by

Jeff Jellison

(NOTE:  Jeff Jellison, publisher of the Hamilton County Reporter, posted this commentary on the front page of the newspaper in the June 7th edition.  This commentary is posted here as part of a partnership between LarryInFishers.com and the Reporter.  The views expressed in this commentary are not necessarily of the views of LarryInFishers.com or Larry Lannan.)

Hamilton County Councilman Jeff Hern recently admitted his involvement in a missing campaign sign case investigated by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. The victim was fellow Republican councilman Rick McKinney.

The investigation, which led to misdemeanor charges filed against Hern, began in October 2016 just prior to the election when McKinney discovered four of his campaign signs missing. McKinney also found a cellphone belonging to Hern at the site of a missing sign. McKinney and Hern were both running for at-large county council seats.

Eventually, during an active criminal investigation, Hamilton County voters elected Hern, along with McKinney and Brad Beaver to fill the three at-large spots.

Some hoped Hern would bring more of a balance between the council and county commissioners, who at that time were in disagreement about a few county projects. Hern appeared to be friendly with commissioners who financially supported his campaign. One commissioner was a major campaign donor for Hern. Hern’s campaign was also funded by a couple of sitting council members.

Following Hern’s admission, McKinney issued a statement calling for Hern’s resignation.

McKinney’s statement was then echoed by Hamilton County Democratic Chairman Joe Weingarten.

Now that the smoke has cleared and Hern has admitted his involvement, avoiding a criminal trial, should Hern resign his seat from the council?

Throughout the investigation Hern denied his involvement. Hern has not spoken publicly about the case.

Have Hern’s actions affected the credibility of the county’s fiscal branch, the county council? Should fellow council members collectively call for Hern’s resignation?

Should the county’s executive branch, the county commissioners, call for Hern’s resignation?

Should Hamilton County residents, who hold their elected officials to a high standard, call for Hern’s resignation?

County leaders, I often hear you speak about how great this county is.

I agree with you. It is great because we have county employees that demonstrate a great deal of professionalism, along with solid elected officials with good judgement and forward thinking.

To those county leaders, I say, “Make a statement that you will not tolerate criminal behavior related to a county election.”

Jeff Hern, you admitted to a crime that was directly related to the election that earned you a council seat. Your inappropriate actions and poor judgement are not the qualities Hamilton County residents expect from an elected official.

Do the right thing.

Resign your council seat.

The Hamilton County Council’s next meeting is this evening, June 7 at 7 p.m