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Editorial Borger botches idea Potter County Commissioner Lacy Borger's idea to award $25 scholarships to elementary school children may have been well-intentioned, but the approach poses serious concerns. He used his official county business cards as part of what he calls a "scholarship." The use of the cards, purchased with county funds, for his personal program raises questions about his stewardship of taxpayer money, especially in light of his piety on how closely he watches county spending. Every elected official, particularly during an election season, should consider carefully the mere perception of impropriety. Borger's willingness to shout "foul" to the Texas Ethics Commission over signs posted by his opponent should have made him even more cautious. It reminds us of the lingering stench emanating from recent allegations of misuse of taxpayer funds and equipment by other county officials. A promise of $25 upon graduation isn't a bad incentive to encourage second-graders to stay in school. But their graduation is a decade away and Borger is already into his eighth decade of life. Who will keep his promise if he's not around in 2018? Far too many candidates and officials make promises they don't keep. When The Amarillo Independent attempted to talk with Borger, he angrily criticized an article in the Amarillo Globe-News. The commissioner resented what he described as "implications" that his stay-in-school incentive plan was politically motivated. His protestations and refusal to provide answers, before he even heard the Indy's questions, leave only this conclusion: He really doesn't believe he is accountable for what he does. A public official's arrogance and refusal to be forthcoming certainly aren't what we need in our elected officials. E-mail
comments about this story Posted: February 28, 2008
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