Roll-call vote reversal was the right move

We were happy to see Goffstown selectmen vote unanimously to change to keeping a record of how each member votes, rather than a simple numerical tally of for and against. It is clearly in the public interest for voters to be able to see how their representatives vote on any matter. What better way is there to show that a public servant is truly serving his or her constituency than by the voting record? Even if the government official is always in the minority, it should be evident to all what the official’s stance is on a given vote. Truly interested voters will want to know that record when deciding whether to put someone back in office.

It’s ridiculous that this even had to become an issue, and that it took public outcry for the Goffstown selectmen to step back and take a look at what they were doing and how it looked to the people they represent. Now a petition is circulating to be sure they stick to this decision because there is no trust. Sticking to the law isn’t enough - our representatives must also uphold the spirit of the law, and that means being accountable.  

- Editorials published by Neighborhood News Inc. are written by an editorial board.