Clayton Kendrick, the Mayo River District Supervisor for Patrick County, has ignited a troubling debate: Should public business be conducted behind closed doors—or openly, where taxpayers can see it?

Kendricks push to compartmentalize county government or more accurately, to maintain recently existing secrecy has included dramatic, performative outrage against a fellow supervisor who exercises his right to attend open public meetings. He has even demanded that the budget process retreat back into the shadows.

Kendrick claims his closed-door budget committee meetings could eliminate a quarter-million dollars of spending “in no time” Never mind that these meetings typically last two hours—and last year, Kendrick attended only two. Yet come election season, he does loudly trumpet his “participation” in the “budget committee”.

His tactics—retaliation, intimidation, and coercion—dissuade open participation and undermine the legitimacy of county government. Beneath the veneer of “efficiency” lies a darker truth: Compartmentalization isnt about saving money. Its about control.

The Allure of Compartmentalization (And Why Its a Trap)

Compartmentalizing government silos information, restricts public access, and limits oversight. Politicians like Kendrick argue this streamlines decisions. But history shows that when accountability evaporates, so does integrity. Closed-door meetings dont trim fat from budgets—they obscure where the axe falls. Is that $250,000 in savings from cutting waste… or gutting vital services and plunging the county into fiscal chaos? Without transparency, citizens are left guessing.

The Dishonest Reasons for Secrecy

Avoiding Accountability: Private decisions leave no paper trail, no debate, and no way to hold leaders responsible. Kendricks disdain for public forums is telling: Sunlight exposes bad actors.

Suppressing Dissent: By inventing “fake quorums” and absurdly criminalizing public participation, Kendrick aims to intimidate. Transparency isnt a loophole—its a right.

Concentrating Power: Compartmentalization lets a select few act unilaterally. This goal unites Kendrick and Supervisor Overby, who claims unilateral authority over county staff.

And Kendricks “two-hour budget miracle” isnt fiscal genius—its about sidelining collaboration and openness.

Open government isnt just idealistic—its practical.

Public scrutiny:

Prevents Corruption: When every dollar is tracked, backroom deals crumble.

Builds Trust: Citizens accept tough choices when they see how decisions are made.

Improves Outcomes: Diverse input catches flaws. A couple of “yes-men” saves time—but at the cost of competence.

Kendricks “Efficiency” Fallacy

Kendricks secrecy crusade is like a chef insisting meals improve if diners never see the kitchen. Closed door deals might be faster, but speed without oversight breeds disaster. Take Kendricks last real estate assessment fiasco. It is still robbing the poor to feed the rich while costing the county at minimum $1.5 million in revenue annually. It also resulted in successful and costly litigation against the county. True efficiency balances deliberation and urgency, it doesnt sacrifice one for the other.

Why “Private” Isnt Perfect

The Magic Act: Kendricks closed meetings are like a magicians trick, distract with drama then make deficits (and critics) “disappear.”

Dark Alleys vs. Town Squares: Backroom deals are like deals made in dark alleys. Legal? Maybe. Ethical? Never.

Integrity Dies in Darkness

Clayton Kendricks crusade for compartmentalization isnt about saving money—its about maintaining control in order to have the power and privacy to shovel taxpayer millions out the back door to his friends.

True leadership thrives in transparency, where ideas must withstand scrutiny and power serves the people. Patrick County deserves a government that operates in the open, where budgets are debated publicly, and hard work—not secrecy—is celebrated.

As the old adage goes: Sunlight disinfects. Kendricks fear of the light speaks volumes. Patrick County should listen.