Here & There Column 2-8-11

Let's Compromise Folks

The headlines and a media campaign against layoffs really makes one believe that no one is interested in trying to compromise so that everyone doesn't get hurt.
The unions in Sullivan County are using political tactics in paid advertising which targets county legislators, the County puts forth statements that layoff notices are a reality and the union representing Sullivan County Sheriff's Office employees has filed suit against the county.
Hey......let's face it folks budget cuts are required to cut into major deficits in all municipal budgets and government has not used good financial planning methods and now everyone has to face many difficult choices.
There has been too much of the attitude of "business as usual" and we'll find a way to "tax" this program because taxpayers will no longer put up with those yearly tax increases.
No one likes to hear that belt tightening is going to be the way of the future for some years to come.
We really don't feel the unions in Sullivan County want to compromise by the fact that layoffs have been placed on the table because of the unions unwilling to forego a contractually guaranteed four percent raise and associated longevity bonuses.
Can union members who survive a layoff really feel comfortable with their fellow employees who could be out of work and forced into the unemployment lines?
Also what effect will any layoffs have on the remaining Sullivan County government workforce.?
We can't agree with county legislators who say they don't see other options.
Why not try getting an independent non-politician to sit down with both sides and work towards a compromise that both sides can live with for this coming fiscal year and then come up with strong fiscal responsibility for the future.
There is no enemy to Sullivan County taxpayers with this issue....there is enough blame for both sides and now because of a sick economy, high unemployment rate mixed with poor government fiscal planning there is an immediate need to eliminate the present media campaign fighting and use some common sense compromise.