We often criticize a lack of action and results by Chautauqua County legislators in this corner. Most of it is deserved, but we do have to give the 19 members credit for being attentive to the public.

In December, The New York State Coalition on Open Government released its Naughty and Nice list in its annual holiday season attempt to highlight failures in government transparency.

Paul Wolf, president emeritus of the organization, offered a presentation online about the list. He said Democrats and Republicans in governments across New York State “are equally bad” when it comes to openness in their dealings.

It was on this list that Wolf called out the Oswego County Legislature, for taking public comments after meetings. “A real slap in the face to the public, very different from how most places handle it,” Wolf said.

Absolutely correct.

This is where we offer praise Chautauqua County’s meetings. Often there are two opportunities for the public to speak out on issues.

It is the proper way to govern.

Making matters worse, Wolf said, once the public speaks in Oswego County some lawmakers get up and leave. There, Legislator Frank Castiglia voted against conducting the public comments at the end of meetings and slammed his fellow legislators: “At the end of meetings, if they don’t like who gets up to speak, they walk out. That’s very disgraceful.”

Exactly.