It is that rare time which occurs every four years and is generally between the day the election results are known and the first meeting of the newly elected (or reelected) county commissioners.
It is that time when spirits are lifted for some who think “Maybe THIS TIME there will be real change”. For others, department heads especially, it a time of dread. As you know, they are “At Will” employees who can be (and sometimes are) terminated for cause or for no stated reason at all.
In this season, there are at least three whose necks are really out there. They are the Chief Clerk, the Assessment Director and the Voter Registrar. Two of these have been previously discussed in this blog. The Assessment office department head has not. It is unknown how good of a job that department head is doing, but remember, because she is the cousin of recently un-elected Commissioner Kelly, the chances are better than even that she will be out.
My friends, if I were any of these three, I wouldn’t be making any long range plans with the county at this point.
For the rest of us, at least until Wednesday, it continues to be a to dream. Dream of the positive things our new leaders will do over the next four years, righting the wrongs of previous administrations. We can live in this fantasy world for only a few more days though - the new Commissioners, Warren, Allen and Giangrieco were sworn in today - Monday January 7, 2008. Two days from now they will hold their first meeting - where they will likely be sworn at by some.
By the way, MaryAnn Warren is the new Chairperson of Commissioners, with Leon Allen as Vice-Chair. At least for the moment, Sylvia Beamer is still the Chief Clerk. No one was named as of yet as County Solicitor.
The actions of the new commissioners on Wednesday will begin the process where we will applaud them or begin the countdown until the next election.