The fact that cities and towns haven’t already come up with sensible policies to control the use of social networking sites for employees is mind-boggling. What were they waiting for?

But before the digital defenders take to their keyboards to label us Luddites (or hypocrites) - we’re not suggesting it’s always unreasonable to access those sites at work.

But we’re talking about judgment, maturity and plain common sense - which some public employees don’t seem to get.

Sure, it’s OK for City Councilor Mike Ross’ communications director to post on Facebook and Twitter on city time. But before she announces to the world (yes, her Facebook account is open to anyone and everyone) that she is planning to nap through a Council meeting, well, maybe think twice?

And if a city employee circulates an e-mail promoting a fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano, that’s an improper use of both his time and city resources, right? So why is it OK to do it on Facebook?

Banning public employees from social networking sites is unnecessary. But a corporate CEO wouldn’t tolerate posts or tweets from an employee that embarrass the company. Why do we expect taxpayers to?