See where the brou haha over Mr. Columbo's salary is heating up. Did anyone notice that the Vienna Salary did not show up and we are right next door? It is $48K in round numbers. P'burg with about 28K; Vienna at 10, 600 populations and DROPPING. The for sure expected increases from the construction across Rosemar Road will change that some. But with so many in current Vienna voting with their feet, increase may not be as much as expected? You can bet both your booties if you still have any, that Vienna is going to go for BIG pay increases for Mayor and Council for 2017? How Ms. Smith could even look in the mirror with a pay increase for ANY of the numerous positions she holds after all she got in past year would take some stones? But greed is a terrible thing or so they tell me? I am so dirt poor that for me greed is an expense. Remember neighbors; think twice, vote once.
It such a pleasure to see Mr. Bigley commenting on "serving the community; not making a nice salary and earn a pension". That is what certain professions called a "vocation". Good examples would be the Police, Fire, Educators and Military. Those are now long gone and it is more, much more so in Vienna about the Salary, Benefits and at the end the Pension.
And the comments on why a projected salary increase in the $90K- l00K range was set up for the P'burg Mayor because of the multi- billion dollar Petro-Chemical plant in Wood County? Any business coming into an area should have minimal impact on increasing a salary level. Maybe a need for more staff in certain departments but not salary increases UNTIL a change in job description is implemented. A person working an honest day's work should not be paid more for same effort automatically because of what is going on elsewhere. That is why a Government entity hires new people as work load for that entity increases beyond ability of current staff to do.
Can I ask how much of the $3-5k/ that Vienna increased was based on the wasted trip to North Dakota? Hopefully none; but with the eyes closed approach used here, would not surprise me if that potential change was factored in some where. You know, two more drunks to arrest 3 nights a week? A fire where a person in a drunken/ stoned rage burns up a suppliers home for not giving him credit? The Police Chief was asking for a dozen, that's right 12 more officers last budget cycle meetings for just 10,600 people; not including the estimate by me of the true issues- booze, broads and battles. Based on the number of patrols I see here in the Ghetto and the activity reported by our department, it may be overstaffed by 3 or 4; starting at the top? I for sure don't get a prompt response if I call? They appear to be now the employees of the Mall in response to all the shoplifting and maybe petit larceny problems? And everyone says drugs are not a non violent crime; think of the terror/ pain and mental anguish when most of these folks are arrested for just trying to support their habits?
And the comment on "market pricing" for employees? Are we buying a commodity like cattle or sheep? Pay what we can honestly afford and the position deserves. Because the City here is apparently running out of friends, family and neighbors to hire does NOT indicate a shortage of people. It indicates a shortage of true looking for good help.
Was glad to see a reality check in story today on Reading improvements in WV. While still 4 points behind national average is not unsurmountable; it does show we are still too, too far behind in the basics. As an avid reader from the time in the first grade when I was taught to read, till today, I can sure vouch for what that talent can do for you.
In my working, especially the federal level, I was required to read, UNDERSTAND and implement huge numbers of Laws, Regulations, Field Manuals, Policies, Directives. You get the idea. My ability to read well plus God's gift to me for being analytical stood me in good stead all my working years AND for the pleasure when reading because I love it too. That gift, has helped me in trying to interpret the very poorly written WV. State Law, County and City Ordnances. It is the ambiguity ( confusion is also a good word), that I believe is put in on purpose. Most of the Laws end up protecting or excluding the Elected/ Appointed in Governmental positions from being held accountable/ responsible for what they do or don't do. Heavy emphasis should be on "don't"; I am sorry to say.
These kids with their so open and absorbent minds will never have another chance to do what they need to assist them ALL their lives. The inability to read and understand is going to cost them jobs, promotions, pay raises and the best possible futures in most cases. If one goes to work for dad or gets the company, he/ she may do well. But had better hire one who CAN read and understand. IRS will eat them alive. Reading today is not just the pleasure I grew up with; it is a MUST to survive in an ever more complicated/ complex world. Come on Educators; do your damn jobs and EDUCATE.
Now in the 2014 census estimate, Ohio has 11,536,000 people; West Virginia has 1,853,000. Yet they are expected to get 97 early release drug offenders; West Virginia 59? Does anyone see something WAY out whack here?
Mr. Martin in P'burg says adamantly against the early release. He is ABSOLUTLY correct. And the fact that the three coming here will probably get picked up and if on parole soon returned to Prison; in the interim, the robberies, assaults and hopefully not murders that will occur with the pain/ loss/ anguish to still more victims will in the end show the absolute stupidity of looking on drug dealing as non violent. Will all three fail? I can honestly say I hope not? But in an area with limited employment if they look and the close proximity to their old buddies and sources; time will probably not be on their side?
And the recent news out of South Carolina where a Police Officer was just fired for "throwing" an unruly student across a school room begs the question? Just how much force and when can be used? I don't think the kid should have been "tossed" unless armed or trying to attack the Officer. And that did not appear to be an issue. But it is sad that Public Employees be it a teacher/ principle/ police officer have so little respect that a student can even get to that point? In my day, a good butt whipping at home went a long ways. Now it is child abuse. Kid tries to strangle/ kill the parent or another and it is "ah poor baby". Those kids TODAY will be the ones in an early release program of some sort in 5- 10 years. Good example of how discipline properly applied is a plus later even if it hurts some today.
As I have noted before, I like to record things and than watch them when I can go through the commercials. Have done that again with the Debate last night. So far finished the kids table debate. Wow, those guys really had their ducks in a row. They did an excellent job of presenting their points when asked questions.
The talking heads have stated how bad the moderators did; but I guess that is the big debate which I am just starting to watch. Certainly did not seem so in the first 4 guys? I don't usually watch debates at all but this next Election is such a do or die for the Country that I want to have the best possible idea on who is what? And this dire need to turn our local area is just as important in a micro sort of way. The old saying "Power to the People" is just so true in November 2017. 'nuff said.