Editor, Gazette-Journal:

It is sad news for the citizens of Gloucester that Brenda Garton, our county administrator, will soon be leaving. When a local government is in chaos, people become aware of the importance of good government. When a government is performing well, as it has been under the direction of Ms. Garton, citizens take government for granted and do not notice the services being provided.

Ms. Garton will be difficult to replace as she has years of experience as a senior government leader. With that comes not only knowledge and expertise but a perspective of every aspect of the organization and its importance and how, if, and when it impacts other parts of the organization.

By contrast our elected officials come in with little or no government experience. Although they are often longtime or lifetime residents who come in with the best of intentions, they tend to have a background on one or two issues and often a focus on a particular area that they represent.

That is w...