Dear Editor,
The recent reports of a meeting on Feb. 4, involving leadership from the Putnam Development Authority (PDA) should concern every taxpayer in our county.
It has been alleged that this PDA leadership held a meeting that included developers, real estate agents, and political candidates for the upcoming election with very specific goals: to recruit candidates for the Board of Commissioners, and to discuss strategies to oppose local citizen oversight groups, specifically “Taxpayer Watchdog.”
While every individual has the right to engage in politics as a private citizen, those serving on a taxpayer- funded public authority must adhere to a higher standard. The PDA’s mission is economic development, not political engineering. When members of an appointed body work behind the scenes to “hand-pick” the very commissioners who are supposed to oversee their budget and appointments, the resulting conflict of interest undermines the entire system of checks and balances.
A development authority should focus on bringing jobs and industry to Putnam County, not on ensuring a “friendly” Board of Commissioners gets in that might shy away from rigorous oversight. This level of coordination suggests a desire to avoid accountability rather than embrace it.
As we approach the upcoming elections, I urge my fellow citizens to look closely at the candidates and their affiliations. We need leaders who are beholden to the voters, not to the interests of a specific public authority.
Transparency is the bedrock of good government; without it, public trust is easily broken.
Billy Webster Putnam County