Democrats attack Republican commissioner for working too hard
Stuart Dowty and his Democrat friends are apparently trying to transform a virtue --diligence, dedication, and hard work -- into a vice. At least that is the conclusion one would have to draw from their 11th hour attacks on Commissioner Mark Ouimet.
Let’s review. When Washtenaw County commissioners attend a meeting on behalf of the county, they are entitled to receive a $25 fee. A high level of expenses, rather than being a bad thing, simply demonstrates that a commissioner is working hard.
This is particularly true in the case of Ouimet, whose large geographical district is comprised of eight governmental units, each of which is affected by county board decisions. Keeping the lines of communication open between the county and these units is an aspect of a commissioner’s job, at which Ouimet particularly excelled.
Mark Ouimet
Setting up the new system, where individual jurisdictions contracted with the Sheriff for police support, required three-way negotiations among the county, sheriff, and individual jurisdictions. Those parties had to agree on rates, terms of coverage, and dozens of other issues before tailored contracts, suitable for each jurisdiction’s needs, could be finalized. Although Dowty apparently doesn’t “get it,” this whole process required lots and lots of meetings.
But the Democrats (and the records reveal these attacks to be yet another brainchild of ethically-challenged Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer) play “politics as usual,” selectively slandering Ouimet (though he donates every cent, including his salary, to charity), and ignoring the conduct of local elected Democrats:
• They feign surprise that Ouimet sometimes attended more than one meeting in a day (certainly not unusual in the private sector). If this truly bothers them, they should take a close look at the County’s records over the past 6 years. They would find that Commissioner Jeff Irwin has charged the county for multiple meetings in one day 71 times, including two “four meetings in a day” occasions. Others charging for multiple meetings in a day include Commissioners Barbara Bergman, 73 times, Ken Schwarz, 53 times, Rolland Sizemore, 24 times, and Conan Smith, 23 times. Commissioner Wes Prater, though, may hold the “multi-meetings-in-one-day” title: he managed to attend (and charge the county for) seven meetings in one day, a feat even more impressive since he had to travel (and additionally bill the county for) 100 miles of driving that day!
• They suggest that it was somehow improper for Ouimet to charge for a meeting with the Ann Arbor News editorial board. The purpose of that meeting, though, was to discuss the county budget so that the News could accurately report on the issue -- surely legitimate county board business.
• Supposedly, Ouimet charged $3,621 for “attending conventions and meetings outside the area last year.” This is false. The county’s records -produced in response to a specific request for documents that would reflect such expenditures -- clearly and simply says that “No documents exist that would satisfy this particular request.” Instead, county records reflect that this $3,621 in travel expenses actually was paid to Wes Prater, not to Ouimet. Speaking of travel, though, while Ouimet tends to business within the county, others wander:
• Commissioner Kristin Judge, who has expressed great concern about others’ “excessive spending,” has been no stay-at-home commissioner. In addition to charging pre-election-year in-county expenses (including for multi-meeting days), Judge has so far racked up over $8,000 in out-of-county travel, attending conferences in, among other places, Reno, Nevada. This in her first term! While in Reno on the taxpayer’s dime, even Judge questioned on her blog whether it was appropriate to spend county money on such trips.
But Judge wanted to travel even more, secretly asking at least one other commissioner to transfer unused travel funds to her expense account, and further asking that this appeal not be made a “public issue.” Only when told that the transaction needed to be “transparent” and had to be requested in a public meeting, did Judge relent.
Later, perhaps for unrelated reasons, Judge threatened to file a workforce harassment complaint against this other commissioner.
• Commissioner Wes Prater has spent even more. Since 2005, he has expended $11,813.39 of county funds on travel outside the county (and he wasn’t in office in 2007 or 2008).
• Commissioner Conan Smith slightly exceeded Prater’s total, having spent $11,889.45 over the same time period.
• The nine Democrats now serving on the county board have spent, on average, $8,658 per term, over the last six years, on out-of-county travel.
• During the same time period, Commissioner Ouimet has charged nothing ($0) for out-of-county travel.
