Troublesome Waters

Prologue:  The piece which follows may seem superficially like "small potatoes", given that it refers to a very remote corner of the cosmos in rural Clackamas County.  However, the surge of turbulence felt here has also been felt, to a much greater extent in the politics of the midwest and beyond.  It is testimonial to the ever-widening gulf of perspective between those who hire and those who provide the goods and services.  The editor concedes his own biases in the following address to the Boring Water District Board, but leaves it to the readership to draw their own conclusions and opinions. The address was given at the May 2012 board meeting. HLR

                 >Members of the Water District Board and Madam Clerk:
        For those of you who don't indulge in Sunday comics in general, or specifically in yesterday's issue in particular, the Dilbert comic strip has a genuine significance in current budget deliberations.
                   In it, the Dilbert character addresses his boss, saying, "I need to get this technology certification.  Boss replies, "Whoa, no way.  If I pay for your training, you'll use your certification to get a better job.  At the moment you're in the Goldilocks zone.  You're not hot enough to get a better job.  And you're not  yet incom-
petent at the one you have.  When your skills expire, in the next year or two, I'll replace you with someone younger."
                 To which Dilbert, in anger and frustration replies, "You're a monster! I'll pay for my own training, and leave you to marinate in your own stench."
                   The final panel depicts a corporate vice president-type asking the boss, "How did you keep your training expenses so low?"  Boss replies, "I marinated in my own stench."
                    Perhaps this is too harsh a parable to describe management-employee relations in this district, but that begs the question, "What would be a more vivid and accurate one?"  What...in light of the following evidence:

•                     The board rejected a request by the watermaster for a compensatory stipend to attend classes which would have improved his skills, as well as his value to the water district.
•                    The board rejected a proposal by the watermaster to provide work on behalf of the district for the installation of water pipe.  The proposal was substantially less than a bid submitted by an outside contractor.  This proposal was rejected despite the fact that the watermaster and his coworker have an impeccable work history, totally free of any liability claim that could be ascribed to the product of their labor.
•                   The board has withheld approval of the watermaster's determination of when it would be most expedient for him and for water district patrons to receive his allotted vacation time.  This, despite the number of years of good and faithful service he has provided to the district. Despite the esteem in which he is held by water users and neighbors alike, as well as the commendations he has received.

                   Perhaps the board can perceive how some patrons might draw a parallel with Dilbert in management-employee relations.
                    Some board members would perhaps argue that the decisions rendered came as a consequence of sound fiscal policy; of prudent management of resources and revenue.  Yet others, who knows how many, will see actions such as these as petty vindictiveness - of management arbitrarily putting down the workforce, simply because it can.
                 There is obviously an atmosphere in this relationship that is creating an odor.  Is it as obnoxious as Dibert's stench?  That's difficult to say, but it's obviously not pleasant for certain of us to smell.
                   For better or worse, the atmosphere of the workplace is determined, to a profound degree, by employers.  Fair and equitable treatment of staff, creating an environment where staff knows it is appreciated and supported, can elevate the work of the day from pure drudgery to sublime satisfaction.
                 Is it within the board's potential to create a positive atmosphere between itself and staff?  Time will tell.  Rest assured, rate payers and voters will be waiting and watching for tell-tale signs.   Thank you.<
            (ed. note: At the conclusion of this address, the board chairman asked for comments from other board members.  There were none.  HLR)