Commissioners Willing to Sacrifice Public Safety

Today's Daily Record reported that the long-awaited conciliator's report had finally been issued and that the conciliator had ruled in favor of the deputy's union. One would have to ask, is this such a suprise?

Of the last 4 contractual negotiations between the Sheriff's office and the Deputy's union, 3 have gone to fact finding, and 2 to arbitration. All have been won by the union. Lets keep in mind that both the fact finder, and the conciliator are people paid for by the county, not the union.

I'll spare you the details of the negotiations. There is plenty of information available on th Daily Record website as well as the Sheriff's. If you have the time, there are also copies of the actual report posted at the county administration building and at the Sheriff's Office.

My question to you is this; If the fact finder and conciliator found that the union's request is not out of line, and there is an ability to pay, why are the commissioners playing games with the safety of our communities?

It doesn't just end with the sheriff's office. Just this week the engineer's office requested to meet with their union's attorney to discuss lay offs. What will this mean for us this winter when roads need plowed or in the spring when the roads become impassable because of pot holes? Remember the stretch of old 30 in East Union Township between Gyers Chapel and Honeytown before the new highway went in?

The county has the money to fund these departments but chooses not to. A quote from Scott Wiggam's own web site says that he is a"Strong money manager" and that "By cutting unnecessary spending while increasing funding for safety services, Wiggam implemented plans to save over 2.5 million local tax dollars. "

Increasing funding to safety services? What part of a 23% budget cut over 2 years does that fall under?

The commissioners have said that they have made the "Hard choice" here and have chosen to do nothing. The hard choice would be to call for a .25% sales tax increase to fund county programs. A .25% sales tax increase would bring us in line with surrounding counties. We are currently one of the lowest 4 counties in the state with a 6.25% sales tax.

Why will they not consider this? Is it because they have their own political careers ahead of the county's best interest? Perhaps it's because they have a personal issue with the sheriff?

Their choice to do nothing will have a dire effect on the safety of our communities. Still, the commissioners have even refused to put the issue to a vote on the county ballott.

When approached with a petition signed by local residents urging the commissioners to consider a sales tax increase, Wiggam said it was not the time, and Jim Carmichael stated it was not the commissioner's job to raise funds for the county. Maybe Mr. Carmichael should take another look at his job requirements, because that is exactly what the job of the commissioners is.

As I said in my first post, theis style of government is out of touch. Our commissioners have no one to answer to. There are no checks and balances in our current government, except at the ballot box. Our commissioners are not acting in the best interest of the constituents they were elected to serve.

We need a modern, executive style of government. A system with checks and balances as well as better representation for the citizens of Wayne County. With a charter style, executive system, access to your rep would only be as far away as your local township hall.

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A Charter for Wayne County?

The recent passage of Cuyahoga County Issue 6 has had me brain storming for a week. Why did Cuyahoga County decide to go to a Charter government instead of the commissioner based leadership they have had for decades? In short, the commissioners had become corrupt and ineffective. I wont go as far as to to say our commissioners are corrupt, but I will say that they are more concerned with their own political careers than making the right decisions for Wayne County, no matter how hard they may be.

Currently there are only 2 charter counties in the State of Ohio. Summit County which adopted their charter in 1979, and Cuyahoga County which just adopted theirs on Nov, 3 2009. Charters are autorized by Article 10 of the Ohio Constitution

What are the differences between a charter government and what we have now?

A charter government would be lead by a single elected county executive instead of a board of 3 commissioners. This would make leadership more efficient, more accountable and less political, allowing better, more effective focus on important issues such as economic development, health and human services. This will establish a single leader to collaborate with all cities and villages in our county.

A county executive would only have administrative powers. Much like a city mayor does. Legislative powers woud be held by a 16 member, part-time council. I would propose that each township has one representative to serve on the council. This would provide a separation of powers, checks and balances encourage public debate on imortant issues. It would provide more opportunity for our communities to be represented. The council would hold legislative power to initiate legislation if needed, approve budgets and serve as a financial watch dog. It would also bring the county's elected leadership closer to the residents for better democracy.

For now, this is just an idea. I would like to hear your opinions on this matter. I for one feel we have had enough of out of touch, and untouchable leadership that's only check is "Because we said so".

I will continue to look into this matter, and would like to form a committee to meet and discuss this. If there is enough interest I would like to see petitions passed and possibly get this issue on the ballot.

Feel free to post with your ideas and opinions.

Yours,
-Joe Nobody