The recent Alexander Hamilton exhibit brought to mind how some present leaders lack the qualities he possessed. As Hamilton returned to New York from the Constitutional Convention, he knew he was facing a tough battle for ratification.

Gov. George Clinton and others were against the stronger federal government proposed by the delegates. Instead of giving in to pressure, Hamilton gave one of the most profound civics lessons in American history, a series of essays now known as the “Federalist Papers,” which successfully argued that it was in America’s best interests to adopt the Constitution.

The county legislators who voted to uphold the veto of a planning board could learn from Hamilton. Rather than cave to pressure that they knew existed, they should have instead acted like leaders and taken time to engage and educate their constituents.

Legislators Timothy Wroblewski and Robert Reynolds seemed to believe in the merits of the legislation, but both voted to uphold the veto because of public sentiment. If their response to difficult decisions is to be passively swayed from action they believe is necessary for the good of the county, then I see no reason for them to hold office because they are not doing their jobs.

Robert Mayer

West Seneca