This past year, residents have seen councils and boards go against the will of the majority of people present at public hearings and public meetings.
In April, Barnwell County Council voted to replace the existing hospital board with themselves.
This summer the Barnwell County Council voted to sell the Barnwell County Hospital to Dobbs Equity Partners even though hundreds showed up and many spoke against the sale.
In a September 28 letter, a Williston resident accused the Williston School Board of a secret meeting with several school board members intending to terminate Superintendent Alexia Clamp.
During two public meetings hundreds of residents, teachers and students took to the microphone to tell board members they were happy with Clamp’s leadership. Several meetings took place with no official action by the Williston School Board members.
Then, just last week, Clamp announced her retirement which had been unplanned by her comments just a few weeks earlier.
Why the change of heart? No reason was given other than she decided it was the right time. It felt like behind-the-scenes pressure to us.
Barnwell County Council this year has held first and sometimes second readings of ordinances “in name only”. This means there is no vote and the public does not get to read the ordinance. Members simply hear the “title” of the ordinance and move on to other business. How can you “read” something that isn’t there?
Upon the third and final reading, a vote is taken. The final draft of the proposal is available to the public only 24 hours before the final vote - barely enough time for considerate review.
Each and every week there are meetings of boards and councils throughout the county.
Residents should keep in mind what is happening in their neighborhoods during the year and do some heavy research before heading to the polls. Whether it is a midterm council election or a school board seat up for grabs or the general election with national races at stake, voter awareness is critical. Each of the boards, councils and other elected officials only have one real boss - the people.
Although everyone will never agree with everything an elected official does, there are things that should throw up red flags as to their actions.
Did they vote in a way to represent the majority of constituents in their district? If not, did they publicly discuss their reasoning so their constituents understand why this was the best action?
Have they conducted most, if not all, business in public session?
Have they been up-front and truthful about the issues?
These are just a few of the questions voters should ask themselves as they assess the job their politicians are doing.
The People-Sentinel reports the issues our local boards and councils vote upon and how the members cast their decisions. We are the eyes and ears when residents cannot attend.
Still, there is nothing that can compare with active voter participation in the local political process.
We hold our politicians accountable.