In a fast-paced, ever-changing world of systems, information and technology, you would think most people would understand the importance of keeping our officials updated on those things that would improve their ability to effectively do their jobs. Case in point: the annual meeting held in New York City at a large conference organized by the New York State Association of Towns.

The reason most frequently cited for a lack of attendance is the cost. As an example, the town of Owasco spent $12,000 to send 10 officials to this year's conference. Fleming spent about $5,000 to send six officials, while other towns (Aurelius, Conquest, Genoa, Ira, Ledyard, Montezuma, Summerhill, Scipio, Sempronius and Venice) chose not to send anybody.

Let's consider whether this kind of conference is worth the investment. How would you feel if you found out that there were new, cutting-edge developments in sewage-treatment plants that would save the taxpayers money and improve the process, but your town is left behind because the people in charge of sewage treatment don't know about it?

Or let's say new software programs have been designed that would allow your financial officers to vastly improve their performance with only a modest additional investment, but your people are left with outdated systems because of lack of knowledge.

The same principle could be applied to your town lawyers, architects, councilmen, assessors, justices and others. It's extremely important our officials are given the opportunity to network with their counterparts from towns throughout the state to exchange information, ask questions, and develop mutually helpful relationships, especially those who are new to their jobs. This would promote, among other things, a consistency from town to town with things like assessments, rather than having a maverick town off on its own doing things that are completely out of whack with surrounding communities.

Let's face it, good ideas don't normally hit people from out of the blue. We need information and input from like-minded people who are in the same or similar positions; then ideas follow.

Will some people abuse the system and take in an extra off-Broadway play, or go shopping instead of attending every meeting that might improve their performance? Sure. But in general, most people are well intentioned and will take home every bit of useful information they can get at such a conference.

With a wide range of topics and a variety of courses (more than 100 different subjects in a three-day period; everything from wind energy to planning and zoning requirements), it seems clear the investment, while sizable, is certainly worth it. The question isn't whether we can afford to educate our officials, but whether we can afford not to.

Ducayne's column appears Tuesdays in The Citizen and she can be reached at sacredheart6005@hotmail.com