Union County deserves better

From Gary O’Daniels

Creston

In 2008, I ran for the office of supervisor with the sole intent of trying to bring some common sense to the process of county government. I was not interested in the salary or the fringe benefits that are provided to the supervisors. I was hoping to be able to develop a more reasonable approach in dealing with issues affecting the personnel that are employed by the county. Unfortunately, I was not successful in my efforts.

The residents of Union County deserve to have individuals serving in public office who are
there for the sole purpose of carrying out the responsibilities of their office. We do not need individuals who view the position of county supervisor as a permanent position and who appear to be more interested in the salary and fringe benefits than they are in carrying out the functions of county government.

As post commander of Creston’s VFW Post 1797, every month at our meetings I read a statement that directs members to “not let petty jealousies or trivial personalities influence our deliberations.” In the past two years, this type of attitude as been very prevalent in how the board of supervisors deals with personnel issues facing them. This type of attitude has surfaced once again as the supervisors are trying to circumvent state law regarding the administration of the Union County Jail.

If you are truly interested in improving how Union County government is carried out, there is still time to get the required signatures on your nomination papers before the March 31 deadline. We need individuals who are truly interested in improving the quality of county government and who are not running just because they view the position as a “cushy” job that pays well and provides excellent benefits. To paraphrase a statement from JFK, “Ask not what county government can do for you, ask what you can do for county government.”