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We Can Afford Justice
Tony Crocamo
Supervisor, West Hempfield Township
District Leader Hempfield Area Democratic Committee
The
Republican proposal to eliminate the County Human Relations Commission
is couched in terms of saving the nearly $500,000 in annual
operational costs of providing that service to the 500,000 residents
of Lancaster County.
As public
officials, the Lancaster County Commissioners have an obligation to
spend taxpayer dollars wisely and an equally important obligation to
protect the health, safety and welfare of all county residents. They
cannot, in good conscience, allow one obligation to become preeminent
and erode the other.
As elected
officials, their difficult task is to find the balance that allows the
county to provide essential services in an economically efficient
manner.
It is an
undeniable fact that the Lancaster County Human Relations Commission
keeps justice within reach of the County Commissioner’s most needy
constituents--those residents who some landlords, realtors, banks, or
employers might consider to be unworthy tenants, home-buyers, loan
applicants or employees because of their religion, their appearance,
infirmities or accent.
The
well-to-do among those discriminated against can fend for themselves.
The poor cannot. The well-to-do among those discriminated against can
easily travel to Harrisburg and let the state, eventually, ensure
justice is served. The poor cannot.
The County
Human Relations Commission settles cases much more rapidly than can
the state because of the increased caseload on the state level. If
justice delayed is justice denied, then forcing constituents to get in
line in Harrisburg will delay, and therefore deny them, justice. The
Human Relations Commission keeps justice within reach of all those
constituents most in need of the protection justice affords.
I am proud
that Democratic Commissioner Craig Lehman supports continuation of an
efficient and effective Lancaster County Human Relations Commission.
It is a pleasure to see Commissioner Lehman defend the Human Relations
Commission so earnestly and honestly. His taking the lead on this
issue is a powerful example why we need to elect more Democrats to
public office.
The
commissioners can satisfy their obligation to spend taxpayers' dollars
prudently by looking for ways to streamline, rather than eliminate,
the Human Relations Commission. That will enable the commissioners to
properly balance their duty to spend wisely while meeting an essential
responsibility of government—justice for all of its citizens.
Comment on this
Commentary - Comments should be directed to Ken Ralph, Editor of
LCDC Media at his
email address. Comments
will be posted here.
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