’Tis the season for wish lists and our commissioners cry “Ho! Ho! Ho! Hold On!” They said they were committed to funding all seven projects to get your yes vote on the referendum. The mayor says we can’t afford it. Time will tell who the honest politician is.
The commissioners sold us seven projects and we voted yes. Instead of rolling up their sleeves and going to work they spend their meetings discussing hiring a county administrator to do their work. I don’t recall that price in the cost column of the seven projects we voted yes to.
Currently we spend $209,875.86 yearly to pay five commissioners to administrate. Commissioners’ minutes in the paper show three commissioner meetings in August. Although everyone was not present, they all got paid. If my math is correct, this is well over $600 per meeting and attendance was not necessary.
We had five people who ran for public office, won their election, sold us seven projects, and we voted yes. Now it’s time for them to go to work. If they’re not up to their end of the job, I suggest they not run for reelection. Election Day is just 10 1/2 months away.
A county administrator would do most of the commissioners’ work. Perhaps they would take a substantial cut in wages to find an administrator to do their work?
When sales tax was used to build the hospital/clinic expansion, they bonded the money and went to work. If they really intend to fund everything, it would be just that easy, but that is not the direction the commissioners are taking. The only project moving forward is broadband.
Election Day is about 10 1/2 months away and I predict unhappy voters. Commissioners’ pay is great for a part-time job. You should think about running.
Tod Sylvester
Grand Marais
Leave a Reply