It takes courage

The information, about how the county finances got into the shape they are in, had to go public. The information about what the treasurer's and auditor's offices have and have not done independently and together had to go public. The information about what information the council and commissioners had and did not have to work with, and their ignorance to demand more information, had to go public.

The Indiana State Board of Accounts strongly recommends all discussions about taxpayer money be done at open meetings so taxpayers, and the media, can learn first-hand how government works and tax money is being spent. Taxpayers pay the bills and they have the right to know that each elected official is doing his or her job competently - or not.

Some might refer to this as "airing dirty laundry" but it is not. Public officials do not get to solve problems behind closed doors and merely present their solutions at a meeting. Although that might happen for a period of time, years maybe, that practice is bound to have a light shined on it sooner or later.

The role of the media is to be the eyes and ears of the residents and taxpayers. Media representatives many times ask the tough questions others do not have the opportunity nor skills to ask.

Four elected officials knew for four years that the financial books in the auditor's and treasurer's offices did not balance. No one checked if money deposited each year might cover the money spent when annual budgets were developed. If anyone else knew there was a problem they did not bring the information forward at a public meeting for discussion.

Letting this situation continue was wrong. Letting it continue for four years, and perhaps five, goes beyond wrong. Taxpayers should not keep quiet about this. Those not doing their jobs should have their feet held to the fire until they do what they were elected, and paid by taxpayer dollars, to do. Anything less is not acceptable.

Taxpayers will undoubtedly be asked to pay a price for this lack of service. Taxpayers must find the courage to address these issues with their county leaders.

However, county leaders have the biggest problem of all. They must find the courage to admit in public their mistakes and then continue to allow others to watch as they develop and workout the solution.

Going public takes courage.