Wicomico County Executive came before the Wicomico County Council’s budget session today asking for level funding for his office so that he may implement a reorganization of the Executive’s department. Harford County Executive David Craig came down to help Pollitt present the proposal and answer any questions as to how the system operated in Harford County.
Under the current structure, Pollitt’s office consists of:
- County Executive
- County Administrator
- Assistant County Administrator
- Public Information Officer
- 2 – Executive Assistants
If implemented, the new structure would be:
- County Executive
- Chief of Staff
- Director of Administration
- Budget Officer
- Constituent Services and Communications
- 2 – Executive Assistants
The newly created position of Chief of Staff would be, in essence, a deputy county executive. The Director of Administration would be the same position as the current county administrator. Pollitt announced that he would appoint current Assistant County Administrator Sharon Morris to replace the retiring Ted Shea.
The Budget Officer would be separate from the county’s Finance Department. The Budget Officer would prepare the budget and also monitor budgetary items throughout the fiscal year. The office of Constituent Services and Communications would replace the current Public Information Officer.
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Check out SbyNEWS tomorrow morning for a more detailed analysis of Pollitt’s proposal and county council reaction to it, and possible action on the plan.
56 comments:
Rick's favorite book:
Bureaucracy Building for Dummies
This ain't Harford County, Ricky-poo.
Typical tax & spend scam -- this won't cost anything. But just wait -- that's what they always say.
Here's a better plan -- don't remane the "public information officer" slot -- eliminate it!
Joe:
WHY?
I'm sure that Rick will whine abount how he is the only County Exec. in Maryland that does not have a "chief of staff" or a flunky with another title, and a budget officer. But the other Counties with that system are much larger and have much greater tax revenue -- Baltimore, PG, Anne Arundel, Harford, Montgomery.
It's time to ditch this system in Wicomico and get a good County Administrator, like they have in Worcester County and Sussex County.
Or at least eliminate the man who holds the position of public information officer.
how about you roll up a turd in a new wrapper and guess what, you still get a turd.
lets make everyone else do my job kinda thing? alright ricky...lets cut your pay into 6ths and each position gets a portion of your pie.
You don't need a chief of staff for a staff of 6 or 8 people? Another budget office, you've got to be kidding. A lot of this sounds like a duplication of services. The Carolina's are sounding better every day.
Had 6, Rick proposes we have 7. How's this, Taxpayer proposes we have 5.
But the voters of Wicomico County did not want a strong County Council (remember Henry Parker, Phil Tighlman, Rusty Molnar) and County Administrator (remember Matt Creamer) form of government. This is why the majority of voters in Wicomico County voted for the Charter change to lessen the County Council's role in day-to-day government operation and voted for a County Executive. Don;t you remember that or, have you already forgotten.
Speaking from experience, Ricky would NOT survive the scrutiny David Craig receives everyday in Har Co.
Ricky is a lot like Eileen Rerhman (old har co executive). Since he was WiCo first, like her, he hasn't a clue, just like her and her tenure. It is fun and sad at the same time to watch it all unfold.
I think the Executive assistant can do the job of all the above and save LOTS of money.
Tricky Rick !
I hope this is a joke
So he want's to go from 6 positions to 7? Which will take mroe money in his budget... He want's to use Harford county system so he can keep his PIO...
Anon 1:46 p.m.
That's the whole point... he is trying to make it so he does less for his great pay, also so he can get more funding for his budget and also to keep his PIO... Not to mention, he is adding a position with Harford system...
What a FARCE!
So what will the co executive do?
And let's not forget Creamer came back and took away some of the work from the administrator so Shea decided to stay for 6 more years. This is all being done so Pollitt can spend more time politicking across the bridge.
If your looking to blame those who created Wicomico County's current form of government, you may want to read the minutes of the February 25, 2003 Wicomico County Council meeting.
"Charter Review Committee"
"Mr. Shea confirmed the following persons are willing to serve from the 2002 Charter Review Committee-Henry Parker, Chair, Kenneth Matthews, Vice Chair; M. J. Caldwell, A. Kaye Kenney, Scott Robertson, William Duvall, Edward Henry, Tee O’Connor, William Evans and Vernon Rivers. Unable to serve are Lt. William Harden, Joe Holloway, Luis Luna and Wayne Calloway. Mr. Sarbanes added that Edward Banks agreed to serve. Mrs. Prettyman suggested the committee be closed with the eleven aforementioned. Council concurred."
Henry Parker,
Kenneth Matthews,
M. J. Caldwell,
A. Kaye Kenney,
Scott Robertson,
William Duvall,
Edward Henry,
Tee O’Connor,
William Evans,
Vernon Rivers, and
Edward Banks,
drafted the Charter Revision that the majority of voters, who bothered to vote, approved and gave Wicomico County its current form of government.
