Archive for March 14th, 2014
Tweets From Maine Govt Oversight Cmte CDC Shredding Hearing (Pt 3)
Live tweets from within the Maine Government Oversight Committee’s probe into alleged document shredding by ME Center for Disease Control officials. (part 3)
=====================================
Dr. Pinette concludes her testimony by claiming ignorance about “version control. #mepolitics
Zukas, deputy director at CDC takes seat #mepolitics
Will Zukas be the only one to take the 5th. #mepolitics Or will her attorney do all the talking?
Zuckas, mentioned frequently here as the one who gave the destruction order, testifying now. #mepolitics
Christine Zukas who has been painted as the ring leader of this fiasco now being sworn in to testify. Interested to hear this. #mepolitics
Next up: CDC Deputy Director Christine Zukas. She’s the one accused of ordering the document shredding. #mepolitics
Zukas: at CDC since 2006. #mepolitics
So whoever advised blackberry texts were beyond reach of FOAA was correct. #mepolitics and that’s bad.
Christine Zukas, CDC Dep. Director, w/ counsel, now, appearing before Committee investigating ME CDC document shredding. #mepolitics
Tweets from Maine Govt Oversight Cmte CDC Shredding Hearing (Pt 2) #mepolitics #GOC #CDCshred #versioncontrol http://wp.me/p1KSWj-1bL
RT @bowdoin81: @cejesq And now we know no docs were actually destroyed despite improper order. #mepolitics// Actually, just the opposite.
Apparently Arthur Anderson and Enron were just early pioneers in version control. #mepolitics
Zukas: “my role was providing feedback” to Finch and Leahy-Lind who came up with proposed criteria. #mepolitics
Zuckas: I was not intimately involved scoring changes, says she couldn’t even understand it. Trust staff. #mepolitics
Zukas: I was not intimately involved (in scoring.) #mepolitics
Christine Dukas testifies she trusted the staff and denies any understand of the changed formula. #MEPolitics
Christine Dukas throws the staff under the bus: admits document destruction “to keep the process clear.” #MEPolitics
Zuckas said she never had document retention training until 4.13, the year after this became controversy. #mepolitics
Zukas says she ordered document destruction to avoid confusion with previous drafts. #mepolitics
Zukas: the final document described how the winners and losers were determined #mepolitics
Zukas says she was never trained about whether to keep working documents until the year after this all happened. #mepolitics
The Katz’ football analogy, “Change in the Rules of the Game,” is becoming the metaphor for DHHS document shredding hearings. #MEPolitics
Pinette: there was concern about Bangor not being the lead #mepolitics
Zuckas: Direction given to make Bangor the winner. Says she doesn’t remember who said it. #mepolitics
Zukas: there was discussion about methodology, must have been flawed. Agreed to change methodology. #mepolitics
Zukas: in phone call said not keeping working documents. Asked her to destroy them. #mepolitics
Zuckas: I asked Leahy-Lind to destroy documents that had Bangor in the grant scoring lead. #mepolitics
Zukas: did not say it was in response to FOAA request #mepolitics
Zukas falls on her sword and admits ordering document destruction. #mepolitics
Zukas: the only other time discussing shredding was in my office. Leahy-Lind and Finch there. #mepolitics
Zuckas: Destruction order not a response to SJ FOAA, no way of knowing. Never followed up to make sure LL complied with request #mepolitics
Maine CDC Program Director Zukas says she asked workers to destroy documents as a way to control documents previous to final versions@WCSH6
The shame of all of this is that Chris Zukas is taking the rap for the organized manipulation of the protocols and the process. #MEPolitics.
Zukas too admits they rigged the scoring to get the results they wanted. #mepolitics
Zukas: it was never expressed as an expectation (to track process of coming up with criteria and scoring) #mepolitics
Zukas: “I either put it in the shredder or out it in my recycle bin” earlier version of lead selection #mepolitics
“I either put it in the shredder or I put it in my recycle bin.” Zukas says of original scoresheet. #mepolitics
Zuckas: I put old scoring document in shredder, or the recycle bin, I can’t remember, after meeting w/DHHS chief, Pinette et al #mepolitics
Zukas: Involved in criteria but not scoring #mepolitics
Zukas: Pinette involved in changing methodology, #mepolitics
Zukas suggests changes in criteria were “data based” and pins methodology on Director Pinette #MEPolitics
Zukas: Pinette involved in changing scoring criteria, gave order to change it. #mepolitics
Zukas: In hindsight process docs of changing scoring methodology should not have been destroyed #mepolitics
Zukas: methodology, not criteria had changed. In hindsight, think changes should have been made public. #mepolitics
Zukas: I never throw anything away (now) #mepolitics
Zukas denies ever was physical with Leahy-Lind or anyone else. #mepolitics
.@Stevie_Rob Wait: You’re saying the shredding of public documents is an inescapable problem? #mepolitics
Oh OK. RT @mikeshepherdME .@Stevie_Rob Wait: You’re saying the shredding of public documents is an inescapable problem? #mepolitics
@mikeshepherdME @Stevie_Rob Sure. No government, no government corruption! #mepolitics
Wish I could ask: Is it true that CDC admins were emailed that they may not send emails to staff w/out review by a superior? #MEPolitics
I’ve burned through 1.5 phone batteries and almost all of my laptop battery. #mepolitics
Zukas says she did not believe she was doing anything wrong when she asked workers to destroy documents. #mepolitics
Zukas: “i did not feel I was doing anything improper.” (In directing shredding) #mepolitics
Zukas: “I believe it was Dr. Pinette” who said scoring methodology should be changed after Bangor didn’t get lead #mepolitics
Zukas says she never ordered doc destruction before but also says she’d never been part of bid process that was changed halfway through.
