Now are you going to try and tell me that people have been there 20 years and never got past the "starting salary"? And if there that long, they must be making a fair wage for this area? We do not have to match Athens, Columbus, Charleston and so forth. Why are we competing "Nationally"? There are people who work from the heart and not just the next pay raise in these types of organizations. Her statement contradicts reality? I am not in favor of the "automatic pay raise" if that is what her "longevity raises" indicate? Look at Vienna and Ms. Smith (City Council Recorder, City Clerk, Police Department Employee, Liaison for the Police Department with the Council and finally the substitute Magistrate Judge in the actuals absence), who said their $728 longevity raise last year was not a raise and even with $3K in a raise this July said "it is not enough". Give raises based on what a person has done? Coming in each day and insuring their coffee cup is rinsed out at end of day does NOT constitute a reason for "longevity raise". Pay them fairly, but not because one shows up? Give a raise for a job well done? A bonus for completing a project in extraordinary style? One could almost question but the raise(s), were "buying the staff" type raises? It did seem however to work here in Vienna? I don't know how much the raises cost in total for the year, but would have gone a long way for that new vehicle she now needs. Smells like staff first, than the people they serve.
$61K for a 12 passenger bus to take people to Doctor's visits and the store(s), for groceries? Where would the folks put the groceries? On one of the seats blocking another passenger? It sounds like she needs a couple of 8 passenger vans where the back can be folded down to hold the groceries and allow seating for several folks at one time. The other van could be used for a few to the Doctor's and pick ups? Really sounds like the bus is too big for what she says she needs? If 12 going to CCMC, than maybe a need? But if too one's primary or a specialist, who are located all over the place? For that $61K, she could get two 8 passenger vans with greater maneuverability and ease of dispatching. And one must see to the needs of those in wheel chairs accessibility situations. Bus can be set up also for this, but loses seating as the ones I have seen take one and a half/ two spaces for a wheel chair occupant? And reconfiguring when no need for a wheel chair space in not very comfortable. I never enjoyed sitting on a drop down seat. In a van, the center seats can be removed for a wheel chair and reinstalled very quickly from what I have seen over the years? Nothing cast in concrete; just some thoughts?
And I was overwhelmed without even getting a gift from the Salvation Army. At least 15 presents per child? That is unbelievable? And we wonder why the kids today grow up thinking they are somehow entitled? When I was a tyke, 5 presents would have been a bonanza and for sure 1 or 2 would have been clothes. I did not feel deprived but knew we were of meager circumstances most times. The Army should have cut those back and saved at least 1/2 for other occasions that warranted a present or two in other parts of the year. A Birthday maybe for the tyke or someone else? Possibly if the take is not as good next year and the offerings are more meager? They are for sure not going to rot in their boxes? Today, I watched the adults (?) leaving the Salvation Army location and was in shock at the huge bags of toys some carried. A lot like a huge garbage bag; the 40 gallon sizes. Plus the over flowing shopping carts. And the Major in charge noted that each child got at least $100. in gifts. There had to be a dollar amount? Could not have just been from the heart and soul? Looking at the bikes being wheeled out, some got a lot more than the $100.?
Am hearing that the Sears Store at the Mall is being closed as part of Sears Holdings attempt to survive? Is sad, I used to go to them from when I was 17 and had to use my mom's card because I was not able to get one till age 21. Cut up my card when K-Mart screwed over me after Sears bought it. It has cost them thousands a year in lost sales just to me and my wife. Took them to Small Claims Court a few months back over their service and came away happy. But had more good than bad memories of the Chain. In its day, wow, great place to shop. Supposed to build a bunch of small stores in that space. Was not told when will close but suspect word will drop after first of year? And of course, the gossip I heard could be just that- gossip. Time will out as always.
See where WV population has dropped another 4600 people July 2014 to July 2015. Maybe explains why Vienna down to about 10,540 now? Issue as always appears to be jobs. And I am not talking about the minimum wage ones at the fast food/ sit down restaurants. And deaths outnumbering births? Wow, that is for sure bad. I have not been all over the State, but know it has a hell uva lot of good hard working people in it. Shame the Politicians cannot get past themselves and take care of those folks?
To add insult to injury is we have twice the national average for people on disability. And our Attorney General is in with the Social Security folks to go after disability fraud here. Suspect he will find more than a few? Just a year or so back that several disability attorneys and at least one SSA Judge got nailed for approving cases that were not really disabled. How many of those are still wondering around?
I certainly don't want to say I told you so, but Mr. Azinger filed pre-candidacy paperwork today for the position of Mayor. So we have at least one stalking horse in the race. And another of the eternal wannabee's, Mr. Conley is also back in the race. When people file in advance of the regular filing date, all they are doing is trying to scare others from running. All we need is Mr. Sims who cannot be far behind and we will be able to start singing "hail, hail the gangs all here". If and I repeat IF any of these three get elected, this town is screwed. All you are seeing is the packing of the Council again as Mr. Nohe did in 2008. But, at least they will begin to show at City Council meetings. I am speaking of Mr. Conley and Mr. Sims should he file again? I would note any of the upcoming challengers (less Mr. Azinger who is currently on the Council), will be missing in action until an Election is scheduled; than they right there so Mr. Rapp can gush over them as being the next best thing to tapioca. This is I believe Mr. Conley's third run at the roses? And note, he is one of the primary Coup d'état gang that was and may very well still be trying to kick Mr. Cornelius off of the Wood Republican Executive Committee as Chairman. I keep asking "where are the good people who care about Vienna"? 'nuff said.