Published: May 07, 2008 03:36 pm            

EDITORIAL: Leave Joyce investigation to law enforcement officials

Members of the Niagara County Legislature voted unanimously to establish a board comprised of six county lawmakers who will examine whether county coroner James Joyce violated any laws or ethical guidelines by associating with the owners of four local spas implicated in a prostitution ring.

The Niagara County Legislature should focus on improving Niagara County.

Leave the investigation to the federal law enforcement officials.

We question the unanimous decision, since, as Minority Leader Dennis Virtuoso, D-Niagara Falls pointed out, Joyce has not been charged with any crimes. If he was charged, drop his services. In the meantime, why create a board to look at Joyce on a hunch, as Virtuoso pointed out.

Legislator and resolution co-sponsor Paul Wojtaszek, R-North Tonawanda, said the board would get answers to questions about Joyce’s alleged dealings. He may be right, but we have to think that even without a board, a member of the county legislature could cooperate with law enforcement officials and get at least some answers. Basically, whatever the feds could offer, without impeding the investigation.

“As elected officials, we have a duty to conduct ourselves ethically and legally,” Wojtaszek said.

That’s all fine and good, but this would be the first time such a board is convened. We expect the county legislature would do this the next time a county official, elected or not, Republican or Democrat, be accused, not charged of wrongdoing.

With the track record of officials doing the wrong thing lately, there may be boards created more often than not, if this board designed to look at Joyce sets the dangerous precedence.

        

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