To the Editor:

I’m finding I have many opportunities after retiring from the workforce and soon from Public Service. One of the more important opportunities I have realized is to support Jami Gebert for the County Executive position.

As the “new guy” once or twice in my career, I’ve either had to play catch up or have a series of folks take their time to teach me – I’ve always appreciated the teaching yet one – I was generally taught what those teachers wanted me to know and two – without previous insight to my new position I didn’t always know the right questions to ask to get the best education.

The County has 29 Departments with 29 Directors, a myriad of Committees, numerous Towns and Villages, 25 County Board Supervisors …. I know you get my jest. When our County chooses a new Executive we should also think about the amount of time it takes or will take to bring that person up to speed – heck just to learn the names of all those folks – so I’m thinking, Miss Gebert has been engaged in the process of making the learning process of all these facets second nature as she has grown during her service to our County. Her job has been to compile facts and figures, spent time with Corp Counsel getting legal info, worked with each and every one of the Department Heads shoulder to shoulder on a regular basis becoming an integral part of this County’s operations. Knowledge of this caliber is nearly impossible to duplicate and our Department Leadership deserve to have someone take over the office with this type of knowledge, this type of Department understanding, this type of seamless leadership.

From the Exec’s clean water campaign to complying the yearly budget, melding information from all corners of the County, Businesses, State, County, and City officials to keep our County moving forward. Miss Gebert has a proven record of commitment to the betterment of this County from her first day on the job eight years ago learning and investing, her time and talents. Now she is willing to offer her services to our County as our leader.

No need for her to catch up, learn, build a network, differentiate one Departments needs from another. No need for the time consuming “learning curve” – she has already earned and owns that knowledge, she has proven time and time again while working side by side with our County personnel and Leaders – she can lead us to real solutions for real situations.

I just met Mr. Holman the other evening – he made a good impression on me which got me thinking about the future Executive the position and what County Departments, Supervisors, Towns and Villages, Employees and Residents may need, not just want in the new Exec.

So, as I am very glad to have made contact with Mr. Holman and wish only the best for he and his campaign – more importantly the encounter made me think of what Miss Gebert really brings to the table for our County.

I believe Miss Gebert will prove herself to be the better leader, she knows when to lead and when to follow and she has a positive track record and the personal and professional background to lead our County. Please join me and others in making the best choice for our Executive Director position – Jami Gebert.

Respectfully,

Jerry Walters
Village of Whiting past President and Retiring District 17 County Supervisor