Stubborn attitude troubling
Commissioner Duncan, new to his post, exhibits a closed mind to study
TOM BELL
Editor & Publisher
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Saline
County commissioners deserve a round of applause for supporting a task
force that will look at potential benefits of merging Salina and Saline
County services.
Well, at least two commissioners deserve recognition and
congratulations. Commission Chairman Craig Stephenson and Commissioner
Sherri Barragree both stated their support of a carefully worded
proclamation that avoids any use of the word "consolidation."
It reads: "Saline County recognizes this as an opportunity to
review the delivery of governmental services to the citizens of the
county. The commissioners do support the formation of a task force to
review delivery of services."
A review of "delivery of services" is really the crux of this
issue. No one wants to study full or partial consolidation just for the
experience. Instead, the goal should be finding ways to make government
more efficient, which gives taxpayers more bang for their buck.
The study should have appeal for all parties. Consider
Commissioner Barragree, who said she was "very strongly against
consolidation." Nonetheless, she supports this study. We respect her
opinion on consolidation and trust she will adopt task force proposals
that can increase efficiency.
However, we are surprised and disappointed at comments by
Commissioner Randy Duncan, who said he would not sign the proclamation
and that there was no need for a task force. In essence this means
Duncan, the least experienced commissioner of the three, refuses to
support an independent body that will study city and county services.
We understand if Duncan is against consolidation. That's a
legitimate opinion. But we don't understand why anyone would not
support an opportunity to explore potential improvements in government.
Society shuns progress by standing still. We move ahead -- in
life, business and public services -- by exploring ideas and
possibilities that might lead to improvements. If we are satisfied with
the status quo then we will never reach the next rung on the ladder.
Commissioners Stephenson and Barragree show a willingness to
explore, and that is a good thing for Saline County. It's too bad
Duncan does not share the same attitude.
-- Tom Bell
Editor & Publisher
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