I think Bruce Thompson deserves a sitting ovation.

Almost three years ago, Thompson and fellow County Commissioner Deidre Malone launched a silent protest by keeping older chairs in the commission chamber when their colleagues switched to fancy newer ones.

Thompson, who left the commission in August after only one term, recently acquired one of the old chairs at a surplus auction for $30.04. It'll be a keepsake from his years on the commission.

You might argue that small expenses like chairs or other office supplies don't amount to a whole lot in the greater scheme of the county's budget. But it sets the right example for public officials to show they are trying to be frugal with taxpayer money in ways both large and small.

That old chair may be a fitting symbol for Thompson's time in elected office. But I shudder to think what symbols might best represent some of the other elected officials who have left office within the last year or so.