Richland County, SC — I am both appalled and angered by Lillian McBride’s tepid defense of her performance and that of her staff during the voting debacle that took place in Richland County. The people of Richland County certainly deserved a better explanation of why we witnessed such mind-boggling incompetence from all levels on that day and thereafter.

Regardless of who misread her spreadsheet, the fact remains that McBride was in charge and as the de facto leader, she must (and should) accept all responsibility for the mess that took place. Leadership 101 teaches that you never lead from behind, i.e., that you step up and say “The buck stops here.” By pointing fingers, she has ably demonstrated that she should be fired for lacking the qualities she was supposed to embody.

I also suggest that Sen. Darrell Jackson recuse himself from these proceedings, as it is clear to me that he is protecting her for reasons that have yet to be explained. If you expect the people of Richland County to have faith in our government, whether local or state, you had better demonstrate that you are worthy of that trust.

Deirdre Young

Columbia