Some Wicomico leaders paid six figures, but pay comparable to other countiesSALISBURY — How much people earn is a taboo topic, yet annual salary determines which jobs people take or don’t take, the type of house they can afford, and whether they’ll stay with an employer.
Some salaries are private, while those of government employees are not. Their pay is public because it is the taxpayers who support their jobs financially.
As the first in a series of articles that will explore and explain public employees’ salaries throughout the Lower Shore, The Daily Times looks today at how Wicomico County’s employees are paid, what its overtime policies are and how people increase their yearly earnings.
The Top 10 salaries belonged mainly to department heads in fiscal year 2013, with Wicomico County Director of Administration Wayne Strausburg as the highest paid employee at $125,400. Director of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Gary Mackes was a close second with a salary of $120,700.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
100 comments:
This is an excellent article.
I would like to know if the county is hiring so I could try to get a job that offers a big incentive bonus! THIS IS HOW MY TAX DOLLARS ARE BEING SPENT - ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!
Mackes needs to be really looked at. I'm sure all the sales people on staff at the Civic Center and in the rest of his kingdom wonder how the caterer managed to bring in soooooo much business that he gets a $32k "bonus". What a slap in their faces! Or maybe he should just fire all the sales force and let the caterer "sell" for him.
Also, how about the amount of money he received via the budget for new vehicles. I understand that Mackes is driving around in a new Tahoe. Can't wait to see him profiling in that - Mr. Big Shot.
Problems in his department are not a surprise. Check out how few women and minorities he promotes. See how many are "directors" or "managers". Check out how many women and minorities sit on his committees. Ask his employees how he speaks to them in tone and language. Ask volunteers and staff how many meetings he's left in a huff because things weren't going his way.
Everyone knows that Strasberg and Mackes are buddies. Those two can be seen yuking it up at their favorite watering hole with their county cars parked in the parking lot. Is that what you call leading by example?
Something is really wrong when the head of Recs & Parks makes more than the Sheriff - not to mention the County Exec, if we truly had one who acted like an Executive.
It is no wonder that so many well-known locals are claiming their "second" homes as their primary residences or moving out of the county completely. The tax revenue in this county will just continue to decline. But as long as the caterer got his bonus and Mackes his Tahoe and other new vehicles - all must be right with Wicomico County!
Rick Pollitt needs to act like an executive and show some leadership or he needs to go too.
390,000 and 768,500 spent on overtime for corrections and the Sheriff's Department. I have to wonder if this is an every year thing or just happened to go up this year. If this is happening every year at what point would they figure out that hiring MORE people would be cheaper.
Comparable to other counties - I bet other counties ARE RUN MUCH BETTER THAN THIS ONE!
That argument doesn't hold any water.
I hope those employees that could have had a piece of the pie are disgusted. This is unbelievable that one person would receive $33,000 bonus and the others entitled get zero. How the heck do you get a job like that? Explain the to the people in Wicomico County whose taxes continually increase why any one person should receive a $30,000 plus bonus. What the heck is he really doing for Mackes? Wrong, wrong, wrong.
I would love to read the rest of this SBYNews article EXCEPT when I click "more" I'm sent to delmarvanow.com and am prevented from reading the article unless I subscribe. NO....NO.....NO The mid-shore rag will NOT get any of my money and I am a little upset that when I forward to read the rest of the SBYNews article....that I have to put up with delmaranow's crap.
No no no. WTH? One county employee gets a $30,000 bonus? So Mr. Gary, just how do you determine he deserves the whole pile of money and no one else deserves a penny. You are such a loser and why the hell this county puts up with you says alot about Ricky and his newest dude, strasburg.
I'm $$$$ing ticked off. How can anyone on Wicomico's payroll earn a bonus of 30,000 dollars. Who the heck is the boss to Gary Mackes. No excuse for this kind of bonus to one person when the people in Wicomico County are struggling like we are.
In defense of Gary Mackes, Gary makes money for the County.
3:42 SBYNEWS article IS the delmarvanow.com article. Clear your history and you can read the article in its entirety.
13:29 ALL counties have their problems for taxpayers to gripe over but do nothing to change.
