Despite some mind groans from NorCo Council President Ken Kraft, Executive Tara Zrinski continued her practice of providing thorough reports during County Council meetings. "It's called a county council meeting," snarked Kraft, but Zrinski responded, "Listen, you want me to be thorough and transparent, that's what I'm doing." I actually appreciate these informative updates and hope they continue, and I'd much rather listen to news about the county than another state house campaign pitch by Council member Jeff Warren. So far, the biggest complaint about her detailed accounts is that she chews gum. If that's the best ammo her critics have, So long as she's not blowing bubbles and popping them, who cares? with that out of the way, let's discuss her actual report.
DCED: has applied with Congressman Ryan Mackenzie and both of Pa.'s US Senators for P-25 radio systems that can be used by first responders in both analog and digital modes. The department is also planning for this year's May 16 County festival at Louise Moore Park.
CORRECTIONS: Director DeeAnn Lawrence convened a "facility operations" meeting on March 18 to discuss the importance of morale, ethics and leadership, and responsibility in creating a safe and healthy environment. The meeting included captains, sergeants and wardens. Interviews were conducted to fill a vacant captain slot. The correctional academy was graduating six people on Friday and the next class begins today.
ADMINISTRATION: Is trying to improve labor management relations. It is also reviewing a mail-in ballot stuffing machine that could reduce human error like that which occurred in the last municipal election. It is funded by grants.
GRACEDALE: A recent storm caused damage to one of Gracedale's roofs. An insurance claim has been filed and repairs are under way. She warned that changes are coming to the nursing home, both "fiscally and administratively." She said the state Department of Health has visited the facility a few times recently but found no deficient practices. She added that Gracedale's chef provides a monthly cooking demonstration and did so in March for St. Patrick's Day.
As an Irishman, I can assure you that nearly all British cuisine was invented on a dare. The only decent seven-course Irish meal is a six-pack and a potato.
EMS: Interviews are ongoing to fill the vacancy created by Todd Weaver's retirement.
HOUSING: Zrinski attended a "Housing for All meeting of the Third Street Alliance, which focused on a continuum of care for seniors, a housing first model to address homelessness and a plan to develop workforce housing.
SHERIFF: Three candidates are being sent to the Sheriff's academy, and a fourth is already in training. The Sheriff's office warns residents to be wary of scam calls that seem to be coming from their office, but are actually coming from scammers.
PROCUREMENT: met with Manager Jeffrey O'Brien to discuss ways to save money by consolidating purchases countywide.
HUMAN SERVICES: has brought in 12 new employees.
HUMAN RESOURCES: has conducted testing for deputy sheriffs and 911 dispatchers.
VACANT FISCAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR: "We're working on it. You're trying to drag somebody away from a lot of money to not so much. But this is public service, and we're doing it for a greater purpose."
PUBLIC WORKS: has been addressing damage to county buildings from a recent storm that affected several properties. The new parking deck plans have been finalized, and contracts are going out to bid this week.
PARKS: is hiring for summer positions.
Lengthy reporting is not an issue, chewing gum only helps her long winded breath, but lacking substance of where she is on a time line with a fiscal affairs director does matter. Are there candidates ?
ReplyDeleteWho is doing the hunting? Then there is the Specifics of what is actually being done to rectify Gracedale’s issues, specific remedies to the public matter.
Has she researched successful nursing home programs? Has she even entertained bringing a professional management team to discuss with council? Words on paper with little effect.
KK seems to enjoy taking any opportunity he can to show just how petty he truly is.
ReplyDeleteKenny should keep his mouth shut about professionalism. Especially in the work place. Plenty of people know the jail.
DeleteScam calls actually coming from scammers - whoda thunk it?
ReplyDeleteThe gum chewing is certainly ill-mannered and rude. But hearing her prattle on endlessly reminds every man of his ex-wife. She could post her updates online and use her time to actually do something - anything - constructive. Busy work. Busy work. Busy work. It distracts from a lack of substance.
ReplyDeleteI see. So your real objection is that she is like your ex-wife. Misogyny, much?
Delete7:45AM: You could skip the comments on gum-chewing and domestic disharmony, but you make a point about having everyone sit through a recitation of events they could easily read themselves. It is like every worst seminar presenter’s mistake - reading PowerPoint slides to an audience.
DeleteWhile the report is lengthy and (to some) appears impressive, its presenter is not. Listen closely to Tara”s slang, her dismissive attitude towards council and her intermittent chomping between sentences. Words are words and she should be able to read. Let’s see how she’ll do when people on council (hopefully) start asking her real questions (Is Gracedale just a few shingles? How did it affect the residents?) Even you were captured by the “monthly Gracedale chef presentation “ information instead of focusing on the real problems there, Bernie. As you’ve pointed out, reports don’t lie so will see just how many shingles and how bad the damage is at Gracedale when that report is published. This is not a show of self confidence from Tara. It is a display of ignorance on her part of how an elected official is to interact with the public and those to whom she must be report. She’s the county executive, not a queen. Maybe you can remind her, Bernie, since she supposedly reads this blog.
ReplyDeleteChewing gum is the least of her problems- anyone can read a report prepared by staff- my issue is she's terribly incompetent and has you hood-winked. I'm prepared for 4 years of you fawning over her, since when you pick favorites, you become quite nauseating.
ReplyDeleteThe gum chewing and cracking is well alright for sure but if she says "kiss my grits", then she's stealing my bit.
ReplyDeleteTruly disappointed, no update on the future of plastic bags or straws
ReplyDeleteThat’s next lol!
DeleteAnyone can read a prepared power point presentation- when asks about details, she's lost in space.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the Solicitor's Office? Lawsuits? Employee Lawsuits? What they are doing?
ReplyDeleteGumGate! The horror!
ReplyDeleteAs one who has had direct experience with the executive, make sure that you are always prepared for what is failed to be spoken.
ReplyDeleteFrom following her interactions, she has only been more crafty at what she speaks so as to hide her true desires. The executive is one who is prolific in using words to present one thing while her true agenda is always hidden.
Chewing gum while speaking is a clear indication that one is completely anxious and fearful of getting off topic. Therefore , this is an act demonstrating her fear of handling the executive position while using long winded dialogues to convince the people otherwise.
ReplyDeleteThe gum chewing is the least of our worries- when she doesn't have prepared remarks, its painful to watch her speak.
ReplyDeleteThe Executive’s gum chewing is either a way she manages her internal stress when realizing the pressure. Or, it is a total blow off to a council she absolutely has no respect for. We can without doubt verify that there is a six pack and a potato somewhere in the midst. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThe bottom line is that she needs to cut her losses and replace the Human Services Director with someone who has at least the aptitude to approach these important problems. This is nonsense otherwise.
ReplyDeleteIs there a Fiscal Affairs Director anywhere in the near future? In the oath that they all swear, does it not say to carry out ALL necessary functions of a full and operational council ? Swearing to do the job correctly doesn’t mean what it used to.
ReplyDeleteIf she/they would stay within the guidelines of their elected responsibilities, things might go better, but apparently they are distracted easily, This is not on the job training, they are paid elected officers responsible for county properties, personnel, and finance, and listening to their constituency , not their personal preferences.
ReplyDeleteForget it, she can’t do it.
ReplyDeleteTesting prospective employees is what HR is doing?? You should also familiarize yourself with “negligent retention,” because they are quite good at that too.
ReplyDeleteAs per the report read to council, HR isn’t doing well if there are few if any prospective candidates to test regarding Fiscal Director. As far as the noted term “negligent retention”, it could be applicable to many of the elected officials currently serving and some administration, but it is not enforced.
ReplyDelete