Opinion - Commissioners vote themselves defense fund

At last, the county commissioners acted quickly and cooperatively. It was a unique situation.

For the past months, they have been at loggerheads. Commissioners Greg Partch and Pat O’Neill have overruled Michael Largent on a number of important issues. Tensions and emotions have run high.

So the recent smooth-as-silk votes were a surprise except for the fact that the votes were to protect themselves.

Both Partch and O’Neill are facing recall action. As a consequence, Partch and Largent voted to provide O’Neill county funds for his legal defense. O’Neill and Largent voted to provide Partch with the same publically financed defense.

Finally, there was something on which they could could all agree—protecting they own behinds.

Criticism quickly surfaced over their decision to use county money for their own benefit, but elected officials need some protection.

County commissioners have to make decisions. There will be detractors and critics. It is part of the job. They must be able to take the heat, but facing a recall for policy decisions is different.

The recall action initiated by Roger Whitten of Oakesdale against both Partch and O’Neill stems, in part, from their stand on wind towers. Whitten claims that the commissioners have ignored the health and safety of their constituents by allowing generating towers near homes and farms.

This part of the recall action has to do with a policy decision, which, presumably was made in good faith. It is appropriate that they receive some degree of personal protection in such cases.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher