“Disastrous. It was the worst experience I’ve ever had.”
This is how Giovanna Nogales, a former official of the municipality of Maipú, reflected on her time under the administration of Cathy Barriga.
Before her removal, she had served as the chief of staff at the municipality for over 10 years.
During a revealing Mega report, which included the release of secret recordings from the former community leader, Nogales discussed the alleged harassment she experienced for not being in Barriga’s inner circle.
“I went on vacation in the last week of January 2017 until the first week of February. I returned to my office on February 6, and they had changed my license plate; they had appointed a new manager without notifying me.” she recalled.
Consequently, less than two months after Barriga’s arrival, she was reassigned to work at SMAPA. She admitted that she never fully understood her new responsibilities, as she was essentially just going “to look at the wall.”
Key Role of Joaquín Lavín León
Additionally, Nogales remembered the day she received instructions to organize a trip intended as a reward for officials who had completed a specific number of years of service. It was scheduled for a weekend in Pucón.
“I couldn’t carry out something like that, because the training funds were meant for training, not for trips. I conveyed this to her, but she insisted.” she stated, emphasizing that her departure would have incurred costs.
Upon taking office, Cathy Barriga compiled a list of layoffs. The individual responsible for reviewing these dismissals was the aforementioned chief of staff.
“I had to dismiss 500 people, but there were never any discussions or justifications,” Giovanna explained.
When asked about the influence deputy Joaquín Lavín León might have had on these decisions, she affirmed, “Yes, absolutely.”
Disastrous Decisions Under Cathy Barriga’s Administration: Insights from Giovanna Nogales
“Disastrous. It was the worst thing I’ve ever had.” These words reflect the grim experiences of Giovanna Nogales, former chief of staff at the Maipú municipality, during her time under the administration of Cathy Barriga. In a revealing report by Mega, which disclosed several secret audios featuring Barriga, Nogales opened up about the alleged harassment she faced for not being considered part of Barriga’s inner circle.
Transition from Chief of Staff to Unexplained Dismissal
After over a decade of service, Nogales’s career took a sudden downturn when she returned from vacation in February 2017 only to find her role inexplicably altered. “I arrived at my office on February 6 and they changed my license plate, they had appointed a substitute manager, and I had not been notified of anything,” she stated. This abrupt shift led to her reassignment to the SMAPA (Servicios de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado) municipality.
Dissatisfied with her new assignment, she bluntly remarked, “I never understood my new duties, since I only went ‘to look at the wall.’”
The Role of Joaquín Lavín León in Staffing Decisions
During her narration, Nogales highlighted the considerable influence of Deputy Joaquín Lavín León in staffing decisions, especially in the context of mass layoffs during this period. In her own words, she stated, “I had to fire 500 people, but there were never any arguments; there was never anything.” This revelation underscores the chaotic management style that characterized Barriga’s administration.
Questionable Rewards and Resource Allocation
Further complicating the dynamics at the municipality was an incident regarding resource allocation for employee rewards. Nogales recounted organizing a trip to Pucón as a reward for long-serving officials, which she vehemently opposed:
“I couldn’t do something like that, because the training money was spent on training, not on travel. I sent her to tell her, but she insisted.”
Understanding the Dismissal Process
The dismissals initiated by the Barriga administration were a point of contention for many. The decision to lay off nearly 500 employees created an atmosphere of insecurity within the municipal workforce. Nogales pointed out that the lack of reasoning behind these dismissals only added to her confusion and frustration, illustrating a complete disregard for principles of management.
Implications for Public Administration
The issues experienced by Giovanna Nogales during Cathy Barriga’s term in Maipú serve as a striking example of the challenges that can arise in local government. Here are several implications this case has for public administration:
- Transparency in Staff Changes: The need for clarity when transitioning staff roles to maintain morale and trust among employees.
- Accountability in Decision-Making: Ensuring that substantial decisions, especially those involving layoffs, are communicated clearly and rationally.
- Ethical Usage of Resources: Proper allocation of municipal funds for training versus rewards should align with organizational goals.
Case Studies in Local Governance
Similar to the situation faced by Giovanna Nogales, numerous local administrations worldwide have exhibited management challenges. Here are some notable examples:
| Case | Challenge | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| City of Barstow, California | Mass layoffs due to budget cuts. | Decline in public service quality. |
| Detroit, Michigan | Management scandals leading to bankruptcy. | State intervention and restructuring. |
| Portland, Oregon | Controversial police reforms. | Community backlash and policy reevaluation. |
First-Hand Experiences: A Look at Life Under Barriga
Giovanna Nogales’s experiences under Cathy Barriga’s administration resonate with many within the public service sector. The abrupt changes to her employment status, accusations of harassment, and the pressures of enforcing drastic cuts illustrate the precarious nature of local politics and administrative responsibility. Such accounts serve as a reminder for current and future public officials of the importance of integrity and ethical governance.
The release of secret audio recordings has amplified these concerns, exposing the degree of discontent and the culture of fear that can permeate a workplace devoid of accountability. The revelations may prompt a re-evaluation of existing protocols surrounding staff management, funding allocations, and performance evaluations within municipal frameworks.
Benefits of Transparency and Ethical Governance
Drawing lessons from the Maipú municipality’s struggles can lead to numerous benefits in public administration practices:
- Enhanced Trust: Trust between management and employees can foster a more collaborative work environment.
- Improved Public Perception: Ethical governance promotes a favorable view of public sector effectiveness.
- Increased Employee Satisfaction: Transparent communication regarding roles and policies boosts morale and productivity.
Practical Tips for Public Administrators
For public administrators seeking to improve their approach to governance and human resources, consider the following practical tips:
- Prioritize Communication: Regular updates and open dialogue can mitigate misunderstandings and foster a positive environment.
- Implement Fair Practices: Establish clear criteria for rewards and dismissals to ensure fairness.
- Conduct Regular Evaluations: Regular assessments of both staff performance and resource allocations can help identify areas needing improvement.
