While a bit of verbal sparring at a Montezuma Town Board meeting this week may have stretched the limits of decorum, we're pleased that a county politician is taking an active interest in the affairs affecting his constituents.

Cayuga County Legislator David Axton and Montezuma Town Supervisor Scott Saroodis on Tuesday argued about Axton's public comments regarding a rift between the Montezuma Town Board and its planning board.

Axton has been a vocal supporter of the planning board, while others believe that Saroodis has been trying to undermine its authority.

We're not going to take sides on the planning board issue today, but Saroodis was wrong to suggest that Axton should have kept his nose out of it.

Saroodis called the planning board issue “a town problem” and said that Axton was “way out of bounds” by having his opinion on the subject published in this newspaper. He then asked Axton to leave the meeting and not to speak any more.

Axton not only has the right to attend Montezuma Town Board meetings, his doing so demonstrates a proactive approach to his position of leadership. He's not trying to use the power of the county Legislature to influence the policies or the politics of the town, but by attending meetings, gathering information and expressing his opinion, he's staying connected to issues important to his constituents.

Frankly, it's refreshing to see a county legislator going out of his way to become involved.

Furthermore, we question Saroodis' claim that Axton didn't bother trying to get his side of the story. While we can't speak for Axton, who said he tried to call Saroodis four times, reporters and editors from The Citizen have repeatedly tried to contact Saroodis about the planning board issue, and he has not returned our calls.

Yes, the Montezuma planning board is a town issue, but all the officials representing the taxpayers there have an obligation to let the people know where they stand.