Hello,
I very much enjoy the Eastwick Press and would like to think that the information follows a road map that leads to accuracy. In the case of the November 19th “Grafton Special Town Board Meeting” article published in last Thursday’s paper I find there to be inaccuracies. I’m not only disappointed in the printed recollection of events but discouraged that it was included without having an Eastwick Press reporter present. The meeting was held in the small conference room; 5 Grafton residents were in attendance.
My recollection of the conversation is what I believe to be much more accurate than the article in print. Supervisor Higgins brought up the subject of a pay increase for the part time worker who cleans the town hall. He said it was based on a conversation he had with Road Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck. Supervisor Higgins claimed it would be difficult to get someone to clean the town hall for the amount they currently paid. Councilwoman Messenger made a motion to increase the pay, immediately seconded by Councilman Ungaro. Marie Clause never stated she rejected the idea, instead she asked a few questions concerning the number of hours in the position and if the raise would be for only the cleaning hours or would it also include the part time hours on the recycling portion. The group then discussed how that increase would compare to the 1.5% increase the Highway Employees were to receive. Fortunately, Mr. [Tyler] Sawyer was at the meeting to interject pertinent information about the funds already being in the budget that would cover the small amount. After light was shed on the questions it appeared that the entire Council agreed with the increase.
At the first Budget Meeting Cathy Goyer asked why a pay increase was not included for the same part time employee that cleans the town hall, Supervisor Higgins said he had no idea and moved on.
I realize how difficult it may get for the reporters of the Eastwick to attend all meetings in multiple towns, in this case they would have heard something much different than what was put in print.
Sincerely,
Linda Laveway
16 Trail Riders Way, Grafton
Editor’s response: Obviously, we would have preferred to have a reporter at the November 19 Grafton Special meeting. To do this we needed to be informed in a timely manner about the meeting.
The description of the meeting in the Eastwick was clearly attributed to the Grafton Town Supervisor. Publishing reports by government officials is a courtesy we have extended to officials in other towns as well. Clearly, when we do not attend a meeting we cannot vouch for the accuracy of the report of that meeting. We understand, even hope, that if there are inaccuracies the record may be expanded by interested parties, as in this case, by Laveway’s letter to the editor. Just keep in mind – we cannot vouch for the statements in this letter either.