While there was no definitive action taken by the Otsego Board of Representatives on Thursday regarding the continued employment of Edmond Marchi, at least the meeting showed the board wants to move on.

The legal and other troubles of the suspended Otsego Manor administrator have been a cloud over the board for months. A resolution one way or the other could only help matters.

On the surface, it certainly seems Marchi should lose his position, with a DWI conviction combined with being intoxicated at a job overseeing nursing-home patients and staff. However, by Marchi seeking treatment and counseling, disability law has entered into play.

With many board members worried about being sued should they fire Marchi, a delay is understandable. However, we expect a decision could be reached by the next regular board meeting, as any legal issues should be fully understood by then.

If firing Marchi is desired but not legally feasible, the board should follow the letter of the Americans with Disabilities Act: acknowledge Marchi has gone through rehabilitation and therefore cannot repeat the violations of his past.

It is better to install strict oversight rather than delay further. Holding Marchi accountable in some way is the most fair action, not only for Marchi, but for the employees and residents of the Manor.

Good first steps in ending use of the N-word

The NAACP recently buried the N-word at its national convention.

The symbolic ceremony is part of a larger movement that is partly related to the Don Imus scandal. Though Imus did not use the N-word in comments about the Rutgers women’s basketball team, the issue of a double standard with certain words was raised in his defense.

Former "Seinfeld" star Michael Richards’ outburst where he repeatedly used the N-word only increased debate.

While the N-word and its variations are common in parts of black culture and have defenders, the word has long been a vicious racial slur directed toward blacks, and diminishing its use can only have positive effects. However, any success this latest effort will have is dependent on more than just the NAACP taking a stand.

Those who use the word in comedy, hip-hop and other cultural endeavors are those with the voices to make change. Some have, such as the comedian Paul Mooney, who has a decades-long influential past in stand-up and comedy writing. Longtime hip-hop executive Russell Simmons has also called for artists to cease using the word.

It remains to be seen whether these efforts are successful, but it is encouraging to see the first steps taken.