Where does he get the moxi to add personel to a dept that everybody is clearly wanting to downsize? We have people losing their jobs, taking un-paid time off, and taking cuts in pay. These extra people cost money and were not just talking about the upfront cost of pay. So now we know why the new alcohol tax and the other taxes that are slated to hit us are really about. More gov't spending. They just don't get it!(or won't)
Another slick trick by Rick -- he deliberately did not discuss this in his budget message in mid-April, but waited until the 11th hour and got another County Exec to help him dupe us.
The County Council needs to cut the funding for his office by at least 1/3rd.
Let's impeach this idiot before he runs the county in the ground!! Put a "sign up petition" at Walmart North and South and they shall come!! This massive man has no idea what he's doing except at the dinner table. We need to eliminate jobs and a few people who already hold jobs (including Tricky Ricky)! Joe, start a petition!! Ill sign it!!PLEASE!!!!!
I can't believe I just read this! Yes, Must be a Dream for sure! Looks like he wants to put in the same hrs. as Creamer!
We the people are Not Stupid!
Instead of building a bigger empire, how about we fix some roads?
I find it ironic that those of you that supported the revenue cap, are screaming when the county tries to operate within it (2% increase in revenue), and pretty much the same group that voted for the cap, voted for the executive form (because you were dupped by voice) and are now screaming about how bad this is. Sounds to me like you all need to think about what you vote for, and don't cry when the reality of what you voted for comes full circle. (said years ago that one day I would be saying I told you so, so......I told you so) rotfl, what a bunch of cry babies. blaaaahh blaaaahhh waaahhh waaaaahhh
Just doesn't get it does he.
This is crazy. Rick want to revamp his chain of command. Hire more of his friends for these position. Cause more citizens to pay more taxes to fund this restructuring of the government. Create more layoffs and furloughs. At the same time, the poor and middle class employed in Wicomico County haven't recieve pay raises or even a cost of living increase in years. And to top it off, his telling the county counsel, their services is no longer necessary.
Wicomico County form of government is not for the middle class or poor. It's for the rich. This system IS corrupt. Shame on you Rich. People are struggling out here. Shame on you.
Council - please cut the money going to his office, do not add more. That is what is wrong with his way of thinking now, i.e. we can't do anything cause we need more. Enough already slick Rick. I see more and more why Fruitland was tickled to death to get rid of him.
I say decrease his department line by $150,000 dollars so the retirement is not replaced and the PIO (Pitiful Individual Officer) is also eliminated. Give NO raises and keep their salaries the same until Rick is gone. Hopefully, the next election!! We need 1. someone who knows what he's doing and doesn't need someone to change his diapher, give him a rattle, burp him and wake him up to go home; 2. someone who is genuinely concerned about the taxpayers by; 3. being a fiscal responsibile manager; and 4. someone who will do what the people want and not only what their personal agenda is. The form of government might work if we get rid of this oversized baby who is clueless!!!
I remember writing way back when the County Executive position was proposed that there would be a whole new level of bureaucracy. As 2:32 said, the voters of Wicomico County approved the new government set-up; now we must live with it. One does wonder what Mr. Pollitt will have left to with all these directors and assistants. We're only a county of some 100,000 people. Do we really need all this? (Harford is about 2 1/2 times our size)
I am so disappointed in Rick. Being a "good guy" doesn't matter if you're over your head - and this plan shows Rick is drowning!!!
Whoever is his real "inner circle" has led him to disaster. I know for a fact that he does have some good people offering to help him - but all he does is act like he wants their advice/help and then does what HE wants.
If Rick promotes Sharon Morris, she would become county exec if something happened to Rick. (Rick maybe you should read the Charter once in a while buddy.) Don't know many folks - if any - would agree that she is qualified to hold that position.
As far as Fineran - Rick has been TOLD REPEATEDLY that he is an anchor around his neck yet Rick has some strange and mysterious loyalty to him. Wonder what it is??!! That guy is a joke!
Rick likes to quote Presidents and history - yet he has missed one of the greatest lessons of history - surrounding yourself with greatness.
Rick has surrounded himself with mediocrity and low level staffers who have been promoted over their heads.
If Sharon Morois becomes County Administrator and Fineran gets more "title" (I refuse to say responsibility because he isn't doing his job now...), I for one will be happy to join an impeachment effort or support the Council's move - through use of the Charter - to remove him.
This is an embarrassment after 4 1/2 years in office. Let's bring in some grown ups to run this county who have a business background, are non-partisan and will do what needs to be done instead of "protecting" the incompetent.
