As I am leaving the service of this Department, I feel I should set the record straight with the truth directly from the source.  These are the facts alone.  On January 17 I was stopped for a dirty bulb over my licence and was arrested on alcohol-related charges, of which I have yet to make a preliminary appearance for.  In the course of the February meeting, I informed my Board of these facts to which they responded with offering me the choice of resigning in 30 days time after a suspension with pay or they would be forced to fire me.  I elected to go along with the suspension/resignation and State's Attourney drafted a letter for me to sign on that same day.  My resignation became effective dated March 2 2004.  At this point I am content with my actions, and I have made some changes for the better as a result of this.  
     Since my start in 1995 I have made some great improvements in this department.  I have seen many things change for the better over the years.  As Superintendent from 2000-2004 I have streamlined the departement's activities and kept the roads in great condition no matter what the weather situation was.  I am leaving the county in far better condition than it was when I first took on the task.  For this alone I take great pride in being responsible for.  In result of competent management and service of all assets, I have saved countless sums that used to be spent on breakdowns and poorly planned and executed projects.  I showed a dedication to duty that will probably never be seen again.  I personally built or rebuilt several key units that are vital to the county and will continue to benefit the department for years to come.  I will be a near-impossible act to follow, and time will bear this out.

     The true shame of the matter is during the entire time I have worked to better this county, I have recieved little thanks and almost constant opposition from my employers.  I started working here in 1995 for 6.75 per hour and fought for every raise I got, and my wages at resignation were 24,100 annual salary.  I gave nearly 9 of my best years of my life in sevice to this county and have nothing to show for it other than accomplishments within the department.  There are a handful of residents that recognized and appreciated my dedication.  To them I appologize that I will no longer be their saving grace.  My expert abilities will no longer be available to fix the roads back up after yet another spring frost season.  I have no doubt that when the problems start, money will be hemmoraged all over with little effect.  As the county reverts back to a poorly run knee-jerk operation that it was when I first came on board, hopfully some will remember how good it was 'back when'.  Once more the board will dominate the employees and direct their activities.  A year from now ask yourself if things are better.  All things happen for a reason, and I will be doing something else and probably be sucessful at it.  Buffalo County Highway Department will most likely be looking for help. 

     I have a responsibilty for my actions, even away from work.  I take responsibility for these.  A contributing factor to my personal decline was due to the unfair scrutiny all my actions were subject to from the board.  I was never treated with respect due to me in my position there.  I was treated with contempt and personal anger from the board members on a regular basis.  In spite of the lack of appreciation, I continued to do my finest work for this county.  My frustration with the whole matter was a major factor in my slipping into bad habits.  I will recover from this and go on.  It is a real shame that things have worked out as they did, as I was doing so well in this career.  The intelligent head has now been removed and the department will slowly wither away all in the name of progress.  In my opinion progress is what we have seen in the past 5 years.  I doubt that is what 2004 and beyond will be referred to in retrospect.  It should be remembered that the reason for my leaving is because the county could not afford the liability if I were convicted for DUI.  They will inadvertantly spend a small fortune in the future on unexpected losses due to lack of maintenence and short-sighted management.  That's progress for you.  Enjoy it.

Monte Knippling 

Public Meeting of Buffalo County Board of County Commissioners held 1:00 pm first Tuesday following the first monday of each month at the Courthouse in Gann Valley.