We request that Bill Largent be removed from his position as Library Board Trustee due to his combative and hostile actions that have created a toxic setting and not only hinder, but actively destroy the ability of the staff and library, as a whole, to offer adequate services to their patrons.
A brief history would show that over the previous three years, the past Mayor of Farmington Hills, Ken Massey, unethically appointed Bill Largent to the Library Board whom he was openly critical of. His approach to the job was intimidating, demeaning and disrespectful to all the board members. One by one, all but one of the Library Board resigned, citing that the board had become “toxic” and there was a “significant impact” on staff morale.
Since his appointment:
Staff grievances have been disregarded.
Staff have been name called.
The former Library Director resigned after her attempts to work with the Library Board were met with unprofessionalism and hostility.
Mr. Largent has repeatedly made hostile comments to and about members of the public who have attended board meetings.
Mr. Largent has been unable or unwilling to account for the usage or reallocation of public funds and has demonstrated multiple times that he is unaware of the difference between the financial operations and responsibilities of a library versus a for-profit business.
The new incompetent director was selected, we suspect, to be a complicit puppet for the library board, despite staff wishes for another candidate.
The majority of library staff were furloughed on April 24 at Mr. Largent's direction, in an effort to "save money" that was already guaranteed to the library through a dedicated millage.
Mr. Largent has routinely rallied to strip staff of their benefits while on furlough.
Mr. Largent has micromanaged the new director, and prevented her from being transparent to the public actively silencing her during meetings.
As such, we request the removal of Mr. Largent, a member of the FCL Library Board of Trustees in favor of somebody competent and capable of keeping the library and the public it serves best interests as a priority.
Updates
July 20, 2020
Reaching one thousand signatures confirms that this concern about the library board is shared by a significant portion of our community. Seeing this level of engagement reminds me that people truly value the stability and professionalism of our public institutions.
Reached 1,000 supporters
July 19, 2020
July 18, 2020
Reaching one thousand signatures will establish the gravity of our position before the upcoming board review. This momentum serves as a clear signal that the stewardship of our library must return to a standard of professional integrity.
July 9, 2020
Reaching one hundred signatures shows that many people in our community share a deep concern for the future of our local library. This response confirms that we are not alone in noticing the decline in leadership quality at our board meetings.
Reached 100 supporters
July 7, 2020
293 Comments
As a speaker, I have been doing virtual presentations for other area libraries during the Pandemic. However, due to the furloughing of staff, the Farmington Public Library has had no programming whatsoever for the public.
I grew up in Farmington and most of my family still lives there. I am also a librarian, a former employee of the library. So I cannot help but advocate for my fellow library workers and for a community that deserves better.
What has become of our beloved libraries is a travesty. The lack of competent leadership has led to the demise of a beautiful community public space. We need to dismiss Mr. Largent and hire someone who is familiar with and understands the managing of a not for profit library
yes, the comments made, during board meetings, no less, were not only unprofessional, but disgraceful. Somebody with those views and willing to publicly show them has no business being involved in running an institution employing BIPOC or LGBTQ+ staff.
I grew up in the library. My mom started me at 6 months old, and up until now, I have never seen such dysfunctional and destructive leadership that Mr. Largent has displayed. Making the gem of a Community a political hot potato.
Mr Largent disrupts every meeting he has attended at our Republican meetings in Rogers City. He is not whatsoever a true Republican, not even a RINO. A 1st class disrupter.
we cannot tolerate such a divisive personality in this position.
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We request that Bill Largent be removed from his position as Library Board Trustee due to his combative and hostile actions that have created a toxic setting and not only hinder, but actively destroy the ability of the staff and library, as a whole, to offer adequate services to their patrons.
A brief history would show that over the previous three years, the past Mayor of Farmington Hills, Ken Massey, unethically appointed Bill Largent to the Library Board whom he was openly critical of. His approach to the job was intimidating, demeaning and disrespectful to all the board members. One by one, all but one of the Library Board resigned, citing that the board had become “toxic” and there was a “significant impact” on staff morale.
Since his appointment:
Staff grievances have been disregarded.
Staff have been name called.
The former Library Director resigned after her attempts to work with the Library Board were met with unprofessionalism and hostility.
Mr. Largent has repeatedly made hostile comments to and about members of the public who have attended board meetings.
Mr. Largent has been unable or unwilling to account for the usage or reallocation of public funds and has demonstrated multiple times that he is unaware of the difference between the financial operations and responsibilities of a library versus a for-profit business.
The new incompetent director was selected, we suspect, to be a complicit puppet for the library board, despite staff wishes for another candidate.
The majority of library staff were furloughed on April 24 at Mr. Largent's direction, in an effort to "save money" that was already guaranteed to the library through a dedicated millage.
Mr. Largent has routinely rallied to strip staff of their benefits while on furlough.
Mr. Largent has micromanaged the new director, and prevented her from being transparent to the public actively silencing her during meetings.
As such, we request the removal of Mr. Largent, a member of the FCL Library Board of Trustees in favor of somebody competent and capable of keeping the library and the public it serves best interests as a priority.
Updates
July 20, 2020
Reaching one thousand signatures confirms that this concern about the library board is shared by a significant portion of our community. Seeing this level of engagement reminds me that people truly value the stability and professionalism of our public institutions.
Reached 1,000 supporters
July 19, 2020
July 18, 2020
Reaching one thousand signatures will establish the gravity of our position before the upcoming board review. This momentum serves as a clear signal that the stewardship of our library must return to a standard of professional integrity.
July 9, 2020
Reaching one hundred signatures shows that many people in our community share a deep concern for the future of our local library. This response confirms that we are not alone in noticing the decline in leadership quality at our board meetings.
Reached 100 supporters
July 7, 2020
293 Comments
As a resident I want to be able to trust that when I ask questions of the board about finances or staffing decisions, that I’ll be given a thoughtful and honest answer. I do not feel that way with the current leadership in place. We must take action to save our beautiful library.
As a speaker, I have been doing virtual presentations for other area libraries during the Pandemic. However, due to the furloughing of staff, the Farmington Public Library has had no programming whatsoever for the public.
I grew up in Farmington and most of my family still lives there. I am also a librarian, a former employee of the library. So I cannot help but advocate for my fellow library workers and for a community that deserves better.
What has become of our beloved libraries is a travesty. The lack of competent leadership has led to the demise of a beautiful community public space. We need to dismiss Mr. Largent and hire someone who is familiar with and understands the managing of a not for profit library
yes, the comments made, during board meetings, no less, were not only unprofessional, but disgraceful. Somebody with those views and willing to publicly show them has no business being involved in running an institution employing BIPOC or LGBTQ+ staff.
I grew up in the library. My mom started me at 6 months old, and up until now, I have never seen such dysfunctional and destructive leadership that Mr. Largent has displayed. Making the gem of a Community a political hot potato.
Mr Largent disrupts every meeting he has attended at our Republican meetings in Rogers City. He is not whatsoever a true Republican, not even a RINO. A 1st class disrupter.
we cannot tolerate such a divisive personality in this position.
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As a resident I want to be able to trust that when I ask questions of the board about finances or staffing decisions, that I’ll be given a thoughtful and honest answer. I do not feel that way with the current leadership in place. We must take action to save our beautiful library.