We think the Columbus City Council has more important issues to worry about than what Lowndes County Board of Supervisors President Harry Sanders said in front of a civic club. Speaking to the Columbus Rotary Club last week, Sanders said there were some people appointed to city boards “who couldn’t tie their shoes.”
Classic Harry. When it comes to the city, Sanders is the school-yard bully. For that matter, he seldom misses an opportunity to get a jab in to anyone who has dared cross him. Politics can be a game of sharp elbows, and Sanders doesn’t hesitate to use his. That said, he has been an effective supervisor. And part of that effectiveness has been his willingness to call it as he sees it.
While his criticism crosses over into hyperbole, Sanders’ charge bears consideration. In response to Sanders’ comment, we wrote in this space last week: “Too often … the person who called the most public officials or knows somebody who knows somebody, gets the job. Friends, political allies, next-door neighbors and business associates of elected officials have wound up on boards. Sometimes these appointees are qualified; too often they’re not.”
Sanders’ criticism notwithstanding, it happens in the county as well as the city.
We admire Councilman Charlie Box’s response to Kabir Karriem’s bout of righteous indignation. Karriem, who has been known to fan the fires of racial divisiveness on his radio show, was the councilman who called for an apology.
Box suggested the city implement an orientation program for board appointees. What’s not to like about that? Lowndes County board appointees also would benefit from such a program.
Oh, but that might look like the council concurred with Sanders, a sign of weakness. Mayor Robert Smith made his displeasure known, and Stewart, Mickens and Taylor jumped on board.
As for Sanders, his response to the grousing was predictable.
“If they’re going to send me a letter asking me to apologize, it seems to me they could spend that 45 cents to fix a pothole rather than something like this,” Sanders said. “What are they going to do — put me in jail? … I’m ignoring it. I have no intention of sending them an apology. It’s a waste of taxpayers’ money to even consider doing that.”
Now if Harry could tell us how to fix a pothole for 45 cents, we’d really be on to something.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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