Really 4:15? And then he gives it to ONE EMPLOYEE in a lump sum of $30,000. Don't feed this garbage to an employee who knows better. Gary Mackes has needed to be "retired" for years and now that his buddy Wayne boy is in the executive's office he is safer than ever.
Rick Pollitt do what you know needs to be done or lose your seat at the next election. This is fodder for the fire. I can't wait for the campaign. Haven't heard of anyone who is interested in running but this should make them come out now. Couldn't be a better time.
Can Mackes make a decision to give $33,000 away without the approval of the Executive? If so then we have more problems that we even knew in this county.
As a small businessperson,I can barely pay my bills but all the taxes I pay go to people making this kind of money?This is why government must be downsized.
HOw much money was given to Mackes to buy new vehicles? That 30,000 could have bought something. Appalling.
I've heard of someone who is planning on running and their plan is to fire Mackes as soon as possible after winning election.
They have my vote!!!
Mackes is a great judge of character. Wonder if he will show up tomorrow for his protege's court case. I hear he has promoted this dude across the state and now he is going to jail. Or maybe Mackes is the one who taught him all he knows. Afterall, isn't that what a protege is, he learned from example from a older successful person. You are laughable Mackes to everyone but your buddies Waynie and Rickie.
This has proven a point - I've always heard that Mackes pulled the strings in this county....seems like it may be true.
The best words for Mackes is "arrogant bully". Just never understand why he hasn't bit the dust a long time ago. He is a pitiful example for a department head.
I have a question. If I and my wife, or I and my husband file a joint tax return, isn't the posting of these salaries an invasion of my privacy?
"Cecil County Council members make $30,000 annually, while Wicomico council members make $16,000."
And you wonder why you don't have quality elected council members in this area?
This is poverty wages for an elected official who puts in full time hours as a county councilman.
Does this factor in the ridiculous benefits that public sector employees get? like Pension, vacation, comp time, sick days, health care ?????? If you add in all of the perks that the taxpayer has to fund for public sector workers their income is much higher.
Six years ago Pollitt had to give seacret raises to get around the county council, now he has four council members that support him and his budget so he can hand out these raises. Thank goodness for people like Bob Culver Joe Holloway and Gail Barkovitch for looking out for the the taxpayers and not buying into Pollitt and Strasburgs BS. Lets recall the RINOS and vote out Pollitt and Sample- Hughes.
Mackes got a new SUV this year $58.000
As another commenter said he makes lots of money for the county. So hopefully the money he makes bought the SUV. NOT!
6:56pm Who was the council person who exposed the so called "secret raises?" I think it was Prettyman and now you are calling her a RINO? Bob Culver wasn't even on the council then. Give me a break. "Let's recall the Rinos & vote out Pollitt & Sample-Hughes. Too late for that, I think. I want our county council to work together on issues which affect me, regardless of political affiliation. Some of you "tea baggers" need to understand that & get on board.
That caterer that received the 30k plus bonus is just a arrogant $%# hole just like his director is .If he had or could grow a set he would give all the people below him money out of his pocket for helping him make it happen if the figures are correct which mackes is a expert at numbers and twisting them to make things look good for him and his dept heads
It's funny...... When things are good in the private sector you hear things like " I wouldn't do your job for that pay" or " is that all you make" or " I couldn't put up with the politics of your job". But boy o boy 7-10 years ago when carpenters, elections, plumbers, hvac techs ect were raping people that was just capitalism. I get so sick of the crying. I chose to work for the county. When I took the job , the job offer came with benefits. I choose my career and you chose yours. Just because you work for the city, county, or state doesn't mean you should work for pennies and walk around thanking everyone you see for your job. If people want to complain about salaries lets talk about the state employed unemployed who get a pay check for doing nothing. Get health insurance for doing nothing. Get food stamps for doing nothing. Get help with their utilities for doing nothing. That's worthy of a good conversation!
OMG - $58000 SUV- he has a better ride than any employee in the county! Disgusting waste of money furnished by the hard working tax payers of Wicomico County - most of whom couldn't afford a vehicle that expensive.
Mackes is so out of control. Clearly, no one is managing him!!!!
