The Warren County Commission’s contretemps over letting residents speak have been amply covered by Standard reporter Lisa Hobbs and editor James Clark. So, I bow to my betters on the details of all that.
However, I am bemused by the all the bickering back and forth among commissioners about how much time, if any, to let our residents talk at monthly meetings. The last time I checked, the “county” doesn’t need to give our residents the “chance to talk.” We already have freedom of speech, thanks to the First Amendment to our U.S. Constitution. It reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof: or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Our freedom of speech ranks right at the top of the first 10 Amendments to our Constitution. Also known as the “Bill of Rights,” these amendments were designed to limit government and to grant “We the People” considerable clout in the ways we are governed by our own consent.
So what does this have to do with the members of our Warren County Commission? Actually, a lot. First, they need to recognize they are bound by the letter and spirit of our Constitution. That document, including all 27 Amendments, is not a menu. It is among the greatest legal documents ever written. Since its creation more than 200 years ago, over 100 countries around the world have adopted it as a model for their own.
Second, some of our County Commissioners need to show a lot less arrogance and a lot more humility in discussing their dealings with the public, as in you and me. Comments like “I don’t have to explain my vote” do not inspire trust and confidence in our elected officials. Neither does quibbling over how much time to allow the public to air their views.
Third, our County Commissioners need to understand they are supposed to be public servants. By word and deed, they should demonstrate their understanding and acceptance of that responsibility and accountability. Moreover, they should strive to “be all they can be” as community leaders.
 Fourth, our County Commissioners need to recognize they work for us. Therefore, they are there to serve us, not for us to serve them. As citizens and residents, we need to remind ourselves and others of that enduring truth, and act accordingly every time we vote at the local, state and national levels.
That said, I think most of our County Commissioners, and our County Executive, are already doing a fine job, often under difficult circumstances. To help them do even better, I offer my modest proposal to resolve the “public talk or no talk” issue.
 Instead of having our residents “jump through the hoop” to get their name and topic on the meeting agenda ahead of time, why not just reserve 20 minutes for public comment before adjourning for the evening? After all, politics is “the art of the compromise.” 
Our County Commission has “nothing to fear but fear itself” in listening to comments from constituents. Commissioners might even benefit. They don’t have to answer all the questions raised during what might be called “Public Comment Time.” Just taking time to listen and consider them would be a real good start.
Retired Army Col. Thomas B. Vaughn can be reached at tbvbwmi@blomand.net.