Today's Letters: Commissioners need the truth

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published October 24, 2007

Re: Commissioners need to step down Oct. 12 letter

I would like to add another suggestion. Hernando County commissioners need to verify that what they are being told by department heads is the truth. I believe that part of the problem with county government is that commissioners are basing their decisions on what they are being told, and sometimes they are being hoodwinked.

Most, if not all, the department heads have been around for much longer than the current commissioners, and the good old boy network is alive and well in Hernando County. The commissioners are not running the county; it's the department heads, in conjunction with the human resources director, who are really controlling the operations.

For example, in March 2007, the Utilities Department (a self-sufficient enterprise fund) conducted a supposed "audit" to determine possible inefficiencies. Several employees in the department were interviewed in an attempt to consolidate divisions and/or functions.

I was one of those employees, and because of the position I was in and my 12 years in the department, I was aware of and pointed out to the interviewer from the Clerk of the Court's Finance Division that there was one employee in particular who had only been hired full time because he was a good friend of an assistant director, and because that employee needed the benefits that go along with a full-time county job. The person who hired him told me this.

Because I care deeply about Hernando County, and because I mistakenly thought the audit was actually put in place to do some good, I also pointed out a few other discrepancies that were ongoing in the Utilities Department.

Shortly after this interview I was notified that my position, executive secretary to the Utilities director, had been eliminated. This was at a time when my boss was out on extended medical leave, and just as I was finishing up my bachelor's degree. (My annual evaluations have always been exemplary.)

Human Resources director Barbara Dupre's statement that cost-of-living increases are necessary in order to retain good employees is just not true. The lack of decent-paying jobs in the private sector is what keeps employees from looking elsewhere.

While I have been long gone from county employment, the "friend" and others are still employed there. When questioned, administrator Gary Kuhl told me the elimination of my position was due to (at that time impending) legislation that would lower property taxes and, therefore, cut county funding. Mr. Kuhl had obviously been deceived by his staff, as he did not seem to understand that an enterprise fund is not subsidized by property taxes. Perhaps his leaving is partly due to the realization that he, too, has been misled and made to look foolish.

I prequalified to run for commissioner in the hopes of making a difference in Hernando County. However, the reality of finding a job that pays a living wage has taken precedence over the urge to be a commissioner. I have withdrawn from the race and I am still looking for a decent-paying job, hopefully one where loyalty and hard work are valued.

Pamela J. Gaines, Brooksville

Re: Rowden's bitterness must be confronted Oct. 19 Times editorial

Funny limerick, or commentary?

The Rattlesnake Fest was unique,

In San Antonio last week.

It was a real crowd-getter,

But it could have been better

If they got Diane Rowden to speak.

John Albert, Spring Hill

Your voice counts

We welcome letters from readers for publication. To send a letter from your computer, go to www.tampabay.com/letters and fill in the required information. Type your letter in the space provided on the form, specify that you are writing the Hernando section of the newspaper, and then click "submit." You also may cut and paste a letter that you have prepared elsewhere in your computer.

If you prefer, you may fax your letter to (352) 754-6133, or mail it to: Letters to the Editor, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613.

All letters should be brief and must include the writer's name, city of residence, mailing address and telephone number. When possible, letters should include a handwritten signature. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed. The Times does not publish anonymous letters.

Letters may be edited for clarity, taste, length and accuracy. We regret that not all letters can be printed.

[Last modified October 23, 2007, 20:03:34]