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Hernando Today

Commissioner Says It's Her Duty To Attend Meeting

Rose Rocco

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: February 4, 2009

Updated: 02/05/2009 11:21 am

BROOKSVILLE - Disregarding the advice of her colleagues, Hernando County Commissioner Rose Rocco said she intends to sit in on upcoming leadership team meetings that are intended to be staff-only gatherings.

Rocco said it's her right.

"We're the elected officials, and it is our duty and obligation to be assured we are getting all the right information," said Rocco, who plans to be at the first team meeting Tuesday.

The leadership teams were the brainchild of County Administrator David Hamilton, who sees them as a way for upper-level managers to meet periodically and air concerns about the top issues of the day, make policy recommendations and report back to county commissioners.

Rocco said part of her insistence in attending is because Hamilton told her last week he didn't want her at the meeting.

"I was shocked," Rocco said. "That just raised a red flag to me. No commissioners should be told they cannot attend a meeting."

Rocco said she got an opinion from a county attorney who said she could attend.

Rocco said this should not be construed as trying to undercut Hamilton or create animosity. But there are clear divisions of authority, she said.

"We employ him, he doesn't employ me," Rocco said. "I have to answer to the constituents. When I make a decision, I want to make sure I'm doing it with sound, factual information."

Rocco added the centerpiece of Hamilton's reorganization plan is transparency "but there has to be transparency across the board."

She said her intention is not to micro-manage and she would take a "passive" stance at the leadership meetings.

Rocco said she has a "thick skin" and won't be offended if an employee says something unflattering.

The leadership team concept is part of Hamilton's streamlining plan that pares down the current unwieldy system of 24 separate department heads to eight divisional managers. Those managers will be joined by as many elected Constitutional Officers who care to take part.

By having a smaller group to monitor, Hamilton believes it will increase government transparency, accountability and inter-departmental communication.

Hamilton stressed that notes will be taken during these meetings, which will be available to all county commissioners.

But notes aren't enough, Rocco said.

"If as a commissioner, you're not allowed to go to a meeting, how do you know you're getting the right information?" Rocco asked.

County Commission Chairman David Russell reminded Rocco that nobody is barring her from attending any meeting. And, he added, these team meetings are not meant to be "clandestine in any shape or form."

But her presence may prohibit the free-flow of ideas, Russell said.

Using a private sector analogy, Russell - who owns a Spring Hill pool company - said he allows his employees to meet by themselves occasionally to "blow off steam." During those meetings, Russell said he is not present so as not to inhibit their views.

"If you do attend, then I would ask you to be as passive as possible," he told Rocco.

Commissioner John Druzbick told Rocco he understood her views, but these meetings belong to Hamilton and his team leaders.

"I myself will not attend unless I am asked to attend by the administration," Druzbick said. "If I want information, I will ask the chairperson and then report back to the board if I so wish."

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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