THE STORY: Two Ector County court reporters will be taking a mandatory training session on a cruise to Mexico at taxpayer expense.

THE STORY: Two Ector County court reporters will be taking a mandatory training session on a cruise to Mexico at taxpayer expense.

THE LINK: http://www.oaoa.com/news/class-42849-county-reporters.html

THE POLL: Should county employees take cruises at taxpayer expense?

>> Yes, we all need a break.: 5 percent (5 votes)

>> Only if they can prove it will cost less.: 44 percent (42 votes)

>> No, it looks bad.: 51 percent (48 votes)

>> trespink: “Why is the county having to pay for THEIR mandatory training??? That wasn’t answered by Judge Redford. As an employee in the private sector, I have to pay for my own training to keep my credentials and license. It is ludicrious to expect taxpayers to foot the bill whether it is on the high seas or near Houston. Big deal that the alternative training session is in the Houston area. Southwest flys there for under $200 with a little planning, but it should be at the court reporter’s expense...not ours.”

>> saloqa: “I am trying to be sympathetic because I know the county doesn’t pay the employees what they should, but this seems like a “playing favorites” thing when this money could have been spread out to other employees needs. And I resent being told a “story” - do they not see that it does not make sense that this is a mandaory thing when only 2 of the court reporters are going and there are many others that are not? Also, only 50 slots are available on the cruise - for a “mandatory” court reporter training for Texas court reporters. Come on. Kudos to the OA for letting us know about this.”

>> oarider: “A cruise is so much more affordable because its not all cracked up to be “luxury”. You stop in a port city for maybe 8 hours but by the time you get off of the ship and you better get back early, you may have 5 to 6 hours to do some running around, and your right near all the cheap Flea market style shops. The best shopping is on the Boat! Sure you can do on shore excursions If and thats a big if you have the time. This ship is alot of fun The so called water park is enjoyable to about a 7 year old! Hope they have fun and enjoy hours and hours of nothing but water! I personally went on a 7 day and will never do it again 4 days may not be too bad! I am sure the county has spent money worse thing! Stop complaining about how these people get the required training and lets be thankful they are keeping up to date with it!”

>> danaco: “We can send two court reporters on a cruise for “mandatory” training, but can’t (won’t) give another a much deserved raise?

Methinks something smells a bit fishy (no pun intended).”