CENTRAL FLORIDA -- The state is expanding its investigation into Workforce Central Florida over an idea that some say is the stupidest idea they've ever heard.

The newest allegation of misspending involves a marketing campaign, in which the chairman of the board for the job agency marches around in a super-hero cape.

As part of a new marketing campaign, Workforce Central Florida spent a reported $14,000 on red capes to hand out to jobseekers who visit their offices. People who are unemployed told WFTV that the capes aren't going to get them a job and they say it's a waste of money.

In a promotional video, Workforce Central Florida Board Chairman Owen Wentworth, dons a red cape to take on "Dr. Evil Unemployment" in the agency's comic book-themed campaign.

The campaign which reportedly cost $73,000 includes thousands of red capes.

Job-seekers such as Gregory Bryant said the capes are a waste of money and they're offended by the cartoon-like portrayal of being unemployed.

"Would you wear this around?" WFTV reporter Bianca Castro asked Bryant.

"No, I mean, would you?" Bryant answered. "It's a mockery to Americans."

The agency for Workforce Innovation, which has some oversight on regional boards, sent a letter to Workforce Central Florida, calling the campaign "insensitive and wasteful."

It's calling on its inspector general to expand an investigation launched into Workforce Central Florida last month. WFTV prompted that investigation when it reported the agency spent $250,000 tax dollars on staff cars.

At the time, Workforce Vice President Kim Sullivan told WFTV, "We're like an open book and have good business practices."

But on Tuesday, the agency would not respond to any of WFTV's questions because its new marketing campaign is under investigation.

Workforce Central Florida is governed by a local board made up 44 community members. WFTV tried to get a hold of some of them, including board chairman Wentworth, but has not received a response.

Workforce Central Florida has been investigated before. In 2006, it had to repay almost $3.5 million to the federal government to settle claims that it misused public money.

http://www.wftv.com/news/27603869/detail.html

Curious. Ocean Optics (located in FL) used a super hero theme recently at a large instrument vendor expo.

It was pretty dumb IMO (and I like Ocean Optics...and super heroes).

I wonder if they convinced Wentworth to buy their used costumes.

That's almost as bad as the newly imprisoned Birmingham mayor Larry Langford spending thousands during a budget crisis on burlap sacks for local religious leaders to pray in in an attempt to stop violent crime.

That's our gubmint in action, spending money during a recession on, like, really, really important stuff.

I saw a video recently on hyperinflation and the deficit. They quoted a federal study (possibly by the OMB - not sure) where they identified some 73 Federal programs that all had the same goal of home ownership for first time home buyers. Wish I could find that video again.

Boggles the mind but that is how the Federal Government works (or, more accurately, doesn't work).

(04-20-2011 02:15 PM)MileHighBronco Wrote:  I saw a video recently on hyperinflation and the deficit. They quoted a federal study (possibly by the OMB - not sure) where they identified some 73 Federal programs that all had the same goal of home ownership for first time home buyers. Wish I could find that video again.

It's true, I was just at a conference last week where they bandied about the same type numbers. My personal favorite example is the mortgage program administered by the US Department of Agriculture.

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/had-guarantee...loans.html

(04-20-2011 02:15 PM)MileHighBronco Wrote:  That's our gubmint in action, spending money during a recession on, like, really, really important stuff.

I saw a video recently on hyperinflation and the deficit. They quoted a federal study (possibly by the OMB - not sure) where they identified some 73 Federal programs that all had the same goal of home ownership for first time home buyers. Wish I could find that video again.

Boggles the mind but that is how the Federal Government works (or, more accurately, doesn't work).

There are 1,271 gov't organizations dedicated to counterterrorism, homeland security and intelligence.

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/top-s...d-control/

(04-20-2011 02:57 PM)BlazerFan11 Wrote:  

(04-20-2011 02:15 PM)MileHighBronco Wrote:  That's our gubmint in action, spending money during a recession on, like, really, really important stuff.

I saw a video recently on hyperinflation and the deficit. They quoted a federal study (possibly by the OMB - not sure) where they identified some 73 Federal programs that all had the same goal of home ownership for first time home buyers. Wish I could find that video again.

Boggles the mind but that is how the Federal Government works (or, more accurately, doesn't work).

There are 1,271 gov't organizations dedicated to counterterrorism, homeland security and intelligence.

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/top-s...d-control/

And guess what, they still don't have a common database in which to share information.... because each Agency still has a phobia of sharing information that they develop.

Yup. Gubmint turf wars. Protect our house thinking.

(04-20-2011 02:29 PM)Lord Stanley Wrote:  

(04-20-2011 02:15 PM)MileHighBronco Wrote:  I saw a video recently on hyperinflation and the deficit. They quoted a federal study (possibly by the OMB - not sure) where they identified some 73 Federal programs that all had the same goal of home ownership for first time home buyers. Wish I could find that video again.

It's true, I was just at a conference last week where they bandied about the same type numbers. My personal favorite example is the mortgage program administered by the US Department of Agriculture.

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/had-guarantee...loans.html

Isn't that partially to blame for the economic mess we're currently in?