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 | I'm submitting this though I don't really expect equal time on
this site. The information in your Lottery-related
post from the undisclosed Lottery worker is inaccurate, biased and
ignores the facts.
 | The atmosphere at the Lottery is more civil and professional
than it has ever been.
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| Decisions are not made on an arbitrary basis, but rather, are
made based upon what is in the best interests of Florida's
public.
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| Policy is more clearly defined now than at any time during the
past decade.
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The Lottery did experience a major cutback in positions -- a year
and a half ago. The only current employees who have cause to fear
for their jobs are those doing poor work or those who, like the
previous correspondent, seek to damage the agency and its mission.
The current administration is indeed demanding, but fair. Those
who complain about the expectation of excellence are whiners. The
character assasination of the secretary is totally unwarranted, and
the allegations made are outright false.
Here are the facts: Sales have reached record levels, and profits
for schools are up by about $100 million a year.
Why? Because we're doing business like grown-ups. Climate of
fear? Phooey. The accurate description is "climate of
professionalism and productivity." And if you can't handle
*that* heat, then Florida doesn't need you in the kitchen.
.... Long time Lottery Insider, 6/8/01
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I have had the privilege to speak with dozens of employees at the Florida Lottery over the last few months and they unanimously feel that since the change of administration that brought Secretary David Griffin to the Lottery, many things have changed for the worse. This agency cannot and must not be promoted as an example of an "at-will" agency for all of state government to follow. A better description for the current state of affairs at the Lottery is as an "at-whim" agency.
As is the norm, with David Griffin came his "team" to fill the executive staff slots. However, he filled many of those slots with friends, cronies and favorites, who have no government experience and frankly, for the most part no leadership experience. Many of the people he has hired to his executive staff have at least doubled their salaries while their skills and experience remained the same.
David Griffin runs the Florida Lottery through fear and intimidation and allows those who work in his direct command to do the same. Policy, procedure, administrative rule, statues and any other safety net to protect the Lottery, employees, and the state of Florida are bent or broken on a daily basis. He allows federal laws to be broken in reference to harassment, and almost every type of discrimination. Most areas at the Lottery workplace would now be deemed as hostile work environments. Recruitment and hiring rules and regulations are blatantly ignored. Appointments, salaries, promotions, and raises are decided by the "spinning wheel method" it seems. From the Secretary on down his managerial staff uses vulgar and profane language daily and in any forum. Customer service is non-existent, for the employees or external customers.
David Griffin is for David Griffin and that attitude reflects in the way that he runs the agency that the Governor appointed him to. He is arrogant, uncompassionate, self-absorbed, and could care less about the people who work under his authority. He does not listen to advice or suggestions and if he does listen it is with his mind already made up to do things his way. Many people have been shown the door at the Lottery because they dared to say, "It should not be done that way" to Secretary Griffin.
There was a time until recently when the Florida Lottery could have been held up to other state agencies as a true example of an "at-will" agency. During 1987 and 1988 and after, many people were drawn to the workplace of the Florida Lottery because it was a state agency that was going to be operated like a private business. Coming to the Lottery's workplace was the first venture into working for the state of Florida for many people. The early days of the Lottery work experience were filled with fun, creativity, innovativeness, and a shared mission of raising money to offer educational enhancements to Florida's school children.
Those days required many long and hard work hours; almost all employees gave more than 110% to their jobs. Overtime was the norm rather than the exception, but no one seemed to mind because they were so proud of where they worked and what they were doing for the state of Florida. Employees went above and beyond the call of duty and were truly dedicated to the success of the Lottery. A family-like work place existed and people genuinely cared about one another.
Moral of any kind no longer exists at the Lottery most employees are just numb. What was once a very proud employer, should hang its head in disgust at the way the employees have been mistreated and ignored. People once worked at the Lottery for job satisfaction itself, and are now only there for the paycheck, benefits, or because they are uncertain about making a job change in state government while it seems to be so uncertain. All the signs are there that this work environment could become violent at any time; many employees are surprised that there haven't already been incidences of violence.
I beseech you to take a very close look at this agency when you are casting your vote for bills that will affect state employees. I ask you to show the other legislators why the Florida Lottery cannot be held up as an example of an "at-will" agency. All the horrors that are associated with "at-will" employment are alive and well at the Florida Lottery and people are at risk here. I cannot sign my name to this letter because I am in fear for my job at the Florida Lottery. I only hope that you will feel that it is in the best interest of your constituents to look into this matter further. The welfare of Lottery employees depends on you and the action that you take for the people you represent.
...stateworker (3/17/01) posted 3/26/01
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