Mackes is making them look like arrogant, entitled idiots who have no respect for the public's money.
Thought Wayne the new guy was a business genius. Really?
Great reporting and thanks for sharing this on your blog!
5:51 - that's funny - our clowns aren't worth the money they are currently paid.
6:56 - completely agree. I know Bob and Joe have their "issues", but at least they aren't supporting buying expensive vehicles and giving huge incentive bonuses.
Mackes is making them look like geniuses.
And to the person who commented about Mackes making lots of money for the county - if you checked around, you might find it is the employees (who DID NOT receive any "incentive" bonuses) who are bringing in the money. Mackes' style is not conducive to good customer relations. LOL!
don't forget that double dipper matt creamer! matt has long roots in the good ole boyz club.
Its a shame that there are other employees on Mackes staff that are good stewards for the dept and the taxpayer but constantly get passed over when i comes time for there 8% Seems that if your not in a money making division of his you end up with little or nothing always has been always will be.
It's a shame how corrupt Wicomico county is. Employees working for Wicomico County are receiving pennies compare to what these people mentioned receive. Correctional officers are paid pennies and are required to work overtime. People need to spend time with their children families and friends. How can they when they only make pennies per work and have to work overtime to make up the difference. It is shame that these fat cats work in one department and retire. Just to work in another department in Wicomico county after retiring from the first department. Colbourne Dykes taught his buddies well (How To Rip-Off money from Wicomico County) His, Good 'Ole Boy system of friends is bankrupting wicomico county. Crocks are what they are. Crocks.
It is the other departments that make Gary look good. Employees are working for $8.00-$8.25 an hour, part-time.
I'm so freaking pissed about these fat cats income. We work for years w/o pay raises and cola increases. Then, all of a sudden, we get a pay raise. I guess the pay raise received in July will keep the employees mouth shut for another 10 years. More overtime pay.
I know there were employees at the Detention Center that got raises that were already making over 35,000.00 .Since K has been there his has begged for higher starting salaries to attract retired and State employees. The daily times need to print all salaries that way everyone would know who is making what .The officers that have been furloughed and worked themselves got pennies compared to what the new hires and picks and favors got. There are ranking staff that make less than junior staff due to being exempt from overtime and on top of that they are on call without being compensated. Wicomico County should be ashamed to employ Directors that get paid so well and do nothing but lie and make staffs life _ell. WITH ALL OF THE STATE EMPLOYEES BEING HIRED ITS NOTHING LESS THAN GENICIDE FOR THE OLDER STAFF AT WCDC sorry I meant WCDOC .
If Bob & Joe weren't on the council I'm just wondering what else would be happening that we don't know about. They both grill Mackes when he shows up at their council meetings along with that Strausburg guy. Both those guys get really red in the face when asked some hard questions. It's a sight to see.
I thought the position of Executive paid $85,000. Did Rick get a raise, too?
Gary now has a salary of $150,700.
That's reality .
That hide the fact that this is not a salary increase.
We have parks that don't have a single person visit , we have trash everywhere in some parks , good job .
sure would like to know what Salisbury University employees make and other state employees also
7:18 Uncover that, and watch the death threats get posted... a la prmc and firebitches.
You people on here just bitch and moan to bitch and moan. Anytime salaries are released here or anywhere else you just bitch. Send in your resume and get a better paying job. But you won't do that because you people are LAZY!! Quit being so jealous of people that have higher paying jobs than you. It's that freaking simple. (now ducking for cover lol)
the problem here is that the private sector is being destroyed. most private sector employees have not gotten a raise much less a bonus in years. now private sector employees are being reduced to part time employees because of the government. then you look at public sector employees and they are getting raises, bonuses, new vehicles on top of their benefits. we will see how long this lasts before it collapses
It's likely a commission and not a bonus. Most catering directors in the private sector are compensated with both base salary and commission/bonus. No news here.
when government employee's salaries are for outpacing the private sector then it will be a problem. whether it is Washington or Salisbury.
Mackes should have been tossed along time ago! along with all the other good ole boys!
This article doesn't have anything to do with tax returns. It has to do with what these public employees were paid with tax payer money.
