Patronage has no "Political Boundaries."
Management Staff replacement is quite a different animal all together ,
or should be !

I think , what started as a new admin bringing in those with the experience to assist in directing and forging new plans and improvements - some how was perverted . With the changing of a post like County Exec - new and trusted staff is a "Political necessity" - not only to bring a shared concept - but also to defend ones self against "Political Sabotage."

In Unionized "Public Service Delivery" there is always the "Party" mindset. The Party faithful are there to protect those who put them there . They are less likely to accept or want change of any sort . Their work ethic is not that of a true "Worker" , as in private industry . A Unionized worker in private industry is more apt to see and understand work place changes for the overall good and continued growth of "Our Company."

Patronage "Jobs" are just that - Patronage - its people being hired for Political reasons - Party Favors - be it family members , relatives or just plain Party Loyal . Usually the only true skills they bring to their new job is loyalty to the Party that got them there position . They need to be exposed and relieved . Performance based work assessments can and should be used !

Bringing in new management staff shouldn't be looked at as "Patronage" - its a tool of the "New Administration" - used to help outline , focus and implement change .

Patronage is the "Political Grease" that feeds the Party Bosses. That needs to end . Those who rely on it , are beholding to the Party not the Community they serve.

Unions were formed to help "Protect Workers rights" - all to often now they have become nothing more than "Political PACS"(Political Action Committees) - they are Party driven and provide manpower and cash to those of "Like Mind." Politicians used to support Union workers - now Union workers are being forced to support selected Politicians .

Change is needed - but first the tax payer , voters and workers must understand the reasons for that change . The "Public Servants" must realize who they serve , before they can regain their true identity as "Public Servants."
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Its not a fault of the Union - its the fault of those within society that say , "Thats the way it works" - we feed that mindset every time we donate or blindly support a Party or system that has led us to where we are today .


Just my opinion !