Here & There Column 4-21-09

Where Is The Truth In Politics ?

Can we trust our politicians and do they know how to tell the truth?
This is truly a sincere question we have following a recent scenario involving local politicians and we have heavy concerns from these individuals when it comes to giving statements that are questionable.
On a county level recently near the end of March District 1 Legislator David Sager sent an email (copy of which was sent to this columnist) whereby he challenged and questioned County Manager David Fanslau and Legislature Chairman Jonathan Rouis about statements in which they claimed no knowledge of county jobs offered to Minority Leader Leni Binder.
Sager's email said, "you know damn well that you and some of your subversive cohorts have been offering Leni a job for many months," and "having seen you both in operation, I clearly understand your methods....get faced with the facts in public and deny, deny, deny."
The District 1 legislator's email said " I have a novel idea...instead of finding sneaky ways to manipulate your voting power and support your 'agenda', just do the right thing and be honest public servants that really give a damn about Sullivan County."
Sager went on to state, "to say that we need this reform in this county is the understatement of the century....too bad the AG's office doesn't seem to know that the county exists.....boy would they have a field day."
The District 1 legislator concluded by saying, "the fact that you would essentially attempt to bribe an elected official to remove her from office is unconscionable."
Legislady Binder shortly after that acknowledged that "I've had an offer from the county," with Chairman Rouis and Manager Fanslau saying they were not aware of any offers made to Binder.
The truth should be known here but will most likely never come to the surface.
Truth in politics.....the general public would like to see more of it.