ANDERSON, Ind. —
No boss will take kindly to criticism when an employee publishes his or her complaints in a newspaper.
But the boss must realize that in this democracy — the same land that is providing a livelihood for both boss and employee — that the employee has a right, though limited, to free speech.
To control speech, bosses write policies that limit an employee’s criticisms. Madison County has such a purely punitive policy that serves to protect elected officials.
The policy was thrown in the face of James Janes Sr., a county highway worker who wrote a letter — published Aug. 4 in The Herald Bulletin — that was critical of leadership among the three County Commissioners. He specifically cited Commissioner Paul Wilson for taking “county income tax money that is supposed to be for public safety, and pays to have dilapidated houses torn down in the county that the property owners and big banks that own them did not want to pay to have it done.”
Libelous, claimed County Highway Superintendent Scott Harless. His position is appointed by the county commissioners. Janes’ letter followed a commissioners decision to demolish three unsafe homes in the Hoppess addition. In each case, the public might wonder why an owner or bank wasn’t assessed the demolition fee.
Nevertheless, Janes received a 30-day suspension without pay.
Voters might think that politicians would have thicker skin. You’d think the commissioners would talk with Janes privately and see if his complaints were accurate — if they are of a political nature. Instead, the appointed County Highway Superintendent was sent to shoot the messenger.
But you’d also think that Janes would know of the policy since it was written as part of an agreement with the AFSCME Council 62 AFL-CIO Local 3609 — of which Janes is president.
The dilemma over a government employee’s free speech is tough to resolve. The U.S. Supreme Court did not sufficiently answer the question in two previous cases. Free speech has better application for employees making comments as private citizens. Government employees need to be cautious in publicly criticizing their bosses.
Like any employer, county commissioners don’t want questionable actions aired to the public. But here, we are also talking about politicians hiding behind policy when perhaps they should be evaluating the use of Madison County taxpayer public funds.
As voters, we don’t like to hear claims that county money is not going to its intended purpose. Perhaps this is the time to remind the County Commissioners that they, too, have bosses to answer to: the voters.
Editorials
Editorial: County should rethink free speech punishment
- Editorials
-
-
Editorial: If bullying tale is true, APA right to release headmaster
The recent accusations leveled against the headmaster at Anderson Preparatory Academy illustrate how bullying can be perpetuated by administrators who become enablers.
-
Editorial: Get permission before school pranks
Anderson High School decided to show some solidarity with their Cascade peers and filled up the school with post-it notes, all in good fun. This prank was also done after hours but with a big difference: The students had requested and received permission to imitate Cascade.
-
You Said It: About fundraiser, missing woman, building preservation
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com.
-
Editorial: Memorial Day helps put face on wounded warriors
This is the perfect weekend to thank a veteran, an active duty service member or a wounded warrior for his or her service. Our positive, encouraging response goes a long way in defining our society.
-
Editorial: Honor those who fought, and celebrate our freedom
This weekend, keep in mind the reason for Memorial Day — to remember those who have been so important in our lives, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice in military service.
-
Editorial: Governor candidates offer conservatism, moderation
The jockeying for position has begun in what is basically a two-horse gubernatorial race. Each offers voters a legitimate option. The November outcome may offer a simple referendum on the mindset of voters: Are they most persuaded by Mike Pence’s conservatism or by John Gregg’s moderation?
-
Editorial: Keep up the chorus against the landfill
Occupy Anderson has joined the ever-growing chorus against the proposed Mallard Lake landfill. Sam Mudd, a member of Occupy, is taking his studies on how the landfill might pollute Anderson’s water to areas of the county to drum up support against the landfill.
-
Editorial: Find a buyer for former school or tear it down
If a buyer wants the former Pendleton Heights Middle School, fine, but put no more taxpayer money into it.
-
Editorial: Libraries must adapt to serve communities
Certainly, the Friends of the Anderson Public Library needs space to store and sell used books, records, DVDs and other material. But library supporters and staff must be flexible in this ever-changing world to keep public facilities relevant.
-
You Said It: About Walking Men, the Queen of Disco and settled lawsuits
Each Monday, The Herald Bulletin publishes “You Said It,” a compilation of reader comments from www.theheraldbulletin.com.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
Editorial: If bullying tale is true, APA right to release headmaster
