Butler County Commissioner Jim Eckstein's service in his elected position is based on good intentions. First and foremost, he is seeking to represent the taxpayers' best interests, especially in terms of frugal county government spending.

That's good.

But the turmoil encompassing commissioners meetings, as was most recently demonstrated on Monday when the other two commissioners felt compelled to adjourn the meeting prematurely to quiet Eckstein, isn't good government.

In the interest of ensuring the orderly conduct of county business, Eckstein must rethink — and implement — a change in his strategy and behavior as an elected official.

Eckstein can accomplish his objectives by presenting issues in a clear, concise, organized and respectful way, casting aside the conflict-riddled approach that has characterized his first three-plus months at the Government Center.

If this county is to move forward, he must acknowledge the necessity for him to change his tactics and conduct himself in a way that garners respect. He should moderate his behavior to avoid attracting ridicule or other derogatory expressions — and, legal actions.

Eckstein is being sued by Commissioner Dale Pinkerton over a rumor allegedly spread by Eckstein.

The voters of this county would not have elected Eckstein if they didn't think he could do a good job. However, his unacceptable conduct at meetings and some of his conduct beyond the meeting room will continue to cause some voters to question their own judgment in voting for him, if he doesn't quickly make some changes.

Eckstein's positive efforts a half-decade ago on behalf of saving Butler Memorial Hospital from a plan that might have put the hospital in financial jeopardy and possibly led to a merger with a larger, out-of-town hospital enhanced his image as a community activist and asset. That positioned him for a bigger community role, which culminated in his decision to seek election to the board of commissioners.

What should have been an opportunity for the people of the county to gain another perspective of county operations has turned into something much less. What could have been enlightenment is more often embarrassment. Some might regard it as Eckstein-inspired chaos.

Some people want to see a vote of censure — a formal reprimand of Eckstein — approved by Pinkerton and Commissioner William McCarrier. There are differing opinions of whether such a vote is permitted by law.

But more than censure, what's needed is for Eckstein to censor some of his comments from public meetings, where respectful conduct and professionalism should be the rule. What opinions he expresses in an informal way and outside of the earshot of other county employees and the county's citizens is the business of Eckstein, Pinkerton and McCarrier.

At Monday's meeting, which ended up being aborted during the public-comment period, Julie Graham, county solicitor, earlier delivered the right message in encouraging the commissioners to conduct business in a civil way.

“The meetings of the county commissioners should promote conduct which enhances respectful civil discourse,” she said, in reading from a prepared statement. “This entails providing a climate which exerts respect for all others and civility in all public relationships and meetings.”

Eckstein knows that, but why he has continued to undermine the spirit of Graham's message is something upon which only he can elaborate.

The people of Butler County deserve better. They should expect orderly and functional leadership of county government.

There's too much important business ahead to be bogged down by friction, animosity and a lack of cooperation, even if the situation ultimately is rooted in good intentions.