Jackie McMillan To Retire!

It's with both sadness and joy that I announce the upcoming retirement of Ms. Jackie McMillan from the school system. It's sad to see someone who has been so totally helpful, to so many over the years retire. She always managed to be much more than just pleasant even in the most trying of personal and professional circumstances. She is a pillar of integrity in a system seemingly dominated by half truths and lies. So it's with joy that I celebrate her finally getting out of the mess and having time to do as she chooses for a while. I wish you well in all your coming adventures and activities. You leave some terribly big shoes to fill and everyone who comes into the central office will miss that wonderful smile and helpful attitude. Have a great retirement. Allen Barrett

1st Lay Offs In County Government!!!!!

For the first time in my memory there are people being laid off from their government jobs in Giles County. Two people in the Register of Deeds Office were let go because of a lack of funds coming into the office. Last year approximately $24,000.00 in excess fees were channeled into the general fund, this year they can’t even pay the employees. How long before other offices are effected?

After much protestation from the County Executive that the county was in good financial shape I wonder if she might now admit that if the county’s not broke it’s at least badly bent. Even with these revelations there is still no serious effort to cut the spending and more people are being added to Mrs. Vanzant’s staff. Is it possible that the County Executive’s plan for dealing with the unemployment problem is to eventually have everyone in Giles County working in her office?

For several years the county has been spending money like it was growing on trees. Many have warned that the spending was out of control especially when coupled with the facts that so many jobs were being lost in the county. But no one was concerned in county government enough to actually do anything. Some tried but you can’t beat a system built on fantasy, denial and buddies to the end. Even when reserves were being tapped this year to meet an overly optimistic budget some commissioners and the county executive continued to be in a state of denial about the financial situation.

It’s past time to get the county’s finances in order by getting school employees and dependents of school employees off the budget committee, off the Financial Management Committee, and off the County Commission. It’s time those without any understanding of economics, finances and budgets were taken off key committees where they sit numbed by their lack of understanding. It’s way past time the County Executive realize the rosy pictures she presents are painted with the crimson red of deficit spending. As the leader of the county she must become more accountable and thrifty in her leadership.

If action is not taken soon to stop the financial bleeding the county will be in a far worse financial mess than General Motors. Allen Barrett