Why is there a sense that Cayuga County government is run poorly, beyond the pocketbook evidence of double-digit tax increases?

It all begins with its legislative meetings.

Legislator Michael Lepak's outburst during last week's special meeting with Seneca County was just the latest in a series of behavior from Lepak which is not only needlessly disruptive, but often an embarrassment and a disgrace to the proceedings.

Lepak's cynicism is not thoughtful, often mean-spirited, and the Auburn legislator seldom offers any productive solutions to county issues. He continues to be a poor representative for his constituents.

But he is not the only one who has been an unnecessary drain on Legislature proceedings. There are jabs, insults, snide remarks, and grandstanding at nearly every county meeting, and it has become acceptable practice. The meetings last much longer than necessary, partly because they are not being directed professionally.

That responsibility falls to the county chairman.

Legislature Chairman Herb Marshall is doing just as poor of a job of controlling Legislature meetings as his predecessor Ray Lockwood. Not only are some of these rants unproductive and self-serving, it speaks to a much bigger issue.

How can you take charge of a $90 million budget if you can't take charge of your own meeting?

Visitors to their first Cayuga County Legislature meeting often walk away shaking their head (or laughing out loud) at the antics of some of the legislators. Now the circus that is a Legislature meeting will be played on local cable channels for everyone to enjoy at home.

Marshall worries the televised meetings will showcase some of the legislators' misbehavior and grandstanding, and that their conduct will embarrass the Legislature.

But if they do, the chairman has no one to blame but himself.