Setting the record straight on the mosquito abatement
program
I would like to correct some of the untruths stated in a letter
to the editor that ran in the Pinnacle Aug. 28,
”
Questions about Vector Control abound.
”
First: There is no such program as the San Benito County Vector
Control Program; it is the San Benito County Mosquito Abatement
Program.
Second: The program through property tax assessment voted on and
approved is only for the control of mosquitoes. No program funds
may be expended for any purpose other than mosquitoes. The program
does not perform any control measures for mice, rats, ticks or
spiders. It would be illegal to do so under any scenario.
Third: The $135,000 budget referred to covers all aspects of the
program
– administrative cost, clerical, two full-time employees and all
benefits related to the program staff. The $45,000 of the Vector
Control Tech is the amount that is earned during the year, prior to
deductions (taxes, insurance, etc.) and without benefits
included.
Fourth: The two full-time employees assuming responsibility for
the operation of the mosquito program, one at 60 percent and one at
40 percent, are licensed to perform the duties of a Vector Control
Tech. Both have many years experience with the handling,
application and safety of pesticides and herbicides.
Fifth: The Vector Control Tech was not denied the opportunity to
attend the Board of Supervisors meeting on July 28. He was advised
that he could attend, but would have to use vacation or
compensation time off. He could not attend on county time. He
decided not to attend on his own time.
Sixth: Yes, the State of California Department of Public Health
submitted a letter to the Board of Supervisors expressing their
concerns with the proposed elimination of the Vector Control Tech
position. They were under the impression that no licensed personnel
would be performing duties in the mosquito program, which was
incorrect. They had concerns about the experience of the
individuals who would take over responsibilities of the program,
which were explained in a letter of response. Both full-time
employees are highly intelligent and qualified individuals. One was
instrumental in the establishment of the program; the other has
been working in the program for over a year. The Department of
Public Health has accepted the Board of Supervisors decision to
eliminate the Vector Control Tech position. Due to the economic
situations there is a need to cut net county costs in other
programs. The mosquito program will suffer no budgetary cuts, nor
decrease in services due to this very difficult decision that was
required by the Board of Supervisors.
Paul Matulich
Agricultural Commissioner
Setting the record straight on the mosquito abatement program
I would like to correct some of the untruths stated in a letter to the editor that ran in the Pinnacle Aug. 28, “Questions about Vector Control abound.”
First: There is no such program as the San Benito County Vector Control Program; it is the San Benito County Mosquito Abatement Program.
Second: The program through property tax assessment voted on and approved is only for the control of mosquitoes. No program funds may be expended for any purpose other than mosquitoes. The program does not perform any control measures for mice, rats, ticks or spiders. It would be illegal to do so under any scenario.
Third: The $135,000 budget referred to covers all aspects of the program – administrative cost, clerical, two full-time employees and all benefits related to the program staff. The $45,000 of the Vector Control Tech is the amount that is earned during the year, prior to deductions (taxes, insurance, etc.) and without benefits included.
Fourth: The two full-time employees assuming responsibility for the operation of the mosquito program, one at 60 percent and one at 40 percent, are licensed to perform the duties of a Vector Control Tech. Both have many years experience with the handling, application and safety of pesticides and herbicides.
Fifth: The Vector Control Tech was not denied the opportunity to attend the Board of Supervisors meeting on July 28. He was advised that he could attend, but would have to use vacation or compensation time off. He could not attend on county time. He decided not to attend on his own time.
Sixth: Yes, the State of California Department of Public Health submitted a letter to the Board of Supervisors expressing their concerns with the proposed elimination of the Vector Control Tech position. They were under the impression that no licensed personnel would be performing duties in the mosquito program, which was incorrect. They had concerns about the experience of the individuals who would take over responsibilities of the program, which were explained in a letter of response. Both full-time employees are highly intelligent and qualified individuals. One was instrumental in the establishment of the program; the other has been working in the program for over a year. The Department of Public Health has accepted the Board of Supervisors decision to eliminate the Vector Control Tech position. Due to the economic situations there is a need to cut net county costs in other programs. The mosquito program will suffer no budgetary cuts, nor decrease in services due to this very difficult decision that was required by the Board of Supervisors.
Paul Matulich
Agricultural Commissioner
Healthcare needed for all
After attending the recent town hall meeting and as a pharmacist, I felt someone had surely pulled the plug on making connections. Permit me to make some of them.
I remind everyone that we already have in place a very popular government healthcare system for everyone. No one is left out; everyone is in. We can choose any doctor or hospital we wish. The only requirement is to have had 65 candles on a birthday cake. This is known as Medicare.
True healthcare reform would be to lower the Medicare age to birth – or Medicare for all! That is known as the single-payer system. Cost? Less than the high premiums, co-pays, deductibles and high drug prices we already pay. Jobs? Teaching jobs for doctors, nurses, and technicians would needed to supply the demand. Building schools, hospitals and clinics would provide construction and supply jobs. Employers would no longer be burdened with healthcare insurance for employees. Insurance workers would transition to government.
Our country would provide better healthcare at less cost, we would be stronger, much happier, and up to speed with other institutionalized democracies in the world.
Mary Zanger
Hollister
