Union County Commissioner 7 Month Review

A new majority of so-called conservative commissioners has just finished a critical 7 months in office. But outside of no new tax increase (which is coming big time next year after the election) what was achieved? Below is a factual list and unfortunately it isn't good for Union County citizens. As is with the Governor of our state, many are certainly feeling buyers remorse as Commissioners Kuehler, Rogers and Openshaw create havoc on this county. Actually an argument can be made that they are finishing the legacy of Sexton, Stone and Roger Lane.

Let's open this up for discussion but first let's highlight a few things perhaps our "newspapers" fail to discuss as it relates to our commissioners so far this year:

1) Lanny Openshaw dismisses an emergency meeting this past winter to ensure our county bonds are safe and secure and to avoid potential bond collapse. This would have meant an extra $3 to $4 million in bond payments for 2009 alone. All that was needed was to move one pot of money into a different account. There is speculation that county officials were told not to touch this money as it was needed to fulfill special interest campaign promise for Chairman Openshaw.

2) Planning board is dissolved and $250 thousand dollar land use plan is in jeopardy. Qualified individuals are replaced with special interest citizens who supported Rogers/Kuehler. Will county spend another $250k to redo land use plan?

3) Board of Adjustment is dissolved. Qualified persons aren't reappointed (even after financial disclosures) due to political payback by Openshaw, Rogers and Kuehler. New appointees have no experience on land use matters rather many are political appointees to appease special interest from Rogers/Kuehler campaign.

4) Volunteer fireman come under fire by Rogers, Kuehler and Openshaw. In addition to a countwide fire tax on everyone, these three commissioners begin micromanagement of fire departments. Over 700 volunteer men and women have to get certain items approved by non-firemen, Kuehler, Rogers and Openshaw thus delaying a life or property that is saved. Nevermind that each fire station not only has a budget for the year but also a board of directors to hold each station accountable. Rumor has it that Commissioner Kuehler has a personal vendetta against the Wesley Chapel FD due to a delayed response to an emergency. Who's playing politics again?

5) Our hospital, the only one in the entire county, is in the process of being put to sale. Nevermind that the majority of those who use it are from Monroe, east. CMC-Union takes care of the indigent and has invested tens of millions in upgrading the hospital. Upgrades and costs that do not cost the county one cent. What's the motivation by Rogers, Kuehler and Openshaw? Would you trust any politican with $200 million as one lump sum? Rumor has it these comssioners plan to build parks and libraries in Western Union County rather than devote entire money of future sale to pay down debt. More to come on this very soon.

6) Water/Sewer. Commissioners Rogers, Kuehler, and Openshaw repeat often how much they wish to expand commercial growth. However, without water and sewer no growth occurs. Currently projects are on hold why county figures out water allocation policy. Rumor has it that not fixing this problem may in turn cost the entire county and taxpayers a lot more than just water. No solution has been proposed to fix our water/sewer problems that were caused primarily by Shalati and his band of brothers, Sexton, Stone and Lane. More to come on this later too. You might be interested to know who might thrown their hat into the ring as potential Public Works Director. It just might suprise you!

7) Finally our current schools. Fact, the county could have saved taxpayers millions had it simply delayed opening the new Poplin Elementary School and Cuthersbon High School. Those inside county government anticipate that the high school will not even be half-full. More to come on the entire school system and the fleecing of Union County taxpayers.

Overall I would grade this group's performance a D+. Our county has now become the laughing stock all across the state in regards to those who want to do business within our county. Petty snipping continues and in many cases gotten worse. Recently, commissioner Kuehler was heard cussing over the television as she lost her cool. Meetings run for at least 4 to 5 hours most nights and commercial growth continues to stagnate. Chairman Openshaw avoided a tax cut this year to save his own skin for the next election cycle. He has repeatedly said he was in favor of higher taxes. Again, I think many citizens are having buyers remorse.

More to come later.