Comments on: 4-H Fans, Others Lobby County for Funds

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:15:43 +0000

Jim,

It is a frustrating time and I don’t think its fair to blame the situation on the unions.

The County Board of Commissioners and the Administration grew the County buracracy to levels that have proven to be unsustainable.

When County revenues were growing by 10 percent annually, they spent as if it would never end and they created departments and functions with little regard for either the need or the potential impact.

Today…we are seeing the results of their failures, including Commissioner Smith, who is a major disappointment and shows very little leadership.

In the future, if you have a problem with the unions or with the County, I would ask that you be a little more respectful of other people’s posts. I did not attack you and I don’t appreciate being unfairly attacked by you.

If you have a problem with the unions, its your business, but keep me out of it.

By: Jim Adams

Jim Adams — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:55:59 +0000

sorry Richard
i really jumped to a lot of assumptions. its just a sad time and its frustrating that people are not focused on fixing the problem. there is just a lot of finger pointing going on, and nothing is getting done.
i felt Comm Smith’s comment was appropriate, because 5% is what non-union is taking as a cut, and that is what all the unions should do also. Comm Smith did it. Non-union did it. Its the economy we are in. its not pleasant, but its better then losing hundreds of people.

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:18:20 +0000

Jim…

I don’t know if you actually read my post, but I find it very offensive that you would attack me personally.

For the record, I am not part of the union, nor have I ever been. You also know nothing of my personal history.

And, for the record, I find it offensive that you use me as a proxy to push your anti-union rhetoric.

For the record, I was criticizing an innappropriate comment by Commissioner Smith regarding cutting his household income when the board was poised to layoff hundreds of employees.

Further, if you read my post, which you clearly did not, the County Administration and the Board negotiated those union contracts when they were very much aware of the impending economic crisis.

Their failure to address the situation then, has only compounded the problem now. It is the lack of leadership on the board that is frustrating.

Your anti-union rhetoric is innapproriate.

By: Jim Adams

Jim Adams — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:20:11 +0000

Richard said it. and his beliefs are reflected in our union leadership
Union 2733 has no desire to make concessions. They are fine with layoffs.
Act now
Union members who feel your union is not representing you in negotiations. Union Decertification is possible and starts with only 30% dissatisfied union member signatures. And more than 30% of you should be worried about your jobs if concessions are not made.
Go to this website for more info: link
When Richard is asked if he would take a 5 percent cut or lose 30 % of staff. He will answer with what is the administration giving up (answer jobs and 5 percent over two years & medical coverage benefits) or he will say look at all the pet projects. Its just a stall tactic, and is not relevant at this time
Richard doesn’t care about people losing jobs. He is only concerned with himself. Its people like Richard who will be laying people off in these economic times, not the board of commissioners. This entitlement union seniority gives its employees is disgusting and makes them act less then heavenly.
Over 200 people will lose their jobs and thousands more people will be affected negatively in this community by lack of funding to needed programs because leaders of union 2733 thinks they are entitled to salary increases and great medical coverage when everyone else in this county will be taking concessions. Disgusting Richard. When you are drinking your egg nog, sitting next to your Christmas tree surrounded with gifts this holiday season, please take a moment to think about those 200 hundred employees that are living in basements, maxing out there credit to feed their families, and losing their homes. I bet you will smile.
Concessions need to be made. Pet projects in the counties past is not logical or good reason to not help these 200 hundred people. Get over it and help your fellow county employees. The administration & commissioners are on the side of the people of Washtenaw County and saving jobs. Union 2733, what side are you on. Make a decision that you can live with.

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:52:17 +0000

It is a nice article and I appreciate the coverage.

I have to say that I am really disappointed with the Board of Commissioners. They all have their pet projects and they all plan to defend them.

These problems had been evident long before the County realized the budget mess they are currently in.

They choose to ignore it and hoped it went away and now they are dealing with much bigger mess. Its truly sad, the level of leadership on that board is appalling.

Excuse me, but Conan Smith begging with the unions for concessions? Really? You cut five percent from your household budget? Really? It is beyond offensive, you are laying people off in one of the worst economies and we are supposed to cry for you because you cut 5 percent of your household budget? Come on…

The County negotiated with the unions less than two years ago when signs of the economic downturn were becoming apparent.

This whole affair is really sad…Had the county outlined some basic priorities and funded too them, instead of throwing money at every program with or without merit, the damage wouldn’t be near as bad as it is right now.

This whole situation is very frustrating….

By: John Strotkamp

John Strotkamp — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:14:38 +0000

As a former employee of the County’s Mental Health services I’m truly sorry to see the terrible choices being offered.

Donna Sabourin, Debbie Pippins, Therese Doud and many others are talented, hard working folks and I’m sure they will make the best of a very difficult situation. Unfortunately it’s their customers who will suffer the most, which is really tragic.

Having lived in California for 11 years I can tell you that compared to California Washtenaw County has exceptional programs for the mentally impaired and it’s sad to see the fiscal problems of Michigan impact them in such a dramatic nature.

I wish the best for my former colleagues and their customers.

John Strotkamp, Retired Supervisor-1974-1997, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health
Laguna Beach, California.

By: Maya Lynn

Maya Lynn — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:56:53 +0000

Wonderfully informative article, Mary, particularly the parts about nonprofit funding, competitive bidding, CSTS and the J-Port programs. This is the kind of detail we seldom got in the AA News.