Connect The Dots . . .
"I am a firm believer of the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts."
Abraham Lincoln
Do you know this man? You should. It is time you are introduced to the State of Delaware's highest paid employee. Who is he? No, he is not the Chief Justice of
the State Supreme Court, he is not the State Attorney General, nor is he the Governor. He is Dr. Orlando J. George, Jr., the President of Delaware Technical and Community College. From 2006 to 2009, Dr. George has collected over 1.6 million in wages from the State of Delaware (http://transparentdelaware.org/index.php/gate_register/95/).
The average Community-college president receives a salary of approximately $165,000 per year according to a 2010 survey of executives at two-year institutions (http://chronicle.com/article/Community-College-Chiefs-Are/63382/). In 2011, Dr. George received an income from the college in excess of $454,000. This amount is nearly three times as much as the 2010 national average. A 2009 survey by "The Chronicle of Higher Education" named Dr. George the third highest paid community college president in the nation. The other two presidents run systems statewide in Kentucky and Dade County, Florida that dwarf Del Tech in size. You will not want to miss reading the following article in its entirety to get the full story including the red Ferrari, the JFC and most especially – his unbelievable pension plan. (http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090531/NEWS02/905310368/Making-big-money-h?nclick_check=1).
“He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.”
Benjamin Franklin
As you have read in the article, Dr. George was elected to the State House of Representatives in 1974 and during his first term, he was appointed to the Joint Finance Committe and later named co-chairman. The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) is a powerful committee. It is responsible for making budget appropriations and finalizing the budget before going to the legislative body to be voted upon. In 1975, Dr. George convened his panel in secret after the budget had been passed, and when the doors re-opened, Del Tech now had an additional $622,238. Weeks before the school received this cash infusion, Dr. George had been promoted to chairman of the math department. Does it not appear that Dr. George’s employment by the college, along with his position of power on the committee which approves and appropriates funds for the college, is a conflict of interest?
Today, Dr. George’s daughter, Representative Melanie George Smith serves on the JFC, along with Representative John Mitchell Jr., who coincidently enough, is also employed at Del Tech as Chief of Public Safety. Remember the JFC is a powerful committee; responsible for making budget appropriations and finalizing the budget. This conflict of interest has been ongoing for over 37 years, and you, the taxpayer are footing the bill!
Take another good hard look at his face. He’s laughing at you! WAKE UP DELAWARE, the Time is Now!
*Read our follow-up story on the Chamber Music page.