Essex County to continue praying

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January 18, 2011

LOHR McKINSTRY Press-Republican The Press Republican Tue Jan 18, 2011, 04:50 PM EST

ELIZABETHTOWN — Prayers before meetings are not going away any time soon for the Essex County Board of Supervisors.

Although the practice was criticized in a Speakout submission to the Press-Republican, county leaders said this week that they have no plans to stop the prayers.

A short prayer before monthly Board of Supervisors sessions is delivered by County Clerk Joseph Provoncha, who serves as the board's chaplain.

The Speakout writer said the prayers violate the church and state separation in the U.S. Constitution. But county lawmakers said they believe no such issue exists.

"I pay as much attention to Speakout as I do to Topix," Supervisor Thomas Scozzafava (R-Moriah) said.

The Topix online forums are also a source of criticism of local elected officials.

Board of Supervisors Chair Randy Douglas (D-Jay) said Provoncha is active in his church and participates in a lay minister training program.

"I don't think we're crossing the line here," Douglas said.

Supervisor Noel Merrihew III (R-Elizabethtown) said the prayers are non-denominational.

Clinton County Legislature, Franklin County Legislature and the Plattsburgh Common Council all recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of their meetings, but none of them say a public prayer.

E-mail Lohr McKinstry at: lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com