Monday, November 17, 2003
The Mahoning Valley is losing one of its most dedicated, talented, honest public servants to a county in South Carolina. And lest Gary T. Kubic's myopic critics believe that he's throwing in the towel in the face of their unrelenting verbal assault, they might want to consider this figure: $127,500.
It's what Mahoning County's first administrator will be earning a year as the administrator of Beaufort County. But that isn't all. He will be paid a $750 housing allowance for up to six months, will have the use of a county car or receive a $500 monthly vehicle allowance and will be given a $15,000 relocation stipend. And there's a $250,000 life insurance policy.
Not bad for someone whose $85,000 salary as Mahoning County administrator was often the topic of intense debate on talk radio. The mantra went something like this: Kubic isn't worth that much money.
Does it mean that members of Beaufort County council are some country bumpkins who have been bamboozled by this slick northerner? Hardly. Familiar with Hilton Head? That's in Beaufort County, which is one of South Carolina's fastest growing counties. The population has nearly doubled in two decades and the economy remains sturdy because of tourism.
Incidentally, Kubic beat out 150 applicants for the job.
Good choice
Ten years ago, when the then finance director of the city of Youngstown was appointed administrator of Mahoning County, we published an editorial with this headline: "Kubic: A good choice for new county position."
Here's what we said in part: "Kubic is a known entity with outstanding credentials, an unblemished record in government founded on honesty and has worked closely for many years with county government officials. He knows the Mahoning Valley well."
We certainly were prescient.
Over the years, we have had our disagreements with Kubic, especially when he has attempted to justify the miscues of the commissioners, but we have also recognized the inherent difficulty of serving three bosses.
An objective evaluation of Kubic's performance as the manager of county government warrants a top rating from the taxpayers of Mahoning County. He has been a steady guiding force for the commissioners and other elected officials, and his work ethic has been a welcome departure from the care-less attitude of so many public employees.
It is unfortunate that individuals of Kubic's caliber must suffer the criticism of mediocre individuals, but that is the nature of government.
Ten years ago, we hailed Kubic's hiring as county administrator. Today, we applaud his success at securing a position that is a promotion by any standard, and we wish him all the best.
He will be missed.