To the Editor:
I am again compelled to respond to last week’s letter to the Editor entitled, “Transfer Station Agreement Unfair.” The Town of Petersburgh has always worked to make general improvements and reduce finances in cooperation with its citizens. Apparently this way of handling things is not the case of some, who have decided to take a confrontational approach in addressing Town matters.
I myself have been working on this matter diligently for the last several months, as have our new Town Board members prior to their even assuming office. The Town of Petersburgh has always had a good relationship with our neighboring Town of Berlin, and it is unfortunate that these aggressive opinions may risk destroying this avenue. Again, not to be repetitive, but the Town is aware of and working to rectify this situation; at the January Regular Town Board Meeting, I made it publicly known that the Board is working on the situation. Elaboration was not provided, not because the Town is trying to “hide the facts,” but rather to ensure continued cooperation and friendly discussions with the Town of Berlin in regard to the Transfer Station agreement.
In the meantime, this office is spending a lot of unnecessary time answering accusations instead of spending time where it is really needed. Prior to my knowing this particular letter appeared, I went to the Transfer Station to deliver recyclables and was hostilely confronted by the attendants, all due to Mr. Berry’s statements that appeared in the letter. This unprofessional and undiplomatic method of addressing Town operations has been extremely counterproductive.
I am available at any time to listen to and discuss any concern that citizens may have. It is my belief that our Board would extend the same courtesy. Since I took office I have attempted to form many committees for Town-related business in order to encourage involvement from the public. Hardly any positive interest has been shown despite the Town’s repeated attempts to involve the community. Now that these negative interpretations of the Town’s intentions have been displayed, it only helps to create further problems instead of solutions.
Siegfried Krahforst
Petersburgh Town Supervisor