Double-dippers and Stow's marathon team - Mike Rasor's blog

Last night, some of our committees met, followed by a council meeting. Here are my notes:

LEAN/SIX SIGMA GRANT – We approved the application for a grant from the state to implement LEAN/Six Sigma principles. I agree with this move completely. We need to find places where government waste exists, and nip it in the bud. This is a winning program, and if we make a true commitment to it, it will pay off.

DOUBLE-DIPPERS — Council approved, by a 5-2 vote, another contract for a double-dipper. Gerry Dolson did a terrific job managing our water lines as an assistant city engineer during the past few decades. He retired 18 months ago. Now, the mayor wants to bring him back at about the same salary, while he is simultaneously collecting a state pension. I don’t blame the employees who double-dip; I blame the system that allows and encourages it. I proposed an amendment to reduce the term to one year, with the purpose of the contract being solely to allow a transition period to the new water engineer. The amendment failed 4-3.  I then voted against the contract. … We missed an opportunity to build a farm system in our engineering department. Instead, we took the short-sighted fix, all while taking a job away from someone who needs it. Have I mentioned how much I detest the practice of double-dipping??

AED TAX CREDIT — A registered nurse spoke before the council meeting about the critical importance of AEDs. She told the story of a basketball player she knew, whose life was saved because of the presence of an AED at the facility when he collapsed due to vetrical fibrillation. My AED tax credit proposal was amended last night to include CPR training.

ROAD REPAIRS — Road repairs will begin shortly in neighborhoods, and they will wrap up by November 21. As I visit various neighborhoods in Stow, the No. 1 concern on people’s minds is: Why is my road in such bad shape? It’s a matter of priorities. You can have good roads, or you can own a golf course and give out retroactive raises to employees. You can’t have both.

AKRON MARATHON — I will be running in the Akron half-marathon tomorrow morning. I ran in the race last year and missed my goal by one @$#%#@$ second (see the attached picture). Tomorrow, it’s payback. … Anyhow, I wish luck to the group of city employees, including Mayor Drew, who are embarking on the relay race!