Letter to the Editor: When politics erodes the public’s trust

Dear Editor:

Politics, derived from the Greek politikos, meaning “of the people,” has become a paradox. Too often, it feels less like public service and more like self-service. My comment that “politics” comes from “poli,” meaning “many,” and “ticks,” meaning “blood-sucking creatures,” may sound like comedy, but we all know comedy often reveals uncomfortable truths.

I am a founding member of the American Public Affairs Committee, a bipartisan organization devoted to preserving the American Dream by supporting policies that reward merit, hard work, and opportunity. The Dream belongs to all Americans, not just the politically connected.

That’s why Graham County’s recent appointment to replace Justice of the Peace Wyatt Palmer looks like political satire, not serious governance. In a Jan. 5, 2026, Gila Herald article, Supervisor Paul David admitted the board had an abundance of qualified applicants, four with college degrees, two with law degrees, and three with master’s degrees. Yet they selected the least educated and least experienced candidate. If this isn’t politics as usual, it’s a failure of judgment that undermines trust in local government.

Optics matter. Health concerns may have prompted the vacancy, but the appointment process sends a different message: favoritism over fairness. Residents deserve to know how this decision was justified and why the strongest candidates were sidelined.

Graham County citizens deserve transparency and integrity from their leaders. We are not advocating for a recall of County Supervisors, but the citizens should consider it. Anything less weakens confidence in the very institutions meant to serve us all.

Frank Reed, Jr., American Public Affairs Committee