said ‘Obama names “most fired” Washington State bureaucrat to HUD’ and wondered why Obama was hiring Tyrone Willingham to lead Housing and Urban Development…
jon1979 on February 4, 2009 at 9:53 AM
HAHAHAHA, Ron Sims is a joke. You won’t be missed, Ron.
nickj116 on February 4, 2009 at 9:54 AM
Remember… Obama is his father’s son…
Daddy was a corrupt communist pol.
“Dreams of my Father”
katy on February 4, 2009 at 9:55 AM
The real travesty is that 53M idiots actually believed any of the crap Obama peddled over the past two years.
redfoxbluestate on February 4, 2009 at 9:55 AM
Sounds like a good title for a Country and Western hit. And please don’t forget Ray Nagin down in Naw’leans. I think he deserves a shout out. His incompetence is legion enough to be singled out and not included with “Others”.
Oldnuke on February 4, 2009 at 9:56 AM
I joked yesterday that Obama should nominate Kwame Kilpatrick, his good friend, as HHS Secretary.
It may not be a stretch the way things are going.
JammieWearingFool on February 4, 2009 at 9:58 AM
There’s so much more on this guy that’s equally as scary. Look up CAO, King County…and I could tell you some stories about his caving to homeless advocates to put tent cities on public land – a move only stopped by the handful of Republicans on the county council.
I don’t want him back in Washington state, but then, I would prefer to have him nowhere near my government.
capitalist piglet on February 4, 2009 at 9:58 AM
Unfortunately this is unlikely to get a lot of attention in the mainstream media. However, if someone like Limbaugh can shine a bright light it may have a chance of being picked up.
One only hopes that there is a cumulative effect that begins to weigh down this administration.
moxie_neanderthal on February 4, 2009 at 10:00 AM
But I’ll bet he’s never owned a gun!
sabbott on February 4, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Everybody…sing along!!!!! “Obama’s gonna change the world…….”
bloggless on February 4, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Albert Einstein was correct when he said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
canditaylor68 on February 4, 2009 at 10:02 AM
It’s almost as if he’s trying to make each day worse than the last.
It’s gotten to the point of “ya’ can’t make this sh*t up folks”
tehd on February 4, 2009 at 10:04 AM
….says Obama “We won, you lost get over it!”
Vntnrse on February 4, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Oh, and by the way – this is the guy who banned the phrase “Merry Christmas”:
We’ve all heard about your memo Ron. The one where you banned county workers from saying “Merry Christmas”, or “Happy Hanukkah.” Your memo dictated that “Happy Holidays”, or “Holiday Greetings”, was more inclusive
capitalist piglet on February 4, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Obama’s always been a crook magnet. That’s the “most ignored” aspect of his campaign, for which the MSM deserves a metaphorical punch in the mouth.
This may also be a form of payback for the crooked recount of Democrat Gregoire – a fine example of Democrat electioneering – keep “counting” until the democrat’s ahead – then STOP.
Could we please have a news corps that’s NOT party to a criminal conspiracy? Pretty please with sugar on top?
Merovign on February 4, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Remember, whom Obama associates with isn’t important.
Perhaps I can help with some appointments, this is a fun game to play!
Sandy Berger to watch over the National Archives?
Michael Milken to head the SEC.
Jimmy Carter as special ambassador to Isreal.
Caroline Kennedy as chairperson of the Federal Reserve (anyone can do that job).
Eric Holder as AG….oh, wait.
HRC as SoS…oh, wait.
Dennis Kucinich for head of Homeland Security.
Helen Thomas for press secretary.
I could go on, but Obambi is trouncing me at this game, anyone else want to give it a try?
Geministorm on February 4, 2009 at 10:13 AM
At first I was happy to see this scum go, but then I realized he would be free to ruin the lives of Americans all over the country, not merely in King County. God save us from this criminal.
fourstringfuror on February 4, 2009 at 10:13 AM
If they found all the election fraud why was it not overturned?
