An example set: Health Department board puts students’ futures first

It wasn’t a big deal to the members of the Wayne County Health Department’s board.

After all, the stipend they make for their service each month is not really all that much to worry about — $15.

But that doesn’t mean that the board members could not make that amount significant in another way.

So, the members voted to donate their stipends to a scholarship fund.

And in doing so set an example for many other local public servants who sit on boards across the county.

There are some payments that are more significant, and perhaps necessary income for some public servants, but for others, it is more of a gesture, not even close to covering what their time is worth. They are truly serving their communities.

So why not set up a countywide scholarship fund for any public servant who wants to donate all or a portion of his or her monthly stipend? Can you imagine the impact a gesture like that would have?

Many of those who serve say they are doing so for their fellow citizens and the betterment of their community. They don’t do it for the money.

The Health Department board just showed them how to get a double return on their investment.

Published in Editorials on December 20, 2007 11:21 AM