The Editorial Board: With a stiff arm, Kearns acknowledges problems
Contemplating the ongoing dilemma within the Erie County Clerk’s Office raises a thought-provoking question: Should the role of county clerk be an appointed position rather than an elective one? The debacle that has unfolded under the watch of Michael P. “Mickey” Kearns, though not entirely his doing, certainly places some of the blame at his feet, alongside possible contributions from previous clerks such as Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Rep. Chris Jacobs.
Across New York State, county clerks take up their positions through elections, regardless of whether their backgrounds align with the management and financial acumen required to oversee a public service office transacting millions annually. This scenario starkly contrasts with the policymaking nature of legislative roles, highlighting a significant gap where specialized skills in accounting and organization might have prevented recent setbacks. Notably, the mishandling of funds culminating in a former employee facing charges for theft, and the failure to distribute $181,000 to 17 municipalities and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority over Kearns’ tenure.
These issues came to light following an audit by County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick, prompting Kearns to acknowledge, albeit reluctantly, the oversight in tax distribution. Hardest hit were municipalities like Clarence, shorted $52,170, and Buffalo, due $20,520, alongside Lancaster, Cheektowaga, and Alden, each missing over $4,000 in expected funds. This revelation, though previously undisclosed in such detail by Kearns, represents a shift towards transparency, albeit forced by circumstances and public scrutiny.
Despite this move towards openness, Kearns’ stance remains combative, disputing the findings of Hardwick’s subsequent audits, deeming them inaccurate without providing detailed refutations. Such defensiveness, absent substantive justification, risks further eroding public trust, especially when the veracity of the audit’s findings is palpable, placing Kearns under intense political scrutiny. With two years remaining in his term, the path to re-election—if desired—demands a more constructive approach to addressing these criticisms, which have been laid bare for all too see.
The situation begs a broader conversation about the criteria for public service roles that entail significant financial stewardship and organizational management. It challenges the traditional electoral process for such positions, suggesting a potential pivot towards appointing individuals with specific skill sets that align with the operational demands of these offices. Such a change might not only prevent similar oversights in the future but could also enhance the overall efficiency and accountability of public service, ensuring that government offices serve the community’s best interests with the utmost integrity.
In light of these events, it’s clear that reassessment and accountability are crucial moving forward. The Erie County Clerk’s Office debacle underscores the need for transparency, specialized skills, and perhaps a reevaluation of how public service positions are filled, aiming to safeguard public funds and maintain trust in governmental operations. As the community anticipates Kearns’ next steps, the broader implications for public administration and electoral practices loom large, inviting thoughtful discussion and decisive action.