According to the Democrats, it apparently is not OK for a Republican to slog through Michigan’s winter weather in February to participate in a Sylvan Township Board meeting, but it is OK for Democrats to jet around the country attending conferences.
The more one thinks about these rather bizarre charges, the more one has to wonder whether they don’t reveal something fundamental about how clueless the Democrats are about the world of work in general and the private sector in particular. Wonder why Michigan has lost 630,000 jobs over the past eight years? Maybe this Democrat attitude that publicly proclaims hard work to be is a bad thing has something to do with it!
People are sick and tired of these kinds of dishonest, 11th-hour, “gotcha” political attacks. Whatever the rules are, they should be applied fairly and equally to all - Democrats and Republicans alike.
One thing is clear: It has been Washtenaw County’s great good fortune to have had as fine a public servant as Mark Ouimet serving on the Board of Commissioners, and the citizens of the 52nd State House district would be similarly lucky to have him represent them in Lansing.
Mark T. Boonstra is the chairman and Wyckham D. Seelig is the vice chairman of the Washtenaw County Republican Committee.
Comments
Roadman
Mon, Oct 25, 2010 : 11:23 a.m.
Mark Ouimet is a fine hardworking Commissioner. I thank Mark and Wyckham for their eloquent support.
clownfish
Mon, Oct 25, 2010 : 8:02 a.m.
It states that Mark donates all of this money plus his salary to charities. So? If he does not need the money, why use tax payer money to support his charities? Did he then take a tax deduction for those donations? -- I love the people that complain about Obama being "out of control", but then state that he doesn't work! Like complaining that Obama is "anti-business" then whining about him propping up banks, investment firms, car companies (all businesses if I recall)and ignoring the tax breaks he has granted to small business, all the American Recovery Act money that has poured into American business, the fact that, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve, corporate profits hit $1.37 trillion in the first quarteran all-time high. Businesses are sitting on about $2 trillion in cash reserves. Business spending jumped 20 percent last quarter, and is up by 13 percent against 2009. The Obama administration has dropped taxes for small businesses and big ones alike. Oh, that's right, so many of the people that want the govt "out of the way" are the same people that are calling for Obama to "fix the economy". Up is blue, down is cloudy, left is trees and right is 21AA gravel. Sarah Palin wants people to "Man-up", but she quit because the "LSM" was mean to her and she couldn't take the pressure. Facts, as interesting as they may be, are irrelevant!
GRANDPABOB
Mon, Oct 25, 2010 : 5:58 a.m.
jeremy, evidently you did not read the article very good. It states that Mark donates all of this money plus his salary to charities. And some of the funds he supposedly got were given to a democrat.
Gemini27200
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 4:40 p.m.
Why have the Democrats started a witch hunt against Mr. Ouimet, when he contributed $100 to the Democratic campaign of Pittsfield Promise (Current Pittsfield Administration) two years ago? Very accurate description of Ms. Judge's antics. Pittsfield would do well to not re-elect her. Here's a Judge quote from 2009 in addition to the above: Commissioner Kristin Judge began the discussion by saying she planned to make a friendly amendment to cut the travel budget by half, rather than eliminating it entirely. She said that theres some travel she wanted to do for the job, such as attending the annual National Association of Counties conference. I cant do this job at a loss financially, she said.
Speechless
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 4:18 p.m.
The headline for this opinion piece provides The Seeds of inspiration:     You're workin' too hard, uh, workin' for us     You're workin' too hard on what you want to do     You're workin' too hard doing all the things you do     You're workin' too hard — every night and day     You're workin' too hard     Workin' too hard for us — too hard!     Well all I want is to just be free     Live my life the way I wanna be     All I want is to just have fun     Live my life like it's just begun     While you're workin' so hard     Workin' so hard for me — so hard!     Well, don't listen to what some are sayin'     Better not stop all your workin' around     Don't stop runnin' all over town     Better you keep toolin' around     'Cause you're workin' too hard     Workin' too hard for us — too hard!     Well, while others may, uh, work for free     There's a lotta diems out there, you see     Though we think you're gonna apply     You better ask yourself the reason why     Cause you're workin' too hard     Workin' too hard for us — too hard!     Workin' too hard, workin' too hard     Workin' too hard, workin' too hard     Workin' too hard for us — too hard! (mucho apologies to the late Sky Saxon)
Ralph
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 2:26 p.m.