Rick007 on February 4, 2009 at 10:13 AM
I think Obama needs to fire whoever he’s hired to do his vetting of appointments. This is ridiculous.
ScoopPC11 on February 4, 2009 at 10:14 AM
“The court found “hundreds” of instances where they gave misleading information or refused to give information at all while Sims was King County Executive.”
I can see why Obama likes this Sims guy, feels he’s the only one who can do the job.
The most corrupt administration evah — and after only two weeks! Change you just cannot believe!
RickZ on February 4, 2009 at 10:17 AM
I prefer “Rolling Blunder”.
Patrick S on February 4, 2009 at 10:17 AM
I keep having to ask: Does Obama know ANYONE who is on the level?!
Where’s the hope and change?!?
ToddonCapeCod on February 4, 2009 at 10:19 AM
It should surprise no one that BO and our government in general does as it pleases, the Consitution be damned! Every day we get slapped in the face with another screw-you-I-will-do-as-I-please-and-there-is-nothing-you-can-do-about-it action by a vile politician. If we can put up with this, is there anything we won’t put up with? Is there anything that our contemptible government can do to bring us to the point of action?
I am beginning to believe as Thomas Jefferson believed, “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants.”
Guns and gold my friends. Get both while you still can.
King of the Britons on February 4, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Obama, illegal aliens, and HUD
The Americans for Legal Immigration PAC filed an arrest request with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Monday and issued a public demand for President Barack Obama to deport Zeituni Onyango, his aunt, an illegal immigrant who was living in Boston but now residing in Ohio.
maverick muse on February 4, 2009 at 10:23 AM
just exercising that superior judgement of his again
stormin1961 on February 4, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Can we take another look at the affirmative action path?
Please don’t let us find out about the birthers’ problem. I think Indonesia wants Guam, Kenya wants money and military aid, the Muslims want Israel destroyed..
IlikedAUH2O on February 4, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Well, they are all criminals, so it’s just a matter of degree.
It starts at the top.
notagool on February 4, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Great. Another incompetent shmuck. When will he appoint the ex mayor of Detroit to his cabinet?
saiga on February 4, 2009 at 10:35 AM
How can Obama be expected to uphold the law, when he has criminals he needs appointed to his cabinet? s/
When is his next flight to Hawaii? I’m sure he will need a couple days off after this week.
PappaMac on February 4, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Is Caroline Kennedy doing Obama’s vetting?
Buy Danish on February 4, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Just wait until they grant amnesty to 50 million Mexicans. Then he will be able to sell canned $hit.
saiga on February 4, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Now that I think about it, I’m sure that Obama in fact hired Sims specifically BECAUSE he’s good at keep the public from seeing public records…bloody brilliant!
Geministorm on February 4, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Well, you start with a candidate that voters were encouraged to support because of the color of his skin – the first candidate in my lifetime about which this could be said publicly, and with a straight face.
And then I ask myself if the liberals and other nitwits who supported Obama so they could say they voted for “our first black President” also told themselves that they needed to lower the bar on qualifications (duh) and performance in office because they, his supporters, don’t believe that a black President should be expected to be competent.
Or will they sometime very soon express shock and disillusionment because of the very obvious fact that he’s a partisan and a nitwit?
PS Ed, you’re too gracious by half. “Sims’ mismanagement and opacity” is one way of looking at this scumbag; the other would be to rationally observe that Sims is a crook, a partisan, and a liar.
Jaibones on February 4, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Hey he is the only one that is smart enough to do the job. He gets a pass too. Wonder how many passes he’s giving out.
Do you think he’ll give out a pass for a consertive in his administration?
Brat4life on February 4, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Anyone heard from David Brooks lately? Last I knew he was messing his pants over the number of Ivy Leaguers in the new administration.
Jaibones on February 4, 2009 at 10:47 AM
You notice that not one of his appointments have a tanning bed or a down syndrome baby?
