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2/19/2009
Should city workers head to San Diego for national competition?
Appleton Utilities Director Mike Buettner last week asked the Utilities Committee for dollars for employees to participate in a national competition in San Diego in June. From February 10 Committee minutes:
WWA [Wisconsin Water Association] covers all expenses for [select] operators to compete in the National Conference [American Water Works Association] but overtime of about $2,000 would be needed to cover the time that they are away and the policy is for employees to be paid for attending any training. The employees would get continuing education credits (CEUs) for attending that would count toward the 18 CEUs needed every three years as required by DNR to be certified operators. [Utilities Committee] Chairperson Jirschele expressed that he is concerned that in these times we would spend money for this type of thing. Alderperson Martin stated he realizes that the taxpayers are paying for this, but he is in favor of having them go because they are award winning operators that should be allowed to represent us. Chairperson Jirschele stated he agreed but at the same time we have to make difficult decisions about cutting things that we would have not have thought about in the past. In this economy, with the stipulations discussed above and perhaps in light of employee trip cancellations in the private sector, would you vote for water utility operators to go to San Diego - or not?
Jo Egelhoff, FoxPolitics.net
COMMENTS
No they should not go on trips, unless they are permanent. But cities and states must start scrubbing their departments, getting rid of those that are not needed. Then they might be able to make ends meet.
Jack Lohman (Thu Feb 19 07:37:59 2009)
Congratulations to the City employees for their hard work and accomplishment.
We very much appreciate their efforts in achieving this recognition.
However, this may be a good year to earn their CE credits closer to home, or even over the internet.
Rob (Thu Feb 19 08:16:17 2009)
Oh My God! Lets just stop the world and curl up in a ball and bury our heads in the sand! Our economy needs a jump start! Plane fares, accomodations, support personnel for the event, ground transportation, food vendors will all benefit from the event not to mention the pride our people will get from participation. They will receive much deserved recognition and an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with their peers. All for two stinking thousand dollars. Please stop the constant drum beat for regressive decision making. B
billie (Thu Feb 19 08:20:45 2009)
Of all the departments in Appleton, the last seeking exceptional funding should be anyone connected to the imfamous water department. Perhaps after the millions of dollars in plant overruns are repaid, this department can again look for something. Clearly taxpayers need to do something impressionable when government screws up badly such has been the case with Appleton water. How about a salary and benefits freeze for all municipal workers to drive home the point that tax dollars wasted through incompetent performance has a real cost.
Dennis (Thu Feb 19 08:58:35 2009)
I am sooooo glad my water comes from my well :) Sorry, I just had to gloat a little...
emily matthews (Thu Feb 19 09:51:07 2009)
Are these People "NUTS"? You see, that's just the problem in the Public Sector, they just don't have any sense of URGENCY! There is a complete disconnect between their actions and the COSTS of their operation. This project has been a travesty, and yet Management just keeps rolling along as if there's no tomorrow. Get REAL!
GL Schilling (Thu Feb 19 10:56:04 2009)
I can not justify my tax dollars being used for a trip to California!
Gerry
Gerry (Thu Feb 19 20:10:24 2009)
they can go only if they take me along
ron (Mon Feb 23 11:40:29 2009)
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