County Watch
by G. L. Penney

 At the public meeting on May 11, the Tioga County Legislature tabled a resolution to adopt a new statement of practices and procedures. At an earlier so-called workshop, the discussion had centered on the opening prayer at public meetings. I believe that the resolution was tabled only to avoid discussing that matter at the public meeting.

 I could not help but note the difference between this attitude and that of the Owego Town Board at a public meeting of the latter on May 18. Here a public hearing concerned the re-zoning of a particular property in the town was adjourned (not tabled) in order to work out details with the parties in interest. A specific date was set to reconvene the hearing and the date was deliberately chosen to coincide with the regular evening meeting when the public could more conveniently attend.

 I further observed that a Tioga County department had submitted a letter recommending the proposed change in zoning even though the county has absolutely no authority in the matter and very little expertise. This is the sort of operation that consumes some of your county tax dollars.