Make selection process open

Sadly, the premise of doing the people’s business behind closed doors has migrated from the Oak Harbor School Board to the Island County Party Republican Party via Kathy Jones (“Jones takes helm at Island County GOP,” News-Times, Dec. 12).

The party’s plans to “hold preliminary applicant meetings in private” for the Island County Auditor’s job is disgusting to me, as a Republican, and is a slap in the face not only to Republicans, but to residents of the entire county. Even Democrats comprehend the need to operate government in the open.

Ms. Jones’ assertion that her goal is to “make sure that the Republican platform and ideas are put forward” in this same article clearly implies that her view of such concepts is to exclude the public from even viewing and listening to initial screenings of candidates for county-wide elected positions. Her defense of this approach, stating “it’s a job application process and how many initial interviews of first round candidates are open to the public,” is seriously convoluted. In an elections process, which this party selection process replaces in this instance, candidates for the primary and then general election are all vetted publicly — not behind closed doors.

There is neither need nor good reasons to exclude the public from viewing and listening to preliminary interviews for candidates for either the Island County Auditor or for the 10th Legislative District representative slot. Are Ms. Jones’ Jersey City Soprano-town roots the basis for her approach to these behind-closed-door policies?

William Burnett

Oak Harbor

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.