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Elliot Cramer read his statement as follows: <br />Statement to the Orange County BOCC <br />November 18, 2003 <br />Elliot M. Cramer <br />Interim Operation of the County Shelter <br />I was surprised when I learned that the County Staff had recommended the awarding of <br />a contract to APS but I was astonished when I read the justification. Not long ago Suzy <br />Cooke gave you her "top ten" reasons for choosing APS. I find her justification far more <br />compelling. <br />It is goad news that Laura and her associate director are out; this saves APS $100,000 <br />per year, all charged last year to the County Contract. I have heard nothing but goad <br />things about Suzy; she has unquestioned integrity and I understand that she wowed the <br />staff with her PowerPoint presentation. It is clear though that she has no shelter <br />experience and na references were submitted for her as required by the RFP. While <br />APS undoubtedly needs her public relations skills, should the County pay the <br />bill? <br />There are now only a few APS staff members with six months experience; John Link <br />can give you the details. The only management person with animal skills in the APS <br />proposal is Nicole Carper who, according to the APS job description, has been <br />responsible far vaccination oversight. Her dismal record was testified to by HSUS and it <br />continues. Here is a sample of the latest records from John Souls for animals requiring <br />vaccination within 24 hours. Eleven animals were not vaccinated at all; 34 were <br />vaccinated in six to 63 days; three somehow vaccinated by APS the day before they <br />arrived. Ann Peterson told you on April 1 that there are always human errors; I would <br />say that these are inhuman errors. <br />Concerns have been raised about a return to the "deposed monarchy". Pat Sanford is a <br />tough old bird and she ran a tight ship, but under her "monarchy" APS grew from <br />nothing to the best operation in the State. Her dedication to animals cannot be <br />questioned; to me, she is a Hero. You may have wished her back during the events of <br />the last year but she is now only one of five strong-willed Board members. If John Link <br />has a problem with her being on the HSOC Board, I'm sure he will have her resignation <br />tomorrow. On the other hand, I will be happy with an immediate County takeover. <br />It's sad that a few APS leaders have destroyed a great organization in such a short <br />time. I'm an ACLU member and am opposed to prayer at public meetings, but if you <br />award this interim contract to APS, say a prayer for the animals. <br />