Letter To The Editor: Barry Schmelly says ... "Unity is much over-rated!"

Published by Jimmy Olsun, NDRIRSRWRAFTC & Editor

Date:  9/30/2010
Post:  820

We're receiving a lot of "Letters To The Editor" regarding the subject of "County Unity".  Seems that a lot of people of have an opinion on this controversial subject.  Here's a letter from one of our FREE subscribers, Barry Schmelly.  Mr. Schmelly lives in Hermann.

Dear Mr. Olsun,

A number of Gasconade County polticians and media personalities have called for "UNITY" in Gasconade County.  It's a complete puzzlement to me as to what the hell they are talking about!  They probably don't know themselves!  In fact, I think they are just mouthing things they have heard others say and haven't really considered the implications.

Personally, I could care less whether we have "UNITY" in this county or not!  "UNITY" in and of itself is over-rated!  The things I want for the county are:

• openness and transparency in government,
• professionalism and accountability in government,
• honesty and integrity in government,
• fiscal responsibility in all government departments, and
• responsiveness to the voters ... all voters.

In my experience, it is sometimes necessary to "ruffle a few feathers" in order to accomplish these worthwhile objectves.  And if "feathers do get ruffled", so be it!  That's just fine and dandy as far as I'm concerned.

I will always support and back elected officials who "make waves" and "ruffle feathers" for these are the elected officials who make a difference.  These are the elected officials who properly and effectively repesent the constituencies who elected them to a position of public trust in the first place.

Feel free to publish my letter if you wish.  If not, that's OK too!

Best regards,

Barry Schmelly
Hermann, MO