The words "work" and "county commissioner" used in the same sentence is a riot! lol! Since when under any circumstance does somebody get a pass from stealing from the public trough.
American Family
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 2 p.m.
@johnnya2, I would like to reply, but a different thought is not allowed here on A2.com. Yes, he did do some of what he said he would do. Not all, and in a direction contrary to lots of people wishes. I never said he lied. He did not. Ever. But I do not agree with him much at all. I am a little surprised when people are surprised by his actions. He told us all his ideas. And still got voted in.
johnnya2
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 1:32 p.m.
@Amer Family: "Time to dump Obama and put someone in who actually knows the difference between work and campaigning." Utter hogwash. Would you like to see what Obama campaigned on and what has actually PASSED. That is doing what he was sent to do. Health care reform, stimulus, banking reform. All these are laws that have been passed under the current regime. You may not agree with them, BUT it shows a pattern of tackling issues and getting it passed. The fact is, Obama has worked on many issues he said he would when he campaigned. In the year 2010, the Obama administration has created more jobs than George W did in EIGHT years in office. Don't let facts get in the way of your arguments though.
Heardoc
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 1:10 p.m.
Funny how we never hear the outrage when we speak of dems -- but when we speak of repubs doing the same thing the leftists come out of the wood work. Lets look at all of the spending that the dems have done then compare that to the repubs and I am positive the demons are on the dem side. With all this said.. maybe both sides are spending too much of our money. Then we should also look at all the professional politicians -- maybe they should not be politicians any more... serve for a while then get out and let others serve. Tgis crowd keeps electing failed professional politicians --Dingell, Levin, Stabenow, Granholm (term limited), Heftge and all the rest. Yet this same crowd seems to blame repubs... I guess leftist radicals are just that.. radical.
American Family
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 12:54 p.m.
Yep, Call in the thought Police. Round up those non-Liberal thinkers. Purge Happy Land. Where is the re-education camp again? All the comments here are on topic; some commenters use examples to make a point. Oh no... not that! I thought it is 2010, not "1984"
TripleVSix
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 12:21 p.m.
"Time to dump Obama and put someone in who actually knows the difference between work and campaigning." Bingo. This person gets it. "I resent dragging the good name of President Obama into this conversation. " The terms "good name" and "President Obama" are mutually exclusive.
American Family
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 12:19 p.m.
"resent" "serious" One, too bad. Two, yes. While it is 100% correct Obama is not on the ticket, his is campaigning for others. And that is the point. To give Ouimet a hard time because it is perceived that he is campaigning too much is silly. As long as he gets the job done. Same goes for ANY other politician. If some of you are offended that I may think the same of your chosen one, tough. If you can point out perceived flaws in a candidate, so can I. First Amendment sort of thing. Ever read it? Dont toss out I am offended, and then offend others. Liberals. All can have a say, as long as it matches what they want to say. Or else
denise1inaa
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 12:02 p.m.
This article is about Mr. Ouimet specifically and his expenditures, ONLY because they are so much higher than his peers, NOT because he wasn't doing his job. I resent dragging the good name of President Obama into this conversation.
David Briegel
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 11:54 a.m.
Amer Family, You can't possibly be serious. Obama is not on our ballot. By all accounts Mark is a good Commissioner. However, Christine has proven that she will be a much better State Rep. you will see. Nick, They would never tolerate a Dem with that record, much less come to their defense. Hypocrisy abounds! ScioReader, you are correct. They will never answer Ghost or me! Showhorse vs workhorse!
American Family
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 11:10 a.m.
