i L i n d . n e t

The Star-Bulletin reports that the 9th Circuit has turned down the appeal of former United Public Workers state director Gary Rodrigues, who may finally have to begin serving that prison sentence. Interestingly, this week Kauai County announced the selection of former HPD officer Darryl Perry as the new police chief. Perry’s wife, Solette, is a former UPW employee who challenged Rodrigues unchecked power. The UPW leader went after her with a vengeance, as he did to anyone who tried to stand up for openness and accountability within the union. UPW attorneys, at Rodrigues’ direction, hauled Perry before the Hawaii Labor Relations Board alleging that her personal support of a candidate opposing Rodrigues in a union election constituted state meddling in internal union business. I attended a couple of those proceedings and it was ugly. Union lawyers attempted to use the process to identify other internal opponents of Rodrigues, who could then be hounded in turn. The labor board eventually ruled in Perry’s favor, but only after years of wrangling.

Now, nearly a decade later, Rodrigues appears to be heading to prison and Solette and her husband are heading back to Kauai.

It seems like an appropriate, if not a happy ending, to the tale.

I’m behind schedule this morning, so I’ll have to jump directly to Feline Friday. This is the day we’re scheduled to say goodbye to Olivia, the cat formerly known as Ms. Kitten.

She’s been a pleasure, and it’s nice to know she’s heading for a very good feline-centered home. But I admit it will be hard to see her go, despite my bloodied legs that she has attempted to climb ever since her claws got good and sharp. Anyway, this photo was taken yesterday morning as she played with the cherries, always a kitten favorite.