Zukas steps down #mepolitics
Finch and Leahy-Lind both want to be heard #mepolitics
Testimony has concluded. Now those who testified have the chance to refute or clarify anything they’ve heard. #mepolitics
Finch: makes it sound like it was a trainwreck of a process #mepolitics
Finch: I understand that i bare some responsibility. Despite testimony program is worthy of public funds. #mepolitics
Finch: It would be a tragedy for the results of this committee to negatively affect the Healthy Maine Partnerships program. #mepolitics
Finch: “it would be a tragedy” if the result of this would negatively impact the HMPs statewide. #mepoltiics
Important. MT @thisdog In short: Maine doesn’t retain messages sent on state-issued blackberries = secret msg system. #mepolitics
Finch: “It would be a tragedy” if committee’s proceedings were to affect the good works done by Healthy Maine. #mepolitics
On DHHS Shredding 1) We had to keep documents?, and 2) If data doesn’t give the results we expect, we change the methodology. #MEPolitics
Pinette: praises staff at CDC. Should be trusted to help people lead healthy lives. #mepolitics
@PaulMerrillWMTW It’s what those outlets in the wall are for! :^)
@DirigoBlue Left the cords in the car! Thought we’d be taking a lunch break!
Dr. Shelia Pinette concludes with a PSA complementing the CDC staff. #MEPolitics
MORE BREAKING: Gov. LePage’s managers did an end run around the grant scoring process for millions in Maine DHHS… http://fb.me/6LJIVEHUW
Oh no. Now we’re asking a room of lawyers and lawmakers if they have anything else to say. #mepolitics #imondeadline
@PaulMerrillWMTW Get the popcorn ready, we still have the legislative grandstanding to look forward to.
Ashcroft: committee must vote on release of testimony #mepolitics
The public broadcast of the Committee hearings on DHHS document shredding was a high point in transparency in ME governance. #MEPolitics
RT @allforjury: @mikeshepherdME blackberry must have some record though. #mepolitics @thisdog// Nope. Data use is available .. not message.
Poor @SenRogerKatz holding his head, as others discuss “who’s on first”… #mepolitics #GOC
Craven: “this was a massive change … We were shocked.” #mepolitics
RT @allforjury: @cejesq I know they are tracked by date and time …. #mepolitics. Is this an invitation to bid? 😉
Burns: suggest we not take any action today#mepolitics
Cain: we need to increase transparency #mepolitics
Shame that former 14 yr CDC Head Dr Dora Mills wasn’t invited to come in, discuss existing procedures under her leadership #mepolitics
Adjourned #mepolitics
Tweets from Maine Govt Oversight Cmte CDC Shredding Hearing (Pt 2)
Live tweets from within the Maine Government Oversight Committee’s probe into alleged document shredding by ME Center for Disease Control officials. (part 2)
=========================
Whistleblower in Maine CDC document shredding case about to testify @WCSH6
Leahy-Lind sworn in #mepolitics
Alleged whistleblower Sharon Leahy-Lind now beginning testimony with lawyer @dillesquire. #mepolitics
The whistleblower in this case Sharon Leahy-Lind now testifying #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/CzrrckMrq5
Cynthia Dill – brought documents relating to scoring HMPs. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: asked to brainstorm some criteria for HMPs end of March, early April. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: “in initial process there was no weighting that I was aware of” #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: 8 leads would get more more than other 19 HMPs. #mepolitics
Sharon Leahy-Lind describes dev of criteria that was 2 have been used to evaluate 27 agencies & identify original 8 selected #MEPolitics
Leahy-Lind: at June 6 meeting, handed copies of score sheets. Bangor was not lead. Said oh Bangor not lead.#mepolitics
UPDATE: CDC officials testify on grant doc destruction, manipulation case: http://ow.ly/uAVnw
Leahy-Lind: Shawn (sp) will be disappointed #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: looks at score sheet including “support and promotion of developing infrastructure” criterion #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: gut reaction. I said how did Bangor public health get to be the lead? Pinette said “that’s political.”#mepolitics
Leahy-Lind says CDC Director Pinette told her results of funding decisions were changed for political reasons. #mepolitics
CDC Whisteblower: Sheila Pinette said HMP funding scoring decisions were political #mepolitics
(1) Leahy-Lind: Bangor was in 2nd place for funding. At final meeting Bangor jumped to the top. When Leahy-Lind asked Pinette… #mepolitics
(2) …how Bangor jumped to the top for funding Pinette told her “It’s political. Shawn (Yardley) has been a good friend.” #mepolitics
Whistleblower in document shredding case says CDC director said Bangor moving up to top ranking for funding was”political”@WCSH6
Leahy-Lind: Zukas told her to make Finch destroy his documents and said she needed to destroy documents too. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind describes the control of communications w/in CDC. Ordered to use Blackberry messaging to avoid a record. #MEPolitics
Leahy-Lind: told Sockabasin she was ordered by Zukas to shred documents #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind, whistleblower: I was told to use Blackberry instant messages to communicate with CDC staff. Untraceable. No FOAA #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind says Zukas is the one ordering the docs destruction. What say you Christine Zukas? She’s up next so we’ll see. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: Finch said ordered to shred documents. Leahy-Lind said don’t. Illegal.#mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: it’s become clear to me there’s been a manipulations of data…with respect to outcome of leads.#mepolitics
