Linda E. Spagina – 6/12/05

This page was last updated on June 12, 2005.

Excuses for outsourcing; Linda E. Spagina; Beaver County Times; June 12, 2005.

An editor’s note accompanying the letter stated, “The writer is a former laundry employee at Friendship Ridge, laid off in March.”

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Cost-saving measures! That’s all we hear about from the Beaver County Commissioners. They’re doing it again, trying to outsource Beaver County jobs. First it was the laundry at Friendship Ridge, which may I remind you was still under union contract. Now they are looking at doing it with the Beaver County Jail. All we hear is that it is for the good of the taxpayers, while all along they plan on raising taxes anyway.”

[RWC] I’m sorry Ms. Spagina lost her job, but I’m not sorry the Commissioners are trying to get the most for taxpayer dollars. As for any group of managers, the primary responsibility is to the owners – in this case the taxpayers, not the employees. It’s obvious – and entirely reasonable – that Ms. Spagina wrote this letter with emotion and not logic.

In truth, the County has no business running Friendship Ridge at all because it’s not a legitimate government function. The Commissioners should sell Friendship Ridge ASAP.

“Don’t they realize that by taking away our jobs, we, the taxpayers who are property owners, will lose our homes and property and won’t be able to pay the taxes so that they will lose tax money anyway?”

[RWC] It’s not the responsibility of government to provide employment.

The argument that the County should employ workers so they can pay taxes is ridiculous. Does Ms. Spagina want us to believe she pays more in county taxes than she received in wages and benefits? I don’t know what Ms. Spagina earned, but even at the federal minimum wage ($5.15/hour) and no benefits like healthcare insurance, et cetera, Ms. Spagina would need to pay over $10,300/year in county taxes just for the County to break even. If that were the case, Ms. Spagina – and many (most?) other residents – could not afford to live in Beaver County.

“I say, we the taxpayers of Beaver County should outsource the Beaver County Commissioners. I don’t see them taking a pay cut or losing medical benefits, homes or jobs over the mess this county is in due to their overspending of taxpayer dollars. All Beaver County voters should wake up when it comes to electing new commissioners. Let them feel what it’s like to be outsourced. Better yet, why not do it while they’re still under ‘contract?’”

[RWC] Ms. Spagina acknowledges the Commissioners are “overspending … taxpayer dollars,” yet complains when the Commissioners try to make a small dent. I guess it’s OK to cut spending as long as it’s not your “ox being gored.”

In a way I agree with getting rid of the Commissioners. I’d like to see the County go to a county executive and council form of government.