As Joe Peters enumerated in his recent editorial concerning a lack of transparency in the county commissioners office by the midnight appointment of a new member of the Sequoyah County Criminal Justice Authority. Two commissions apparently used the usual foppery method to check out the new appointee's credentials to hold an office of public trust.
The first action, according to Mr. Peters, of his acceptance of a resignation was uncalled for due to a lack of public discussion and openness. Who knew there was in fact an opening on the Authority? I don't think Mr. Peters knew he was about to resign.
Second, two commissioners failed to be truthful with the public regarding Mr. Peters acceptance of "for the good of the county" resignation, and third, the apparent midnight board change leaves out the newest commission member for consideration of his opinion.
I don't know Mr. Peters and I am not writing this to defend Mr. Peters' record or actions on the authority in question. I do disagree with him on his positions regarding the authority. I am writing this to express my continued disgust at how our county is managed and the unfair manner in which Mr. Peters was run off the authority.
Remember this is a republic, not a democracy. The commissioners have forgotten or ignore the rule of law that is enshrined in the Oklahoma Constitution. The rule of law provides for transparent government and protection of civil rights for the interest of the public. We do not have these protections in the current form of county government.
Today it is Joe Peters. Tomorrow it may be you.
Lets change county government now. We need protection of our rights from the good o boys in the courthouse.
Alan Parham
Sallisaw
