This is in response to a report by the Finance Director of the City of Monte Vista on allegations of unethical conduct, misspending and other issues.

As a former city employee with 38 years’ experience in public works, I can attest to the bitter cold nights, pouring rainstorms, snowstorms, windstorms and any other weather-related days/nights that we had to work in. Being paid time and a half for being on call is pennies compared to the amount of time and work the man or men on call might put in.

If you think this is just expensive and unnecessary, think about the times we were out in the bitter cold, in the middle of the night, thawing out water lines, meters or flushing sewers.

You speak of salaried employees not working 40 hours a week, but getting paid for 40 hours – you’re right – most of them work 50 to 60 hours a week. I know that for a fact – as our public works director worked on countless projects above and beyond his 40 hours a week— and in the middle of the night, and in ugly weather too.

The city mechanic has his own tools – how do you think he’s a mechanic? And just for the record – water department employees or for that matter, all public works employees, have a one time or another used their own personal tools for city projects.

You know, most city employees have worked for years with the city, but they’ve done so because this is their home. I live nearly 2,000 miles away from Monte Vista, and I still offer any assistance I can to the men that I worked with – locations of valves, curbstops, manholes, etc. And for your information – with no compensation.

Sincerely,

Joseph L Samora, AKA Indio Samora

Duvall, Wash.