Otsego reps not `incompetent’

I am disappointed by the opening paragraph of your editorial of June 29, in which you refer to the "absurd incompetence of the Otsego Board of Representatives." I agree that the board has had some very difficult issues to deal with, and I wholeheartedly support the hiring of a county manager.

The board members I know are conscientious, hard-working and responsive to their constituents. To suggest that they are, individually or collectively, "absurdly incompetent" not only reflects badly on the voters who elected them but will hardly encourage others who may wish to replace them.

Regarding the issue of Mr. Marchi, it appears that the board’s attempt to handle the problem with caring and compassion backfired a few weeks later. Hindsight has certainly indicated this. There may be legal restraints on how the board can resolve this situation with Mr. Marchi.

Several members of our board have offered public forums inviting their constituents to bring up matters of concern and ask questions. Often the number of board members present exceeds the number of other citizens attending. I have attended many of them and found them to be enlightening. The representatives listen carefully and are very responsive to the concerns raised. I have never seen a reporter from The Daily Star at one of these forums!

Who should be charged with being "absurdly incompetent"? In my opinion, not the county board of representatives!

Dick Powell
Oneonta