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Shame on you, City Council of Steubenville, for your action last Tuesday. As an elected official serving my third term as a supervisor of the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District, I took an oath to serve those who elected me to that position. That oath means I serve all those in Jefferson County to the best of my ability. That oath means that I set aside my personal agenda and serve my constituents. There is no room for personal agendas when you swear to represent those who gave you the privilege to do so.
To invite any group to your meeting, only to embarrass yourself and your fellow council members is a disgrace to your position. I am certain that the recognition that was to be presented to those in attendance was not a surprise visit by this group and was an agenda item.
As an elected official, you are held to a higher position in your community, and your personal protest, while it is your right -- protected by those who have served to protect that right -- is a personal choice. Perhaps your personal protest should have been held in silence, perhaps you could have arrived late to said meeting after the agenda item you do not agree with was held. Perhaps you should have waited patiently in the hall while this ceremony took place. Perhaps you have forgotten that many of those voting for you to represent them have served their country as well.
As an investor in the city of Steubenville, who resides outside of the city, I am all too aware that I have no voice on council matters. I am, however, very happy that of all of our real estate holdings in Jefferson County, the property we hold in the city is not our most valuable holding. We own property in three townships and one in the city of Steubenville, and I would never expect such disrespect to an invited guest from the trustees in Cross Creek, Steubenville or Wells townships. Perhaps City Council needs to take some lessons from their trustee peers.
As past president of Progress Alliance, we ran a marketing campaign entitled "Be Jefferson County Proud," and that campaign featured local resident business owners who were proud to be located in Jefferson County. Perhaps it is time to remember this program and remember that what happens in the city of Steubenville needs to make Jefferson County proud. Your actions last Tuesday definitely did not meet this mission.
I am of an age when I remember sitting by the television watching the evening news as they listed those who had been killed in action, taken prisoner of war or were missing in action and praying that we did not see names of our relatives on those lists. This was long before the 24-hour news networks or social media. I am not a veteran, but I do have family and friends who have, and are currently, serving in the military, and I respect and honor their decision to do so.
Never forget those who have served to give you the rights you enjoy today.
(Perkins is a local business owner.)