The only effective way to deal with problem employees is to force them to improve or fire them, not simply transfer them to another location. Yet, that is the Obama administration's ongoing policy at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Williams was involved in the now infamous 2009 prosecution of the Gloucester Seafood Display Auction, when agents of the National Marine Fisheries Service raided it, bringing a 59-count complaint and imposing a fine of $335,200 and an order to shut down for 120 days.
It was later learned that agents, in an effort to build a case against the auction, made an unauthorized, after-hours forced entry into the building.
The various complaints against the auction were settled before trial, with the fine reduced to $85,000, the shutdown reduced to 35 days and no admission of guilt on the auction's part.
But an investigation by the Department of Commerce's inspector general included a deposition — sworn testimony — by Special Agent Michael R. Henry late last year, who testified that higher-ups at NOAA, including Williams, had participated in drafting a misleading affidavit to obtain a search warrant from an administrative judge, which then led to the raid.
If true, this is corruption coming from the top. It would merit very harsh sanctions.
But the response from NOAA head Jane Lubchenco? Williams is simply being reassigned from Gloucester to the enforcement office in New Bedford.
Read the complete opinion piece from Newburyport News.