Jason Hamilton’s letter “Transparency vs. politics” (March 20, TribLIVE) completely misses the point. While I understand his desire to defend his spouse, Westmoreland County Register of Wills Sherry Magretti Hamilton, the idea her lack of time in the office should be justified by the fact she “answers questions at the grocery store” is ludicrous.
I was a teacher. I spoke to parents and students outside of school every day of my 25-year career. That doesn’t mean I didn’t have to be in school during the prescribed hours. Furthermore, we, the taxpayers, are paying Sherry Magretti Hamilton’s salary and should expect a full day’s work from her, not that she be treating the office as a supplement to her other job’s income. The court decided the records should be released. What is she hiding? Additionally, those office hours apply to all row officers, regardless of political party. They, too, should be giving us a full day’s work for a full day’s pay. It is the people elected to those offices, including Sherry Magretti Hamilton, who are “selling short the taxpayers of Westmoreland County,” not those who are looking for transparency from our elected officials.
Carol Mintus
Hempfield