I attended the recent “clarification hearing” regarding the language of four recall petitions submitted by four disgruntled citizens. I went for two reasons: to show my support for our current County Board of Commissioners and to better understand the clarification process itself.

The process was revealing. First, the petition language was read aloud. Then, the individual promoting the petition spoke against a specific commissioner. After that, the commissioner was given an opportunity to respond. Commissioners and audience members alike presented testimony, statistics, and factual information demonstrating that portions of the petition language were misleading — or outright false.

None of it mattered.

It became clear that the only standard for approval was whether the petition language was written in English and clearly stated. Truth was irrelevant. Repeatedly, the judge emphasized that the panel’s role was not to determine accuracy, but only clarity. Many in the room appeared shocked to learn this.

The language may have been clear, but it was also clearly deceptive, but that was perfectly acceptable.

As disheartening as this is, Dickinson County voters should now be aware of what’s happening. When signature gatherers claim a commissioner voted to defund 4-H, voters should know that claim is false. According to dc4h.org, it is not true — and those promoting the recall know it.

If truth doesn’t seem to matter in the approval of these petitions, then voters must become the final safeguard. The best response, in my opinion, is simple: ignore the signature gatherers and don’t sign.