To the Editor:

How and when should a leader apologize?

When we wrong someone, even unintentionally, we are generally expected to apologize. The person (s) we hurt, or offend are entitled to an expression of regret for an error in judgement. The person who owes the apology is expected to sincerely offer an, "I am sorry" and make any restitution. Leaders, however, are responsible not only for their own behavior but also for that of their followers. (Case in point, inciting violence, lies, and disrespect on media and your FaceBook page.) A leader’s apology is a performance in which every expression matters and every word becomes part of the public record.

A successful apology, such as the several Mike Powers displayed immediately after he used a profanity, and even during censure meant more to humiliate than to reprimand, was more of a personal triumph—while the apologies from Skelly for calling Mr. Skamperle, "ignorant,"(nonexistant) Jellie,for goading councilors and citizens (nonexistent,) Fisher did make a formal apology but negated it by making an excuse for his actions, "I didn't mean to send it," followed by the majority's vengeful moves toward the library for being caught, and Dillabough, ahhh what can I say about the ridiculous act of repeating the word "bullshit" like a defiant child (during a censure meeting for using foul language, mind you) his apology, surprise -nonexistant!

Censure is defined as a formal, and public, group condemnation of an individual, often a group member, whose actions run counter to the group's acceptable standards for individual behavior. ..the key words here are "counter to and acceptable standards." This majority council, and CM, obviously, and blatantly, operate under, "Do as I say, not as I do," as is evidenced by no censure for any of them. That is on record, folks, they voted down censure for Fisher. Oh, and Jellie investigates, self-admittedly during a City Council meeting, then rules on his own WPV complaints,as unfounded, don't ever expect anything genuine there.

Apologies that are too little, too late, or publicly set to ridicule someone simply do not cut it. The council majority need to cut out the infantile and vengeful behavior at meetings, on FaceBook, and in person. It takes integrity, honesty, and genuine caring to run a City successfully. If you cannot dig deep enough to find these qualities you should just run. Literally.

Marsha Hough
Ogdensburg