Franklin County legislators went too far last week when they refused to allow members of the public to speak about the board's decision to decline the reappointment of Charles "Archie" McKee as county auditor.
About a dozen people, mostly relatives and friends of the 59-year-old Republican, waited through the routine elements of the County Legislature meeting in anticipation of a public-comment period.
Chairman Guy "Tim" Smith, a Fort Covington Democrat, instead asked for a motion to adjourn, ignoring protests from the crowd and their requests to be heard.
He got his motion passed, shouted at the gathering that the issue was not on his agenda and that he was not going to deviate from his plan.
McKee had asked to be on the agenda but was left off.
Even urging from fellow Democrat Earl Lavoie of Malone to allow the attendees to speak was turned aside by Smith.
Let's put this into perspective: Agendas are created so everyone will know what is to be discussed during the meeting -- and, probably, so meetings don't go on agonizingly long. Most boards allow a public-comment period for people to bring up whatever is on their minds, however.
Malone Town Clerk and Village Trustee Susan Hafter let her feelings be known, whether the meeting was still formally in session or not.
And others milling around loudly complained about the shabby treatment from legislators who claim to stand for open government.
And complain they should.
It's outrageous that a governing body would slam the door of communication on its constituency and refuse to show even a shred of appreciation to a man who had loyally served the county for 13 years.
Even if he were allowed to speak that day, McKee knew he probably wouldn't get his job back. But to be robbed of an opportunity to say what was on his mind and vent his frustration at the situation tainted the dignity of the members and sullied the integrity of the board.
To have this occur days before these same men were to be sworn in to office for three-year terms is appalling and sets an ominous tone for the next 36 months.
And it casts doubt over any future cooperation and interaction this board will have with the rest of its employees and the public at large.
The spoils system, by which majority parties seize the jobs government hands out, ought to be an archaic, immoral way for a public body to do business. Obviously, it is not, on any level. It breeds at the least the threat of inefficiency and nepotism.
In this case, the woman eventually appointed to replace McKee, Betty Blanchard, has job experience and was herself the victim of spoils, having been run out of the 17 job years ago. So the county breaks even.
But to cut off debate on the matter sent a bad message.
Even though he is out of a job, McKee still has his self-respect. After this unfortunate incident, we wonder if the legislators can say the same.
Opinion
January 8, 2008
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