An apology
"Just because you cannot remember someone's name, that does not mean that you don't value them. If your attempt to get someone's attention is not acknowledged, it just may be because they are focused on other matters."
If I seem to not be able to remember your name, please accept my apology. Through my working career, I have helped and worked with literally thousands of people and I just can't remember them all, sometimes, unfortunately, even ones that are special to me. Some people can hear a person's name once and remember it forever. I envy them. I can quote technical specifications, RCW numbers, human anatomy, so many other things, just not names and, as I get older, a couple of other things slip my mind, but I cannot remember what they are. (humor!!).
When I run into someone I have known for many years or have just recently met and their name escapes me, it distresses me as I feel that each of us deserves respect and being able to recall their name is part of that respect. Again, I apologize for this. I realize some people believe that an apology is a sign of weakness. I, however, feel that to apologize takes great strength and courage.
Most people say that if I am to be a politician, that I need to be able to remember everyone's name from the first introduction. Well, since I do not consider myself a politician, that is not an issue.
If we cross paths at the store or a garage sale, where ever that may occur and I do not acknowledge you, please call me on it. Sometimes I have a multitude of things on my mind and, at times I tend to be quite focused. My mind may be working on an issue with the Hospital District, a thought on the campaign, a project in my shop, which cantaloupe is ripest, but usually the answer is "D", all of the above. I truly enjoy people and would enjoy chatting with you.
I wanted you to know, just in case.
Thanks
Tony
Tony
Monday, June 16, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
On Being Cost-Conscious
"Frequently, when the source of funding is too isolated from those spending it, cost can be of little concern, after all, spending someone else's money is far less painful than spending our own."
Unfortunately, far too frequently, especially in the government sector, the value of the money spent is lost to those committing the funds, becoming little more than figures on a spread sheet. The money is there in the budget so we should spend it. To assure that we have adequate funds, we will just request a larger budget, resulting in increased taxes or higher fees for services provided.
As a member of the Board of Commissioners for Jefferson County Public Hospital District No. 2, we have always worked to keep the taxes as low as possible. Our District has one of the lowest tax rates of any Washington State hospital district. We are in the process of designing and building a new three story Emergency and Special Services building to house existing and future services. This will replace a 1929 vintage building, remodeling of which would be cost prohibitive. This will be funded through a federally sponsored loan that will require no new local taxes.
When the Board and administration learned that, due to a recovery of the construction industry, the cost of the building would exceed the original estimate and our budget, we sent the plan back to the architect for cost engineering to bring the cost back in line. The revised plan, to be released shortly, was the result of effort and stress by CEO Mike Glenn and his team, working with the designers, and will be able to fill our current and future needs while the project will again be within our original budget.
What brought this to mind was that I decided that I should have some sort of campaign buttons. Not an issue, just go on line, whip out the credit card and place the order. I really only needed a few and, for the most part, suppliers will not accept small orders. Should I order far more than I need and spend too much money? The solution; be creative! I had a few pin-on card holders used for seminars. I created the text on Microsoft Word, printed cards on colored craft paper we have around for the grandkids, placed the cards into the holders and TA-DA, I now have the "buttons".
Sometimes creativity and effort, not more money, can provide the solution.
A bit tired tonight, mowed our lawn, did the weed-eating, helped around the house and worked out in my shop.
Sleep well, pleasant dreams to you all!!!!
Tony
PS. To contact me, just give me a call at home (360-385-6335) or email me at DeLeo4PUD@gmail.com.
"Frequently, when the source of funding is too isolated from those spending it, cost can be of little concern, after all, spending someone else's money is far less painful than spending our own."
Unfortunately, far too frequently, especially in the government sector, the value of the money spent is lost to those committing the funds, becoming little more than figures on a spread sheet. The money is there in the budget so we should spend it. To assure that we have adequate funds, we will just request a larger budget, resulting in increased taxes or higher fees for services provided.
As a member of the Board of Commissioners for Jefferson County Public Hospital District No. 2, we have always worked to keep the taxes as low as possible. Our District has one of the lowest tax rates of any Washington State hospital district. We are in the process of designing and building a new three story Emergency and Special Services building to house existing and future services. This will replace a 1929 vintage building, remodeling of which would be cost prohibitive. This will be funded through a federally sponsored loan that will require no new local taxes.
When the Board and administration learned that, due to a recovery of the construction industry, the cost of the building would exceed the original estimate and our budget, we sent the plan back to the architect for cost engineering to bring the cost back in line. The revised plan, to be released shortly, was the result of effort and stress by CEO Mike Glenn and his team, working with the designers, and will be able to fill our current and future needs while the project will again be within our original budget.
