Board of Legislators dysfunctional?

I think we've missed the definition of dysfunctional. To me it connotes an inability to function. That's pretty far off the mark. The Board has actually accomplished a lot. Not much of it gets talked about because all of the fighting gets reported on more than anything else.

The Board has dealt with

• expanding broadband services, especially as an economic development move with the Newton Falls Paper Mill
• updating an ethics law
• negotiating contracts with County union workers
• saving tax dollars by purchasing a gravel pit to cut materials cost for county projects
• taking a negative stance toward the IJC's Plan 2007
• building a new jail (with the first PLA north of Syracuse)
• planning for long-term budget implications including the fund balance

That sounds like a functional, working Board to me. Maybe they don't always like each other, but they are getting things done.

Also, I would be wary of Tom Nichols trying to stir the pot. The dramatics make headlines, and they take away from the real business at hand. It seems like a political maneuver, trying to make a talking point for Republican campaigns in 2010. If the Democrats are seen as caring more about fighting with each other than serving, it could be detrimental.