An interesting and enlightening story by Joe LoTemplio in Sunday's Press-Republican detailed the attendance record of Clinton County legislators over the past few years. For one legislator, Jackie Walker, a Republican representing parts of the Town and City of Plattsburgh, it was indeed not good news.
Walker has missed 28 percent of the legislature's meetings in 2007, 2008 and so far in 2009 — 15 of them in all. She offered several reasons for this poor record: She has five children, 12 grandchildren and a recently retired husband; most of the issues voted on in meetings have already been decided in preliminary meetings, many of which she has attended; She tries her best to make sure she attends meetings in which important votes will be taken, even though she spends a lot of time in Florida; and she conducts a good deal of business on the telephone.
What it comes down to, however, is this: Would she have run for office, publicly admitting to her constituents that she planned to be away so much and miss so many meetings? And would they have voted for her, knowing she would be in Florida and absent so often?
The answer to both questions is probably no.
No matter how conscientious a legislator is, and no matter how much business she conducts in alternative ways, few would argue that missing 28 percent of meetings is not a record worthy of re-election. It is not the kind of representation voters expect when they cast a ballot for a legislator on any level of government.
John Gallagher missed nine meetings in 2007 and 2008. He has missed none this year. He explained that he is involved in the State Public High School Athletic Association and sometimes has to attend those meetings.
But, before running for public office — especially one as prominent as a county legislature — people should be sure they will be able to make it their priority. If not, the office would be better filled by someone who has the time to devote to it.
In sharp contrast is Sam Trombley, the 26-year county legislator from Ellenburg, who has missed only four regular meetings in all of that time — three for family funerals — and he has the longest drive of anyone. He is justifiably proud of that record.
He should be proud of it, because attendance is important. The appearance in the paper of the story Sunday must have made his constituents happy that they entrusted their interests to him. He has demonstrated beyond any doubt that he takes the job seriously and insists on being deeply involved in it week in, week out, year in, year out.
Being a county legislator is not a full-time job. But it should prompt a full-time commitment from anyone seeking it.
A good attendance record is the least constituents should be able to expect from their representative.
Opinion
March 24, 2009
EDITORIAL: Meeting attendance an important barometer
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In My Opinion: A new focus for mental well-being
