On S3 E17 of OPEN AGENDA (released 3/14), we discuss the County Executive's (unsuccessful) efforts to expand government by establishing the West Side Community Task Force (WSCTF) as an official county commission. The WSCTF presently operates as a private, quasi-homeowner's association, advocating for residents in the Nanticoke/Bivalve/Tyaskin area (a stronghold of support for County Executive Giordano). Should West Side residents be given special representation not enjoyed by other County residents by making it a commission? Isn't representing the various geographic regions of the county the primary function of the County Council? Here's the back story. The chairman of the WSCTF, Joe Lappin, is a close political ally of the County Executive. Despite Mr. Lappin's public admission that the County Council has been extremely responsive to the needs of West Side residents, he and Giordano are attempting to manipulate the system by concentrating even more power in the Executive Office. Please note that if the WSCTF were to become a commission, it's members would be appointed by the Executive rather than being elected by the people. So, in simple terms, this is a power grab. Executive Giordano made a rare appearance at the March 3 Council meeting to push the County Council into sanctioning the WSCTF as an official commission (at taxpayer expense). But does she show up when we're faced with crises such as the landfill running out of space or postponement of critical river dredging (both problems of her own making)? She had more important things to do on those days like taking a White House tour rather than doing her job. Did she bother to attend the two public meetings held to address the concerns of West Side residents in regard to Wetipquin State Park? Of course not, but four county councilmen were there, as well as several state delegates. But somehow she can always manage to make time when presented with an opportunity to seize more power. How can Executive Giordano claim to be a conservative when she attempts to expand government, is unresponsive to constituents, advocates for elimination of the revenue cap to increase property taxes, and adds unnecessary fat to the annual budget? Tune in and be informed.