Commissioner's Perspective

JUDGE AND JURY STREETS AND MAIN STREET

I had intended to write an entirely different article this time about the promotion of "Educational Tourism" and thinking out of the box
about the possibilities of tourism and education, but recent events and the coming election prompt me to another subject: the perception of
government.

As you look up 9th Street towards our Court House (and I emphasize "our"), what do you think? Do you feel that the Court House is some sort of separate bailiwick or special never-land district where standards and
rules and laws are applied differently within those brick walls than are applied to you in everyday life; where there is double talk and double dealing? If you feel that way, even in the least little bit, then we have a problem of perception that leadership should address.

Unfortunately, some of the public perception of the Court House is suspicious and conspiratorial and out-right false, and such formats as the e-tater, which might otherwise go un-noticed, thrive. The talk there is hardly ever positive or constructive. Rocks are always seen in the field where these conversations relentlessly plow. It is difficult to carry on
the business of government and to address large complex issues if we are constantly tossing back grenades of unfounded charges thrown so casually into our midst. But on the other hand, these electronic voices, whether viewed as unearthing truth or casting aspersions, should prompt us to examine ourselves. Avoiding the appearance of evil is as important as
avoiding evil itself.

I have been pushing for a drug testing and employment policy at the Court House to demonstrate that leadership starts with "doing" not "talking". I want county residents to firmly believe that Main Street and Judge and Jury Streets are in the same county when it comes to the rule of law and the rules we all need to live by to make society work. At the Court House, we comply with all freedom of information requests, we have open meetings and posted agendas and, contrary to some perceptions, we
solicit and invite participation and in-put in county government at all levels. We are thankful that citizens take their time and trouble to devote their energies and free time to matters of government and our community success.

The County Commissioners can not tell, nor should they presume to tell, other elected officials how to fulfill the duty and responsibilities
of their elected offices. As superintendent of the fiscal affairs of the county and as co-employers of county personnel, however, we can work
together to find better solutions to the common problems we face in county government. On the other hand, you, the voters, can tell all elected
officials, County Commissioners included, what you expect from them and voice ultimate disapproval or approval at the ballot box. This does not mean badgering them and calling them out onto a carpet of criticism on you-tube for the sake of getting everyone stirred up and watching feathers fly. It does mean to expect all public officials to do unto others as they do unto themselves. And to lead by example. Employment at the Court House should be no different than in private enterprise where expectations of conduct are strictly enforced and the tenure of your job is governed by your performance and not by favor or the term of office. I do believe that our elected officials and Court House personnel give exemplary service.

If we ever expect to make headway against drug addiction, crime, unemployment, and other county problems, our Court House must shine and be seen as a light of proper conduct and good character to guide by force of
example not by force of rule.