Those of us old enough to remember the musical and movie “1776,” about the turmoil surrounding the writing and passage of the Declaration of Independence, might recall how whenever a related matter came up for a vote, New York’s representative, Lewis Morris, would politely declare, “New York abstains ... courteously.”

He had a good reason — the state Assembly at the time had failed to give Morris direction on how it wanted him to vote.

But public officials these days seem to be using abstentions as a way to abdicate responsibility for taking a position on a matter that may be controversial or unpopular.

Earlier this week, the Ballston Spa Village Board of Trustees took on a politically and emotionally charged resolution........

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