Sometimes I dream of living in city where things work as they are supposed to. Today I wanted to touch base with a police sergeant who recently returned to duty. I couldn't find the office number online because the website disappeared. I called the NOPD division that his office used to fall under and the woman answering the phone told me it was no longer under them (of this I am highly suspect). When I pressed to see if she had a list of departmental numbers, she replied, "you can try this one but they haven't udated our phone books since before Katrina." She also gave me the number for personnel. I called personnel and their computers were down until "at least after lunch," but they were kind enough to give me the phone number of a former employee of the unit who just quit last week. I still don't have the office number. So much for my good deed of the day.
That said, I do have to give credit where credit is due. I recently had to make a trip to city hall to deal with alcohol licenseing which is usually no joyous occasion. However, the minute I stepped in the door, I was greeted with a smile and a verbal welcome to City Hall. The officers at the metal detectors were courteous and I was grateful for their lackadaisical attitude as they failed to notice the Swiss Army Knife that I carry in my bag -- the one that I frequently have to bury in gardens outside of federal buildings because I forget to leave it in the car. The permiting process was painless, people were helpful, and even their voicemails conveyed friendly tones. I've never gotten anyone to call me back but at least they are nice about it.
I have to say that quite a bit of work has gone into making City Hall a nicer place but the infrastructure of this city .... oh boy.
The image of you burying your knife in public gardens made me laugh out loud!
Posted by: chrissieroux | November 02, 2011 at 01:46 PM