Commissioner Pay
On April 18, 2006, the Henry Board of Commissioners voted to freeze their pay at the current levels. Of course, they advertised it as a fiscally conservative move, but that is only if you are too lazy to read between the lines (and most people probably are, with 9% voter turnout).
But, as Jason later explained, they were merely locking their pay in advance of Chafin's retirement. Well first of the year, McBrayer (OK or Joe Mack because he reads this blog) is going to come in with a significantly lower salary, which would lower the pay of the BOC. I don't know how much, but any percentage decrease would be multiplied by the 6 commissioners. If it was a 3,000 dollar decrease each, multiplied by all six, we could pay for the raise that BJ gave the daughter of her campaign treasurer.
Every dollar counts, I hope that the BOC will take it upon themselves to do the right thing and unfreeze their pay. On the live blog last night, we ran a poll posing the question of unfreezing the pay, and 71% of respondents said the pay should be changed, and 29% said no. Perhaps the most important vote was that of Commissioner Reid Bowman, who can actually do something about this. He voted yes, and added, "By all means we should unfreeze the pay. It is the right thing to do!"
And that is why I can't wait to help Reid win reelection.
Comments
Joshua
As much as we would like to have a BOC that is going to take care of the citizens of HC you are talking about MONEY...and as you know the new chairman will set the agenda and I can just about guarantee that a pay reduction for the BOC will not make it to a vote..That would defeat the very purpose the salaries were frozen for ...
And now that Auntie Bee is in the chair she will not be coerced into doing the right thing by the 91 % of the voters ,excuse me, non voters....she has 4 years to line her pockets and you can bet she will.....
Don Henderson
Posted by: Don | August 6, 2008 04:08 PM
Joshua,
I’ll still read the blog even if you dismiss me. History has given no reason to believe that it will be anything other than a McBrayer landslide. The establishment is impossible to beat and they never leave quietly. I have no doubt that king makers can crown kings. Kind of ironic though, since I’m against all this government growth, bad development, and increased taxes. A one party Henry County should work best for the benefit of the local politicians.
Posted by: Joe Mack Eckler | August 7, 2008 03:32 AM
I dont think its as easy as putting it on the agenda. There are quite a few steps to go through before it can be voted on. I happen to know Commissioner Bowman quite well and I know that he does infact mean what he says about being all for the unfreeze. To suggest any different just shows that you dont know him near as well as you think
Posted by: Dee | August 7, 2008 08:07 AM
You are very correct. Mr. Bowman does mean what he says. He is a good man and will try to do all he can for the people not only of his district but for the county as a whole.
The Doctor
Posted by: The Doctor | August 7, 2008 03:03 PM
Reid Bowman is in fact the best qualified of all the commissioners to run the business of Henry County. His integrity and character are above reproach and he truly has the interest of the citizens of HC as his agenda.
Our problem it Auntie Bee will either not agree to have this matter brought up or will gridlock it if it is brought to the board.
Personally I wish Reid was the only one we had to deal with because as you said Read is a man of his word.
I think Reid has the idea if it is good for the citizens of HC then it is good for the county where as some of the politicians think if it is good for the county it is good for the citizens and that ain't always the case.
Don Henderson
Posted by: don | August 7, 2008 03:31 PM
Don, you are correct my friend. I have always felt that Reid should be in the Chairman's seat. I have known him since the mid 1960's. I would trust him with anything.
The Doctor
Posted by: The Doctor | August 7, 2008 03:49 PM
As an added thought .....I'll bet dollars to donuts that this is one issue Her Auntiness would never allow the voters to decide.
But then again there ain't too many issues she does let the serfs of her domain decide .you might say 9 out of 10 don't feel like they have any say at all..... but its their own fault because they didn't vote.....
Don
Posted by: don | August 9, 2008 11:27 AM
Can someone tell me why Eckler is ever in the Sheriff's race. Every blog he participates in he predicts that he will get his butt whipped, so why run. Obama's coat tails aren't that long. He is an idiot, and proves it every time he opens his mouth. He is even trying to brain wash the young Democrats. He has met with them, probably to have help putting out any signs,,, or is it to give out cards and suckers?
Posted by: buck | August 11, 2008 11:26 PM