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Accountability is so important
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK: In our lead news story last week ["Vying to be 'part of the conversation' ''}, which focused on Loudoun business groups planning to take a tough stance against anti-immigration policies, Sterling District Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (R) said some things that were over the top.
It's the land of free speech, so Mr. Delgaudio certainly has a right to express his views.
A few of his comments:
"We do have a relationship with [the business community]. We've been letting them get away with murder."
Another gem:
"The Chamber of Commerce fundamentally doesn't care. They will find a way to break the law."
Mr. Delgaudio gave our veteran reporter the distinct impression he was referring to the local Chamber and its policies, although he claimed two days after the story came out that his comments were directed toward the national Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Delgaudio drafted a Board of Supervisors' resolution July 17 that will examine ways to restrict services to illegal immigrants.
Tony Howard, director/CEO of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, said the supervisor's comments (see related Op-Ed elsewhere on this page) were off base. He said the local Chamber's policy is to support sensible immigration policies that provide businesses the workforce they need.
This isn't about whether Mr. Delgaudio said some things he didn't mean to, but rather, it's about public figures – especially during an election season – acting like they are entitled individuals.
Public figures must be held accountable for their actions. That's part of the Times-Mirror editorial platform.
In the past, Mr. Delgaudio has been known for outlandish statements which draw attention to his causes. Sometimes, this apparently resonates with his constituency.
If Mr. Delgaudio was, instead, taking pot shots at the national Chamber of Commerce, he was indirectly damaging the image of the local Chamber and all the good it does.
Comments like these are unfounded and ridiculous. Some may say, that's just "That's just Eugene spouting off again." He, after all, is known for his street theater and outrageous hyperbole.
Could be, but sometimes the best things are left unsaid. Shouldn't elected officials be trying to bring people together, instead of driving wedges everywhere he can?
Paul Smith is the executive editor of the Loudoun Times-Mirror
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