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Editorials
Bravo, Mr. Massie
This month, Rappahannock County had a lesson in the way that open government ought to be practiced.
At its meeting on Nov. 7, the Board of Supervisors discussed the requirements for the position of animal warden, which is open following the death of long-time warden Jack Bruce.
Several officials present, including the commonwealth’s attorney and the county administrator, suggested that the board discuss the matter in executive session. That, they correctly pointed out, is a perfectly legitimate use of one of the exceptions to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Piedmont District Supervisor Mike Massie, however, disagreed. •
He disagreed not on the point of law, but on the need for the board to discuss the matter in closed session. He advocated that the job description and its requirements be hammered out in open session - in front of the public and the press.
Mr. Massie won the agreement of his fellow supervisors, and the animal warden’s position was formulated in open session.
Rappahannock County’s government, in comparison with other localities, is generally conducted within the spirit -- as well as the letter ~ of the FOI Act. Our officials seem to be respectful of the public’s right to know, and willing to conduct the county’s business in the light of public scrutiny.
Since he assumed a seat on the board in January, Mr. Massie in particular has shown a willingness and a desire to discuss — to the greatest extent possible -- public business in open session.
We hope that his commitment -- and that of his fellow supervisors - to open government continues. The residents of Rappahannock need, and deserve, their advocacy.
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