What brought this to mind was that I decided that I should have some sort of campaign buttons. Not an issue, just go on line, whip out the credit card and place the order. I really only needed a few and, for the most part, suppliers will not accept small orders. Should I order far more than I need and spend too much money? The solution; be creative! I had a few pin-on card holders used for seminars. I created the text on Microsoft Word, printed cards on colored craft paper we have around for the grandkids, placed the cards into the holders and TA-DA, I now have the "buttons".
Sometimes creativity and effort, not more money, can provide the solution.
A bit tired tonight, mowed our lawn, did the weed-eating, helped around the house and worked out in my shop.
Sleep well, pleasant dreams to you all!!!!
Tony
PS. To contact me, just give me a call at home (360-385-6335) or email me at DeLeo4PUD@gmail.com.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Be willing to fight, but
"When you have done the research and believe you are right, you must be willing to stand your ground and make your voice heard, especially when you represent others. You must, however, be willing to reassess, and even change, your position when a better answer is presented, regardless of its source."
During my 40+ years as a Hospital Commissioner, I have frequently found myself defending the minority position because the information I had gathered supported it. Taking a tough stand against superior odds takes courage and conviction. I have, from time to time, lost the battle yet I had still contributed to the decision making process, offering a different viewpoint.
During other situations, the points raised by the other side have been so logical, compelling and filled with fact that I have changed my vote, not due to their pressure, but because they were right. Sometimes the solution or position before the board is so obviously the correct one that all agree from the start..
Regardless of what may be before the board, courtesy and respect for your colleagues is imperative. You need to discuss the issue, speaking for or against it, not against those you work with. Whatever the decision, you must remember that those sitting next to you today will be the ones you must work with next time.
What really matters is that the outcome is best for those you serve. After the vote has been taken, you must support the decision made by the board, for the good of the organization. Dissension, after the action has been taken, compromises the confidence in the board and can undermine the authority of it.
Getting late, need to rest up, looks like some good garage sales in the morning,
Tony
PS The Jefferson County on-line election pamphlet can be viewed at:
https://wei.sos.wa.gov/county/jefferson/en/pages/onlinevotersguide.aspx
"When you have done the research and believe you are right, you must be willing to stand your ground and make your voice heard, especially when you represent others. You must, however, be willing to reassess, and even change, your position when a better answer is presented, regardless of its source."
During my 40+ years as a Hospital Commissioner, I have frequently found myself defending the minority position because the information I had gathered supported it. Taking a tough stand against superior odds takes courage and conviction. I have, from time to time, lost the battle yet I had still contributed to the decision making process, offering a different viewpoint.
During other situations, the points raised by the other side have been so logical, compelling and filled with fact that I have changed my vote, not due to their pressure, but because they were right. Sometimes the solution or position before the board is so obviously the correct one that all agree from the start..
Regardless of what may be before the board, courtesy and respect for your colleagues is imperative. You need to discuss the issue, speaking for or against it, not against those you work with. Whatever the decision, you must remember that those sitting next to you today will be the ones you must work with next time.
What really matters is that the outcome is best for those you serve. After the vote has been taken, you must support the decision made by the board, for the good of the organization. Dissension, after the action has been taken, compromises the confidence in the board and can undermine the authority of it.
Getting late, need to rest up, looks like some good garage sales in the morning,
Tony
PS The Jefferson County on-line election pamphlet can be viewed at:
https://wei.sos.wa.gov/county/jefferson/en/pages/onlinevotersguide.aspx
Thursday, June 12, 2014
To bid or not to bid
"Relevant knowledge gained, and subsequently refreshed, is the best defense against making errors in critical areas."
When you leave the private sector and enter government, even in a local post such as PUD or Hospital Commissioner, doing business becomes far more complicated and, sometimes, hampered by all the laws, rules and regulations prescribing how nearly every activity shall be performed.
For example, I am somewhat familiar with the public bidding process and using a small works roster resulting from my time on the Hospital Board, at least I thought so. Today, I participated in an on-line webinar conducted by the Municipal Research and Services Center, the subject being "Contracting for Services, Guidelines for Local Governments in Washington". During the presentation, I learned even more on the complicated and sometimes confusing criteria used for acquiring services for government agencies..
For example, if your agency needs someone to shovel snow off the roof of a building, the work is subject to both bid laws and prevailing wage requirements. If your need is to have snow plowed from the streets, this work requires neither. The differences seem so subtle, yet has a significant impact on how the acquisition of the services is required to be processed.
For reference, I downloaded the MRSC on the subject for future reference.
Now that we have this issue cleared up??
