If a Tree Falls… Will You Know?

I am sure that many people who have heard about the government employee salary fiasco taking place in Bell, California had the same initial reaction that I did; it’s California, the left-coast, bankrupt state government- of course something like that would happen there. Having been born in California, I can say those things. So, when I heard the scaled-back Virginia version of the same story, I was somewhat surprised.

Christiansburg, VA is a city with a recent history of controversy and conflict, especially regarding government transparency. This summer the town council opted not to offer their town manager Lance Terpenny a contract renewal. Instead, he was given a severance package and sent on his merry way. As it turns out, a town manager in Christiansburg can make more money by getting fired than by working.

Now, I was under the impression that paychecks are tied to jobs- not according to the Christiansburg town council. The unsuspecting taxpayers there recently found out that their money is going to pay Mr. Terpenny up to $290,000 for NOT doing his job. This amount includes 1-year’s salary, un-used vacation time, $126,000 worth of un-used sick time, and a service merit award. At the same time, Mr. Terpenny took a position as the town manager in nearby Floyd, VA, making $50,000 a year, less than half his former salary- such a pay cut is very affordable when you are being paid by the taxpayers for being fired. Residents in Floyd are understandably concerned about his hiring.

So, how does something like this happen? Like this: “ [a Christiansburg resident] said she does not attend the town’s public meetings because “I feel like a lot of times, it’s just talk. They’re going to end up doing what they want anyway.’” When residents don’t attend meetings or educate themselves about what their public servants are doing, there is no accountability and no one to say “Stop wasting my money!” You know the saying- “If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?”

How do you stop something like this from happening in your town? If you are a member of a tea party, 912 or other community group, have fellow members commit to attending local government meetings regularly, on a rotating basis if necessary. Report back to your group what was discussed, and what actions were taken, and what you think about it. Better yet, create a blog for your local government, with regular updates about what is going on, and spread the link throughout your community. Communicate regularly with council members and make sure they know your opinions and expectations. If you don’t like what is going on, work hard to elect someone who is committed to fiscal conservatism. If there is no one, become that someone yourself and run for office. The best way to make sure that your elected officials are responsible is to make sure they know that they are being watched, and can be replaced.

For tips and tools on holding your elected officials accountable or running for office yourself, visit American Majority’s resources page and a training near you.