Joe - can you put at top - many people may have missed it being posted yesterday. Thanks.
Why no crying over Mike Lewis giving his buddies a 10% raise when the rest of thew county got 1.5%. Lewis gave all of his inner circle a 10% bump. The deputies got 1.5. When the deputies asked Mikey why he said he had to take care of "his". Wow I guess all the people actually out on the street fighting crime are not his. Look at the Brass making tons of overtime. Look at people with hundreds of hours of comp and overtime that have never wotked a weekend or a holiday. They quit posting leave at the Sheriff's Office because the theft was being pointed out and Mikeys buds couldnt deal with it. People it is called theft. If you did that anywhere else it would be theft.
These salaries are completely out of line. It is no wonder the county is bankrupt and the executive, and councils are always wanting to raise our taxes.
I think the salaries need to be frozen and no pay raises given to any employees making over $75,000.
The taxpayers are not receiving value for their dollars with these characters. It is obvious no one is watching what is going on hence that is why we are in such financially dire shape. THE LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS NEED TO BE CHANGED IMMEDIATELY.
Mackes must be REALLY proud today. The kid he promoted all over the county and state was sentenced to 8 years SERVED in prison for first degree assault. He helped this kid so much; the kid's father sits on Mackes' boards and is a contractor with county. Another BLACK mark on the record for ole Gary - how much is Ricky boy going to put up with? Mackes' hey day was years ago - his ego and controlling ways have ruined him. COUNTY OFFICIALS - do your job and rid the county of him - before we have a law suit to deal with because of his ignorant ways!!!!!
Beyond disgusted!!!
Rick Pollit what is wrong with you?? You need to stop relying on others and PROTECT THIS COUNTY!
Wayne S. - thought you had a business background. This wouldn't stand in the corporate world - borders on insubordination. Quit protecting your buddy he is not worth it! You are not serving the Executive the way you should. Fire Mackes' butt!
Mr. Albero, please bring this up to the top. This is important to the people.
9:00,exactly right.I remember back in the 60s when working at any government job was for job security and not for big pay,benefits or bonuses for sure by any means.
The county employees that has Mackes for their boss should be irate. To give one MAN $30,000 and the others nothing is wrong. But who can they complain too. Certainly the executive branch isn't going to do anything. More than likely, they would say that Mackes makes them lots of money. That is just laughable. How much of it has been given to the general fund?
For as long as my memory is, Mackes has had a protector. Mr. Henry Parker was his savior for years and then Mr. Wayne Strauberg came in just in time to save the day. When will these people ever listen to the ones who Mackes has bullied and treated bad. His golden boy, Gavin, is going to spend years in prison and it doesn't surprise me in the least that Mackes loved his soul. He is just like Mackes a disgusting bully. Only difference is Mackes is sneakier about his bahavior. His bosses should talk to young men in their early 40's and listen to their ugly comments of his treatment.
7:18 AM -- Your wish is my command!
Check out State salaries at:
http://data.baltimoresun.com/salaries_state/
Go here and search by Department (Salisbury University or University of Maryland Syatem) or by last name for Individuals.
Have Fun!
I'm sorry this is really outrageous and for Matt to state his attorneys are paid adequate when he is making $117,000.00. I guess as long as the fat at the top is well funded. Those other attorneys are the back bone of that office I never hear about Matt being in court - all he ever suggests is plea after plea. All of this is outrageous and this is coming from someone who just paid over $5000 to both county and city to run a business in the city of Salisbury - enough is enough! Joe you were right is was our election to use so excuse me while I make sure to set our security alarm for the night!
2:48 - talk to young men??....they should talk to women who have or do work for him. Very few women get promotions in his department. Few minorities or women in any real leadership for that matter. Thought Pollit was all about inclusiveness. Women that were managers get replaced by men. Something is really rotten over there on Glen Avenue. Take off the blinders government officials. The public is paying attention but apparently you aren't. Maybe this latest over the top "can't touch me" move will open your eyes.
you and your employees may waste more of my tax dollars before the next election (and probably will), but you have gotten your last vote from me. This thing with Mackes may just be your downfall. Clean up your house or clean out your office.
