by Doug La Rocque
Representative Elise Stefanik, whose 21st Congressional District will include a vast portion of Rensselaer County starting in 2023, held a meet and greet at the Brunswick Community Center on Tuesday, May 31 that was quite civil inside, but replete with about 30 protesters outside the building. Ms. Stefanik is a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump and has repeatedly criticized the January 6 Insurrection Public Hearings currently taking place in Washington, D.C. as a “witch hunt.”
These protesters were eventually locked out of the event, because as Brunswick Town Supervisor Phil Herrington told the June 9 Town Council meeting, they became “disruptive” with one individual “attempting to intimidate” those wishing to attend the meet and greet. He described the affair as a “private event” with the standard $150 rental fee paid in advance. Mr. Herrington added if those who did not agree with the Congresswoman just simply wanted to attend without protest, they would have been welcome.
No Politics Allowed?
It was mentioned during the meeting that the by-laws for the use of the Community Center precluded any political events, but it appears to be a gray area as such events (including a debate between NYS Assembly candidates sponsored by The Eastwick Press) have been held there in the past. Supervisor Herrington said he offered the Brunswick Democratic Committee the opportunity to hold a meet and greet at the Community Center as well, but it was already booked for the date they hoped for, and according to Committee Chair Jennifer Mann, they will now pass on the offer.
Double Nickels Mean Double Trouble for Some
Those who spent a lot of time on our roadways sometimes refer to the 55 mile per hour speed limit signs as “double nickels.” A group of Brunswick Road (NYS Route 2) residents feel that is just too fast, speaking in particular about the section of the highway just west of the hamlet of Eagle Mills near Shine Road. They indicated they have sent a petition to the NYS Department of Transportation requesting the speed limit be lowered to 40 mph to match the sections of the road on either side of the 55 mph stretch. The Councilors passed a resolution in support of the petitioners.
Election Site Changes
There will be new polling places for the June 28 primary. Both the Brunswick Fire Company and Keyes Lane sites will be closed, so voting for those who normally cast their ballots at the Fire House will instead be at the Eagle Mills Fire House. Those who vote at the Keyes Lane site will instead be cast their ballots at the Brunswick Town Hall. Early voting at the Town Hall will take place between Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 26.
Play Ball…or Not
One resident complained about a wiffle ball league, replete with lights and some concessions, taking place in the Village Drive area and allegedly disrupting the normal neighborhood way of life. Supervisor Herrington indicated he had conversations with the organizer who he claims basically stood by his right to do so. Whether these conversations had anything to do with it or not, the league has reportedly moved to North Greenbush.
There’s a New Superintendent in Town
The Councilors appointed Michael Bayly as the new Highway Superintendent effective June 15, for a term to expire on December 31, 2023. He replaces the retired Terry Scriven, who was employed by the department for 34 years. The Council also passed a resolution thanking former Superintendent Scriven for his service and dedication to the Town.
Historian Steps Down
Sharon Zankel has been the Brunswick Town Historian for 28 years, but at this evening’s meeting she announced she will be stepping down from the post. In her report she outlined some of her more memorable moments as Historian and said she “has been proud to represent Brunswick.” Her replacement was not announced at the meeting.