The recent ordinance concerning the potential dissolution of the Hancock County Parks Board is further evidence of ongoing dysfunction in local government.

On Feb. 12, commissioners voted 2-1 on the first reading of the ordinance which would get rid of the board as it is, replacing it instead with a form which would allow local residents or organizations to apply directly to county commissioners for a share of the county’s hotel and motel tax revenue to put on events.

The vote was followed last week by a “work session” held at 8:30 a.m. Friday in which the issues of the county’s parks were to be discussed, including concerns about the board and the proposed application process.

First, let’s point to the obvious. Realistically, any such workshop probably should have been held prior to any ordinance being put forward. That way, the topics of concern are discussed in public and on the record, and if a solution is found then you’re not wasting time by voting on a piece of legislation which may or may not move forward or even be needed.

There also is some question as to whether the meeting was properly called to begin with. Open meetings laws in West Virginia require at least two business days for notice of non-regular meetings for a governmental body in order to provide adequate time for the public to be aware.

For the 8:30 a.m., Feb. 20 work sessions, this newspaper received a notification at 11:10 a.m., Feb. 18. At least one member of the commission claims members of the Park Board weren’t notified until after noon, Feb. 18. It’s possible, of course, there was a notice posted at the Hancock County Courthouse within the time needed, but it still raises some questions.

As for the meeting itself, it often was less a discussion and more a lecture to not only the lone member of the Park Board able to make it, but also to the one commissioner who has outwardly expressed his concern with the proposal in question.

Yes, there is a history of issues with the Hancock County Park Board, although those primarily pre-date the current membership or, for that matter, at least two-thirds of the current county commission. If there are concerns with the way things are going, then there should be a true and open dialogue between all parties before action is taken. Discuss procedures and expectations. Provide guidance. Ask questions and learn from each other. If you don’t, you all fail.

Whether elected or appointed, you are all in the business of government, which means you are involved in the people’s business. There are expectations and responsibilities for all involved. It is not about what you get out of it, but what you give in service to the community. You are stewards, not rulers. You are going to be criticized, at times, for your decisions. It might be from the voters, or even your own colleagues.

The bottom line: If you can’t handle that, if you can’t be open and honest, if you can’t move forward in a spirit of cooperation in service to the people, then you picked the wrong line of work.