Supervisors err in giving up control

Editor:

It is hard to understand why the Madison County Board of Supervisors decided to let the county administrator do the hiring, firing and the check writing for goods and services of the county. This decision by the board defies the most basic principal of transparency – it’s an invitation for favorism and may lead to an explosion of the county’s payroll.

The board of supervisors have made the county administrator the “most powerful” person in Madison County, as she can dole out jobs, purchase of goods and services at her will without being responsible to anybody.

You want a job or an order? You better be nice to the administrator.

Let us not forget that under the present county administrator the payroll of the county increased several folds. As a matter of fact, the administrator could not provide me the number of employees on the county payroll at the beginning of her engagement and now. The Eagle mentioned in its article that the county administrator reorganized the county animal shelter – well if this is a measure — it costs more now to use it and the animals are killed faster than before.

In summary – the abrogation of the duty of the board of supervisors is a very bad idea.

This brings me to the other point – it is wonderful to read that several people are now seeking election to the board of supervisors. This is a very good sign for the people of Madison County. The job is not an easy one, demanding time and effort. The candidates deserve a “thank you.”

It would be, however, appropriate if each of the candidates would provide your readers and their constituency a short outline of their program as a member of the board of supervisors. The public meetings (candidates forums) a week before the election date are nice, but very shallow. We voters are entitled to hear what programs the candidates have and how they will tackle the future infrastructure expenditure.

Are we again faced with people who will be unable or not willing to control expenses and be big spenders?

So let’s hear their job application.

Herb Putz
Madison County