Commentary and Opinion by Samuel Strait – September 30, 2023 While I would much rather talk about the trip that I am on, sad but true, another wasted two hours listening and commenting at the most recent Board of Supervisor's meeting, September 26th. No progress by any of the Board members when it comes to understanding that government, inefficient and ineffective at best, does not age well when even the most entitled of the County's work force, its Union head, fails to understand just how good its become working for the public. And yet, Ms. Williams continues to whine that it is "not good enough". Worse yet, the current BOS doesn't get it either. True to form, can't after all deviate from the inevitable, Chair Short seems ever fascinated with the surface of his lectern while going through the motions of the opening ceremonies. One would think by now, he would have his lines memorized, apparently not. The mumbling continues. Supervisor Starkey entertains us with her latest doings, salivating over the greater reach of government. And on down the line where fantasies of something of importance is to be elicited from our "hard working" representatives. The consent Agenda, next up, loaded with another employee for the Department of Health and Human Services, (DHHS) as well as six other items on the thirteen item list. One wonders if any of the County's other departments is able to get something in edgewise. Fully two thirds of the entire agenda appeared to be headed for for a quick 5-0 vote when two particular items were pulled for later discussion. Seems the 5-0 Club is getting quite adept at putting on a show for the public when it comes to the perennial rubber stamping of the Consent Agenda, but not so fast. Item four was primarily pulled so that Supervisor Howard could puff out his chest and pretend to be "looking out" for his constituents. Nice Job Supervisor Howard. A quick dive into Public Comment, mostly about the budget set to finish off this particular meeting then on to a series of reports. The first, an expensive report on the County's abysmal efforts to have some sort of effective communications in the County when an actual emergency hits. The bottom line, is that this is going to take a lot of money, naturally, more new hires, and lots more money. Did I say that twice. Of course nothing the County does can seem to get around lots of money and new hires, and then there is no difference when all is said and done. But someone on the end of a zoom call, I should say four someones will be paid heaps of money to say the obvious, you're going to have to hire more staff and buy all sorts of new toys for the County's disrespected employees. The next two items for the government's important general business is to insert themselves into the "opioid crisis" where a rural vehicle, a MAT vehicle, is to be purchased to save the "Walmart souls" in the bushes a lengthy trip to Humboldt to get detoxified when they overdose. That plus anything else in DHHS's cupboard to get the problem under control. Just like the Homeless problem in the County. Get the County involved and watch the numbers continue to climb. Seems like "the government can fix anything", Supervisor Starkey, would be giddy with glee. I promised not to get too carried away, so as to not hurt anyone's feeling. It is just at some point, those that represent us might take a breath and realize that more dysfunctional, yes, more dysfunctional County government is not going to make things better. Citizens continue to fail the functionality test when they become increasingly dependent on government services which have very little possibility of solving any kind of problem. A quick change of dates for November's meeting. Wouldn't want to interfere with a California State Association of Counties (CSAC) meeting, another trip for Supervisor Howard after all. And heaven forbid a meeting during Thanksgiving week. Budget transfers of $236 thousand to probation for excess jail expenditures. Then back to the Consent Agenda where Supervisor Howard got to Grandstand over item #4, whoopee! and Supervisor Starkey got to make a unhappy emoji when no second was forth coming to continue a "bridge" program for those uninsured, or too poor to pay for a Covid 19 booster. Of course with all the programs funded by DHHS, that one should be covered as well. Not to worry too much, Supervisor Starkey, you can also have a "bake sale" to pick up the slack. What was I thinking, a gofundme PAGE. Aaw, at last, the 2023-2024 Budget coming in at $208 million this cycle. Only an eleven percent increase over last cycle. Likely will be needed with all the raises and new hires. One has to hope that some where in this explosion of spending that at least the County's employees are happy. Wait.. Not a chance! MS. "pound on the lectern" Williams will be playing hooky from her real job to fight for more pay and respect from the BOS. Could be trouble. When the people who do the work for the public aren't happy, that usually means that local government has finally hit the tilt button and become too expensive for every one. So sad, trouble ahead for this Board. Vote taken without much discussion 4-1, Supervisor Howard in the "dissent", can't be looking bad with a 5-0 vote. Unfortunately Howard really wasn't against approving the budget, for him it was all about making a "statement". Never fear the 5-0 bobble heads are true to form. Wouldn't know "bad government" if it was shouted in their ears. Back to enjoying the view. ReplyForward