Please note. All those people on the top of the list of earnings are democrats. Nuff said.
Comparable to other counties!!!!! Daily Times means EXCEPT FOR Rec and Parks!
Just saw in Channel 47 the report on the Gavin Kid. They reported Gary Mackes wrote a letter in defense of Gavin & was read in court during his sentence. They also reported they called Mackes to get a statement after the sentence & Mackes refused to comment. That hole is getting deeper for Mackes.
Mike Lewis and Matt Macarella als got raises
anonymous 6:57, that is not true. I know for a fact Maciarello did not get a raise. You cannot get a raise in your first term in office, PERIOD. As for Mike Lewis, HE DESERVES IT IF HE GOT ONE. They pay that guy peanuts for what he does.
In court, the defense attorney Charles Anderson read parts of several Eagle Scout recommendation letters. One was written by James Cook, an assistant principal of Bennett High School. The other by Gary Mackes, the director of Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism.
Both men apparently allowed the defense attorney to use the letters in support of the suspect's character. When we reached out to them today for comment, both men declined.
There appear to be some items of concern. I am not sure what we as the tax payer can do?? There is so much nepatism and good ole boy b.s. still going on in this county.
I did notice how far reached Mackes pay is copmpared to those working under him. Itis clear there is a huge gap from the top down.
Looking at the Sheriff's Office I do not understand how so many of Sheriff Lewis' men are making more then he is ???????? The Maryland State Police do not allow Lt. and above to make overtime. Two deputies made over 100k ???? Why just those two and what role do they play in his office. It has to be hard for other deputies with famlies to understand suck favortism. They also did not report how much comp time these deputies have on the books. Who is watching that number. Are they taking holidays and weekends off ??
The jail can not fill shifts due to internal issues. They have officers pulling doubles all the time. Why cant they fix this. I get there will be situations that demand the man power. I have been around firemen and police officers my whole life. They do spend a great deal of time working while others sleep. They do handle emergencies that run into long hours. My father worked Christmas day many years. Sometimes he stayed gone for days on cases. They should be compensated for the work.
Maybe an audit of leave and overtime needs to be conducted in all county divisions it just appears something is not right.
I love the people in this county and the area we live in. I just think it is sickening to see such blatant abuse by a few.
The teachers, police and corrections are not paid fairly if you ask me. Sheriff Lewis why are people in your office making more money than you. That is just not right. Something stinks
6:05 - If that is a true statement, then a county department head has gone AGAINST the STATE'S attorney. He should be fired for mixing personal with his department head status. Did the Executive give him the permission to do this? Did the county attorney vet the letter? What are you going to do now Rick?
6:57 - BOTH OF THEM DESERVE TO MAKE NORE THAN GARY MACKES!!!!
Mike Lewis should make more than the $85k he makes. He does far more for the citizens of this county than a lot of the higher paid department heads and county attorney.
This county is so screwed up I can't stand it!
JOE ALBERO - THANKS FOR YOUR 7:00 P.M. POST. YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!!!
MACKES needs to be fired IMMEDIATELY. He doesn't support the law enforcement in this county and most importantly the State's Attorney's hard work. He needs to go tonight.
No Lewis did not get a raise. He did give his command staff approximately a 10% raise. He should have given the raise to ALL of his staff. Yes Lewis does deserve a raise. Half of his command staff are making more than he does. WTF
What a shame. Look at what the people make at parks in comparison to other departments like airport, solid waste and roads. Isn't it harder to operate the machinery at these other places than rake a ball field? How has Gary done this?
How many of you who have commented on here want to show up at the council meeting tomorrow night and voice your concerns? I will. Let's make Ricky fired him. I don't think his friend, Wayne, can save him this time.
What was Mackes first purchase of $600k he received from county council for vehicles? His POLICE Tahoe.
With all the department heads making such outlandish salaries, there is no reason why the county should be in such bad shape.
