BOCC Meeting - June 8

All three commissioners were at the meeting today. Here's a quick recap.

During open forum time here's a sampling of what the pesky citizens wanted to discuss.

1. This blogger contrasted the salary of the lowest paid deputy in January 2007 compared to Ross Gallagher's salary when he first came into office. Today that deputy's salary remains unchanged while Ross has seen an increase in his salary due to Resolution 85-01. (See Monty Cobb's explanation in previous blog for more info on this.) The failure of leadership on this board is glaring from two perspectives: that they have not revoked Resolution 85-01 and that it's been 41 months with no contract for the Deputies Guild.

Based on their response to my comments today, I'm thinking shame may not work with the members of this Board. Lynda was upset that I had used the masculine pronoun to refer to the deputies. Also she pointed out that Ross donated his raise to other worthwhile causes. That's what we all do right even when we don't get a pay raise we help each other out and don't expect any recognition?

2. Elaine Adam pointed out the BOCC has spent over $90K for attorneys to negotiate with the Deputies Guild. I think that's an outdated number. As I recall it was around $90K last summer or early fall. It's got to be higher now.

3. Karen Randall spoke on behalf of Mason County 4H soliciting support from the BOCC and the LTAC to provide $36K (I think) for the Mason Fair this summer.

4. Ken VanBuskirk announced that on June 19 at 2 PM there will be a ceremony to recognize a recently fallen soldier. I believe the place is North Mason Library for presentation of the Golden Star Banner to recognize Staff Sergeant Joseph M. Cain. (If I have this wrong, let me know.)

5. Annette McGee said she'd been reading the Washington state constitution and that she wanted to remind the BOCC that they are the county's administrators and legislators. Accordingly, they are responsible for negotiating union contracts and for adopting the budget. The buck stops with them.

6. Janice Vocke spoke against bringing ADAGE to Mason County. Janice asked the BOCC to think twice before they approve this facility.

Tim then began grilling Janice questioning what she had said. I overheard someone in the audience say, " Since when is it okay to put citizens on the spot during the open forum time?" Good question is what I'm thinking. It looked bad for someone who not only wants to be a county commissioner but also a state senator.

After the open public forum and on an upbeat note, Bob Simmons talked about the rain garden the WSU Extension folks have put in to prevent storm water run off. Way to go, Bob.

The commissioners went into executive session to discuss the AFSCME contract. Don't know what the outcome was of that meeting. Please add a comment if you do know what happened.

There you have it, Mason County.