Jim Orlando
Stafford

Published: April 23, 2008

I’m extremely disappointed in Democrat Supervisor George Schwartz (Falmouth), who presides over the Stafford Board of Supervisors.  At their regular meeting on April 15, 2008, Schwartz displayed a fit of temper and lack of control when he disagreed with another supervisor’s presentation.  He then reminded the public that the Democrats are now in charge of Stafford’s government.  Caesar would be proud at how he then proceeded to run the meeting like an absolute dictator.

Later in the meeting, Supervisor Mark Dudenhefer (Garrisonville) proposed that county supervisors’ raises be suspended as an act of good faith and good government.  This was the same raise that he and Supervisor Paul Milde (Aquia) had voted against last year.  This time, they were joined by Supervisor Cord Sterling (Rock Hill) in seeking an almost $77,000 reduction, which could be better spent on hiring teachers or public safety officers. 
Instead of supporting this commonsense measure, the Democrat majority approved an alternative token reduction of a meager $5,000.  Peanuts.  This an incredible insult to the intelligence of Stafford residents and a huge disservice to the thousands of county and school employees who will see zero cost of living increases in their pay checks next year.  We continue to ask these hard working county staff to do more with less, yet the Democrats, which includes so-called Independent Joe Brito (Hartwood)who is part of their voting block, refuse to make commensurate sacrifices.  Democrat Supervisor Harry Crisp (George Washington) lamented about supervisors having to work for little pay.  That was his choice when he ran for public office and he still has the option of stepping down at anytime if he is in it for the money. 

Jim Orlando
Stafford