IT'S TIME FOR AREA GOVERNMENTS TO TAKE A HARD LOOK AT PCOC...NOW!

The continuing story of Bartow community activist David Hallock, the Bartow City Commission, and the Polk County Opportunity Council isn't over yet...even after Mayor Leo Longworth tried to settle the situation with a potential compromise that would satisify all parties.

Hallock, an insurance agent who has served on other board dealing with children and education-related issues, was appointed by the Bartow City Commission to be it's official representative on the board of PCOC, the area community action agency that offers programs for low-income citizens and families and oversees Polk County's Head Start program. .

The PCOC administration wanted Hallock to submit a resume before agreeing to seat him, which angered the city commission. After some back-and-forth, Mayor Longworth offered to provide Hallock's background information showing his experience serving on boards of organizations such as the area's United Way and Early Childhood Resources.

It wasn't good enough.

PCOC's board refused to seat Hallock Thursday, and the chairman said they should not consider it further for at least another year. Which means that the Bartow City Commission can try to push it farther, or simply appoint someone else to it's seat.

The problem seems to be that Hallock was eager to ask tough questions and start looking at the books to see how PCOC was spending the money for Head Start, which is by far it's largest program, to insure that the funds are getting where they are supposed to be going...to benefit the children. Mr. Hallock's questions have merit, as PCOC has a history of controversy. In recent years several employees --- including an executive director --- have been convicted on theft-related charges. And administrators, instead of working to help investigators get rid of the crooks during the investigations, took a defensive attitude and continued their general lack of oversight.

So what is PCOC afraid of? It is clear that Mr. Hallock is well qualified to serve. And he was chosen as the represent the Bartow City Commission as it's official representative on the PCOC Board. Also, earlier this year Haines City Commissioner Horace West complained to his collegues during a meeting that he had never been notified about meetings, although he was the city's official representative on the board.

Maybe it's time for the various governmential entities that provide financial support to PCOC to seriously consider reevaluating their support...or at least demand some serious oversight and review of the agency's operations and finances.

Anyone who is truly concerned should read Winter Haven-based Lakeland Ledger columnist Thomas Roe Oldt from his piece of November 28.