These people are being overpaid and for what???? There is no reason why budgets should be delayed, no reason for over budget items, no reason for extensive overtime payments, there should be fewer personnel grievances from employees, infrastructure should be functioning at an all time high, income should be rolling into the county, there should be low unemployment, taxes should be lowering instead of being raised everytime the budget rolls around because our esteemed leaders don't want to do the hard work to trim the fat figuretively and literally, make the hard decisions to consolidate better than what they play at doing, eliminate the wasteful spending etc., etc. No these so-called leaders are born to greed and jealous of each other if any of them gets more than their golfing buddy!
The executive has his head up his backside. You better put the twinkies down and start doing the job you are being paid to do. That that job is to protect the taxpayers of this county.
As for Strasberg, his leadership abilities, and abilities in general are none existant! Just because he took certain courses in school does not a leader make. Watch him in the council meetings. He tries to bluster his way through, and he doesn't like to be challanged. He likes the perks and not much else. He needs to be gone.
These salaries are totally out of line especially in these dire economic times.
Instead of fixing problems, these clowns just want taxes raised to cover their free meals, free trips locally and abroad, free hotel trips, free gas, and free vehicles, and free club memberships. This is money wasted and thrown away. There are too many hard-working families trying to EARN a living for their families, pay their taxes and survive and these so-called leaders just laugh at them because all they vote to do is raise taxes.
More than half of these people should be forced out period. They have long since lost their edge. It is time for new blood, that can get the job done without the money grubbing these people have done. After all that is their only claim to fame----cheats all of them!
Have you looked at the salaries? I really don't see any of the worker bees overpaid. In fact, I am surprised they work for what they do. Surely they have lots to put up with if they have to deal with some of y'all on a daily basis.
Where do you see all these things you are suggesting? Free club memberships? Free trips? What are you smoking. If you go on a business related trip, it should be paid for.
These employees make peanuts compared to the "big wigs" over at PRMC!!!
1:27pm I don't care what the employees make at PRMC. You see, there is a difference, those employees don't get paid with my tax dollars.
The daily times should take it a step further and put all Wicomico employees salaries in the paper. Corrections got a cost of living this year after no raises in 5 years. New employees got a raise walking in the door not knowing if they like the job. Some staff begged for raises and got them while others did without. The Feds need to investigate the county because im sure there they have misclassified a lot staff to prevent overtime when it should be paid. The Director lie to the daily times when he told them the draft list was use for the last employed . Its used in alpha method. The top 3 at the Detention Center make over a quarter million a year with benefits. And 2 of them are lazy and never there and the other one works overtime to harass the staff,
While you folks are complaining about mackes, when you attend the wine festival, the beer festival, the pork in the park, the concerts at the civic center, you are paying for his salary and his bonus.
If you support these kind of public versus private business, and you don't attend a council meeting to ever protest, you get what you have right now.
What bonus? Are you saying Mackes gets a bonus?
9:41 - all those things, except concerts, were started by Sandy Fulton not Mackes...but yes, he takes full credit.
Is it a fact he gets a bonus? I saw posted earlier that his adjusted income is $150k+....what the H#LL is going on??? Can someone explain with the truth??
Joe - can you move this to top again since people continue to comment. Thank you.
OK - so let me get this straight from what I am reading.
Mackes is one of the highest paid employees in the county. He may be getting a bonus on top of that pay. He has bought himself a $58k SUV with taxpayer money. He decided unilaterally to give a $30k bonus to a caterer not to sales staff. He supported this Stephens kid that just got sentenced to 8 years of served time for first degree assault. Explain to me why he is still employed by the taxpayers of this county. Is this who we are in Wicomico County? What has become of leaders with VALUES? The buck stops at the top.
I wonder how much the unlicensed, undereducated obstructionist Joe Arthur taking from the County tax payers?
Don't think for a minute that Directors make all the money their deputies are making big money too. There are deputies that are right on the heels of the directors. Some Departments have 2 deputies .There is no Department in Wicomico County big enough for 2 deputies (Corrections) .The perfect story would be how much compensatory time has been given out. THIS IS PAID TIME OFF IN LIEU OF OVERTIME.
Jealous Mr. Rousseau?? I know several of the comments are yours. I'll always be over you....
Gary Mackes is a big supporter of the Wicomico county Man of the Year, the registered Sex Offender that won the award not once, but twice! This is the kind of man he is, a lousy judge of whom to be good friends with and a supporter, of sexual deviants!
