In response to a request by midnightrose for something different and a comment that Sylvia Beamer should be retained as Chief Clerk as she is a good worker, independent, etc. the following is offered:
There are well over 100 employees of Susquehanna County, the vast majority are a credit to their position as well as being good people. Lets hear about them. Lord knows they don’t get overpaid or recognized very often. Let’s hear good things about the good, dedicated employees of Susquehanna County. This should include department heads if appropriate. No matter how good a job they do, they work at the will and pleasure of the commissioners. One difference of opinion could mean that a valuable employee (department head) could be sent down the road. The hourly folks are protected (somewhat) by the union.
In any event, let’s see your thoughts. If you want to be negative, this is not the post to do that. Save it. You will have your opportunity later. I doubt that they will be a lot of action on that post though.
I wrote of Sylvia Beamer as she was the topic of the article. I truly believe that those who do a good job in their position in the county SHOULD be retained, no matter their party affiliation, as long as they are not in a political job. I have had dealings with Sylvia and found her to be friendly and helpful each time. If others perform their duties with the same diligence as Sylvia, hats off to them!
I don’t think anyone doubts that Ms. Beamer does a good job, but what I do know is she does a good job with many people helping her, including a commissioner. The chief clerk’s job is to make the commissioners look good. The chief clerk’s job is political and has always been political. Anyone that takes that job knows its political. Phil O’Malley, God rest his soul, replaced Jerry Myers. Jerry Myers did a good job while he was there but was replaced. It is a political appointment and if you do a good job, you just make your life much easier and the commissioners look good. Just because you’re an independent means nothing. POLITICS does in that appointed position. Let the new commissioners make their own decisions on appointments instead of us giving opinions. ‘Lest not forget we do have a new majority, let’s give them a chance to run the county. I for one look forward to it.Were you ever asked who you wanted to see as the chief clerk when republicans were at the helm. I bet the answer is no! No one would have listened anyway.
Let me add that most county employees are very good at what they do. Who else would put up with the negative political arena that oozed over the past four years? Others (only a few)are there just waiting for enough time in to retire, you know who they are. Just a reminder to them, that we pay your salaries. Commissioner elect Mr. Allen said he’d get rid of the ‘dead wood’ in the courthouse if elected. I hope he didn’t offer false promises and we’re on the same page. We have the few that got their jobs because of who they’re related to or who they convinced that they might be able to do their jobs. They need to be replaced and I know you’ll agree.