LL: I talked to Pinette, CDC director, about destroying docs; Pinette said she’d talk to DHHS chief, Mayhew #mepolitics
ICYMI: @PaulMerrillWMTW is live-tweeting testimony from a gov’t oversight hearing on allegations the CDC forced workers to shred docs
Background on Blackberry pin messages. Some elected/appointed officials love ’em. Untraceable, no FOAA: http://ow.ly/uAY1k #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: Zukas said info. was going to be FOAA’d. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: I was told to shred all documentation related to the Healthy Maine Partnerships award. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: “I was told to shred all documentation related to the HMPS. All of my files.” #mepolitics
Sharon Leahy-Lind testifies that she was instructed to shred “All (her) files” related to Healthy ME Partnership. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: she and Finch told to rate answers to questions posed to partnership directors. Informal and casual scoring.#mepolitics
Sharon Leahy-Lind describes a division driven by impossible deadlines to make crucial decisions about ME Health. #MEPolitics
Leahy-Lind’s testimony has been most damning of the day. Implicates CDC Director Dr. Sheila Pinette in bid-rigging. #mepolitics
Maine Committee Keeps CDC Shred Testimony Public http://ow.ly/uB139
Leahy-Lind: not consulted on adding criteria and tie breaker criteria. “That caused me great concern.” #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: scoring of answers from district liaisons at odds with hers and Finch’s impressions. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind says attempt to destroy documents was in anticipation of FOAA request. #mepolitics
Sharon Leahy-Lind testifies possible FOAA request was mentioned in conv. instructing her to destroy documents. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind says Zukas told her specifically to “shred” #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: when learned that MHP budget cut, told can’t close any of the partnerships.#mepolitics
@cwilliams55 @ltice also key is they never used population served as a criteria for the HMP awards. #mepolitics
Wondering if CDC employees had to take time off to be here today to testify. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: Zukas instruction: the first time it was “shred.” The next time it was “destroy.” Re:documents. #mepolitics
Katz wants to know how they communicated at CDC if they were not using email. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind says she was told to use Blackberry IM and not email because IM could not be FOAAed –#mepolitics
The arbitrary control of communications within the CDC is becoming a central issue. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: told not to use email in dealing with HMPs. Can be FOAA’d. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: I wish I had packed my bags and left they day they told me to avoid email and communicate by BlackBerry message. #mepolitics
Several high-profile state employees carry two mobile phones — one is usually a Blackberry -now we know why. #mepolitcs
Looks like it may be time for state employees to get iPhones instead of Blackberries.
Updated story with info from @PaulMerrillWMTW on CDC shredding probe testimony. http://on.wmtw.com/OcmLzb #mepolitics
We’ve asked the AGs office if text messages between state employees about state business are subject to state’s FOAA. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: District liaisons very upset when data shared from survey monkey survey. Put on CDC website. #mepolitics
At an earlier meeting Craven called it a “monkey survey” #mepolitics @cwilliams55 #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind: Zukas said survey results would be kept confidential #mepolitics
Sockabasin takes seat
Sockabasin, recently added in civil case, now taking oath. #mepolitics
Sockabasin: director of office of health equity. Katz recuses himself.#mepolitics
“Any record, regardless of the form in which it is maintained by an agency or official, can be a public record.” #mepolitics . . .
@thisdog From AG’s office, I take it?
@andiparkinson2 yes from FOAA Ombudsman Brenda Kielty in AG’s office. Thanks to her for quick answer. #mepolitics
Christopher Williams @cwilliams55
Sockabasin: Leahy-Lind was “very nervous that (Bangor) would not be getting that lead contract. #mepolitics
Sockabasin : “our intention was that every HMPS would be covered” even though there would be lead agencies.#mepolitics
Whistleblower in document shredding case says two other Maine CDC employees were told to destroy files.@WCSH6
One of those employees confirmed this morning he was one of the employees told to purge his files @WCSH6
“…or contains information relating to the transaction of public or governmental business… #mepolitics
@thisdog Text data records are useless as a matter of public access unless actively saved. #MEPolitics
@cejesq thus the point of using that as a primary means of communication. It’s under the radar. but clearly being exploited. #mepolitics
AG ombudsman: Texts subject to FOAA || Problem: Blackberry pins untraceable.
@thisdog: @cejesq . It’s under the radar. but clearly being exploited. // Bingo – and there are emails w/in CDC that reinforce that.
Sockabasin: “I would not agree that is true (air of secrecy.)…I never received that directive” to not use email.#mepolitics
“I do not instant message on my blackberry — I never communicated that way.” Sockabasin says. #mepolitics #CDC #docshred
Interesting to see the eye rolls, head shaking, and sideways glances happening during this hearing. #mepolitics
Sockabasin denies directives concerning limiting email correspondence w/in CDC. Remember this point. #MEPolitics
From @stevemistler: Maine CDC officials confirm document destruction order in public testimony. #mepolitics http://bit.ly/1kRqCQ7
Sockabasin refuting what Leahy-Lind said about using BlackBerry Messenger to hide conversations. #mepolitics
Sockabasin testifying before oversight committee #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/dwAH6SQn2E
“I was never told to discard or shred anything throughout this process,” Sockabasin tells the GOC. #mepolitics
Sockabasin says she was never told to destroy docs or give the order #mepolitics
Sockabasin: “I was never told to discard or shred documents during this process.” #mepolitics
Sockabasin: never told not to use email to avoid FOAA #mepolitics
Sockabasin: “absolutely not” ever told not to use email in order to avoid FOAA.#mepolitics
It certainly seems like someone in this hearing is lying under oath. Testimonies totally contradicting each other. #mepolitics
Sockabasin says intention of destroying documents was around “version control” and not to hide anything. #mepolitics
Sockabasin: Leahy-Lind said she had been told to shred documents #mepolitics
Sockabasin: concern was around version control. #mepolitics
A new US CDC study published in the journal “Pediatrics” shows that childhood immunization saves lives and money. http://fb.me/3JXEMappo
Sockabasin channeling inner @Governor_LePage w/ “end of story” #mepolitics #CDCshred #GOC
They were tasked with distributing millions of dollars to HMPs but apparently nobody was “in charge” seriously? #mepolitics
Sockabasin of the CDC now testifying giving a completely different version of events. Her version much less sinister. #mepolitics
Wow…Spin Alert: CDC document shredding order was simply “version control” #mepolitics
Sockabasin: “I did not see a problem with that.” destroying versions. #mepolitics
Sockabasin just said she’s fine with GOC seeing any of her text messages. #mepolitics
Sockabasin accuses Leahy-Lind of lying saying a meeting LL referred to re: blackberry IM not subject to FOAA “never happened.” #mepolitics
Sockabasin testifies meeting described by Sharon Leahy-Lind “never happened.” #MEPolitics
Sockabasin said document destruction was ‘version control’ #mepolitics
Sockabasin steps down
Pinette takes seat. #mepolitics
Next up: CDC Director Dr. Sheila Pinette. #mepolitics
Pinette: director of CDC
Pinette is a Mayhew/LePage appointee, just FYI. For anybody keeping track. #mepolitics
CDC Director Sheila Pinette now testifying in document shredding investigation. #MEPolitics
Dr. Sheila Pinette has been sworn in and is now testifying #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/8R02ilReVZ
Pinette: Mayhew told her to come up with a way to deal with funding cuts. #mepolitics
Pinette about to begin testifying. #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/RHTgHGqTcd
Pinette: RFPs take six months or longer and wasn’t time to do that. #mepolitics
Leahy-Lind (in black and white jacket on left) listens to Pinette testify. #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/67ZJY8nbF5
HMPs meant to combat public health issues: smoking, diabetes, obesity. Funded with big tobacco class action suit funds #mepolitics
Pinette: $7.5 m to $4.7 m funding decrease for Healthy Maine. #mepolitics
Dr. Sheila Pinette (CDC Director) decides to recite her script rather than answering simple questions. #MEPolitics
Pinette: if gave all 27 HMPs equal amount would all get about $60,000. #mepolitics
Maine’s most Irish towns http://on.wmtw.com/1kr84Du getting far more clicks on website than CDC shredding testimony http://on.wmtw.com/OcmLzb #web
RT @allforjury: @cejesq has she gone all lois learner yet? #mepolitics// Her lawyer must be dying.
So much shade. RT @PaulMerrillWMTW Pinette about to begin testifying. #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/dl51jzOUMU
Pinette: called on staff to develop criteria to come up with eight lead agencies. #mepolitics
He’s really h8ing on @PaulMerrillWMTW in that one. MT @Paul_Koenig So much shade. pic.twitter.com/nnAViRhRCD #mepolitics
Pinette: Zukas asked her to see results. Thing stood out to me was healthy Androscoggin so low.#mepolitics
@cwilliams55 us too. #mepolitics that’s why we were originally looking into this.
Pinette contradicts LL testimony saying she did not say anything about Shawn Yardley and denies knowing his position in Bangor #mepolitics
Pinette: “I don’t recall ever saying that” Bangor needs to be lead. #mepolitics
Pinette just called it a “monkey survey” too … it’s actually a “survey monkey” #mepolitics
@thisdog Channeling her inner Margaret Craven? 😉
CDC Director Pinette denies prior testimony on her commenting negatively on Bangor in selection process. #mepolitics
Pinette says she tried to remain “professional” and “neutral” through the process. One thing is clear: Someone’s lying here. #mepolitics
Katz hammers on the weighting of the scores, after-the-fact, again … #mepolitics
Craven met with Pinette on this, so it will be interesting to see if she has questions. #mepolitics
CDC Director Pinette denies prior testimony on her commenting negatively on Bangor in selection process. #mepolitics
Pinette: I never was oriented or trained about archive management. #mepolitics
Katz pressing Pinette, who claims she played no role in changing scoring to make Bangor lead grant winner. #mepolitics
I often have 4, 5, 6 or more versions of a drawing Management of them key I place old versions in separate folder from current #mepolitics
Even the director of the CDC was never trained in public document retention or how to manage public records/assets – wow. #mepolitics
Pinette said Zukas told her she had requested documents be destroyed in the interest of “version control.” #mepolitics
Pinette says Zukas told her about the document shred order. #mepolitics
Pinette: June 3 Zukas came to me and said she ordered documents destroyed #mepolitics
Subjective evaluation: Dr. Pinette is scrambling for credibility at ME DHHS hearing on document shredding. #mepolitics
Pinette confirms that Zukas told her about doc destruction b/c pending FOAA. #mepolitics
“We weren’t even certain if what we were doing was appropriate.” Pinette says. #mepolitics
Maine CDC director says worker under her asked for documents to be destroyed to control versions of documents @WCSH6
Pinette: we didn’t even know if what we were doing was appropriate (scoring process #mepolitics
@SenRogerKatz grilled Pinette on changing the scoring process to change the results. #mepolitics
Pinette: someone at DAFS said they could go with 9 leads for HMP. #mepolitics
Waiting for “I’m not contradicting my previous statement; I am exercising ‘version control’, Senator” #mepolitics #GOC #CDCshred
Pinette: I delegated responsibility for coming up with process to Zukas. #mepolitics
Pinette: we were going in uncharted areas. #mepolitics
Subjective opinion: Dr. Pinette’s attorney is doing no service to his client as she flounders in DHHS hearing. #MEPolitics
So far I don’t see why any of this needed to be in executive session. #mepolitics #docshred #CDC HMP coverup.
Dr. Pinette testifies that she and her team were pressured into making a decision by time constraints. #MEPolitics
Pinette: I only found out about that afterward (shredding documents other than final version) #mepolitics
Dr. Pinette reiterates that she’d had no training on document retention. #mepolitics
CDC didn’t want to show all the records b/c then the new and “subjective” criteria and weighting would have been apparent. #mepolitics
To my ear, #VersionControl rings more of #NewSpeak than #DocHygiene #MEpolitics
It should be noted that a claim of lack of knowledge of legal requirements of one’s position is not an excuse for illegality. #MEPolitics
In other words, when you look at the changing scorecards you can see how the game was rigged #mepolitics #versioncontrol
DHHS spokesperson tells me CDC workers are being paid for the day they’re spending in the document-shredding hearing. #mepolitics
now everybody deny blackberrys used for covert messaging. say it with me. #mepolitics
Pinette: “no” to Cain question: did CDC specifically select Bangor to be the lead? #mepolitics
So from the AG — Blackberry messages on state blackberrys are “transient” #mepolitics
Pinette says she never instructed anyone to destroy documents. #mepolitics
Pinette: told by Zukas order to destroy records. Then Leahy-Lind. Pinette never told to destroy documents. #mepolitics
“Text messages on a State-issued Blackberry are “transient” and are not stored on the Blackberry server …” cont. #mepolitics
“…nor are they captured on the OIT server backup tapes. Text messages pass through the carrier service, U.S. Cellular.” #mepolitics
Pinette: my understanding was that the order was given but none were destroyed. #mepolitics
Maine CDC Director says it is her understanding the order was given to destroy documents but none were @WCSH6
CDC Director Pinette testifies that to he knowledge No documents were destroyed. #MEPolitics
Pinette: Chris said we shouldn’t have these floating around. It’s not the final version. #mepolitics
In short: Maine does not retain text messages sent on state-issued blackberry phones = secret msg system.
Pinette: I just thought she would file it away, I guess. #mepolitics
RT @thisdog: “Text messages on a State-issued Blackberry are “transient” and are not stored on the Blackberry server …” cont. #mepolitics
@stevemistler It’s like snapchat for government officials. #mepolitics
Pinette steps down #mepolitics
Live Tweets from Maine Government Oversight Committee CDC Shredding Hearing (Pt 1)
Live tweets from within the Maine Government Oversight Committee’s probe into alleged document shredding by ME Center for Disease Control officials. (part 1)
=========
The GOC live feed has started. Questioning CDC officials is on the agenda http://bit.ly/1kQSbJm #mepolitics
Want to know about CDC questioning? @cwilliams55 will be tweeting from the GOC meeting.
Government Oversight Committee starting. Subpoenaed CDC employees are here flanked by lawyers. #mepolitics
Bill Nemitz: #Maine CDC officials’ request for secrecy mocks good #government http://www.pressherald.com/news/newscolumnists/billnemitz/Bill_Nemiz__Will_CDC_scandal_end_up_behind_closed_doors_.html … via @pressherald #mepolitics
Government Oversight Committee awaiting testimony on CDC doc shredding case. #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/WSG6hSOmAG
Committee deciding whether to take testimony in executive session. If so all testimony would be confidential. #mepolitics
GOC talking about going behind closed doors . . . to talk about CDC document shred? #irony #mepolitics
Gov. Oversight meeting debating whether to go into executive session to hear testimony from CDC officials. #mepolitics
Sen Craven: This problem arose out of a lack of transparency which is why she opposes going into executive session. #mepolitics
Debating about whether to take testimony on CDC shredding probe in a private executive session. #mepolitics
Beth Ashcroft outlines process and statutes around exec. session at GOC. #mepolitics
Sen. Burns says committee should be trusted to take testimony behind closed doors; don’t want to be used as forum for civil litigation…
Burns arguing for going into executive session cuz were all elected officials that should be trusted by public or disband #GOC #mepolitics
Sen Burns favors going into executive session: “To suggest this process is not transparent is absurd.” #mepolitics
Burns arguing for executive session now. “I don’t want to be used as a forum to settle someone’s litigation.” #mepolitics
Sen. Katz: It would be “beyond ironic” if we were to do our work in secret. #mepolitics
Katz says open session goes core of why the committee exists. Ironic if committee responsible for sunshine goes into the dark. #mepolitics
Craven and Katz prefer open session; Burns opposed. #mepolitics
Katz says he has confidence they will get truthful answers. #mepolitics
@SenRogerKatz “I think it would be wrong for committee responsible for sunshine in government should do so in the dark” #mepolitics
I wonder if the media present will get to weigh in on the executive session debate? #mepolitics
Johnson speaks for open session. Davis sees as deposition, should be private. #mepolitics
Davis says testimony is like a deposition and it should be handled in private #mepolitics
Cotta brings up the issue of timing with ongoing litigation. #mepolitics
Cotta: either exec. session or wait until after lawsuit complete. #mepolitics
Cain says this is a “new space” for Government Oversight. and at a “precedent-setting moment.” #mepolitics
Accountability is at the heart of Cain’s personal opinion that the work be done in open session. #mepolitics
Sen. Cain in Gov. Oversight Cmt: Making the case for transparency, oversight and accountability in CDC hearing now #mepolitics
Cain: keep discussion in public. Kruger agrees with Cain. Makes motion to keep open session. #mepolitics
Tie vote means GOC testimony from CDC officials will be in exec session. Looking now like votes are there for public session #mepolitics
Motion is to take the testimony in public session by Kruger. #mepolitics
It is possible to go in on a case-by-case basis — but they will need a clear motion on why and must take that vote in public. #mepolitics
“Depositions are almost always handled in private.” Davis says. #mepolitics
@thisdog Aren’t depositions turned over to attorneys on the other side?
Rep. Kruger calls for sunlight in oversight cmt despite LePage admin request to block public review of CDC doc shredding case #mepolitics
“We have a lot of attorneys in the room today.” No kidding. #mepolitics
Attorney for DHHS trying to address committee before vote on executive session; Cain, co-chair, wants the vote first #mepolitics
Cain says she doesn’t want a “free-for-all” from the audience. #mepolitics
Government Oversight Committee votes to conduct CDC document shredding probe in public. #mepolitics
Government Oversight Committee votes 7-3 not to go behind closed doors for testimony in document shredding case@WCSH6
GOC votes to take testimony in public 7-3 the vote #mepolitics
GOC votes 7-3 to keep testimony in public #mepolitics
Vote: 7-3 to remain in public session. #mepolitics
Bipartisan oversight cmt votes 7-3 in favor of public session to discuss LePage’s CDC document shredding scandal #mepolitics
Question now: How many of CDC witnesses take 5th, to avoid self-incrimination. That’s what Paul Violette did in 2011 #mepolitics
If you’re allergic to lawyers the GOC meeting this morning is a hazardous environment to be in. #mepolitics
@Robb1239 any space at all up there?
@thisdog There’s room behind us if you get tired of standing
BREAKING: The Maine Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee just denied a request by Gov. LePage’s managers… http://fb.me/6unxKDcM5
Cain: order of testimony – Wigand, Finch, Leahy-Lind, Sockabasin, Pinette, Zukas. #mepolitics
Nemitz on how LePage’s CDC officials’ request for secrecy mocks good govt http://www.pressherald.com/news/newscolumnists/billnemitz/Bill_Nemiz__Will_CDC_scandal_end_up_behind_closed_doors_.html … #mepolitics
Watching Government Oversight on my phone at Logan Airport, just because. #timetogetalife
@aedurkin *waves*
Cain: no questioning of witnesses by other witnesses or their attorneys will be allowed.#mepolitics
Legislative panel mulls allowing secret testimony in shredding scandal http://on.wmtw.com/1dZgnES
All those testifying today can have their lawyer with them. Most will likely take the 5th. #mepolitics
Lawyer objecting to broadcasting or televising these proceedings. #mepolitics
Attorney asks that public hearing not be broadcast. #mepolitics
Deb Wigand, first up. Her Attorney requests to turn off live cameras, MPBN. Dep. AG says that won’t comply with FOAA #mepolitics
Attorney for the state says they will allow the broadcast to continue. #mepolitics
Weigand attorney trying to prevent us from recording testimony. AG’s office slams the door on that. Win #2 for the media. #mepolitics
TV cameras can stay. #mepolitics #thankyou
LePage’s CDC lawyers continue to try to block public testimony with legal maneuvers; Oversight cmt says no #mepolitics
They are swearing in witnesses now. #mepolitics
I apologize for the rogue “e” it’s Wigand
Sen. Cain upholds transparency in CDC hearing #mepolitics
Katz starts questions. First on decision to use RFP. #mepolitics
Wigand with attorney. Direction division of population health. Katz asks her about use of RFPs for lead agency. #mepolitics
Wigand is answering first question, so this won’t be a complete stonewalling. #mepolitics
@PaulMerrillWMTW: First up: CDC Director of Division of Population Health Deb Wigand. She’s joined by her lawyer. #mepolitics
Sen. Katz opens the questioning of Wigand who’s been at the CDC since 1999 #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/LXFWjMYrCn
Wigand, dir. of public health, not a defendant in civil suit, BTW. Three of the 5 CDC people here are. #mepolitics
Wigand: Finch told her he was asked to destroy grant docs. He wasn’t comfortable w/it. She defends reason not 2 make it an issue #mepolitics
Wigand said she told Finch to do what he felt comfortable doing.#mepolitics
@cwilliams55 Will Katz ask if she was intimidated by Craven’s demands for explanations why her organization wasn’t lead agency? #mepolitics
Background on CDC shred, grant manipulation here: http://ow.ly/uAxIK
Maine legislators vote to keep testimony public today in CDC probe. http://tinyurl.com/qfw38v9
Wigand: funding cut for healthy Maine partnerships.#mepolitics
The view from the cheap seats. #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/t9MHlAY6Om
Katz line of questions why not even cut instead of reduction in HMPs. #mepolitics
Katz asks about scoring criteria for Healthy Maine partnership. Which ones will be designated leads. #mepolitics
Question now on the scoring criteria that was created to judge HMPs. Notes first round were not weighted? #mepolitics
Katz ?s aimed @ reason for funding change amid cuts to health program. Key issue b/c report found evidence of grant manipulation #mepolitics
GOC hears details on CDC document shred case. #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/5tapQh2fwj
Wigand: recalls no discussion about criteria, including weighting. #mepolitics
GOC meeting on CDC doc shred case #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/2HES36cxl9
Wigand denies destroying or asking anyone to destroy documents #mepolitics
Wigand testifies that CDC workers were asked to destroy documents. #mepolitics
Wigand says she was not asked to shred documents but did hear that somebody was asked to destroy documents. #mepolitics
Wigand: “I have not been asked to destroy any documents.” Also denies asking anyone else to destroy documents. #mepolitics
Wigand says she talked to Finch, who said he was asked to destroy documents and wasn’t comfortable about that. #mepolitics
CDC worker testifies she was aware people in the agency were asked to destroy documents@WCSH6
Maine CDC worker didn’t think destroying document request was for concealment but to cut down on multiple versions of documents@WCSH6
Wigand said she told Finch to do what he felt comfortable doing.#mepolitics
Katz: did you become aware thT Bangor had been second place, then became in first place.#mepolitics
Wigand didn’t recall #mepolitics
Sharon Leahy-Lind with attorney Cynthia Dill pic.twitter.com/O03lBie9fG
Wigand stays on the record and candidly answers. #mepolitics
Wigand: Finch told her he was asked to destroy grant docs. He wasn’t comfortable w/it. She defends reason not 2 make it an issue #mepolitics
Wigand: I was involved in reviewing ideas around criteria, but not ratings.#mepolitics
Cain picks up where Katz left off on why criteria changed. #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/49Vu98c4nK
Wigand: “I saw that as a version control issue.” Attempt at concealment “never occurred to me.” #mepolitics
Wigand on hearing her subordinate saying he was asked to destroy documents: didn’t think this was an effort at concealment. #mepolitics
Wigand says “shred” was a media term but doc destruction was more an issue of “version control” #mepolitics
In #mepolitics today, a win for transparency in the Maine CDC document-shredding case. http://bit.ly/1m3CiiY via @stevemistler
Why was Finch uncomfortable destroying documents? If it was simply “version control”? #mepolitics
Wigand: defunding was a new thing. #mepolitics
Wigand: I was not involved in scoring HMPs. #mepolitics
Wigand: I don’t remember a discussion about destroying things or keeping things.#mepolitics
Wigand indicating there’s confusion about when to keep working documents. #mepolitics
Wigand says it’s still not clear to her who’s in charge of records retention at the CDC. Wow. #mepolitics
