State Investigating Workforce Central Florida
Posted: 6:34 pm EDT April 19, 2011
Updated: 7:15 pm EDT April 19, 2011
CENTRAL FLORIDA -- The state is expanding its investigation into Workforce Central Florida over an idea that some say is the stupidest idea they've ever heard.
The newest allegation of misspending involves a marketing campaign, in which the chairman of the board for the job agency marches around in a super-hero cape.
As part of a new marketing campaign, Workforce Central Florida spent a reported $14,000 on red capes to hand out to jobseekers who visit their offices. People who are unemployed told WFTV that the capes aren't going to get them a job and they say it's a waste of money.
In a promotional video, Workforce Central Florida Board Chairman Owen Wentworth, dons a red cape to take on "Dr. Evil Unemployment" in the agency's comic book-themed campaign.
The campaign which reportedly cost $73,000 includes thousands of red capes.
Job-seekers such as Gregory Bryant said the capes are a waste of money and they're offended by the cartoon-like portrayal of being unemployed.
"Would you wear this around?" WFTV reporter Bianca Castro asked Bryant.
"No, I mean, would you?" Bryant answered. "It's a mockery to Americans."
The agency for Workforce Innovation, which has some oversight on regional boards, sent a letter to Workforce Central Florida, calling the campaign "insensitive and wasteful."
It's calling on its inspector general to expand an investigation launched into Workforce Central Florida last month. WFTV prompted that investigation when it reported the agency spent $250,000 tax dollars on staff cars.
At the time, Workforce Vice President Kim Sullivan told WFTV, "We're like an open book and have good business practices."
But on Tuesday, the agency would not respond to any of WFTV's questions because its new marketing campaign is under investigation.
Workforce Central Florida is governed by a local board made up 44 community members. WFTV tried to get a hold of some of them, including board chairman Wentworth, but has not received a response.
Workforce Central Florida has been investigated before. In 2006, it had to repay almost $3.5 million to the federal government to settle claims that it misused public money.
Copyright 2011 by wftv.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
SDNet: Unbelievable levels of pedantry that you can't find anywhere else on the Internet!
A minute's thought suggests that the very idea of this is stupid. A more detailed examination raises the possibility that it might be an answer to the question "how could the Germans win the war after the US gets involved?" - Captain Seafort, in a thread proposing a 1942 'D-Day' in Quiberon Bay
I think someone at the unemployment office needs to experience some real unemployment. That's just rubbing salt in the wound. Hell, I'm pissed and I'm nowhere near Florida and technically I even have work.
A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory.Leonard Nimoy.
Now I did a job. I got nothing but trouble since I did it, not to mention more than a few unkind words as regard to my character so let me make this abundantly clear. I do the job. And then I get paid.- Malcolm Reynolds, Captain of Serenity, which sums up my feelings regarding the lawsuit discussed here.
If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich. - John F. Kennedy
Nitram, slightly high on cough syrup: Do you know you're beautiful?
Me: Nope, that's why I have you around to tell me.
Nitram: You -are- beautiful. Anyone tries to tell you otherwise kill them.
"A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP" -- Leonard Nimoy, last Tweet
The sheer lack of taste evident in this campaign is just plain incredible.
JULY 20TH 1969 - The day the entire world was looking up
It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small. - NEIL ARMSTRONG, MISSION COMMANDER, APOLLO 11
Signature dedicated to the greatest achievement of mankind.
MILDLY DERANGED PHYSICIST does not mind BREAKING the SOUND BARRIER, because it is INSURED. - Simon_Jester considering the problems of hypersonic flight for Team L.A.M.E.
What's next? 'Doofus' hats because you're too stupid to get a job?
A minute's thought suggests that the very idea of this is stupid. A more detailed examination raises the possibility that it might be an answer to the question "how could the Germans win the war after the US gets involved?" - Captain Seafort, in a thread proposing a 1942 'D-Day' in Quiberon Bay
I'd like to think that this was just an idiotic idea from someone who means well.
And the fact that's the best I can respond with shows me how truly stupid the group who approved this is at best.
