Being an elected official is certainly not as fun or glamorous
as it may appear.
The extra hours it demands
– especially if you have a separate job or career – can be
grueling. They can also take precious time away from your family
and friends, or the personal pursuits that can make our lives more
relaxing and enjoyable.
But when someone decides to run for office, they should realize
the task ahead.
Being an elected official is certainly not as fun or glamorous as it may appear.
The extra hours it demands – especially if you have a separate job or career – can be grueling. They can also take precious time away from your family and friends, or the personal pursuits that can make our lives more relaxing and enjoyable.
But when someone decides to run for office, they should realize the task ahead.
Every meeting is crucial. That is the time when you are in the spotlight, expected to represent your constituents to the best of your ability. If you are not present, that is impossible.
San Benito County Supervisor Chairman Richard Scagliotti has had an exemplary attendance record this year and throughout his four terms.
Until recently.
Suddenly, he has missed two consecutive regular scheduled meetings and a special session that was also of much importance.
As you have been reading in the Free Lance, Scagliotti is the subject of several allegations of misconduct in an investigative report commissioned by a group of anonymous citizens.
The allegations have spilled into the meetings Scagliotti has missed, with testimony from both sides of the controversy involving Autoworks and San Benito Tire and the county contract to maintain Sheriff’s department vehicles.
We would be foolish to dismiss Scagliotti’s absence as a mere coincidence, or as a sign that there is any connection with his recent decision that he will not seek re-election.
We are also not passing judgment on the allegations, simply reporting them as they appear.
But not showing up, regardless of the reason, is leaving District 1 without representation.
More important, not being there in person to hear the debate centered around Scagliotti’s actions and decisions sends a disturbing message.
Out of sight, out of mind? Hardly.
We appreciate Scagliotti’s fine attendance record until recently. But we hope it quickly gets back on track for the rest of his term.
Being absent in these turbulent times for San Benito County government, especially with the chairman being in the middle of the storm, is not fair to its people or future.
We hope to see Richard Scagliotti at the next meetings, whether his accusers or opponents are present or not.