As far as Obama’s team is concerned, they are just fine thank you…
right2bright on February 4, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Remember well that upon reflection, Jefferson finally admitted to John Adams that Adams approach was correct, and Jefferson’s own approach wrong. We all admire Jefferson. But even he realized that idealizing bloody revolutions the way that French diplomacy “purged” liberty through blood baths and global conquest would destroy our Constitutional Republic, the very thing we must preserve through the integrity of elections.
Less dramatic, to be sure, but all the more necessary as a daily grind, is holding elected officials RESPONSIBLE.
Tolerating is the same as endorsing corrupt elections when ANY tax money is granted to ACORN or ANY association that enables corruption of elections and the corruption of our national economy via tax funded LOANS that are “granted” to those unable to repay the LOAN. Furthermore, make the absolute distinction between PAC, CHARITY, and GOVERNMENT.
Stop the momentum of progressive socialist “liberals”.
Public outcry works miracles.
CONDUCT VOLUNTARY TAX AUDITS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS.
DISCREDIT ANY WHO FAIL TO CONSISTENTLY PAY ALL ON TIME.
Unless Congressmen and Senators willingly “prove” their personal & business fiscal integrity with open records, actively discount their message as DUBIOUS.
maverick muse on February 4, 2009 at 10:49 AM
The Obama cabinet is beginning to look like a “work furlough” program…I guess it is that “community organizer” in him that just can’t pass up an opportunity to give a criminal another chance.
White House will be renamed the Half-way House…
right2bright on February 4, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Touché!
maverick muse on February 4, 2009 at 10:52 AM
We really need to kill Big Government…..soon.
ex-Democrat on February 4, 2009 at 10:52 AM
LOL!
maverick muse on February 4, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Hunting Season is declared on Big Government.
Envision Palin taking it down, skinning it, preparing the meat for healthy consumption with fresh greens, and staying lean, smart and fit all the while.
Alaskan Chili!
maverick muse on February 4, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Obama and the Democrats aren’t stupid, naive, or incompetent – they are audaciously brazen! They just don’t care what you think or what it looks like to you – because they can always count on liberal, democrat, and moderate votes. Why would they care? They will only care when it comes time for the next election, where upon they will just tell people what they want to hear – facts and records will mean nothing. As long as people remain blissfully ignorant or purposefully tolerant of politicians, they will continue to get kicked in the Jimmy.
King of the Britons on February 4, 2009 at 11:01 AM
What’s transparent is the fact that Obama is a Chicago crook.
marklmail on February 4, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Any chance we can get him to pay some overdue back taxes before he get’s thrown under the bus? It’ll help balance the budget.
Metalhead on February 4, 2009 at 11:04 AM
1. Marion Berry for head of the D.E.A.
2. Former Governor’s Ryan and Blago for oFFICE OF gOVERNMENT ETHICS
UNREPENTANT CONSERVATIVE CAPITOLIST on February 4, 2009 at 11:04 AM
As a life long resident of Seattle and King County, let me be the first to say…. we do not want Ron Sims back. He is our problem now.
AndrewsDad on February 4, 2009 at 11:05 AM
I’m honestly afraid of this guy. He doesn’t have respect for property rights, he will roll over for any leftist group that looks at him funny, and he banned public employees from using the phrase “Merry Christmas”.
Bad news, folks. He can do some real damage at HUD, I fear.
capitalist piglet on February 4, 2009 at 11:08 AM
There is so much crap going on in the new White House that…
THIS MIGHT BE A TIME FOR….
(hero music plays)
JOE THE PLUMBER!
Mark Garnett on February 4, 2009 at 11:14 AM
“Judgment to Lead.”
AZCoyote on February 4, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Excellent!
Geministorm on February 4, 2009 at 11:25 AM
I’ve got to reproduce one of the posts from the link:
Maybe there’s hope yet for Seattle.
[OT: Bill Ayers for Department of Education]
ex-Democrat on February 4, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Chicago Mob Rule has come to D.C.
INC on February 4, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Come on people remember.(Change you can beleave in)
thmcbb on February 4, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »