A new poll: Is this a case of nepotism?

Below are the contents of two letters from Safety/Service Director Geers confirming the recent employment of his son in the Public Works Department, followed by an opinion poll.

Letter #1:
Mr. Bernie G. Naegele
Merit System Administrator
Norwood Civil Service Commission

Re: Jeff Geers - New Public Works employee

Dear Bernie:

I wanted to inform you that we have hired Jeff Geers as a laborer on the Street Crew for the Department of Public Works. Mr. Geers’ starting date is Monday, November 20, 2006.

Can you please re-certify the civil service list since Mr. Geers has been hired?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Joe C. Geers, Director
Public Service-Safety

Letter #2:
Ms. Laura Zimmerman
Assistant Deputy Auditor
Auditor’s Office

Re: New Hire

Dear Laura:

This is to advise you that Jeff Geers has been hired at the Norwood Public Works Department effective November 20, 2006. He will be in the Street Department starting at Step A of local 914’s Contract.

Sincerely,
Joseph C. Geers, Director
Public Service-Safety

If you’d like to weigh in on this, take our poll and base your answer on your understanding of what constitutes nepotism in the public sector. Feel free to leave a comment, too.

Question of the Week

Is this a clear-cut case of nepotism? Yes No Not Sure Current Results