Panel’s bad advice
Linda Van Gundy
Friday, October 13, 2006
“PANEL ENDORSES COUNTY CHANGES” — big, bold front page headlines — as though it was a surprise turn of events in the day’s news. Dah! This PANEL was paid for and brought in by McKenna and crew (Chamber of Commerce).
I have yet to hear any of those pushing for these changes give a concrete reason why Lyon County so desperately needs five on the commission and why a county administrator is needed. At the meeting, one of the panelists stated that before they had this arrangement, they had no human resources director, no controller and no mention was made of having a county counselor. We have and have had for some time all these positions filled with extremely competent people — plus the firm of A&M Consulting. I might add that the controller is also a computer programmer whose programs have been purchased by other counties. The only time we got into deep water was when an outside finance manager was hired by three commissioners who had city addresses. Now what does that tell you? Any time you compare apples to oranges, you won’t come out with realistic conclusions. And that is what was done at this meeting — apples were compared to oranges.
One panelist stated more rural representation was needed on their commission. After redistricting Lyon County for five commissioners, I hope one wouldn’t be so naive as to think this would HELP our rural representation.
Bottom line: If you don’t need it, and you definitely can’t afford it, then DON’T VOTE FOR IT.
Linda Van Gundy
Reading