Don Miller-Part 2

GREAT article by Courtney Lomax regarding Supervisor Donald "Don" Miller's 60% annual pay increase.

Here is a recap of some of our favorite lines-

1. "Auditor Elizabeth Casapulla said the board of auditors compared Miller's salary with those of other recreation directors in the area as well as other directors and managers in the township. Auditors also compared the programs offered at other recreation centers with Forks' program, Casapulla said. "We were so low compared to other townships," Casapulla said of Miller's salary.

Hmm, do other towns have the massive amount of debt that we do? Oh by the way Ms. Casapulla, you were appointed by the Board of Supervisors including Mr. Miller, right? Doesn't this kinda sound like the rooster watching over the hen house?

2. Palmer Township's Community Center Director Kemie Heckman's 2007 salary was set at $43,260, according to Palmer Township Manager Robert Anckaitis.

Palmer was smart enough to find a major benefactor (Chrin) to fund their building versus the taxpayers so is it a real surprise that they can afford to pay their director this kind of money?

3. Miller, 65, said he didn't mind volunteering for the recreation department in the past.

So Mr. Miller, you never received ANY compensation (building monitor, youth dances, etc.) for your past work?

4. "I was surprised he got a 60 percent increase at one shot," Ackerman said. "It's a sore subject, that's for sure. That's what I hear, anyway."Ackerman said township residents have called him complaining about the increase.

Well jeez Mr. Ackerman, how about showing some backbone and standing up to the 3-D's at a meeting and decrying this and other issues very loudly? Your soft style approach hasn't worked in over 5 years since you were elected!

5. Nicholas said other community centers make a profit, and Forks' center does not."My concern is if we are paying that kind of money, we should be showing a profit," Nicholas said.

Wow, what a revolutionary concept, compensation tied to actual results! Kudos to Supervisor Nicholas for this great idea, but don't hold your breath that this will happen!

6. Finance Manager Jim Farley said he will recommend supervisors change the 2007 budget to reflect the new salary number. There is enough money in the budget to fund the increase, Farley said. "We have money in the bank," he said. "We're not going to really chew into our savings this year."

Sure, why not! After all why should we let our massive debt load, crumbling infrastructure, lack of planning for future roadways, absence of a plan to better deal with flooding, or a blueprint to attract employers that would offer full-time, well-paying high skilled jobs that would also provide better ratables to the township stand in our way?!?! Besides, the money isn't coming out of Farley's pocket as he doesn't even live in Forks Township, so not sweat off of his back!

Since Ackerman probably won't say it, let us. Dear Supervisor Miller, we call on you to do the right thing and decline this 60% increase. If you won't, at least have the decency to resign your position as township supervisor TODAY so that you can focus 100% of your time and efforts to make the Forks Township Community Center profitable.