www.milnereport.com

Dear Friends,

Here we go again. The Statesman Journal has reported more than once in recent months

that the Marion County Board of Commissioners is not getting along. This is not news.

We were not elected on the proviso that we have friendly little chats around the water

cooler on a regular basis. We were elected to represent the people of Marion County, to

carry out our campaign promises, and to uphold our oaths of office.

The real story that the Statesman Journal so far has chosen not to print is that my fellow

commissioners don’t vote the way I do. They don’t share my fiscally conservative

philosophy. Nor do they agree with my desire to publicly address Marion County’s lack

of policies and procedures in the way we spend taxpayer money. In my experience what

often happens in politics when people don’t want to address an issue is they resort to

name calling. That is what has happened in Marion County, that is the story that the

newspaper has insisted on reporting on.

However, the real issues are not going to go away. No matter how often I am put down,

I will stand my ground. I was not elected to capitulate to the will of fellow commissioners

or the media. I am paid to challenge the system, and this is the platform on which I

ran. I believe the current policies in Marion County inadequately address how the

County spends money. I know I can’t change the entire system alone, but I will continue

to insist that we put better policies in place before we can approve county budgets, or

spend money frivolously on pet projects.

Having said that, I have every confidence that we can get there. We have recently hired

Melinda Carlton as County Administrator, and I fully believe that she not only understands

what needs to happen, but also has the professional ability and energy to get it

done. She is setting us on the right path, and now it is up to we three commissioners to

support her.

We also have hired John Margaronis as the new Director of Information Technology.

Information systems at the County, and our relationship with the Data Center have long

been major concerns for me. As you know, I was unable to vote for the County budget

last year due in large part to not having my questions answered about the Data Center

and what I perceived to be significant management issues. I am delighted that John had a handle on

the problems within weeks of starting work, and again, I am confident that we can finally start

making the right decisions, based on good information.

So, despite what the newspaper would have you believe, we are making progress and getting the

work of the County done. There is nothing wrong with three elected officials having different

philosophies and approaches to dealing with the issues. Contrary to what the media says, dissent is

a positive thing in government; it means that everyone’s views are being heard, not just those of the

majority. I will continue to make your views heard in Marion County.

Please feel free to contact me any time with any thoughts, suggestions or concerns you may have.

The only way I can do my job is with your help! Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Patti Milne

Over the next few months, the Board of Commissioners will be considering some important decisions

regarding, among other things, the Data Center, a new Juvenile Facility, and the annual Budget. It

would be very helpful for me to hear from you with your thoughts on some of these important issues.

Please take a few minutes to answer the following survey and share your comments. You can either mail

Thank you for helping me make sure your voice is heard in Marion County!

1. What do you believe the core functions of Marion County government are? (Please Rank You Choices)

a) Criminal Justice

1. Sheriffs Office

2. District Attorney’s Office

3. Juvenile Detention

4. Court System

b) Health and Human Services

c) Public Works

1. Land Use Planning

2. Road Maintenance and Repair

d) Information Systems

2. What would you emphasize in a new juvenile corrections program? (Please Rank the Following)

a) Punish Offenders (Deterrence)

b) Provide Educational Programs for Offenders

c) Provide Rehabilitation Programs to Offenders

d) Provide Intervention for At-Risk Youth and Families

e) Stricter Parole and Probation Oversight