[Winona Online Democracy]
I can understand the irritation of Bob and Linda over the cost involved in the county commissioners' projected trip to the annual conference of the National Association of Counties in Hawaii, and I respect the decisions by Dwayne Voegeli and Marsha Ward to forego the meeting.
But I do not believe that we should assume that those who are going have made their choice simply to loll on the beach, sip Hawaiian Seven O's, and practice the hula dance. During the conference, many special interest meetings will undoubtedly be held, and attendance at them should prove enlightening and educational. Nothing is more dangerous for localities than parochialism on the part of policy-makers. Meetings at a conference can increase attendees' knowledge of how problems have been solved elsewhere and can give them the opportunity for networking with colleagues whose advice can prove valuable over time.
Admittedly, Hawaii may not be the most wise meeting place in terms of public relations. Yet NACO, like most other large associations, realizes that attractive places do increase attendance and consequently the ability to have larger programs. Given the serious financial problems faced by localities today, I expect participants will focus strongly on issues, and I don't think it is entirely fair to assume automatically that the commissioners from Winona County will not benefit their constituents by their attendance. There remains, of course, the issue of the image of commissioners cavorting in the sun, exemplified by the large photograph in the Winona Daily News, titled "Aloha, Hawaii." Whether this image, however misleading it may be, could be more detrimental than a gain in knowledge from contacts with others is a factor the commissioners will have to face. But if no one attends, the county could lose in the long run.
Roy Nasstrom
From: "Robert Kaldunski" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "lbfort" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "WOD" <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, March 27, 2005 9:45 AM Subject: Re: [Winona] commissioners per diems.
[Winona Online Democracy]
Linda and All, From what I read in the Article they are in need of a paid VACATION, That is the only reason I can see. Everyone else is tightning their belts But who are we to judge why Politicos need to take a vacation. Bob K
----- Original Message ----- From: "lbfort" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "WOD" <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 27, 2005 8:48 AM
Subject: [Winona] commissioners per diems.
[Winona Online Democracy]
I am upset over the article in Sunday's Daily News stating what certain commissoner's are collecting from the taxpayers. If certain members feel they are losing too much of their regular salary by being a board member and having to attend meetings when they could be at their job I suggest they not run for reelection.
I would like to know how this 'per diem' ever got started. The article states that the city council members receive no per diem stipend.
I am wondering what 'proof' is required to collect this per diem? And I also would like to know how Mr Stoltman can work at his regular job for 40 hours and then another 40 as a county board member. That is amazing. An 80 hour work week.
As for this trip to Hawaii thank you Commissioners Voegeli and Ward for putting the taxpayers first.
And another hats off to Dwayne and Marcia for not collecting outrageous amounts for per diems.
The voters should remember who collected how much and why when the next election comes.
Linda Fort
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