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Hawai'i County -- we are in a State of Emergency, the lava might not stop flowing for decades, since the lava started flowing the County has been spending like there is no tomorrow. And one candidate, Ric Wirick (Why Rick) has stepped up with a workable solution -- cut budgets from the top and plant the seeds for the future -- making sustainable Agri-culture our top priority. Bringing together our farmers, ranchers, hunters and fishing communities to feed ourselves and feed our island.
Ric Wirick (Why Rick) is suggesting that the elected County Council -- lead by example. Taking a 50% Admin salary reduction (County Council up to the Mayor) would put about 2 million tax dollars per year back into the general fund.
In addition, Wirick is suggesting a ballot initiative to STOP the 2% of property taxes being spent for the purchase of County/ Public lands, about 6 million dollars per year.
Cut budgets from the top, get the funds back into the general funds to serve our island-community. And plant the seeds for the future, Back to the Basics/ Back to the Future. And this is just the beginning -- it is time to grow and run Hawai'i County like a business -- by and for the people.
Ric Wirick
Ric Wirick
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it is time to grow and run Hawai'i County like a business
Trump said something like that.
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Ric Wirick (Why Rick) Feed ourselves, feed our island -- sustainable agri-culture -- food independence, food sovereignty, food security.
It is not only our right, it is our responsibility -- currently up to 85% of our food comes in shipping containers.
Plus, it is time to stop the self-licking ice cream cone of government.
$70,000 a year for a part-time job, plus benefits -- what business on this planet would pay that wage for failed management system and continued on the job training?
And why aren't there a 1000 candidates per District for County Council, $70,000 per year? The only job requirements for County Council are that you are a resident, live in the District you serve, and you are not a convicted felon. I am saying STOP the Madness -- let's get back to reality -- and let's put public service first and foremost -- $35,000 for a part-time job with full County benefits is good for any and all County Council members -- especially in the State of Emergency!
Back to the Basics/ Back to the Future
Ric Wirick
Ric Wirick
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1. Are you actually Ric Wirick?
2. I like the idea of growing food security for Hawaii, but how are we going to grow food staples competitively with massive unregulated 3rd world slave labor farm imports? How do Hawaiian farmers paying high prices and high taxes survive?
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Just curious why Ric Wirick (Why Rick) hasn't responded. Anyone know? You'd think anyone running for a council seat would at least respond to their constituents.
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If we can't attract competent County Council candidates (or county administration) at the current salaries, how would a 50% salary reduction motivate them?
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Not impressed with the drive-by cut'n'paste campaigning...
As to the salary cuts: "beatings will continue until morale improves".
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quote:
Originally posted by KeaauRich
If we can't attract competent County Council candidates (or county administration) at the current salaries, how would a 50% salary reduction motivate them?
Well, by that logic perhaps doubling their salaries would be the way to go.
Don't take this as an endorsement for any candidate. I've already expressed my displeasure with the choices in my district. The recent HUGE pay increases didn't help the situation one bit.
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quote:
Originally posted by My 2 cents
quote:
Originally posted by KeaauRich
If we can't attract competent County Council candidates (or county administration) at the current salaries, how would a 50% salary reduction motivate them?
Well, by that logic perhaps doubling their salaries would be the way to go.
<snip>
How about we all make a mental note that the council is now being adequately compensated (some would argue excessively, fine) and now, instead of gnashing our teeth and rending our garments, let’s hold them to an even higher standard?
Their pay shouldn’t be the issue. Their effectiveness should be the issue. KeaauRich is correct when he suggests that reducing their pay would make the body even less effective than it is now. I shudder to think of such a thing.
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Wirick was quoted in Friday’s paper saying he wasn’t concerned that reducing salaries by 50% would drive away talent or have administrators making less than their subordinates. ‘You are going to get people there who want to do the job,” he said. "They’re not going in there for the money."
Apparently our current salaries are so high they are discouraging talented people from applying for positions... <rolling eyes>.
Wirick also made an issue out of his opponent’s legal name, claiming that the Hawaiian surname gives Kanealii-Kleinfelder an unfair advantage.
