Reform County Government Structure
I believe that it is time to reform a few things in the structure of Gilmer County's Board of Commissioners. My experience as your Post 2 Commissioner for the last 3-1/2 years has provided insight that I never realized until "walking in the shoes".
Most people don't realize that under the current county charter, the Chairman has sole control over all county employees except the County Clerk. This includes all departments and department heads. As far as the day to day operation of the county goes, the Chairman's role is essentially that of a sole commissioner. The Post Commissioners generally serve in a legislative capacity, while the Chairman is the Chief Executive. This means that department heads are sometimes hired without consideration of the Post Commissioners. This also means that all Road Department operations are at the direction of the Chairman. This includes the decision of which roads are paved and which roads are worked and mowed. Unfortunately, the Post Commissioners get a share of the blame, whether deserved or not, for these actions since the people perceive that they have elected a Board of Commissioners. I propose changes (see below) to the county charter that will address these imbalances of power. I will also enforce a strict policy against county employees working on any private property (except as required such as by building inspectors, firefighters, etc.).
I propose that the county charter be simply amended in 3 ways:
- Each fall and winter, the three Commissioners will hold public meetings after considering all of the county's roads and their needs in an impartial, needs based approach. A road paving priority list will be created and approved by majority vote long before warm weather arrives and paving begins. The road paving will then progress according to this adopted priority list in plain sight of the public.
- A list of department heads and essential positions will be agreed upon by resolution and majority vote of the Board of Commissioners. These positions will then only be hired or continued by majority vote of the Board of Commissioners. I do propose that there be a provision of veto by the Chairman of any such position, since the Chairman does act as chief executive over the day to day operations, and it would not be productive for the Chairman to have to work with someone that he was outvoted on.
- The expense reimbursements, charges, and credit card statements of the Board of Commissioners would be submitted monthly to the legal organ (newspaper) of the county and posted to the county's web site accordingly.