EDITORIAL: Buncich, Snyder selfishly hold posts
NWI Times
The Times Editorial Board
The Times Editorial Board
Updated: January 16, 2017
The Times recently reported that Lake County Sheriff John Buncich sought a continuance in his federal criminal case in which the county's top lawman faces felony bribery charges.
In court filings, Buncich argued he needed more time to prepare his defense against the criminal indictment in Hammond federal court.
If Buncich would do the right thing and resign now, he would have more time to focus on his criminal charges, which will only cause further distractions and obstacles to the important business of serving as sheriff.
We've argued this before, but it's worth restating.
Buncich and Portage Mayor James Snyder, who faces a separate and unrelated federal bribery case, both should resign and stop hauling their constituents through the legal distractions and drama.
Both men face unrelated felony bribery charges related to towing contracts under the stewardship of their respective public offices.
It’s only going to get worse the longer they wait to step down.
One of Buncich’s chief deputies already has pleaded guilty in the scheme and pledged to aid federal prosecutors.
In the meantime, how many local and federal law enforcement agencies will want to continue partnering — or funding — an agency run by a leader facing federal felony charges?
The Lake County Sheriff's Department, like other local police agencies, frequently relies on federal funds for various law enforcement initiatives, including overtime money for special patrols.
It's hard to fathom any branch of the federal government looking favorably on granting money to a police agency whose leader is operating under such a dark shroud.
In both the case of Buncich and Snyder, abdicating office, guilty or not, is the right thing to do for both government reputations and taxpayers.
Mounting a defense against federal criminal charges will take immense time, effort and attention. It's impossible to conceive of there being much time left to focus on the important duties they were elected to execute.
Federal grand jury indictments accuse both Buncich and Snyder of illegally enriching themselves via their public offices. It's a clear allegation of greed infecting government.
If they're interested in showing their intentions are pure — which their pleas of not guilty portend — they'll take the selfless act of resigning.
Right now, they're showing nothing by selfishness in refusing to abdicate.
Nearly two months have passed since these charges were leveled. Constituents and fellow government leaders should apply more pressure for these men to do the right thing and step down.
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