We sure hope the folks running Middletown Township know what they're doing. Because they did something this week that on its face looks very foolish: They let go of the guy who has guided the township through two decades of controlled growth and financial security, township Manager John Burke.

Regarded by many as among the best managers in the state, Burke sat through his last meeting this week as a crowd of 200 citizens jeered the officials who voted to approve his departure.

Republican Supervisors John Kelly, Jasper Caro and Lisa Pflaumer didn't have the guts to admit they wanted Burke gone. They said it was his choice. But when Burke, responding to requests from citizens and the minority supervisors to reconsider, called for a vote on whether he should do so, the three Rs instead voted in favor of a severance package.

According to Democrat Robert McMonagle, the Republicans wanted to replace personnel officer Paula Kearns with a political appointment. Burke, they said, refused to carry out the execution. So they forced him out.

Regardless of the shameful details, it's clear that Burke didn't want to go. He's sworn not challenge the action in any way or risk losing the estimated $120,000 severance package he's slated to receive. That may buy off the supervisors' consciences. It won't buy the good will of citizens who have good reason to second guess the people they put in charge.

Indeed, they rose to power on the back of a political campaign steeped in misinformation, some say lies. Either way, their hold on government in increasing numbers is viewed as a mistake. This week's action gives citizens no reason to think otherwise.