[PW] Re: Politics at work Was:religion at work

[Mary Barna]

Phalbe's problem: Does the library have a written policy on political
campaigning while at work or even a dress code referring to political
buttons, etc?  I would think that if political statements are banned in
the building, a big honking sign should also be covered by the policy. I
have had to talk to staff who wear political buttons, etc.  We don't
make an issue of bumper stickers on cars because the size is not easy to
read from the street, but I would not allow it in large print!  My
answer to the lawyer who said this was a violation of free speech would
be, what if she was a nudist?  Could she then come to work naked?  Would
she be able to campaign if she worked for city government?

I have another issue, though.  This is a very small county political
area. "Who did you know to get your job?" I have been asked that!  My
problem is people who apply for library jobs and say, "I am a good
friend (neighbor, cousin, etc.) of so-and-so (usually a Board member,
city politico or local state senator)".  This got so bad the last time
that one of my staff suggested I have tee shirts printed that say, "I
know (politician's name) too!".  What the "I know . . ." people don't
know is that their applications go to the bottom of the pile.

By the way, I got my job because I DIDN'T have political pull.  When I
was hired there were too many factions so they picked the neutral
person.

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Mary B. from the 
Beautiful, Exotic Valley Community Library (PA) 
the jewel of the Lackawanna County Library System 
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