As of Wednesday, July 11, 2012
© Copyright 2013
Rockdale Citizen
CONYERS -- The Rockdale Board of Commissioners Tuesday night approved the final reading of an ordinance amendment that changes the reporting structure for the chief of staff position.
Meeting at the JP Carr Center, the commissioners voted 2-1, with Chairman Richard Oden opposed, to amend the county ordinance that establishes the chief of staff position.
Under the amendment, the duties and responsibilities of the chief of staff largely remain intact, but two elements -- how that person is selected and to whom that person reports -- have been changed.
The chief of staff will no longer report to the BOC chairman but will now be "subject to the direction of the Board of Commissioners."
In addition, the chief of staff will no longer be appointed by the chairman but will be appointed by the Board of Commissioners and will be directly responsible to them.
There was no discussion of the amendment at Tuesday night's meeting prior to the vote.
Commissioner JanNice Van Ness made the motion to make the changes to the ordinance at the June 26 BOC meeting. Following that vote, Van Ness said she believed the change would encourage unification among BOC members because one of the goals of the chief of staff will be to assist with outlining and communicating the board's priorities.
Staff correspondent Aimee Jones contributed to this report.
More like this story
- Reporting may shift for county chief of staff ( June 26, 2012 )
- BOC votes against change to chief of staff position ( October 26, 2010 )
- LETTERS: Oden, Nesbitt have twice put shame on BOC ( July 29, 2010 )
- County chief of staff: Board appoints Hadley ( January 7, 2009 )
- BOC redefines chief of staff position ( October 12, 2010 )
Comments
Elmo 10 months, 1 week ago
The kingdom crumbles....
Frustrated 10 months, 1 week ago
Whats even more interesting is the item on the ballot about changing to a county manager form of government. I really wasnt aware this was on the ballot until Monday. What a change it would be to have no chairman but three equal commissioners and a manger that handled day to day operations and answerable to the Board of Commissioners not just the chairman. The winds of change they are ablowin.
AWOL 10 months, 1 week ago
I am not sure about the county manager thing. On one hand, I like reducing the pay of the chairman. I also like the hiring of regular employees handled by someone who is not handing out jobs to his buddies like it appears that Oden does. Really I like everything I can think of about it but would like to hear an opposing view because I have not heard one.
Frustrated 10 months, 1 week ago
It is definitely a two edged sword. On one hand it would be good since all commissioners would be equal in handling business, but then the manager would be appointed by a majority of the board. As is the case now Oden and Nesbitt could partner and get who they wanted as manager. There needs to be some type of system to avoid the buddy system.
superman 10 months, 1 week ago
Now this is good news! however the current Chief of Staff is useless. He's one of the democrats from Atlanta who still lives there. He worked under Mayor Shirley Franklin. Next item on the agenda, new Chief of Staff. Get someone that truly cares about Rockdale and wouldn't ask for a 10% raise while recommending furloughs for employees!
AWOL 10 months, 1 week ago
Is this a good move in general or just because Oden was being sneaky with the chief of staff? Will it need to stay this way if we get an honest, hard-working, above board chairman?
jhill 10 months, 1 week ago
Obviously, this is a topic I am very intersted in. I would be interested in talking with any of you about the chief of staff position vs a county manager, the rolls of the commission in that form of government, etc. I would love you opinions. If interested, email me at campaign@electjasonhill.com.
Elmo 10 months, 1 week ago
None of it will ever work so long as we keep putting deadbeats, with criminal records, in positions of power. Until we stop listening to the "elect me" rhetoric, and start a more comprehensive vetting procedure, we get what we vote for...people who don't vote are casting a vote FOR the very things the ideologically oppose. When the voter rolls are filled with criminals, and other freeloaders, they're going to elect criminals. Background checks and drug tests are required for even the most menial of private sector jobs these days, yet some how it's not appropriate for government leaders? What's wrong with this picture? Voter ineligibility and fraud taint the voting process, the actual will of the people is negated. I'm glad this shake-up has occurred. Singlular absolute power is the seed of a dictatorship, at least now the process is out in the sunlight for all to see. Private staffs, and luxury perks are exactly what we are seeing in Washington D.C. Right now, and the result has been devastating to our country...and so it will to our county, as well. I think a leader that says "God bless the president" at the end of each meeting is also trying to emulate him. What's next, county provided golf clubs and vouchered greens fees?
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