Sheriff shows no accountability

Sheriff shows no accountability

I find myself flabbergasted at the fiscal irresponsibility of our sheriff. In today's economy we are all suffering the backlash of the housing market collapse, lost jobs and record numbers of people facing foreclosure on homes that they can no longer afford.

Our deputies, those who put their lives in harm's way every day, have been told that not only did they not receive a raise last year, but they will not receive a raise this year as well. However, the sheriff sees fit to give his secretary a two-pay-grade jump of almost $10,000. In addition, he is also attempting to reclassify the position as senior management, thus lining up the position's retirement status, all at the expense of the taxpayers.

Where is the accountability? It seems as though the Sheriff's Office acts as a sovereign nation and eliminates jobs and positions as a precursor to awarding higher compensation to the selected few. Will anyone question these tactics in this economy, or will it be ignored because two experienced captains were eliminated and "replaced by less compensated" captains?

As far as additional responsibilities are concerned, in reading this article, the administrative assistant oversees/supervises people who handle the tasks outlined by the new duties. So if the people placed in those positions are well-experienced, efficient individuals, then how much supervision is actually required? Or are these new duties simply a justification for the raise?

Kevin Doll remarks that "no one has had additional responsibility to the extent that Terry has." Really, Mr. Doll? Tell that to every American in this economy whose company has downsized or cut back to manage lost revenue. In a responsible corporate environment, we are all asked to do more for less.

The county administrator's administrative assistant makes $22,000 less than Ms. Phayre, the sheriff's administrative assistant. Are you telling me that managing a whole county has fewer responsibilities than running the Sheriff's Office?

Sheriff White, ask your assistant this question: Would you rather keep your already high-paying job and take on more responsibilities, or would you rather stand in the unemployment line with the rest of Pasco County?

I want an explanation,

This is ludicrous. It seems to me that the sheriff is simply setting up his confidants for the future when he is off to retirement as well.

Where is the accountability? Where is the fiscal responsibility that was touted in Bob White's election campaign? Seems to me that it is time for the County Commission to step up and ask these questions, as well as a system put in place to manage the manager.

Christopher Cooley, Hudson

Protest worked, permit denied

We are so pleased the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has denied a permit to Angelo's for the garbage dump.

We also want to thank Carl Roth for his leadership of the Protectors of Florida's Legacy group. None of these efforts would have worked without the news media's help.

To all of the people who e-mailed protests and helped in any way, thank you.

Linda Cluey and James Bailey, Dade City

Immigrants set good example

Khadiga Ibraham was a beautiful person inside and out. She nurtured her family for five years in a refugee camp while her husband Ibraham worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week to earn money to bring them to America. Once here, the family concentrated on integrating themselves into American life.

I was a volunteer tutor through Lutheran Services. Khadiga was a joy to work with and learned very quickly. From very little schooling in Arabic, she could do simple math, write, and read beginning readers. All this in seven short months. In December 2007 she understood and spoke enough English to be hired as a housekeeper at the Ramada Inn.

Her ready smile and delight at each new learning experience will be missed. She enriched the lives of her family and anyone who knew her. This immigrant family has set an example for all those who follow. May Khadiga rest in peace.

Bonnie Hecock, New Port Richey