Northern Chautauqua County was not well represented during the March Legislature meeting in Mayville. Of the five legislators who were absent, four were from along Lake Erie.

Making matters worse was the city of Dunkirk had no representation at the meeting. Missing were Legislators Kevin Muldowney, District 1; Robert Bankoski, District 2; Tom Harmon, District 6; and John Hemmer, District 19.

This month’s meeting had some significance. First, legislators listened to the State of the County address by Executive PJ Wendel. He noted some successes while also highlighting initiatives for the coming year.

Secondly, the legislators had to decide on whether to raise the bed tax. In a unanimous — and somewhat surprising — decision, the resolution failed.

But there is a bigger question for the north county moving forward. If elected officials cannot make the scheduled 12 meetings, should they be re-elected?

Earlier this month, legislators also discussed raising their pay. “I think that, if it has been for some people, since 2001 since there’s been an increase, and even if it’s been 10 years and we’re lagging behind other counties, we need to take a hard look at that, to make sure that what we’re doing is in line,” Frewsburg Legislator John Davis said.

For the record, legislators are the highest paid representatives in local government at nearly $10,000 per year. They’re also part time.

If they think they’re underpaid, they can quit — or not seek re-election. By the way, those who don’t show up to meetings still collect a check.