Opinion Piece by Linda Sutter
Today before the BOS was a decision to try to oust Roger Gitlin from Area 1 Agency on Aging in his advisory position, and from the Chamber ofr Commerce Board.
McClure made attempts to persuade the audience with negative results.
“Area 1 Agency on Aging Board people are afraid to speak up for fear of retaliation and getting bullied by Gitlin.”
McClure’s explanations were sheer pettiness. For example she babbled on:
“Roger Gitlin and Bob Berkowitz conducted a survey regarding the senior citizen Meals on Wheels, a Federally funded program of which the county receives $25,000 per year. This was against the wishes of our board members. Expansion of the program is not timely.”
Oh my, such a criminal act to pursue. Shame on Mr. Gitlin and Mr. Berkowitz for wanting to include all people of the county instead of McClure’s chosen few.
Hey. So much for equal distribution of food to senior citizens and if you buck the system, or make noise, then those democratic few start bellowing, “Oust Gitline. He hurt my feelings. Boo Hoo.”
Gitlin pointed out that there was no cost to the County. He is very cognizant about the $2.5 million deficit the County has.
Gitlin said, “No one is asking for any money. I approached Smith River Church and asked them if they would have any volunteers willing to help. Then I went to Ron Phillips at Rural Human Services and asked if they have extra food to feed seniors. The answers were, yes. There’s no reason to wait for money to be budgeted.” In Gitlin’s can-do passion he expressed that if seniors need a hot meal, let’s get it to them. Waiting for money to be budgeted is nonsense.”
Chamber of Commerce submitted a unaminous letter of support on behalf of Roger Gitlin, only to be undermined by Dave Finigan. It became a non-issue and there was no vote.
Hemmingsen said, “If I’m on a committee and can’t do the job I would personally ask to be removed if I could not work with people.”
Chris Howard was the voice of logic and reason, “I don’t believe it’s enough to warrant the removal of a board member because there are differences of opinion.”
The BOS gave a favorable 3-2 decision to keep Gitlin on his current committee assignments. The Vote: Gitlin, Howard, and Hemmingsen to retain Gitlin on the A 1 Agency on Aging advisory Board. Then two votes against by McClure and Finigan to oust Gitlin. Majority rules. Gitlin stays.
What is ridiculously annoying in attending these circus type meetings is the mere blatant fact that these very people who want to crucify Roger Gitlin for doing something spectacular for the community, will, in the same breathe, allow an alleged pedophile to continue to work on county paid computers and receive county paychecks.
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