It has become crystal clear to the editorial board of Hermann Hearsay that Gasconade County needs a change in leadership. Ron Jost has had two terms as the Presiding Commissioner of Gasconade County. In our opinion, that's enough!
We have asked ourselves ... "What has Ron Jost actually accomplished during his two terms as Presiding Commissioner of Gasconade County?"
- Did he provide positive, adult leadership when 'Proposition A' calling for the indefensible change in county seat location was placed on the ballot in November, 2008? Our assessment is NO he didn't.
- Has he reached out to bring economic development and good paying jobs to Gasconade County? Again, our assessment is NO he hasn't. Voters need to ask "Why not?"
- Has he worked collaboratively with the GCCS (Gasconade County Courthouse Society) to define project scope for the preservation and restoration of the county courthouse as well as for additional county office space needs? Our assessment is NO he hasn't. When asked about the courthouse project, Jost typically responds "Where's the money? Where's the plan?" as though he is completely oblivious to the fact that, as leader of the county, he should be leading the effort to develop the plan and find the project funding! Duh!
- Has he proactively worked to identify public and private sources of capital for the courthouse restoration and office expansion project? Our answer is NO he hasn't. (See above.)
- Has he bothered to attend the GCCS board meetings since agreeing to serve as ex-officio board member and representative of the County Commission back on June 29, 2009. Our research indicates that he has attended two (2) board meetings and that he has missed two (2) board meetings. If Ron Jost were batting .500 with the Cardinals, we'd be very happy. But he's the Gasconade County Presiding Commissioner and not the clean-up hitter for the Cards! Has he been a half-hearted member of the GCCS? We certainly think so!
- Has he done anything to move the courthouse poject ahead? In our opinion, he hasn't. Instead he has done everything he could possibly do to drag his feet and delay! Oh sure, he pays lip service to the project ..... but then he does NOTHING!
- Has he sought out and applied for grants available for the preservation and restoration of historical buildings, specifically for the courthouse building in Hermann? No he hasn't.
- Has he proactively and effectively managed the operating budget of Gasconade County? Our answer is NO he hasn't. The county budget has been in crisis the past several years under his weak leadership.
- Has he ever proactively reached out to formally seek the input of Gasconade County citizens as to what they think the priorities of the county should be? Our answer is NO we cannot remember any telephone or mail survey which he has initiated during his two terms of office. Can you?
- Has he implemented any of the recommendations for improving the professionalism of county government which were made by state auditors in their 2002 and 2006 audits? Our answer is NO he hasn't. Instead he has referred to these recommendations as optional, recommendations which the county is not obligated to act upon. Our assessment is that Ron Jost is anything but a professional!
- Has he aggressively sought out the best value and pricing for all materials, supplies, labor and equipment which the county purchases? Our answer is NO we don't think so. In fact, he most recently voted to do away with annual competitive bidding for tires and tire services, and in so doing, to effectively protect the interests of his brother's tire business in Owensville.
- Has he done ANYTHING, ANYTHING AT ALL which would distinguish his two terms (8 years) as Presiding Commissioner of Gasconade County? Our answer is NO not a single thing!
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