Citizens should expect government processes to be implemented fairly, openly and ethically.
Sen. Don Benton’s, R-Vancouver, request to be compensated twice while he’s in Olympia asks for a legally and ethically questionable preference. Why Clark County commissioners are even considering such an ethically challenged option is something one can only guess about. Asking to be exempted from leave requirements imposed on other employees is a preference no other commissioner or county employee would ever enjoy. It also would terminate the precise condition that the commissioners used to hire him in the first place, a condition with consequences he knew fully.
If commissioners now want to change this condition, they should vote publicly and open that process to public discussion. They should obtain a signed opinion from the county’s legal counsel saying there are no legal or ethical problems or liability. But until that public vote is taken, Benton should receive no compensation from the county while he is away.
The county has another duty that, if the modification is granted, it should reopen the hiring for the job Benton holds because it would change the terms of this job.
I urge the commissioners not to disrespect its citizens any further. Act transparently and do the ethical thing here. If they and the lawyers do their jobs, citizens will be well-served. If they don’t, may God help us all.
