Blackham resigning commission is big loss
By Greg Dettinger
1-16-08

When I think of words such as honesty, integrity, character, moral values, ethics, patience, temperance, hard work, commitment, sacrifice, humility and public servant, I think of one man in particular: Commissioner Bruce Blackham.
In reflecting on Bruce’s recent announcement to resign from the commission, I feel I would be remiss as a former colleague and friend if I didn’t publicly recognize his incredible sacrifices and accomplishments over the past several years. Very few know and can fully comprehend all that he has sacrificed and given to serve our county.
I consider Bruce to be one of the most honest, conscientious, and moral persons I have ever known and worked with. His integrity is unmatched, and his patience in taking the time to study issues and challenges is a model for all to follow. I have seen him take a room of outraged citizens and calm them through his kind and gentle tone.
I have missed working with him, not that I have missed the work or pressures of the commission, but I have missed the association of being around such a positive and incredible individual.
This year was quite challenging as the commission faced many important issues, and we witnessed an increased interest in the general administration of the county government. I am sure that it has taken its toll on him emotionally and physically.
The amount of time it takes to serve as a part-time “full-time” commissioner is oftentimes overwhelming, and it cuts into one’s full-time employment, other responsibilities such as church and community service and most especially one’s personal family time. In Bruce’s case, he gave of his time more than generously and at great personal expense.
I constantly hear that the commissioner position is the highest paid part-time job in the area. Many people say it is higher paid than many full-time jobs within the county.
The entire time I have known Bruce, he has donated one half of his salary back into a county fund used to send local area youth councils to a camp each year at the University of Utah and to help with donations of advertisements for the scouts and other nonprofit organizations so as to not use monies from the general fund.
Knowing Bruce and his humble, quiet nature, I apologize for sharing this, but I believe people need to be aware of his generosity. (Just as a side note, Commissioner Jarrett also does similarly, as I am sure Commissioner Andersen does.)
So in post-tax dollars, Bruce might see approximately $500-$600 a month as an apparent income, when in reality he is sacrificing all of his vacation time and compensatory time off earned while working overtime back into his service as commissioner, which is the equivalent of well over $10,000 - $20,000 annually. I’ve never been known for my math skills, but I believe this adds up to well over $100,000 of personal “out-of-pocket income” that Bruce has donated and sacrificed through his years of service as a commissioner.
Bruce and the other current and past commissioners are the only ones who understand that there isn’t any privacy or sacred time in the position. Whether at the local market, the big superstore, and yes, even at church, you are approached with questions, opinions and many complaints.
In other words, we are losing one of the most incredible individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Between his service to the Gunnison City Council, the State Board of Corrections, the Six-County Association of Governments, the Central Utah Mental Health and Public Health Authority boards as well as numerous other committees and legislative sessions, along with governmental conferences and trips to Salt Lake, St. George and Washington, D.C., Commissioner Bruce Blackham and his dear wife Becky have given us over 24 years of dedicated service while at the same time opening up their private lives to the public.
Bruce, as your friend and former colleague and as a citizen of this beautiful place where we live, my hat goes off to you and your wife and family with true heartfelt thanks. I don’t think you will ever know how grateful we are as a citizenry for your tremendous service and sacrifice. You have made a difference. Thank you!
Sincerely your friend,
Greg Dettinger
(Note: Our county has the lowest paid commissioners in our county classification by several thousand dollars a year and is lower than all but three of the counties that are much smaller. We are one of only about five counties left that have not hired a full-time administrator to take on the majority of the load so that the part-time elected body can, in fact, be part-time. Thanks to all three commissioners.)