What’s done in the dark will come to light.
But one must keep in mind there’s also a difference in matters of public and private concern.
Living in the age of social media, news travels fast, but a greater responsibility of deciphering legitimacy comes with it.
In other words, we cannot always believe what we hear.
These past couple of weeks have offered lessons in what should be considered private and what should be available to the public, which is often left to interpretation and opinion.
These days people often over share on social media. They provide ins and outs of their personal lives that should be handled behind closed doors between parties involved. When we log onto that blue square, we’re often met with gossip, false claims, vindictive arguments and sometimes, a shining of truth that makes it way through the cracks.
Private citizens are excepted to be just that, private.
Throughout one’s life, he or she should become privy to what’s in their best interest to handle privately. Common sense and a moral compass could likely lead you in the right direction.
One is expected to want what’s best for his or her self and family.
Then you have those whose duty it is to act in the public interest such as elected officials, government employees, etc.
“Public service is a public trust, requiring you to place loyalty to the Constitution, the laws, and ethical principles above private gain,” according to the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Anyone who has ever gone through a bad break up or has been done wrong by a family member, close friend or employer knows that once trust is broken, it’s hard to regain.
The same could be said for any relationship on any scale.
Those who are placed in positions of power are held to a higher standard and not only have to gain and keep the trust of those throughout their own hierarchy but also the trust of the public.
In every business, organization and government entity, there’s a hierarchy of leaders.
The man, or woman, at the top of the ladder is only as good as those working with him or her.
Take for example a county administrator. He or she does not operate on his own. He has a team of advisors and colleagues who are trained in their area of expertise. A county administrator is responsible for handling county affairs, which the board of supervisors has the authority to control.
A county administrator works for the board, whereas a superintendent works for a school board.
They are to be guided by those who are elected to represent the public.
Sure, sometimes a county administrator or superintendent may be more privy to certain information than a supervisor, who could be a farmer, a banker, a real estate agent, or any number of professions. It’s wise for them to share information and to act in the best interest of the county or school system.
Not in the best interest of their self.
Once they accepted their position of power, it was no longer about them.
I’ve been told over and over again that the sticky situation the Halifax County School Board is facing is due to actions by former superintendent Dr. Mark Lineburg and former interim finance director Robert Aylor.
I’ve been told they made this mess and then left the school board behind to clean it up.
But, if they were able to give large pay increases without others having knowledge of it, then there’s an even bigger problem.
