I contacted Jessie Faulkner of the TS concerning claims by some of the BOS members and county staff that they had not voted themselves a raise and they were claiming the TS "blew" the story. - Times-Standard Online Jessie got right on it and here you go. John Woolley and Jimmy Smith did not realize they were part of a pay raise they voted for even though Mckinleyville resident David Elsebush sternly chastised them during the public comment session.
County Administrative Officer Loretta Nickolaus said the matter can be confusing.
”It's complicated,” Nickolaus said, “Nothing is easy in our process.” Huh? It is Loretta's job to inform the Supes of what they are voting on so there is no "confusion." But John and Jimmy have been there long enough to know. Geist, and Bonnie knew and they voted for that raise willingly. Johanna Rodoni knew full well what she was voting for. But instead of voting her concience, she said ”I was concerned, it was my second meeting and it put me in an awkward situation.”
So the question is, did Jimmy and John really understand the process but are now blowing with the polical winds, or were they just asleep at the helm.
1 hour ago
11 comments:
Thanks for pointing out that Jessie got it right in her original reporting. Until you've been in a reporter's shoes, you have no idea how difficult it can be to write stories with confusing and conflict "facts" on deadline, dealing with a entity such as county government.
The board votes on many issues they don't understand or oft times don't bother to understand. In Geists case I'm sure you're wrong about her position on this vote as she is just being consistant. Always asleep at the wheel.
John didn't know he was an "Elected Official"?? And then Jimmy didn't know either?? What else have they voted that they just "didn't know about"?? I have concerns now about both of them. Jimmy is running for reelection and John is running for Cheapboro's job. Gulp - where is this going to get us now? They just don't know what they were voting for?? I just can't believe either one of them at this point.
Johanna "Straight shooter" Rodoni couldn't even shoot straight for two meetings?? If she felt awkward, she could have made a difference by saying so. She was in a position to speak up but chose not to do so. That is a clear indicator of how she will govern and must give pause to any supporter who believes that she will be honest, ethical and outspoken. Would Roger have taken the raise?
Would Richard have taken the raise if it came in the form of donuts and grease??
I'll forgive any of them for their political stumble if they don't take the raise. Good man Jimmy.
Who put it on the BOS agenda right before the election? That move is rather suspect.
Carl: Probably Loretta Nickolaus I would guess. Bad timing. The only ones it could hurt are Jimmy and Johanna.
Precisely! Bad timing. I hope it wasn't intentional.
Several years ago when they voted themselves raises along with the other employee raises, it was before the County budget had been discussed also just like this time. Today's T-S has an article re furloughs and hopefully not having to lay off people. Seems like Loretta may have to take 10% of her time off on furlough, but she got a raise. Where is the logic?? Sometimes I think the BOS should be renamed the Board of Stupidvisors.
Of course it wasn't intentional. Cities & and the County are all on 6-30 fiscal year ends and this is all part of the budget process.
Payplans need to be approved (or not) in order to incorporate them into the upcoming fiscal year budget.
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