Cain goes back to why Finch was uncomfortable with destruction order. #mepolitics
Wigand: Christine Zukas, defendant in whistleblower suit, asked my subordinate to destroy grant docs #mepolitics
Wigand says it was Zukas who gave the order to destroy documents. #mepolitics
Wigand: “I know it was Christine Zukas” who asked Finch to destroy the documents.#mepolitics
Wigand steps down#mepolitics
Wigand done for now. She answered every question. She is not part of the civil suit. #mepolitics
Finch takes seat before GOC
Finch, senior program manager for community based programs#mepolitics
Finch now up before GOC on CDC doc shred case. #mepolitics
Up next: CDC Senior Program Manager for Community-based Programming Andrew Finch. #mepolitics
Andrew Finch of CDC who reported being asked to shred documents now testifying #mepolitics pic.twitter.com/HZpTJi661e
Finch: told Wigand he’d been told to purge files of all development criteria for HMPs.#mepolitics
Finch: Christine Zukas told him to purge documents. #mepolitics
Finch: Christine Zukas asked him to purge files. #mepolitics
Finch says CDC Deputy Director Christine Zukas asked him to destroy documents. Told superior he wasn’t comfortable with that. #mepolitics
Maine CDC worker says Christine Zukas told another employee to destroy documents @WCSH6
Maine CDC worker Andy Finch says Christine Zukas asked him to purge his files @wcsh6
Finch: was member of working group that created criteria for HMPs. #mepolitics
Maine CDC worker Andy Finch says Chistine Zukas told him to purge his files @WCSH6
Finch: development of criteria was a process, criteria were considered and discarded along the way.#mepolitics
Cain: consider how HMPs would fare under new criteria? Finch: Absolutely not. #mepolitics
Finch, not a defendant in civil suit, up now. Was part of scoring criteria drafting, also says he was asked to destroy docs #mepolitics
BREAKING: CDC official testifies he was ordered to destroy documents http://bit.ly/1fXvssQ #mepolitics
Finch: Sharon, Deb and myself came up with initial criteria for scoring 27 HMPs. #mepolitics
CDC worker Andy Finch says instruction to destroy documents was so that previous versions wouldn’t be confused with final documents
Finch: “I have no such sheet in my possession” that had Bangor in second place. #mepolitics
Finch: discussion that it would be ironic if Bangor was not a lead HMPS.#mepolitics
Finch: weighting was changed to scoring. #mepolitics
Finch: CDC group changed weighting of criteria for outcome of funding decisions to show clearer leaders. #mepolitics
Finch: group made decision to change weightings in criteria to achieve greater difference in scores, but not outcome.#mepolitics
. @stevemistler is livetweeting from the CDC document shredding GOC meeting. Follow him to get regular updates. #mepolitics
Maine lawmakers vote to keep testimony public in CDC probe: The Government Oversight Committee is taking… http://dlvr.it/587TDY
Just how the scoring for HMPs was manipulated to reach results becomes more clear. #mepolitics
Finch: don’t know why scoring info. not released at time winners announced. #mepolitics
Finch: Zukas told him to destroy documents after she had met with CDC Director Pinnette. #mepolitics
Finch says he had never been asked to destroy, purge, shred etc documents in his 18 years as a state employee #mepolitics
Finch says in 18 years in state gov’t he had never before ordered to destroy documents. #mepolitics
Finch: Never in 18 years asked to destroy docs until 2012. Says Zukas requested it after meeting CDC dir. Pinette #mepolitics
Finch: “I have never been instructed to do that (destroy documents) in my 18 years as an employee”#mepolitics
Employees testify CDC docs were ordered to be destroyed. Has anyone asked @lepage2014 about his knowledge of scandal? #mepress #mepolitics
Finch: “I burned (documents asked to be destroyed)to a disc and removed from my computer.” Gave to OPEGA.#mepolitics
Finch didn’t destroy docs. He burned them to a disc and later turned them over to watchdog agency #mepolitics
Bigger picture here is that it sounds like CDC folks don’t know what public information to keep, who is in charge of it, etc. #mepolitics
Finch says he’s had no training on public document retention. Did not know whon#foaa point was at CDC.#mepolitics
Rep Harvell said he wanted to embrace his “inner-Jack McCoy” here. Looking forward 2 it. He’s legendarily feared in House floor debates.
@Robb1239 Yet he dressed like he was going to a holiday party?
http://SunJournal.com has livestream: CDC officials testify there were orders to “purge” documents. #mepolitics
Maine lawmakers vote to keep testimony public in CDC probe: The Government Oversight Committee is taking… http://dlvr.it/587ntS
The way the CDC scored this “competition” seems eerily similar to the figure skating judges in Sochi
Maine lawmakers vote to keep testimony public in CDC probe . http://bit.ly/1npEaUL
Let’s remember that we’re talking about steering $4.7 million in taxpayer dollars. #mepolitics
From @sunjournal : Maine CDC officials say they were told to destroy documents http://bdn.to/maqc #mepolitics
@SenRogerKatz: How is this different from changing what field goals are worth after a game? Finch: I don’t know that it is. #mepolitics
Finch: “it appears that way.” In answer to Katz ? about Bangor moving into 1st after scores were weighted.#mepolitics
Katz compares grant scoring change to making football field goals 4 points after game is settled. Finch doesn’t disagree #mepolitics
Katz: How is what you did different from changing the rules in football after the game? Finch: It isn’t. #mepolitics
Finch: re: destruction request”I had been given this directive and I had not followed through with it.” #mepolitics
Finch: re: destruction request”I had been given this directive and I had not followed through with it.” #mepolitics
Finch: “the director was not involved in the (criteria)development group.” #mepolitics
GREAT football analogy by Katz compares CDC scoring 2 changing rules after a game is over awarding 4 points for FG changing the outcome
Finch: “I presented the different weighting scenarios to Christine Zukas.” #mepolitics
GOC breaks #mepolitics