@ScioReader. "Time to dump Ouimet and put someone in who actually knows the difference between work and campaigning." Really?? Time to dump Obama and put someone in who actually knows the difference between work and campaigning. For the current King of the Democrats has NEVER left campaigning mode. Many Center and Center right news outlets have stated this to be true. Heck look at him even now, on the campaign trail. So as you can see, some people think Obama is in a never ending campaigning mode, just as those on the Left think the same of Ouimet. In the end, after a politician is out of the picture, only history will show if that politician did work and got things done, or goofed off trying to make sure their name is remembered. I happen to think Ouimet is doing a fine job over all. No one is perfect.
a2huron
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 10:39 a.m.
The travel perk is one of the biggest rip-offs of taxpayers. It just pads resumes without bringing back any value that couldn't otherwise be done remotely. Get rid of that perk and you will begin to save taxpayers huge sums. Per diems and mileage also. Can't feign sympathy with the private sector if you're not going to sacrifice yourself.
Leah Gunn
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 10:32 a.m.
I can assure you that I attend many, many meetings within my District as well as all around the County. I just do not charge per diems or mileage for them. Mr. Ouimet is not the only Commissioner who works hard. I have never applied for mileage, and I stopped taking per diems in January 2008. I believe that Commissioners should receive their annual salary, and no more. However, my attempt to garner support for such a resolution failed in 2009, and the Commission adopted "flex accounts". I voted against that proposal, and my flex account spending has been zero. The money in it will revert to the General Fund on Dec. 31, 2010. Perhaps this year we can pass my resolution to eliminate all per diems, travel and mileage, but we need six votes to do it. Note: although I still believe that my "Questionable" meetings (I did not have any deemed "ineligible") for the Washtenaw Metro Alliance, the Literacy Coalition and the Food System Economic Partnership all qualified for per diems, I have mailed a check for $175.00 to the County Clerk. I wish to preserve my integrity in this office.
ScioReader
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 9:42 a.m.
oh pleeeeeze. working too hard? how can you write this stuff with a straight face? (maybe you're not. you're proably laughing that all those republicians will actually believe he's working too hard and use that to defend him.) Time to dump Ouimet and put someone in who actually knows the difference between work and campaigning.
Nick
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 9:36 a.m.
Boonstra and Seelig- If it had been a Democrat that had Ouimet's pattern and magnitude of overcharging, you'd be calling for his/her head. In an era when the Republicans market themselves as "fiscally responsible" and embracing of the Tea Party platform, this defense of Ouimet comes off as cronyist and hypocritical.
Basic Bob
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 9:24 a.m.
@Brad, I agree, except they didn't have clear rules on what "qualifies". And how much time does it really take to fill out a spreadsheet listing where you went on what day? Five meetings or twenty-five takes the same amount of time. How much did we pay for those junkets to Reno when a phone call would suffice?
Heretoday&tomorrow
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 9:10 a.m.
'Per diem' - I guess Mark didn't know that meant 'per day' as in only to be charged once per day. And read the remarks of Rich DeLong, former Republican commissioner: '..Ive seen Mark show up at events and meetings all over the community, even if it wasnt exactly clear why he was there, except to be seen. This has happened at some of our trustee meetings. Thats okay, I guess; its what politicians do. Unfortunately, I was appalled to learn in recent days that, frequently, when Mark showed up at these events, he was billing the taxpayers of Washtenaw County $25, plus mileage, for doing so, in violation of county rules.'
Cash
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 8:47 a.m.
Yeah those expense reports he was filling out 24X7 were a lot of work. But then, how else could he line his pockets?
Brad
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 8:16 a.m.
When Washtenaw County commissioners attend a QUALIFYING meeting on behalf of the county, they are entitled to receive a $25 fee. And that's the rub.
Jeremy
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 8:10 a.m.
Working too hard to take trips on the taxpayer's dime and get refunded for things he shouldn't have? Seems like, instead, he was working too hard on lining his own pocket. Sure he should be commended for the meetings - just shouldn't have been paid for them. He's the worst of the bunch, and that shouldn't be the background you need for a promotion. It should be cause for replacement.
jcj
Sun, Oct 24, 2010 : 8:09 a.m.
I wonder why all those outraged Democrats are not responding to this? Surely they can disprove this story! Please come forward and defend the expenditures of the mentioned Democrats. And then and then only should we listen to all the other outcry's!