Does anyone even care?

A friend of mine is a lifetime member of the Highland County Historical Society.

This friend also owns three or four dogs, none of which is in this particular fight.

After reading so much ado about the ongoing debate among members of the society, this friend asked me: "Does anyone even care?"

Frankly, I don't know. Nor do I really care.

As I wrote a week or two ago, my relative knowledge of the Highland County Historical Society is limited to these salient points: Because of the efforts of people like Charles Harsha, Jack Garman, Lester and Jean Wallis, and others, the once cohesive (perhaps, "congenial" is a better word) society has managed to avoid "red ink" and maintain long-term solvency.

More recently, the society "leadership" seems to have devolved into dissenting factions that no majority of membership (from either camp) can explain.

What is apparent, though, is this: A meeting of the society members has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, July 15 at the Highland County Administration Building on Governor Foraker Place in Hillsboro. Even those who may insist that they were not duly informed of this meeting, have publicly acknowledged their respective awareness of said meeting.

But just in case, here's a friendly reminder: The Highland County Historical Society members are invited to an open meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, July 15 at the Highland County Administration Building.

From this non-member's perspective on the society's current brouhaha, I'm left wondering if this is something best settled on the schoolyard playground, or is it a clear case of "follow the money?"

My experience – and my gut – tells me it is the latter.

Let's face it. Why else would otherwise mature adults find themselves in a proverbial snit over something that 90 percent of county residents are not only happily unaware, but equally unaffected?

There must be a reason.

Maybe there's a reason why the mayor of Hillsboro has suggested that the society ought to purchase selective private property in the name of historic preservation.

Seriously, is that the function of the mayor?

It seems, from this taxpayer's perspective, that the mayor has personally benefited quite well from local (and state) taxpayers in the past five years. How much is enough?

As a reminder, Ohio Revised Code Section 102.03(D) prohibits a public official or employee from using or authorizing the use of the office or employment to secure anything of value.

While there's no violation of ORC 102.03(D), some might suggest the spirit of the application has been tested.  

What now passes for good government reminds me of the most recent Hillsboro City Council meeting at which Safety and Service Director Todd Wilkin said he has met with Highland County commissioners "to establish a city/county partnership to share resources and reduce costs."

Nothing wrong with that. If it were true.

Trouble is, two of the three county commissioners have said no such meeting took place. The third commissioner is on vacation.

Someone here is lacking sincerity.

A city council member said he has no knowledge of a proposed city/county partnership to share resources and reduce costs.

Again, why would the city administration make such statements?

More importantly, why the secrecy?

After all, this is OUR government. Our tax dollars pay for these actions. If there are sound reasons to pursue and develop city/county partnerships, that's all well and good. But let's keep the taxpayers – through their elected officials – informed. Who knows? Maybe there are more potential synergies out there.

Of course, I'll readily admit that no one really cares.

Maybe next week I'll explain why you should. The evidence is overwhelming.

Rory Ryan is publisher of The Highland County Press.