Time to Raid the Rainy Day Fund to Buy the Governor a New Watch?
If you were looking for downtown’s movers and shakers this morning, they were gathered at Oklahoma Christian University for the annual Greater Oklahoma City Chamber chairman’s breakfast.
The keynote speaker was Gov. Brad Henry. You could sort the community veterans from the newcomers. Those who have relocated to Oklahoma City in the past year or so were bewildered by the knowing glances and jokes told at Henry’s expense as he ran 40 minutes late. Truth be told, I can’t remember a single event I’ve covered when Henry did show up at the start of the event. And that’s pretty much the shared concensus of the folks I heard from today. The chamber leadership prides itself in running on time and starting matters precisely at the pre-set time. So one can only imagine their discomfort with the suspense over whether or not the governor will even show up for his speech. The veterans I spoke to seem to have a good sense of humor about it all, but one might wonder what impression is being made on the city’s newest corporate leaders.
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Comments
It’s simple: lack of punctuality means “I’m more important that you are,” and is plain disrespectful. Chronic dispunctuals just can’t manage their time. Either that or it’s some sort of brain dysfunction…
I know some chronic dispunctuals and it never fails: at the time they’re supposed to BE there they’ll call and say: “I’m on the way,” which I’ve come to learn actually means: ‘I’m almost ready to leave (to be on the way).’ Something in their system causes them to think that ‘being on the way’ is the same thing as being there.
It’s embarrassing… Instead of a new watch, how ’bout a new governor?
Please, all politicians run late like this. If the “corporate leaders” at the State Chamber have to wait a bit for him to show up, then they can just deal with it. One thing I hate more than people who show up late is people who cry about it.
Nope Michael, not buying it. Keating was more often than not on time for the events I covered under his watch.
Bush was known to be very punctual. I have had the opportunity to be at many events where Republican and Democat elected officials attended. They were more often than not on time or only a few minutes behind.
I agree we need to get a new governor and not a new watch. I can understand 10 minutes late, but anything over 20 minutes is flat out rude and disrespectful. People get fired for being 10 minutes late more than three times. Most places if you are late over half an hour once and you are fired!
Solution: Don’t allow “chronic dispunctuals” to control your time. If they are late for a date, start without them. If you’re giving them a ride and they are late, leave them. Even if it is the governor, go ahead and begin breakfast; start without him. The problem will not go away unless they are embarrassed or, held to account. A couple of times of being left, or knowing a meeting will proceed without them will go a long way to making them respect other people’s time.
Steve, I’ve heard this a problem ever since he took over. The sad thing is that it happens first thing in the morning. If it happened on occasion, or even somewhat routinely, but only in the afternoon or evening, it could just be explained away as his schedule being too full. But when it happens first thing in the morning it just looks like he sleeps in and does not care about anyone else.