Here's another way we can lose money:

Before the 2 Aug 2011 Primary Election, I personally spoke with some candidates and asked them this question: If you are elected, are you going to replace the employees in your department? The answer to this question was always no.

In two of these cases, their answer was the deciding factor in gaining my vote.

Each time elections come rolling around in Tunica County, government workers start worrying about their jobs. They have good reason to worry. Historically, newly elected officials have replaced current employees. This isn’t good for our county.

1. Tunica County employees and their jobs are unprotected because each and every employee has not been given a written copy of their job description.

2. Tunica County employees and their jobs are unprotected because all employees are not given an annual written performance evaluation based on their performance and their specific job description. To be fair, this annual performance review needs to be signed by the employee’s supervisor and the employee should be given an opportunity to sign this evaluation as to agreement or disagreement with the report.

3. The Tunica County Employee Handbook has been in the process of being re-written for at least 2 years. The County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors don't adhere to the Handbook that is now in place and they need to start reading and following the written word. So, again, Tunica County employees and their jobs are unprotected. The Handbook is probably one of the biggest reasons employees and former employees sue the County. And lawsuits cost a lot of money.

4. Every time an employee is replaced with a “new hire”, there is a learning curve before the new employee will be efficient in their new job. And yes this does cost money. A lot of money. If the new employee is a member of the "Good Ole Boys and Girls" network, the replacement may not even be suited to the job.

5. And here's the biggest reason I asked this question: Why? Yeah, it's answering a question with another question. But why would a new to the job elected official even consider "cleaning house"? These employees are your most valuable assets. They can make you look like a rock star. They know the job for which you were elected even if you don't.

Mississippi is an "at will" state. This means employees can be hired and fired "at will." However, if you abuse employees by firing them just because you were elected, you can be un-elected next time. We, the people, still have the vote and we will be watching.