I've worked collaterally with Crow Wing County Social Services and the probation department for over 15 years. I can tell you that it takes a pretty special person to work with the issues and caseloads they deal with every day. I think they do a great job and I'm proud to work with them. Unfortunately, the current morale at these jobs is the worst I have ever seen. I can completely understand why probation does not want to come under this county "umbrella." I'm having a tough time understanding why the board sees the need to change an essential service that, by all accounts, seems to be working well at the expense of further crushing the morale of these hardworking people. Didn't we just go through a very similar episode with veteran's affairs?
Furthermore, the tone of the board when dealing with these issues frankly comes off as rude and disrespectful. The men and women working these jobs should feel respected and that the people making the rules "have their backs." I think an independent job satisfaction survey would show that this sentiment couldn't be further from the truth.
JT Pomerleau
Brainerd
