On July 8, suddenly and without warning, the Jefferson County Commission summarily fired all 15 members of the Jefferson County Development Authority.

Why did the commissioners take this action? Apparently, because they could.

Were the requirements of West Virginia’s open meetings law obeyed? A vaguely worded agenda item said “consider the appointments, membership and makeup” of several county entities, including the Development Authority. People seeking appointments, including some current members who wished to be re-appointed, were there to be interviewed. Some interviews apparently took place.

At some point, Commissioner Mike Mood moved to dissolve the Development Authority on the spot. New members would be appointed at the August meeting to a newly created body, the makeup of which was to be unknown. When a new Development Authority would be constituted, there would be fewer members, which Commissioner Steve Stolipher said would be more efficient. Mood said the members, some of whom were sitting before him, weren’t doing their job.

Knowing not why the Commission wants a smaller Authority, I quarrel not here with the substance of the decision. I strongly object to the timing and the lack of transparency.

Apparently, what debate took place was about whether the Commission could take the action. There was little or no concern as to whether the action should be taken. County Attorney Nathan Cochran told them “you can,” and they did.

Why dissolve the current body precipitously, with no advance notice or discussion, before having a replacement structure ready?

Perhaps there’s an argument for a smaller Development Authority. If so, a proposal should have been placed before the public, and its input invited. Why not schedule a public hearing as to the Development Authority’s makeup, and offer alternatives? Let the public weigh in.

Instead, by acting precipitously, the Commission invited speculation about possible skulduggery.

Our county commissioners are paid quite handsomely for the part-time work they do on our behalf. By contrast, the members of the Development Authority, like those of the Planning Commission and other county entities, are unpaid volunteers. They do not deserve to be insulted, be it by county commissioners, protesters or whomever. Full disclosure, I sometimes protest, and I do my darnedest to be civil with and respectful of those whose decisions I’m protesting.

Four of our five county commissioners were newly elected less than a year ago. All four solemnly pledged during the election campaign that they would be transparent, seemingly believing their predecessors were perceived as having not been so.

But the flippancy, rudeness and arrogance shown last month to honorable citizens offering their time to help the county for free, suggests that they think they’re running a private club, not a government.

I respect the office of County Commissioner, and I respect the individual commissioners as officials who want to help our county and its people. But a public office is a public trust, and respect must be continually earned by officeholders.

Government in a democracy must be done in the open, and with respect to the body politic.

John Doyle is a 26-year former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. He can be reached at rjohndoyle@comcast.net.