We are not talking about being out of the county on business and stopping for lunch. We are talking about crossing county lines for lunch or any other purpose at the employee discretion in a county vehicle, just because they want to. Now folks, this not only uses $4 a gallon in gasoline and wear and tear on vehicles but is unproductive county employee time. Ask yourself, how long does it take just in driving time both ways? Time and fuel you are paying for. Not to mention, this does not support local business inside our county. You can even leave the county to go to the restroom if you need to. How many employees will develop bladder problems around lunch time?
You, the taxpayer, are footing the bill for this, so I guess it’s okay! Right! I don’t think so.
Now, this is not an indictment of all county employees. Most would never take advantage of this type of situation, but I guess some will. I want to personally thank Commissioner John Pethel for his courage to say “No” to this type of behavior. I only wish his other colleagues had the same fortitude. You see, he was the only one to vote no on this issue. I guess it’s just election-year folly. By the way, how long ago was it that the county commission stripped the county chairman and others of their vehicles altogether for the same kind of behavior?
I guess what’s good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander. Maybe some of you hard-working taxpayers that are having to pay for your own gas to go to lunch should call your commissioners and ask them why others get to do it at your expense.
Again, thank you Commissioner Pethel for standing up for the taxpayers of Madison County and doing the right thing.
Sincerely,
Larry Stewart
