In a rural area where trust in elected officials is everything, there is something deeply unsettling about the actions of one public servant. Brian Bitner, a sitting member of the County Commission, has seemingly chosen to use his position not for the betterment of the community, but as a tool to attack his political opponents. His target? County Auditor Mark Splonskowski.
While political disagreements are a normal part of public life, Bitner’s actions have crossed a line. Splonskowski, a seasoned professional with years of service to the county, has not shied away from voicing his opposition to Bitner’s political tactics. In fact, he has gone so far as to publicly encourage voters not to support Bitner in upcoming elections—a stance any public figure has the right to take. But instead of engaging in civil debate or offering alternative policies, Bitner has chosen to wield his power as a county commissioner to exact personal revenge.
This has gone beyond simple political rivalry. Bitner recently accused Splonskowski of violating the Hatch Act for advising voters not to support him, a claim that was thoroughly investigated and, unsurprisingly, found to be completely without merit. Despite the government clearing Mark of any wrongdoing, Bitner’s relentless pursuit of this accusation left a stain on the County Auditor’s reputation—one that could have easily been avoided with basic integrity and respect for the facts.
But the saga doesn’t end there. In an even more troubling move, Bitner leaked a confidential memo to reporters that claimed Mark Splonskowski was creating a hostile work environment. The memo, which was private and protected, found its way into the hands of the press, potentially violating legal protections surrounding confidential documents. This action was not just a breach of trust; it was an abuse of power by a public official entrusted with upholding the law.
The only reason this memo was leaked is because of Bitner’s manipulation of his position as a County Commissioner. This isn’t a matter of transparency—it’s a calculated attempt to destroy a colleague’s career, based on personal vendettas rather than any legitimate concerns. This abuse of power not only undermines the integrity of the Commission, but it also places all of us in a position where we must question the motivations behind the actions of our elected officials.
And now, in the final act of this political vendetta, Bitner and the County Commission are taking their attacks a step further. They are proposing a measure to strip the people of their right to elect the County Auditor, instead making the position appointed—a move that would concentrate power in the hands of the Commission, simply to satisfy a personal grudge. This is not a reform; it’s an erosion of democratic principles. The people of this county have always had the right to elect their auditor, to choose the person who holds this important office, and to ensure that their voices are heard. By removing this right, the Commission is sending a clear message: political payback is more important than upholding the will of the people.
This isn’t just a political scandal—it’s a warning sign. When an elected official, like Bitner, uses his position to target personal enemies and sabotage the careers of fellow public servants, the trust we place in our government is shattered. Our leaders are supposed to serve the people, not use their offices as tools for revenge.
We must demand better from those who are elected to serve us. Our community deserves leaders who will engage in healthy debates, not engage in petty power struggles. We need elected officials who will prioritize collaboration, transparency, and respect for the law over personal animosity. The public trust is too valuable to be squandered in this way.
It’s time for Brian Bitner to reconsider how he uses his power. The people of this county deserve a government that works for the common good—not one where personal grudges have the potential to derail the public service. If he truly values the trust placed in him by the community, Bitner must cease using his office as a weapon for personal gain and instead focus on fulfilling his duty to the people he was elected to serve.
