Sweeten says "Bye-bye"

December has got to be the greatest month of all. Especially at the Contra Costa County Administration Building.
Just look at the smile on Capo de Capo John Sweeten's face.

Last December, if you recall-(God, I hate that word)- Contra Costa County Executive Director of special programs, Tony Colon resigned just before he was about to get the ax because of all of the mismanagement that was uncovered at the county's Head Start Program. Behind closed doors, Colon was given a few options, but all pointed to the bridge that leads over the Straits. Colon rode out of town with his tail, or whatever, between his legs and has yet to be heard from. For the sake of the public, he is in Brazil, or Costa Rica, or one of those communities that he so frequently visited.

And, now, this December, another top notch incompetent has resigned. Yes, The top, Top Notch Incompetent, County Administrator John Sweeten has announced that as of March I, 2006 he will be vacating his post as the major foul-up of the county. This is good news, only it had to come on top of bad news. The county has just had their bond rating lowered because of the mis-spending that has been going on at various levels. The joke, of course, is that Sweeten is the number 1 offender of the spending frenzy. Not because he spends with intent, it is that he mismanaged the county, on the recommendation of the Foolish Five- the county board. These hooples have led Sweeten down the thorny path of financial irresponsibility. It is unfortunate that Sweeten cannot persuade his cronies in crime- overspending the way these people have squandered is a crime, although there actions are not prosecutable because they are in politics-to go with him.

This must have been a very quick decision for the Capo. Only two weeks ago he was looking to fill a newly created communication director's position. From what the scuttlebutt on the street, now Scott Tandy is standing in the wings ready to take over Sweeten's position. This of course would be similar to asking the wolf to watch the hen house while the head cock runs around the back of the barn.

It appears from all apparent signs that the board could now been in for some really rough weather ahead. They got themselves into a very serious debacle through their spendthrift ways and their scapegoat is going to jump ship before the water comes over the deck.

I wonder who will be the next to go? And, I hope we don't have to wait until next December. There is plenty of time left this month.