Wasted Time
There are many different opinions about the hybrid system, and it remains the focus of much debate. Given its high profile in the media, it is perhaps most surprising that the Legislature defeated the hybrid government proposal. Other notable proposals rejected by the Legislature include:

—The establishment of Blueprint for Change, an attempt to put a friendlier face on the county’s health and human services. Individuals in need of service would only have to fill out one form and the system would automatically let them know what services they’re qualified for. In the end, it was an attempt at consolidation.

—The establishment of minimum requirements for all department heads, an effort to place better-qualified individuals into office.

—A process for removing a county executive that would be similar to impeachment.

—The redefining of the deputy executive’s job, making him more of a county manager.

—Term limits, pay hikes/pay cuts, a four-year term for legislators and the reshaping of the legislative staff. All items that would potentially affect the job security of the legislators were squashed. In fact, establishing term limits for legislatures was never even brought to the floor for a vote.

—Establishing a borrowing cap for the county at a given time.

Of the 33 changes accepted by the Legislature, the most notable and productive change involves the expansion of the duties of the county comptroller. Under the previous charter, the county executive prepared revenue estimates and only those within his office had the opportunity to review them. Additionally, the executive was the only person who could declare a budget crisis. That system failed horribly in the recent budget crisis.

They know best??? Please, it has been their incompetence that has put us into the mess this county is in. All of the above should have been put in place as Law.

These are just some of the desperate changes that need to be made, there is much, much more that needs to be done, this would have been just the beginning.