The Minnehaha County Commission on Tuesday denied a request from treasurer Pam Nelson to fill a vacancy in her office for a tax and license specialist, even though Nelson said she has money in her budget to do so.
Commissioners Anne Hajek and Carol Twedt questioned whether the treasurer needed to fill the vacant position because the 11 customer service windows in the treasurer’s office are not always fully staffed – especially now, during a recession.
What the Gargoyle Leader reporter leaves out in the article is that during the meeting Hajek brings up the fact that Pam Nelson supports our Tax Petition Drive, and says something to the fact that Pam should understand that during these economic times that in order to keep taxes low (which she is helping us with) we need to cut back on staff, and would think she understands. I guess Anne had no quarms about bringing it up during the public meeting. Though I agree with that argument it’s coming from the wrong person. The county receives funds from property taxes and fees not retail taxes, and Anne knows it.
So was it about saving coin, or about politics? I think we know.
Anne has also approached Theresa Stehly a few times and has given her a couple of good ribbings about our tax petition. I appreciate Anne’s honesty and passion about taxing us regressively to build playgrounds for the rich, but I double dog dare her to approach me about the subject. She’ll find out what a REAL ribbing is. Maybe she can borrow the Sheriff’s Armored Vehicle before she does it, you know, the ‘wise’ choice of spending tax payer’s money . . .