Eastern Shore Undercover Editorial: Public Leaders Must Act Like Public Leaders

Did anyone watch the Salisbury City Council open work session last night? Wow. That is all I can say, really.

Our goal lately has been to stay positive and set an example for others. After what I saw last night, that is hard to do.

I am not a Salisbury resident, and I do not work in the city. If I did, I would be embarrassed. I am sorry if that sounds negative, but I am calling it like I saw it.

In our Good Morning post today, before I watched the City Council meeting, I said, "Elections have consequences." Last night, at the City of Salisbury Council meeting, it was a prime example of that.

Council members argued with each other and with the mayor in front of the public. This was not civil discussion, it was people yelling at each other. They fought over what is being done and what each person knows, and one person was accused of knowing something through an email when that person said they knew nothing. I could go on and on but I think you get the point.

It got so bad that people started getting up and leaving. The mayor stood up in the middle of the dispute and walked out. The meeting ended when one councilman got up and started to leave.

How can we expect things to get done if council members cannot even get along, or putting it bluntly, acting like adults? That question matters in Salisbury, and it matters across Wicomico County.

Wicomico County always seems to have a power struggle between levels of government. Sometimes it is the County Council trying to overstep the County Executive. Other times it is the City Council trying to overstep the mayor.

It is unprofessional at the very least. To be honest, it is childish.

Some officials forget that this is not a personal position. It is a public position, and they are the voice of their community and their district.

It should never be about a personal fight. It should be about getting things done for the people who voted you into office.

What we saw last night should never be put on display in public. The people of Salisbury deserve better!