Mr Albero
Thank You for moving this story back to the top this story does not need to go away. The editorial that the Daily Times published this week on this article was outlandish. They blamed the County Council about the increase when it is Pollitt that sets the salaries. The council only approves the budget It looks as though Pollitt's recipiant of his secret raises and early retirement program Pat Peterson is working her magic as a member of the Times editoral board. Although four members of the council did support Pollitt's tax increase Prettyman, Hall, Sample-Hughes and Matt Holloway, even they do not control the saleries. These four have basicly given the reins of our county gov't to Pollitt to do with as he wishes. Shame on them.
So ALL of you know, the Daily Times was forced to produce the article about salaries. They told Rick Pollitt that their hand was forced because of Salisbury News. Of course, that was their excuse. Good, I'm glad they can use us just to publish the TRUTH.
We can all get distracted by the "blame game", but the FACT REMAINS that Mackes has been and is out of control. Doesn't he serve at the pleasure of the County Executive? If so, the fact that Rick Pollit has not FIRED HIM speaks to just how weak Rick is. Mackes has fed him a line of bull and continues to feed him a line of bull and thanks to having his best bud Strasberg where he is, Mackes just goes on his merry way laughing at the rest of us. Pollit likes to quote presidents, maybe he should think about Truman's comment about where the buck stops. He keeps Mackes, he will lose the next election. The citizens have had enough of Mackes.
Thanks for bringing this back to the top. I'm sure they "powers that be" are hoping this will go away. It won't. The public won't forget this abuse of trust and power by the ego-driven head of recs and parks.
This is a black mark on Pollitt and his administration. What other department head could get away with all the things that Mackes has done. this is not the first incident with him. They are either covered up or he gets a slap on the wrist.
They say he brings in lots of money for the county. It isn't him, it is the employees. Most people/vendors can't stand him. With his campaign to get rid of Sandy Fulton and then his stroke of luck when she got injured and retired, it will become clear who had the relationships with the vendors who came to the festivals and events.
Sandy and the sales team, remember them - the ones who DID NOT get a bonus - are responsible for making money for this county.
I'd like to know why Mackes gave the caterer such a huge bonus. What is the back story on that? There is a reason for everything he does. What is the reason here.
Joe thanks for keeping the pressure on. The taxpayers deserves answers.
12:28pm You must not have watch the council meeting when the budget was adopted. I agree the 4 you mentioned voted to pass the budget, but ALL council members voted to increase the tax rate. Check it out for yourself then next time you post something it will be true.
I agree - Prettyman, Hall and now M. Holloway are carrying water for the Exec's office. They need to go too.
Anon 12;28 you are incorrect you need to read the minutes. Six members voted yes and one no that was Joe Hollaway.
The comment about Pat Peterson may be just a little off base. While she may have the power to compose an untruthful editoral and get it printed, apparently she did not have the influence to kill the story on the salaries. Rumors floating down the hollowed halls of the GOB is that Pollitt and Ms Peterson summoned the editor of the Times to his office for a good tongue lashing about doing this story. However they were informed that Salisbury News had already done a story so they had to follow. According to the Times they then had to rely on the freedom of information act to receive the information they needed. Sorry Ricky some things you just can't keep a secret can you.
A disgusted county employee
WOW, I'm having a hard time figuring out how to spend the whopping .25/hr. raise received after years of being told there's no money for raises! Apparently there's money, but only for the people that already receive a substantial salary.
Isn't it curious we have heard NOTHING from Pollitt and Strasburg on this subject? If they think silence is golden, they are wrong. This will be used as a talking point AGAINST Pollitt in the next election - among other points. Just hope someone steps forward to run against that crowd, we need a true executive - not someone who has been a paid bureaucrat their entire career. Pollitt probably thinks this is okay because all he knows is getting paid by the "government". Wonder if he could even make it in a corporate world? I doubt it.
Gary is a liar he only promotes men in his office my friend worked there and she got overlooked I hope they fire his a$$ he needs to go
If they fire Gary then Andy wisk will take his place then problem will still be the same Andy is nothing but garys whipping boy
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