Stop The Spending

It seems Highlands County government has an endless supply of money. With companies laying off workers, a possible recession on the way, unemployment on the rise, record mortgages being foreclosed on, gas prices going through the roof, housing insurance policies being canceled with unaffordable replacement insurance and outrageous property taxes, Highlands County is now creating four new top administration positions. What an asinine idea. Why do we need these four positions? What a waste of money. We need to trim government, not add to it.

The county wastes an enormous amount of money. Look at all the county vehicles; most are brand new. And why do we allow so many county employees vehicles to drive home? I can understand the county department heads such as the county engineer, the E.O.C., and the sheriff departments needing vehicles at their disposal 24/7, but for example, what would justify the planning department to be issued vehicles to drive home?

I think the county commissioners should answer this question. Why the free rides? Why four new positions when the new county administrator should be doing what those four positions require. Somebody has to pay those four inflated salaries. And guess who that is? Joe Public. Me.

Highlands County is making this county too expensive to live here, and too expensive to move here. With the impact fees, no businesses in their right mind would locate here. Here is another question for Highlands County Commissioners to think about: Where is the work force going to live? Most people couldn't afford to start a life here. We, the public of Highlands County, need to stop this runaway train.

Michael J. Walker
Sebring