Security at county meetings defended
As a matter of routine I do not attend most agenda or regular county commissioners meetings.
Lately I have attended the meetings so I could address the prison working group issues and answer questions. To be clear, I volunteered to work on this project as every other resident in Fayette County could have, including Commissioner Angela Zimmerlink and Michael Cavanagh. I have no hidden agenda, nor am I looking for personal gain. My only interest is to help the people of Fayette County as best I can.
During the past few days, headlines in the Herald-Standard stated “Fayette DA investigates Zimmerlink,” “Hearings needed for the prison project,” “Prison options should be considered” and “Cavanagh and Zimmerlink criticized.” These articles were very interesting reading. Some had merit, but most were fact-less.
Being in the Pennsylvania State Police for over 30 years, I couldn’t believe the comments made by Commissioner Zimmerlink questioning the need for security at a commissioners meeting and asking why the necessity for law enforcement. Sheriff deputies at meetings are there to protect the public and to maintain order, which all adults should do anyway. Your health, safety and welfare are their responsibility, as well as the deputy at the front door. This deputy at the front door cannot leave his post to address issues in the meeting room and leave that post vacant.
Anyone who questions security in this day and age is not in touch with reality, doesn’t follow world events and has forgotten about school shootings — breaches of security that caused the deaths of innocent children and adults who would pray to God for the additional security that may have saved their lives.
Law enforcement is needed to stop a meeting from becoming a circus and out of control. The chairman and/or others do not have police powers, can’t affect an arrest and should not be the subject of verbal or physical abuse. Police officers take on that responsibility as part of their job, and they do it well. Their oath is to “protect and serve!” Shame on you, Commissioner Zimmerlink, for your thoughtless and inappropriate comments regarding security. You need a dose of reality.
Mr. Ralph Mazza stated he has the right to speak during the public comment period, and he is right. On more than one occasion I witnessed Zimmerlink interrupting people as she did to me on Sept. 17, when I was speaking about the public meetings. I have never interrupted her, and when I have the floor I expect the same courtesy.
Jim Killinger is a resident of Uniontown.