Commissioner Raffenburg’s part-time job precipitates concern, criticism in county
From our weekly issue dated July 2, 2008
Commissioner Jim Raffenburg (Photo by Illinois Valley News)
By taking a part-time job at Fire Mountain Gems in Grants Pass, Josephine County Commissioner Jim Raffenburg has raised criticism from his fellow board members.
The matter also was addressed by Merlin resident Holger Sommer during the commission business meeting Wednesday, June 25. He said that Raffenburg needs to be committed to serving eight hour a day as a commissioner.
He termed it “a difficult ethical position.” Sommer’s comments were followed by one from Paul Walters, who complimented Raffenburg on his work as a commissioner.
Raffenburg announced Tuesday, June 24 during a KAJO Radio talk show that he is working approximately four hours per day at Fire Mountain Gems. His job, he said, is in management in charge of special projects.
Commissioner Dwight Ellis said that the announcement was a surprise to him. He added that working a part-time job while being an elected commissioner does not seem proper.
Raffenburg, whose annual salary without benefits is $71,000, said that he will continue to fulfill his county responsibilities to the best of his abilities. His term will end in January, and he said that he will perform his county job without disruption.
On Friday, June 27, during a county meeting in Grants Pass, commission Chairman Dave Toler asked Raffenburg to reduce his county salary because of his part-time employment.
Raffenburg declined the request. He said that he is doing his job, and that he is not an hourly employee.
He added that he is available for the county 24/7.
Click here to learn more about how you can tell us what you think
Advertisement:
