Salary high for 'frill' position

Editor:

My eyebrows went up when I read that Columbia County had hired a Com-munity and Leisure Services director at a salary of $70,000 per year, $580 per month car allowance and moving expenses of $5,000.

First, I didnt know such a position existed. What is the job description? What qualifications does Barry Smith, former director of Richmond Countys Department of Trees and Landscaping and Savannah Park and Tree Department, have that qualifies him for the position? Do we have picnics under the trees on the horizon?

Columbia County educators are having difficulty meeting the state requirements for student/ teacher ratios and parents draw lots for places in the preschool program. If the county has money for a frills position like this at a salary that would probably provide two teachers, what are the priorities of the Columbia County administrators?

//

J. Sandlin

Evans