Rick, thought you were better than this. It is no longer the council looking bad - but YOU!
Council - time to step up and take care of this problem. You'll have all the support you need.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Government workers are not born. They are made. They have no choice. No matter how hard they try to stick to their guns and do the right thing, they are shot down at every turn. If you really knew how bad things are you'd poop your pants. The total lack of common sense is astounding. The spending problems are nothing new. The administration has been told by the peons for years that something needed to be done. When someone complained about some inappropriate expenditure the stat answer was always "It's in their budget". What does that mean Sherlock? You are the Einstein that approved it! This latest idea takes the cake. I'm surprised they don't want the taxpapers to fund another study to tell them that if they had brains they would be dangerous.
I do not see a Budget office administrator for Black People?
5:09
I DID vote for the revenue cap, I DID NOT vote for this form of government.
seriously, if there are any council members who are reading this blog, please take drastic steps to shoot this down and to evaluate Rick Pollitt as someone who should be removed from office. SERIOUSLY, we need to start signing petitions to have him removed. he has proven that he does not get it. he did not hear the voice in the last election at all. it was only a few months ago for heaven's sake! he needs to go before he bankrupts the county. he like the king with no pants and doesn't know it, because he just won't admit it!! Rick, why don't you just resign and go catch chickens on some farm -- anything that you're at least qualified for. No wait, you can't catch chickens -- you might eat one!! Now that's funny I don't care who you are!!
Sharon Morris was a secretary before she was promoted to her position. What education does she have to support this position? What will her position pay?
Also, I thought Pat Peterson does the budget. What will she does besides frame and hang her certificates from her one day training seminars? Get real and make the hard decisions to put the right people in the right positions to do the job.I think that Ricks idea would be considered if his department was running well now. Jim Finnerman has needed to go since day one. Since Rick doesn't listen to us about this, why sould we listen to this AND fund yet another "politically right/buddy" position???
Joe - get something started....what does the public have to do to get him OUT!
I think it is important to understand the entire plan before assuming the outcome. Rick mentioned downsizing as a result of the retirement program. Optimistically, the results the citizens’ desire may be within the organizational plans outside the Executive office. Although still unknown, it could mean recruitment of talent within the organization, the centralization of important knowledge within one department, a support the Executives mission for transparency, or an opportunity to promote employee morale. As mentioned, it is unknown at this point. Success is within the team he builds and often that requires change. A good team is often more than one or two people. Again, I think it is important to understand a plan in its entirety before assumptions.
7:30, I said MOST. The numbers for the cap, and the numbers for the Exec. form were very similar. You do the math. MOST people that voted for the cap were the same crop that believed in the almight VOICE who has YET to find all this fat they talked about. Where are they now? Hiding. The only one you hear from now is the bad haircut guy John, whose only suggestions on "saving" the county more money are ones that will actually cost money. Voice, next time you have a great idea, take it to another county. Your ideas don't seem to work to good here.
Anonymous said...
So he want's to go from 6 positions to 7? Which will take mroe money in his budget... He want's to use Harford county system so he can keep his PIO...
May 31, 2011 3:22 PM
Or make his flunky PIO Chief of Staff!
Anonymous said...
I find it ironic that those of you that supported the revenue cap, are screaming when the county tries to operate within it (2% increase in revenue), and pretty much the same group that voted for the cap, voted for the executive form (because you were dupped by voice) and are now screaming about how bad this is. Sounds to me like you all need to think about what you vote for, and don't cry when the reality of what you voted for comes full circle. (said years ago that one day I would be saying I told you so, so......I told you so) rotfl, what a bunch of cry babies. blaaaahh blaaaahhh waaahhh waaaaahhh
May 31, 2011 5:09 PM
Must be a Social Miscreant, Liberal Dumbocrat!
I remember writing way back when the County Executive position was proposed that there would be a whole new level of bureaucracy. As 2:32 said, the voters of Wicomico County approved the new government set-up; now we must live with it. One does wonder what Mr. Pollitt will have left to with all these directors and assistants. We're only a county of some 100,000 people. Do we really need all this? (Harford is about 2 1/2 times our size)
May 31, 2011 6:17 PM
Anonymous Let's Save the County said...
I am so disappointed in Rick. Being a "good guy" doesn't matter if you're over your head - and this plan shows Rick is drowning!!!
Whoever is his real "inner circle" has led him to disaster. I know for a fact that he does have some good people offering to help him - but all he does is act like he wants their advice/help and then does what HE wants.
If Rick promotes Sharon Morris, she would become county exec if something happened to Rick. (Rick maybe you should read the Charter once in a while buddy.) Don't know many folks - if any - would agree that she is qualified to hold that position.
As far as Fineran - Rick has been TOLD REPEATEDLY that he is an anchor around his neck yet Rick has some strange and mysterious loyalty to him. Wonder what it is??!! That guy is a joke!
Rick likes to quote Presidents and history - yet he has missed one of the greatest lessons of history - surrounding yourself with greatness.
Rick has surrounded himself with mediocrity and low level staffers who have been promoted over their heads.
If Sharon Morois becomes County Administrator and Fineran gets more "title" (I refuse to say responsibility because he isn't doing his job now...), I for one will be happy to join an impeachment effort or support the Council's move - through use of the Charter - to remove him.
This is an embarrassment after 4 1/2 years in office. Let's bring in some grown ups to run this county who have a business background, are non-partisan and will do what needs to be done instead of "protecting" the incompetent.
Rick, thought you were better than this. It is no longer the council looking bad - but YOU!
Council - time to step up and take care of this problem. You'll have all the support you need.
May 31, 2011 6:29 PM
Well said my friend, well said. I couldn't have said it better myself!!
To 10:08 Post
You speak for yourself. I have checked my own real estate taxes and every year the County real property tax rate has gone down as a result of the revenue cap.
I would much rather have the tax money in my own hip pocket as opposed to the Government and bureaucrats.
I'll bet you my bottom dollar that you are one of the government culprits who is on the public dole. Well I've got news for you - I'm one of the others - (majority) - who is on the opposite side of the fence.
I'll take the Revenue Cap any day of the week.
Now scat - you've been made out - your pale has holes and doesn't carry water.
10:20, no, just calling it like it is. What, did I hit a nerve? Truth hurt? I am actually a pretty conservative person. Just able to think for myself and think about the outcome of my votes.
10:30, think about it. How realistic is it for the tax rate to only work in one direction, down. When once in how many years, the tax rate needs to increase to maintain revenue, people are screaming? You will have lost your bottom dollar. I do not work for government. Just because someone can see the forest for the trees, doesn't make them a government worker. It just makes me realistic. Why, if you voted for the magical cap, are you upset that the county is working within the stipulations of it? Or are you one of those dummies that just voted for it without truly understanding it?
rick ,i voted for you in the last last election but morris in sheas job is a total joke!!!!you need to get off that liberal kool aid your sipping !!! 100% tee totaly bad decision.
You all keep saying to bring in people with a business background. Well, if this county was a business, don't you think it would be trying to make money? Don't you think there wouldn't be a question of raising taxes every year to the maximum the cap allows? Especially if the business couldn't break even. The county is into providing services. Business is into providing product with a profit. Big difference. Tell me, all you business people, how many businesses aren't interested in a profit?
Looks like pontious pollitt has betrayed those that voted for him. Some people just don't understand the bait and switch politricks.They get your vote to do what they want to do in office. They don't think about those that got them in because they have other people to please. He can get out the same way he got in. VOTES. If he is now self employed and not working for the people he needs to go. I see him as a jelley fish .
What happened to doing more with less? No wonder there are so many comments on this post.
saying Yes to the "revenue cap" was a correct vote and still is.
raising taxes in a poor economic enviornment is a bad move.
saying Yes for the county executive form of government and especially for rick was a BAD vote.
rick doesn't seem to be able to get this house (wicomico county) in order. he is in over his head.
county council do what you can to reverse this situation ASAP. wicomico county is going under fast and it's citizens don't want to go down with this ship......
2:11 AM, if you understand taxes, raising the rate does not necessarily raise your tax bill. But then again, why do I bother.
10:43 The county is a NONprofit government. It is meant to break even NOT overtax the citizens. We want business people who know how to Organize, Prioritize, Manage, know and work WITHIN budgets (the county doesn't have to advertise, sell a product, etc. - just collect and spend taxes), be flexible, and to DO WHAT THE CUSTOMERS (TAXPAYERS) WANT!!! Rick doesn't get it. He just wants to do what he wants to do. He is a total waste and so is his immediate staff. What WE (taxpayers) need to do is take a marale survey of the executive team and a vote of confidence and see how this works out. BET! They would vote all of them out too!!
8:13, how are we overtaxed? We have the lowest tax revenue per capita of nearly the entire state. We have a higher population than Worcester and probably Somerset put together, and still pay less taxes. Your local tax dollar is your most visible tax dollar. You see more out of it than you do your Fed. or State taxes, yet you pay more to the others. The tax rate has been falling for the last many many years. How can you expect it to continue downward and still retain basic services. Please point out fat and waste.
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