5 in 5: A Mini Interview with Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri
The Jefferson County Post recently had a mini interview with Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri, which consisted of a five minute, five question format.
JCP-The fiscal year ends on the last day of this month and the budget season for fiscal year 2016/2017 will come to a close June 27th. How did it go this year, in regard to the budget process, and what grade would you give the budget committee?
Mayor Palmieri-The organization of Jefferson County Finance Director Potts and his office made the process much smoother. Director Potts runs a professional office and it showed. Some members of the County Commission want to interject themselves into the day to day operations of the County and that is frustrating because it is not their function. As for the grading the budget committee, I will leave that for the people to decide.
JCP-What do you consider to be the best of the fiscal year that we are ending on June 30th?
Mayor Palmieri- This year we have been able to get a more realistic and true evaluation of where we stand as a County, which is important because we now have a more clear picture of where we need to go.
JCP- So, what is the worst of fiscal year 2015/16?
Mayor Palmieri- It would have to be the constant political posturing and power plays. If we have learned anything it should be that there is no room for that in County business. Everyone has to come together and work for the betterment of Jefferson County.
JCP- Are you going to VETO the budget?
Mayor Palmieri- I was very vocal about the County Commission cutting the salaries and budget for the Environmental Office during last year’s budget process. I didn’t agree with their action then and they did not correct it in the new budget proposal. I still believe that they overstepped their boundaries and, since the new budget has not corrected the issue, I will Veto the budget.
JCP- If you could have the power to institute anything for Jefferson County, what would you like to see in the next fiscal year?
Mayor Palmieri- Number one, I would like to eliminate all the personalities and power plays so that we can move forward in Jefferson County, without the weight of controversy keeping us down. Second, I would like to take advantage of our resources, address the needs in the various parts of our County because every area has its own advantages and disadvantages, and move toward a more secure future in Jefferson County. We need to preserve our history while still looking at progress, it has to be a balance of both. It is time to come together as a County, identify what we have, what we need and what we want and work together to get there.
