Commissioner Comander Does The Right Thing

[MommaMia]

WCTA is doing its job

. . .Before running the ad we decided to confirm the "tip" by making a public records request. When the PRR was returned we thought it important that we inform the public of her actions and alter our ad. ( we sent a Press release to all media outlets in the area)

We have done both of those things and have done them in an attempt to present the facts and let people make their own determination on the issue. I simply think we are "honest brokers" of the facts. . .

Don't kill the messenger. WCTA is doing its job, and they do have a responsibility to check out the facts BEFORE running ads. They did that. Give Sara Comander the benefit of the doubt. What were her choices? Keep accepting the health coverage and be criticized or be the first commissioner to take herself off the coverage (and be criticized by both the public and probably by one or two of her fellow commissioners)? Being a public servant is messy.

 

[florida girl]

Sara Commander and her husband ran Commander Funeral Home for many years, and I doubt seriously that she needed health insurance. They sold the business some time ago. I think that if our elected officials work for us full time, then they should be compensated. Insurance is a national problem now, costs for premiums are over the top, and many go without. Generally, health insurance is offered to full time employees of larger businesses. If the county takes away health insurance benefits to it's commissioners, then they should have the opportunity to work somewhere else full time to get it.

 

[Here4Good]

Sara Commander and her husband ran Commander Funeral Home for many years, and I doubt seriously that she needed health insurance. They sold the business some time ago. I think that if our elected officials work for us full time, then they should be compensated. Insurance is a national problem now, costs for premiums are over the top, and many go without. Generally, health insurance is offered to full time employees of larger businesses. If the county takes away health insurance benefits to it's commissioners, then they should have the opportunity to work somewhere else full time to get it.

Did you even read the thread, FG?

 

[Bob Wells]

Sara Commander and her husband ran Commander Funeral Home for many years, and I doubt seriously that she needed health insurance. They sold the business some time ago. I think that if our elected officials work for us full time, then they should be compensated. Insurance is a national problem now, costs for premiums are over the top, and many go without. Generally, health insurance is offered to full time employees of larger businesses. If the county takes away health insurance benefits to it's commissioners, then they should have the opportunity to work somewhere else full time to get it.

This is a part time job for some of the Commissioners, and supposedly there are some who do hold jobs outside of BCC. I work part time for the County and I am not recieving any benefits, which at one time I used to recieve, then without notifying me they quit.

 

[scooterbug44]

The issue is not the commissioners receiving health insurance (for a part time job BTW), but that it was decided that their FAMILIES should also receive the health insurance benefit.

That decision is not only costing taxpayers $$$, but it was done w/o any public knowledge or discussion.

Even sadder, after all of the publicity and ads, none of the commissioners has stepped up and asked that this policy be discussed or put to a vote.

P.S. Just because someone has some money doesn't mean they turn down freebies, benefits, or other income sources. :roll:

 

[florida girl]

First of all, I'm not impressed with Sara Commander, I've known her too long. For years we had 2 funeral homes in DeFuniak, hers and Clary. Sadly, my experience with the funeral home began in 1975 when my father died, and continued for 3 more family members. Sad when the funeral director is on speed dial. When my mother died in 1987, her body was sent to Commander, which were not my instructions, and I had Mr. Clary go get her.
Secondly, health insurance is a big issue now, many do not have it. If the commissioners had insurance from some other job, then why do they accept the county's? Isn't the policy payment deducted from their paycheck? Group insurance through an employer matching program is considerably cheaper. Does the county pay the entire premium? If the commissioners cancelled their health insurance, would they go without? Along with their family? Is that a viable solution? I guess I just don't understand the details and don't know what would happen if they cancelled it. As far as being part time, I've understood they are supposed to be at our beck and call whenever we need them. Several have commented that it's actually a full time job. We elected these people, regardless of current opinion of them, to dedicate themselves for the betterment of our community. As they are supposed to be busy taking care of our business, shouldn't we be taking care of them?

 

[Matt J]

First of all, I'm not impressed with Sara Commander, I've known her too long. For years we had 2 funeral homes in DeFuniak, hers and Clary. Sadly, my experience with the funeral home began in 1975 when my father died, and continued for 3 more family members. Sad when the funeral director is on speed dial. When my mother died in 1987, her body was sent to Commander, which were not my instructions, and I had Mr. Clary go get her.
Secondly, health insurance is a big issue now, many do not have it. If the commissioners had insurance from some other job, then why do they accept the county's? Isn't the policy payment deducted from their paycheck? Group insurance through an employer matching program is considerably cheaper. Does the county pay the entire premium? If the commissioners cancelled their health insurance, would they go without? Along with their family? Is that a viable solution? I guess I just don't understand the details and don't know what would happen if they cancelled it. As far as being part time, I've understood they are supposed to be at our beck and call whenever we need them. Several have commented that it's actually a full time job. We elected these people, regardless of current opinion of them, to dedicate themselves for the betterment of our community. As they are supposed to be busy taking care of our business, shouldn't we be taking care of them?

Maybe you should read the thread. I understand they haven't cut the budget for adult education classes. Perhaps a remedial reading comprehension class is in order?

 

[florida girl]

As usual, SWGB is over the top, but I think there are probably many things that could be cut to trim the budget other than health insurance for 5 individuals and their families. For the labourer is worthy of his hire. Another thread is talking about building a sports complex. Take care of our people first, and then if there is anything left over... prioritize.

 

[Matt J]

As usual, SWGB is over the top, but I think there are probably many things that could be cut to trim the budget other than health insurance for 5 individuals and their families. For the labourer is worthy of his hire. Another thread is talking about building a sports complex. Take care of our people first, and then if there is anything left over... prioritize.

Better than under the table.

 

[Bob Wells]

As usual, SWGB is over the top, but I think there are probably many things that could be cut to trim the budget other than health insurance for 5 individuals and their families. For the labourer is worthy of his hire. Another thread is talking about building a sports complex. Take care of our people first, and then if there is anything left over... prioritize.

I think most are having issue with the fairness of the situation and the lack of the public hearing to address the issue before implementation. I am just curious what your attitude would be if all employees were able to negotiate their pay and benefits, whether colectively or individually and use current employee info to get the best deal possible?