Ross County, a current stronghold of the Republican Party, is teetering on the edge of a significant shift. The precipice on which it stands has been carved not by external pressures but by a troubling disconnect between its elected leaders and the community they purport to serve.
Our County Commissioners, a Republican triad, are the stewards of a surplus of $14 million in the county coffers, an enviable financial cushion by any standard. But they remain stubbornly resistant to broaching a critical discussion on inflation-adjusted raises for the very men and women who ensure the safety of our streets: the Sheriff’s deputies. The Commissioners’ steadfast refusal to even discuss an inflation raise for the county’s hardworking Sheriff’s deputies has raised eyebrows, sparked questions, and most importantly, opened the doors for a potential political upset.
This resistance becomes even more baffling in the light of the deputies’ union contract that allows for midterm bargaining. The Commissioners’ reticence in this matter begs several uncomfortable questions. Are they oblivious to the economic strains on the deputies, or are they strategically ignoring a contractual right? The union contract for the Sheriff’s deputies clearly stipulates provisions for midterm bargaining. Either way, the Commissioners paint an alarming picture of detachment from the realities of the community they were elected to serve.
The Commissioners’ stance is not just politically dubious; it’s financially perplexing. All three men are of retirement age and earn double — in some cases triple — income stemming from their previous careers, their county position, and social security. By refusing to discuss wage increases, they sit atop a mountain of unspent funds while their law enforcement officers grapple with the effects of inflation. As the Commissioners fiddle, Ross County’s $14 million nest egg sits comfortably unspent. It’s hard to fathom how this sum remains untouched, even as inflation gnaws at the earnings of those entrusted with maintaining law and order in our community. The irony here is glaring, and the silence of the Commissioners is deafening.
While the deputies grapple with stagnating wages and rising living costs, the Democratic Party of Ross County is waking up to an opportunity. Historically, Republicans have held the mantle of supporting law enforcement, a principle woven into their ideological fabric. But their reluctance to address the financial woes of these law enforcement officers is a stark contradiction that is not lost on the Democrats or the voters.
The Democratic Party of Ross County, recently the underdog in our local political landscape, has found itself in a unique position. In a recent meeting they discussed the union contract and the raises. The Democrats were quick to say they understand that supporting law enforcement, once a cornerstone of the Republicans’ platform, should be more than mere lip service. They said they see the wisdom in investing the county’s substantial surplus into those who protect and serve us. The Democrats’ stance does more than offer a potential solution to an immediate problem. It also reveals a stark contrast to the Commissioners’ approach. The Democrats’ plan is to engage, listen, and propose, demonstrating an understanding of community needs that seems to have eluded their Republican counterparts.
For a community known for its Republican tilt, the actions — or lack thereof — of the Commissioners could have profound political implications. Voters might find themselves reconsidering allegiances, influenced by the increasingly apparent disconnect between the Commissioners and the needs of the public. As a result, the Democrats, who have shown an understanding and willingness to address these needs, could capitalize in the upcoming elections. The political consequences for the Commissioners could be severe, provoked by this blatant disregard for law enforcement’s financial well-being. And in this shift, the Democratic Party could see an electoral opportunity.
Our appeal to the Commissioners is not politically charged. It is, however, a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with public office. The essence of leadership is not in holding power but in its wise use, in understanding the needs of those you lead and acting decisively in their best interest. This is more than just an editorial call to rectify a grave economic injustice. It’s a reminder to our leaders that they are there to serve, and if they forget who they are serving, they may just find themselves out of office.
The actions of the Ross County Commissioners appear increasingly out of touch, and their inaction could signal the end of their political dominance in the county. As the elections approach, the time for the Ross County Commissioners to remember this is now. If they don’t, the voters may remind them at the ballot box. Their refusal to even discuss the deputies’ raises isn’t just a sign of an economic disconnect; it’s a political miscalculation that may cost them more than they realize.