Home Page Classified Search Employment Real Estate Transportation Garage Sales Map Place A Classified

Little of this, little of that Opinions Thursday, 18 March 2010 06:37 Domestic partner benefits Kudos to the city of Kissimmee for changing its policy to allow employees to buy health and dental insurance for their unmarried domestic partners, whether the same or the opposite sex. The new policy, spearheaded by Commissioner Cheryl Grieb, requires that the employee provide proof of a single household in order to qualify. Like Commissioner Grieb and others, we see this as a health and equality issue, not to mention that it is a fair business decision. Now, we trust city administration will work out the details for applying the policy so there is no abuse of this benefit. Jail woes We know people are prone to point fingers, but the situation at the Osceola County Corrections Department and its jail has created a public relations nightmare for the county. Yes, disciplinary action is pending for 22 jail employees responsible for some aspect of an inmate’s escape in February and for the latest security lapses and oversights – including Tuesday night’s escape. That is as it should be. Some problems stem from overcrowding, some from not enough staff and some from less than acceptable supervision. It has all added up to a significant mess. We, like others, are anxiously awaiting a report due out on the jail regarding disciplinary action, supposedly sometime this week. We know there are certain goings-on in county jails that take time for staff to uncover, as was the case with the recent discovery of contraband and fermenting of fruit for an alcoholic beverage. However, there are far too many problems at the jail that heads should not roll, and responsibility starts at the top. TDC oversight We couldn’t agree more with members of the Osceola County Tourist Development Council that they should get the chance to review all proposals for spending lodging tax money, whether it is budgeted or unbudgeted, before those requests go before the Osceola County Commission. The commission can’t operate in a vacuum, and recommendations from the council are essential in the decision-making process. We also agree with council member Fred Cumbie that the council “shouldn’t have to beg” to hear the requests first. Anything else is a slap in the face.   Please register or log in to post comments. JComments