LETTER: It's time to think outside the bureaucratic box

I read about the County Commission candidates telling us the wonderful things they want to do to hold down operating costs. I guess this "feel good" talk is supposed to encourage us to accept the increased millage rates.

However, in the same Sun edition I note classified advertising for an "Assistant County Administrator," a senior position with an "excellent benefit package."

So, is adding another senior county bureaucrat the best way to reduce county operating costs in the current difficult economic situation?

Hardly! Maybe its time for the BCC members and high-level administrators to join the rest of us taxpayers on the planet Earth!

Why not just eliminate this position and have the chief county administrator and staff work harder to pick up any slack?

And what about the highest paid county employee of all, the TDC chief who enjoys a six figures plus salary? Why not replace the expensive incumbent with someone willing to make do on half that salary? There are plenty of talented out-of-work managers available who would love to live in beach country.

Or, better still, fill the advertised job opening, but add TDC management duties to the job description.

Or, have the over-paid TDC chief earn her keep by taking on extra duties as "assistant administrator."

If the BCC is really serious about cutting costs, it's time to think "outside the box" and come up with solutions that work for taxpayers, not just for county government insiders.

Guy S. Infla

Miramar Beach