Tony
"Relevant knowledge gained, and subsequently refreshed, is the best defense against making errors in critical areas."
When you leave the private sector and enter government, even in a local post such as PUD or Hospital Commissioner, doing business becomes far more complicated and, sometimes, hampered by all the laws, rules and regulations prescribing how nearly every activity shall be performed.
For example, I am somewhat familiar with the public bidding process and using a small works roster resulting from my time on the Hospital Board, at least I thought so. Today, I participated in an on-line webinar conducted by the Municipal Research and Services Center, the subject being "Contracting for Services, Guidelines for Local Governments in Washington". During the presentation, I learned even more on the complicated and sometimes confusing criteria used for acquiring services for government agencies..
For example, if your agency needs someone to shovel snow off the roof of a building, the work is subject to both bid laws and prevailing wage requirements. If your need is to have snow plowed from the streets, this work requires neither. The differences seem so subtle, yet has a significant impact on how the acquisition of the services is required to be processed.
For reference, I downloaded the MRSC on the subject for future reference.
Now that we have this issue cleared up??
Tony
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Views on water conservation
"Knowledge and commitment are key requirements for success in any endeavor."
Saving water is critical to our future. As demand grows and eventually exceeds the available capacity and delivery system, either exceptionally expensive measures must be taken to expand capacity or water use limitations must be enacted. Each of us can make a substantial impact on extending this resource.
Our PUD has a full plate now getting their house in order, especially with regard to fixing the billing issues and communicating effectively with the public. Even though staff may stretched thin trying to accomplish many necessary tasks, conservation plans, both short and long term, must be developed and deployed.
So what can be done? Well, there is always the old standbys, low flow shower heads and toilets and possibly even a residential domestic hot water circulating pump system. But what about outside our homes. Summer is here and we want to keep the grass and landscape beautiful and green. After all, we worked hard, or paid someone else, to to make our yards the envy of the neighborhood.
So, we drag out the osculating sprinkler or, even better, that really cool self propelled tractor sprinkler. Hoses out, sprinklers flowing freely, OK, now what? You need to know how much water each type of landscape really requires. Too much water can be as damaging as too little.
For the most part, watering your lawn twice as week applying 1/2 inch of water or once a week with a full inch will do the job. So how do I know when to stop? The old tuna can routine. Place an empty can or similar container within the coverage area of the sprinkler and stop watering when the right depth shows in the can. To avoid getting drenched in the process, mark a dark line at the correct depth on the can so you can monitor from a distance.
There is always the high tech method, a sprinkler timer, but the amount applied still needs to be monitored. However you do it, do your homework first, determine the correct watering technique for each type of plantings and lawn.
Seems this conservation blog became more like a gardening tips piece. More on conservation next time.
Thanks and happy gardening!!
Tony
"Knowledge and commitment are key requirements for success in any endeavor."
Saving water is critical to our future. As demand grows and eventually exceeds the available capacity and delivery system, either exceptionally expensive measures must be taken to expand capacity or water use limitations must be enacted. Each of us can make a substantial impact on extending this resource.
Our PUD has a full plate now getting their house in order, especially with regard to fixing the billing issues and communicating effectively with the public. Even though staff may stretched thin trying to accomplish many necessary tasks, conservation plans, both short and long term, must be developed and deployed.
So what can be done? Well, there is always the old standbys, low flow shower heads and toilets and possibly even a residential domestic hot water circulating pump system. But what about outside our homes. Summer is here and we want to keep the grass and landscape beautiful and green. After all, we worked hard, or paid someone else, to to make our yards the envy of the neighborhood.
So, we drag out the osculating sprinkler or, even better, that really cool self propelled tractor sprinkler. Hoses out, sprinklers flowing freely, OK, now what? You need to know how much water each type of landscape really requires. Too much water can be as damaging as too little.
For the most part, watering your lawn twice as week applying 1/2 inch of water or once a week with a full inch will do the job. So how do I know when to stop? The old tuna can routine. Place an empty can or similar container within the coverage area of the sprinkler and stop watering when the right depth shows in the can. To avoid getting drenched in the process, mark a dark line at the correct depth on the can so you can monitor from a distance.
There is always the high tech method, a sprinkler timer, but the amount applied still needs to be monitored. However you do it, do your homework first, determine the correct watering technique for each type of plantings and lawn.
Seems this conservation blog became more like a gardening tips piece. More on conservation next time.
Thanks and happy gardening!!
Tony
Late night, short message
"Some days just seem to have less hours than others, and this is one of them!"
I just completed my submission to the Peninsula Daily News for their primary election guide. Initially it seemed like a simple task until I found that I had to express your views on important issues in 75 words or less. I did a bit of research on PUD issues as well.
