It's probably just a one or two day story...but the abrupt resignation of Jefferson County Treasurer Nancy Brown and her out-the-door blast at the county's fiscal practices raises questions.
I can't say I know Ms. Brown that well, but she has always been a rather quiet person politically, not given to hyperbole. I suspect she does have heartfelt heartburn over the situation.
However, she is an elected official...it is a constitutional office. She works for the people directly and really is not part of the county administrator's management team. Her statements that she didn't like to air the county's laundry in public are wrong. Now, maybe she did speak out over time,but I never heard about it and I tend to pay at least some attention to the affairs of the County Legislature.
The jobs of Treasurer and County Clerk were originally very important jobs, but years of growth in unelected management jobs, have left these posts diminished. However, these are the only two "electeds" working full time directly for the people. In the case of treasurer, there is some oversight of the fiscal affairs of a $150 million dollar operation. We were definately owed a heads up on her concerns before this.
I also was puzzled by the sudden departure from office before her term ended. When I suggested to a key Democrat her move was "Palinesque" I got the cold shoulder.
As a citizen, I don't know what to think of all this. I don't want to dismiss Ms. Brown's actions as "political theater" as I have never known her to be that way. On the other hand, I think when we elect another treasurer (the Governor will appoint one to finish her term), we need someone who feels the need and is able to communicate to the public and not think of themselves as someone else's "team".
Wednesday Night: The Brown Fallout WWNY TV 7 - News, Weather and Sports for Watertown, NY Local News
7 comments:
I agree with you it's her job to speak up.She was basicaly looking out for herself if she stayed quiet.Thats the problem within, people forget who they are working for...(the people)This just tells you about her as a person she was hindering the job that the people expected,by not speaking up if she new there was things wrong.
Unfortunately for Brown, her timing and demeanor come across as political theater like has been said. It is interesting that the local television chose to lead with the republican response though.
The county fund balance has been in the news before. You would have thought she could have gone on record on those instances and put her OPINION out there as to what it OUGHT to be.
The phone system was also headlines at the time it transpired. Although accusations were made, and it is debatable if we even need such a system, there is no indication that anyone did anything other than what they thought was best for the county. The law seems vague on this. We certainly wouldn’t question if she has a Microsoft operating system on her computer in her office instead of putting it out to bid and see if the local linux guy could beat the price.
What else does she got? So far She’s looking petty…
Hopefully with some consolidations we can expect some more of this in government...
Amazing that Graham and company can decide Nancy is petty, theatrical, and not doing her job, without bothering with the facts. I take that back; Graham routinely jumps to conclusions. Ms Brown is certainly conscientious, and said in the WDT you all love to hate that she had voiced concerns for a long time. How do you know whether they are valid? If Hagemann spent $1.2 M on a phone system that a local company could provide for far less, why shouldn't that be an issue? You want less fat in gov't-well, maybe you all ought to look around Jefferson County for starters.
Can you read ? Graham said she is not given to hyperbole and that her concerns were "heartfelt".
I'm sure now that The Govenor can now appoint a new person to step in and do a complete audit.
Palnesque? Nancy isn't planning any nationwide self promotional tours.The word tteam wasn't used by Nancy, rather your pal scott Gray
Trying to do a workman like job out of the public eye doesn't mean you are part of a team or concede to others.
The same people that are always screaming "bipartasinship" are now complaining because Nancy didn't speak out sooner. Can't have it both ways- unless you're the Mayor, that is.
Yes, we hate Palin. I have detected no basic need to hate Nancy Brown, yet. No one told me to, unless I missed the memo. Let me recheck my mail. Nope. Still no order to hate Nancy Brown. Three reminders to keep hating Sarah though. And I'm gonna do it. I hate Sarah. I hate her and her little dog too.
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