Guest Opinion: Bucks County watchdogs can't be summer soldiers

Andy Warren
·2 min read
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There is no doubt in my mind that when a tree falls in the woods, regardless if any human is present, it absolutely does make a sound.

Two other “absolutes” of which I am equally certain: First, all hope for the survival of responsible and fair government dies in darkness the day citizens are denied access to elected and appointed officials.

Second, and far worse, open and transparent government within a democratic society are the first casualties when journalists cease to responsibly shine a light on the actions of politicians and bureaucrats. Sadly, neutral investigative reporting no longer seems to be of much interest among present day journalists.

Just as it appeared darkness was about to permanently engulf all of journalism, a flicker of light appeared on the journalistic horizon. The source — the Bucks County Courier Times and two reporters, Peg Quann and James McGinnis.

Jim McGinnis’ recent article, “Bucks County got creative with federal COVID funds,” affords readers the opportunity to determine for themselves the degree of responsible oversight exhibited by Bucks County commissioners regarding spending of over $100 million that the federal government thrust upon them “with little direction and wide discretion.”

Offering the reader the opportunity to determine for himself/herself an appropriate definition of “responsible oversight,” a few samples (of literally dozens) of commissioner-approved projects are highlighted:

  • $25 million in direct grants to small businesses

  • $3.8 million for tourism related businesses

  • $90,000 Employee Gift Cards (vaccination incentive)

  • $7,500.00 Rita’s Water Ice (vaccination incentive)

The spending category that this taxpayer finds most egregious is over $6 million approved by the commissioners, since June 15 for county employees and associated agencies titled “sign-on & retention bonuses.”

Should a Bucks County resident attend a public meeting to discuss these, or any other issues of concern, the resident deserves, at the very least, the courtesy to have concerns heard.

However, the ability to actively exercise their right to be heard, as members of an open and transparent democratic society, are being denied. As reported in Peg Quann’s article Sept. 18 “Residents cry foul as Bucks commissioners cut public comment time.” Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo underscored this perception of limiting resident participation, when he stated, “They (residents) waited here a long time and didn’t get the opportunity to talk.”

Perhaps Bucks County’s majority commissioners would be well advised to revisit agenda item 16 (b), unanimously approved July 15, 2020, when they established a public comment period during commissioners’ meetings:

"Approve time limits for public comment at commissioners’ meetings (30 minutes total) for each comment period, to be extended only by agreement of commissioners (emphasis added)…"

In order for light to shine upon American democracy in the 21st century, there can be no place for “summertime soldiers” — either citizen or journalist.

Andy Warren is a resident of Langhorne and a former Bucks County commissioner.

This article originally appeared on The Intelligencer: Guest Opinion: Bucks County watchdogs can't be summer soldiers