In everyday life, airing grievances can be frowned upon. In politics, it's an everyday occurrence.
Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin Jr. recently came out against reductions proposed for the 2010 county budget, calling them "irresponsible" and saying they would "jeopardize the safety of our citizens," as well as the safety of law enforcement officers.
Devlin was referring to the proposed elimination of the positions of three deputies, six corrections officers and the county boat patrol.
According to committee Chairman James Johnson, R-Otsego, taxpayers would have increases of 60 to 70 percent in January had the committee not made deep cuts.
"The fact is the county is facing a very serious financial situation," Johnson told The Daily Star on Nov. 11, "and serious measures have to be taken."
We agree. While we understand Devlin's concern for his department, we disagree with his tactic of publicly airing his displeasure with the Administration Committee's process.
As a department head, he has an interest in keeping his staff intact, which we understand. But such a battle could be fought without causing a public outcry. It is unfair to our representatives, who are working hard to cut costs and seem to be doing so responsibly.
We agree with Johnson, who said, "I think it's somewhat irresponsible for the chief law enforcement officer in the county to be using scare tactics to benefit his department."
Crowell must make good on campaign
According to the most-recent results in Otsego County, Democrat Daniel Crowell has apparently defeated Republican Edward Keator Jr. by 153 votes, 6,302 to 6,149.
Crowell will succeed incumbent Republican Myrna Thayne, who recently filed a tentative 2010 county budget to the Otsego County Board of Representatives.
We were impressed by Crowell's willingness to examine the larger aspects of the role of treasurer, such as preparing financial summaries going back 10 years and projections forward five years, and advising the board on the financial impact of its decisions. These were among the reasons why we endorsed Crowell for treasurer.
Now that it appears certain he will serve as Otsego's treasurer, we urge him to become familiar with the tentative budget, which calls for an 11.11 percent increase in the property-tax levy, and to follow up on the campaign promises he made to voters.
