11/10/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Joe Baird in his wonderful way explained that government budgets and finance are alot different from anything in the world and sometimes we just have to put up with it. When we wanted to do a project he was enormously helpful in finding ways to fund it or in carefully explaining why it wouldn't work. Not always what you wanted to hear but I'll always be grateful for his honesty and conservatism and his wanting to protect the county and us from ourselves. I thank him and Kim for all they do and I hope that the powers that be take note that his office is understaffed. Jim Davis has been a delight to work with, ever patient when we call about a drainage problem or things that we think should be able to be fixed in a minute. His patience and teaching of our road and bridge system and everything it took to build and maintain it. I know he and his engineers have worked hard on those projects and parks. I hope he'll soon find the engineer he needs. I thank him and his staff for their fine work on a lean budget. We knew the county had entered adulthood when our utility system began to expand under Terry Pinto, bringing sewer and water to Gifford, water to the industrial nodes and other foresighted planning that has helped us especially in the Economic Development area. The utilities growth was always a challenge and sometimes full of fireworks. Now we've reached another stage and Don Hubbs seems the perfect person to be running the department now. I thank him and his staff for all their help in solving problems in the district and flexibility in finding solutions to Economic Development problems. Sonny Dean and General Services have been a great help especially in construction situations and land for North County Library parking. He and I had to learn each other's languageat first but soon became pals. Thank you, Sonny. A special thank you to Ester Rymer and the Building Department and the work they've done to make it easier for contractors to finish their projects. Also to Roland DuBlois, Environmental Planner and Code Enforcement, both of which can be thankless jobs. You are appreciated. My thanks got also to Beth Jordan, Tom and Ann in Personnel, Terry Smith -Telecommunications, Jeff Tabar-Coastal Enginerr and Lynn Williams -Building and Grounds and the staff of Purchasing for all they have contributed to the county. Pat Callahan and the Recreation Dept. staff always seem to light up our lives. We thank you for all your hard work and creative ideas and enthusiasm. After going through several county administrators, we finally came upon Jim Chandler who has done an outstanding job with budget and many other tough challenges. It's been wonderful to work with you and I hope you too remember that some people like you need more staff. The Constitutional Officers were always helpful and always glad to tell us when they needed something that cost money! Wish you all the best. What can you say about the county attorneys? Charlie is always fun to tease - takes things so serious. Along with Will Collins and Terry O'Brien, they have given us good advice, protected the county and protected us from ourselves and each other. November 10, 1998 105 • BOOK. J07 PAGE D