Security at courthouse
Dear Editor:
During the Morgan County Commission meeting on May 12, Commissioner Brenda Hutchinson gave an eloquent and far-sighted speech opposing changes to the new courthouse that would require a security search of every person entering the building. I applaud her for taking a stand to keep open access to the people’s government, in spite of forceful admonitions from the sheriff and majority agreement of county commissioners to modify the security checkpoint already installed.
Hutchinson stated that citizens shouldn’t have to submit to, nor have their taxes fund, police searches in order to access their government. Her passionate plea ended with a quote from Benjamin Franklin, “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
The open courthouse architecture invites vital citizen involvement and public activity with county government. Two arched glass entrances are on the main floor, which is designated for public use, with a security checkpoint at the main floor elevator and stairs accessing court chambers on upper floors. This layout was reviewed in many open public meetings.
Steve Canterbury, Administration Director for the State Supreme Court, explained that the second and third floors require screening, but first floor security is decided by the commissioners.
Factors affecting security decisions for rural counties differ from highly populated areas. Openness is characteristic of small rural counties, where people are familiar and neighborliness is way of life. However, rural residents are not so blissfully naive that they don’t know how to scrutinize strangers. Most people recognize that sensible dialogue is usually far more effective for assessing intentions than disparaging confrontation. If warranted, security officers can screen people that are considered to be a risk in an isolated area, rather than in a crowded doorway.
The Morgan Messenger editorial of May 12 attempted to give credence to unwarranted examination of all citizens entering the courthouse by repeating remote fears, “Terrorists, shoe bombers, Times Square bombers and countless other incidents in many counties.”
I imagine a terrorist shoe bomber in Morgan County’s Courthouse would standout like a mad elephant roaring down Washington Street headed for the Ladies Spring.
I say, “Kudos to Commissioner Hutchinson.” Everyone in this county needs to know the value of government officials with integrity, who guard our civil liberties as the beacon of democratic governance. I feel sure that wise old Ben Franklin would vociferously applaud.
Barbara Tutor
Berkeley Springs
