Departures…
I think I might have written on this before, but it’s coming down to the wire for Julie Johnson, former State Secretary of Revenue and Labor. After more than 20 years with state government, Julie is leaving for greener pastures in Aberdeen.
Having worked with Julie on the Korean War Memorial Dedication, the State Quarter, the Vietnam Memorial Dedication, and the 2007 Inaugural (whew!) as she snuck that duty between being an Administrative Law Judge for the state, I can truly say that this is the state’s loss.
Julie is without a doubt, one of the best event people I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with. Even when other people are doing their best to screw the event up. (I’d love to tell you the one about “Aunt Sally”….. ) If I was to have an event saddled with high level dignitaries - who have equally high expectations - Julie would be my first call, and I would need no other protocol expertise.
I wish I could make it over myself, but for those of you in Pierre, I hope you can all join what will certainly be a large group of well wishers on Monday in the Capitol Cafe from 3pm to 5pm.
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And I also see Jason Folkerts is leaving the blogosphere. Best wishes to Jason in his future endeavors, and we hope to see him back soon.
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Comments
#1 - Even though your tax dollars pay their salary, state employees are still entitled to a break just like those that work in the private sector…
Generally people come and go as they take their 15 minute break if they’re hourly.
Although, I’m sure #1 and #3 don’t have to take any breaks. They just spend their mornings at the local cafe bitching about state employees, as they wait for their government checks to come in.
Damn Gubment. Spending all my tax dollars…
Ooo. I’d better go put up another mailbox. I’m getting two checks for not farming this year.
Can I dispel a few false notions here?
1. There’s no taxpayer $ involved. This type of thing is paid for out of pocket by their friends and co-workers.
2. Hourly people will come by on their 15 minute break. (which I think they’re guaranteed by Fed. law).
3. Salaried staff usually work over 40 hours a week, including evenings and weekends. So if they want to take time (including up to 2 hours) and they still put in 40 hours, then the taxpayer is out nothing.
4. Some of you make it sound like a jail sentence as opposed to employment where people invest their hearts, and dreams. As well as their best intentions.
Some of you seem to have lost sight of the fact that they are people too. Cut them a little slack.
PP, thanks for explaining it a little more. I think those that showed concern were worried that the state employees would be there for the whole 2 hours.
Regarding your #2 though, I do not believe that federal law requires 15 min. breaks. I do not think it requires even a 30 min. lunch break. But what employer would keep his workers very long without the breaks? Also productivity is much higher with the breaks than without.
Julie, keep in touch and thank you for the service you have provided to South Dakota. I know you will give your heart and work hard at your new position, but Pierre will miss you, or at least they should!
The personell office better not let state employees attend this during hours my tax dollars are footing the bill.