Taxpayers should 'count our blessings' for workers who 'excel'

Editor:

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Happy New Year and many thanks to Columbia County employees for giving such great service to the taxpayers.

I have visited many county departments over the years and not once received anything but efficient, competent, gracious service. Many of these employees went out of their way to be helpful, not just fulfill my request.

A special thanks to Steve Szablewski, county administrator, for his leadership. Attitude starts at the top, so Mr. Szablewski deserves credit for providing an atmosphere in which county employees excel in performing their duties.

Scott Johnson, deputy administrator, has reorganized departments so that, through attrition, the county has realized savings of $500,000 in personnel costs. In Washington, they call this chump change (and we're the chumps), but, in Columbia County, this will help keep taxes from being raised during these difficult times. Thank you, Mr. Johnson!

Folks, we are blessed and it's time to count our blessings.

Gene Renno , Martinez