Department heads deserve respect
Bee Editorial
We are going to go out on a limb and make a very bold statement - department heads know more than the council members. So why aren't they taken seriously and listened to?

Cutting off a department head in mid-sentence is not only disrespectful but ignorant. These are professionals, with degrees and years of experience in their areas of expertise. Yet, more often than not the Town Board treats them like second class citizens.

The board members have no problems rambling on until 1 a.m. every two weeks, high on their soapboxes, proclaiming every thought they have. They also have no problem requesting that a department head speak at any time the board members see fit. But pay close attention to the time allowed to the department heads: after a minute they are often cut off so the member can continue his or her speech.

It's not uncommon to see a department head speak during a work session, often starting a sentence with "I have a concern ..." about one of the board's resolutions. When it comes time to vote, more often than not the board sends it to the various departments for review.

Board members have to learn to admit that they aren't experts in every subject. Use the professionals hired to their positions to explain why or why not a resolution can go forward. How many times must we hear that a resolution is illegal, impossible or incomplete.

Its a shame how the experts in town are treated. They are not given the credit they are due for running multimillion dollar departments, being prepared to catch the board each time members slip and spending hours listening to the banter during meetings when they could be out serving residents or with their family.

We don't think there is one department head who hasn't had to call attention to a poorly planned resolution, in addition to their daily tasks and their own resolutions. Hours, yes hours, are wasted when a department head has to shake his or her head and explain why a board member's resolution can't go forward as written. It happens so often one might think it's part of the town government process.

The board has been criticized for not being prepared for a vote but what needs to happen first is to not have the vote called for until the sponsors know what they are talking about.

The current department heads are experienced professionals. They have literally a wealth of knowledge. They are always prepared with an answer or explanation.

It's time that the board members realize what resources are available, and begin taking full advantage of them.