Barton County Commissioner Homer Kruckenberg stated it very well Monday morning when he addressed fellow commissioners. “We have had some rough times here lately,” he said.

His comment was made as he nominated fellow Commissioner Jennifer Schartz to be commission chairman. He was referencing recent troubles in the County Treasurer’s Office and County Administrator’s Office, both of which have led to heated discussions, oft times between commissioners.

But, Kruckenberg’s observation followed the swearing in of 20th Judicial District Chief Judge Mike Keeley, District Judge Steve Johnson, District Magistrate Judge Verle Willey; commissioners Don Davis and Homer Kruckenberg, County Clerk Donna Zimmerman, Register of Deeds Pam Wornkey, County Attorney Amy Mellor, Sheriff Brian Bellendir, County Treasurer James Jordan and the officers of the Barton County Sheriff’s Department.

It was a smooth transition of power. Sure, there had been some harsh words spoken recently, but those were the words of elected officials who are passionate about their service to the county.

It is good to have lively discussions and question why things are done a certain way. It is much healthier than having county leaders who merely rubber stamp what is put in front of them.

Whatever differences there were, they were checked at the door Monday. The order of the day was to start the new year off with civility and decorum.

We can only hope that those we elect at other levels of government can learn from this example.

Dale Hogg