Two posts in one night...
I only have about 15 minutes before bed, but I have to help shine a little light on a situation going on in Monroe County, NY.

Playing musical chairs at the Republican Party

The Republican controlled county legislature has been selecting a new public defender. They have made a mockery of the process and their chosen candidate will be illegitimate in the eyes of the public.

The public has been denied any role in selecting their public defender. A critical position that provides the only legal representation to many poor and disadvantaged people in the community. The republicans have been driving this process behind closed doors, with no input, so that they can install their political cronies into the office.

The public defender holds peoples lives in his hands. He must be competent, fair, free from bias, and selected by a process that breeds confidence.

I am so ashamed of the actions taken by the majority Republicans, including my hometown legislator Jack Driscoll.

The Republicans control Monroe County by one seat. The current make up of the legislature is 15 to 14. Come November 2009 I certainly hope that will change.