Are you listening, county leaders?

Last week's Web poll question in the Comet was simple. "Do you believe the county finance committee is releasing too much information about the county's financial woes?"

Results as of Tuesday showed 114 of 117 responded the committee is not revealing too much. In fact, 89 of those indicated public officials should be held accountable for their actions while in office.

Three poll respondents said it was better to take care of matters privately. None said there was no financial crisis. For some county leaders, this is your wake-up call.

The county's money problems would have been avoided had elected officials performed their jobs properly, but we would not be in this position at all had their feet been held to the fire as soon as problems arose. Our elected officials must discuss their errors openly and immediately and continue to do so until existing problems are solved.

Taxpayers are already paying for these errors through loss of services. They should be the last to have to worry about fixing these costly blunders. Those who accepted the responsibility of the positions should be held accountable.

The people want transparent government and they want it now. It is the only way to ensure our elected officials serve taxpayers responsibly and efficiently.

The people have spoken. Are you listening, county leaders?