I completed my homework prep for the special Hospital District Commission meeting tomorrow (or is that today, past midnight now) June 11. It is scheduled for five hours to work on completion of our revised policy governance manual. I am sure that much of the work I do for the Hospital District will transfer well to the PUD Board. I still plan to continue my position as Commissioner on the Hospital District Board if elected to the PUD. Being retired, I have the time to devote to both.
I have been given a rare opportunity to repay my wife, in a small way, for all she does for me. One evening last week, she slipped in our yard and suffered a small fracture of her leg, at the ankle. She can get around in her moon boot, but she has doctor's orders to keep weight off that leg. For the last few days, I have been doing the cleaning, well, dishes and vacuuming anyway, running errands, helping my elderly mother-in-law and cooking meals. Please keep my wife in your thoughts for a quick recovery and that she can survive my feeble attempts at kitchen duty.
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with you,.
Tony
"Some days just seem to have less hours than others, and this is one of them!"
I just completed my submission to the Peninsula Daily News for their primary election guide. Initially it seemed like a simple task until I found that I had to express your views on important issues in 75 words or less. I did a bit of research on PUD issues as well.
I completed my homework prep for the special Hospital District Commission meeting tomorrow (or is that today, past midnight now) June 11. It is scheduled for five hours to work on completion of our revised policy governance manual. I am sure that much of the work I do for the Hospital District will transfer well to the PUD Board. I still plan to continue my position as Commissioner on the Hospital District Board if elected to the PUD. Being retired, I have the time to devote to both.
I have been given a rare opportunity to repay my wife, in a small way, for all she does for me. One evening last week, she slipped in our yard and suffered a small fracture of her leg, at the ankle. She can get around in her moon boot, but she has doctor's orders to keep weight off that leg. For the last few days, I have been doing the cleaning, well, dishes and vacuuming anyway, running errands, helping my elderly mother-in-law and cooking meals. Please keep my wife in your thoughts for a quick recovery and that she can survive my feeble attempts at kitchen duty.
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with you,.
Tony
Monday, June 9, 2014
PUD CAB
"To understand how a something works, you must become familiar with all of its parts and and how they function."
First of all, PUD CAB is not a new form of public transpiration. In my quest to reduce the use of acronyms or at least requesting an explanation of what they stand for, here it is: PUD = Public Utility District and CAB = Citizens Advisory Board.
I attended my first PUD CAB meeting today and I found it quite informative. At the meeting, staff presented a more complete, in depth presentation on topics than are usually found at Commission meetings. By the way, these meetings, held on the second Monday of each month, 1:30 PM, at the 4 Corners facility (previous PSE* headquarters), are open public meetings and you are welcome to attend. *PSE = Puget Sound Energy
The PUD CAB is a larger group of community members who assist our PUD Commissioners in formulating policy, reviewing recommendations and providing community input. The members all contributed to the discussions and I found their comments and actions to be well thought out and productive. They were also very receptive to comments and questions from the audience. Having attended this meeting, I better understand how our PUD Board of Commissioners functions. I plan to attend these meetings in the future.
Check in at our PUD's website, http://www.jeffpud.org/ , for regular and special PUD Board and CAB meetings notices, agendas and minutes of previous meetings as well as other news from our public utility.
Time for other tasks, have a wonderful evening and thanks for stopping by!
Tony
"To understand how a something works, you must become familiar with all of its parts and and how they function."
First of all, PUD CAB is not a new form of public transpiration. In my quest to reduce the use of acronyms or at least requesting an explanation of what they stand for, here it is: PUD = Public Utility District and CAB = Citizens Advisory Board.
I attended my first PUD CAB meeting today and I found it quite informative. At the meeting, staff presented a more complete, in depth presentation on topics than are usually found at Commission meetings. By the way, these meetings, held on the second Monday of each month, 1:30 PM, at the 4 Corners facility (previous PSE* headquarters), are open public meetings and you are welcome to attend. *PSE = Puget Sound Energy
The PUD CAB is a larger group of community members who assist our PUD Commissioners in formulating policy, reviewing recommendations and providing community input. The members all contributed to the discussions and I found their comments and actions to be well thought out and productive. They were also very receptive to comments and questions from the audience. Having attended this meeting, I better understand how our PUD Board of Commissioners functions. I plan to attend these meetings in the future.
Check in at our PUD's website, http://www.jeffpud.org/ , for regular and special PUD Board and CAB meetings notices, agendas and minutes of previous meetings as well as other news from our public utility.
Time for other tasks, have a wonderful evening and thanks for stopping by!
Tony
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