County has no need for distraction of library board politics

The Republicans on Charleston County Council should put staff attorneys high on their Christmas list this year.

Those folks saved council from itself, a bad decision — and a lot of future headaches — this past week.

See, the Republicans were set to remove some of the new Charleston County Library board appointees they’d appointed just the week before, to add more “conservatives” to the board.

It was a done deal … until county attorneys explained they couldn’t simply redo a settled election, no matter what some of these national types argue. Robert’s Rules of Order is very clear on this.

On the surface, the argument from GOP council members is fine, or at least fair: They’d like the broader community reflected on their boards, and it’s not their job to simply appoint rubber stamps — even for a library system they all regard highly.

Libraries are easily among the most used, beloved and best amenities the county provides. But, like everywhere else, they’ve become lightning rods for culture war chicanery.

Charleston County doesn’t ask political affiliation on applications, so most candidates’ persuasions aren’t clear. But some bloggers, right-wing activists and local party types were helpfully telling council members which four to appoint.

When the elections didn’t go that way, those folks attacked council members on social media, which they understandably don’t like (and take way too seriously).

They should know this wouldn’t have ended well. Because, reasonable bunch that they are, they were going to appoint two of the people activists wanted.

Spoiler alert: That wouldn’t have satisfied keyboard warriors, who would have kept blasting council online. Honestly, even if they’d given them four seats, those folks still plan to run candidates against incumbent council members next year.