Governing is never easy. There is a push and a pull from numerous sectors when it comes to almost every controversial issue.
Few important issues that require action do not have forces that want “action this day,” as Winston Churchill used to stamp on priority items when things needed to be done during World War II, or those who cry the mantra of “delay delay delay.”
That has become the new paradox of governing with a result of gridlock.
Elected officials are now faced with a “damned if you do, damned if you don't” dilemma when it comes to making decisions. If they vote to take action they might be charged with acting prematurely.
If they don't act, they are “do nothings.” Lost in all of this is not necessarily the value of their vote or the complexity of the issue.
Take for example the vote that was planned - and then delayed - Tuesday night by the Cayuga County Legislature on whether to accept a proposal regarding the long-standing Cayuga land claim.
On June 13, the Legislature heard those who wanted a “no” vote on the proposal, asking that there be more time for the Legislature to consider the issue - a valid request given the speed in which the agreement seems to be pushed by those outside the communities impacted.
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors decided last week to postpone their vote that was supposed to occur this week, as well.
The resulting fallout if one county voted and one did not would have been predictable.
If the Legislature voted, no matter how they voted, there would be those who would criticize them for not taking the time for “thoughtful reflection” - especially if they don't agree with the vote - or did not do enough to gather the facts on the impact of an agreement on a controversy that has spanned more than a quarter of a century.
If Cayuga County did not pull its resolution, the argument in Seneca County would be that by failing to act, local leaders have put localities in jeopardy because of the pending land-in-trust application, that by not acting they risk losing out on possibly having a casino as an incentive for a solution.
More importantly, some would charge that they let a golden opportunity to bring to conclusion a festering and resource draining controversy.
The competing dilemma of acting or not acting is the new paradox of governing that often leads to gridlock.
Cosentino is a former mayor of Auburn and can be contacted at cozguytho@aol.com
That has become the new paradox of governing with a result of gridlock.
Elected officials are now faced with a “damned if you do, damned if you don't” dilemma when it comes to making decisions. If they vote to take action they might be charged with acting prematurely.
If they don't act, they are “do nothings.” Lost in all of this is not necessarily the value of their vote or the complexity of the issue.
Take for example the vote that was planned - and then delayed - Tuesday night by the Cayuga County Legislature on whether to accept a proposal regarding the long-standing Cayuga land claim.
On June 13, the Legislature heard those who wanted a “no” vote on the proposal, asking that there be more time for the Legislature to consider the issue - a valid request given the speed in which the agreement seems to be pushed by those outside the communities impacted.
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors decided last week to postpone their vote that was supposed to occur this week, as well.
The resulting fallout if one county voted and one did not would have been predictable.
If the Legislature voted, no matter how they voted, there would be those who would criticize them for not taking the time for “thoughtful reflection” - especially if they don't agree with the vote - or did not do enough to gather the facts on the impact of an agreement on a controversy that has spanned more than a quarter of a century.
If Cayuga County did not pull its resolution, the argument in Seneca County would be that by failing to act, local leaders have put localities in jeopardy because of the pending land-in-trust application, that by not acting they risk losing out on possibly having a casino as an incentive for a solution.
More importantly, some would charge that they let a golden opportunity to bring to conclusion a festering and resource draining controversy.
The competing dilemma of acting or not acting is the new paradox of governing that often leads to gridlock.
Cosentino is a former mayor of Auburn and can be contacted at cozguytho@aol.com
The Citizens' Say
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Dan W wrote on Jun 28, 2007 9:58 PM: