To the Editor:
Roadblocks are bountiful in Grafton! Except they are the type you can’t see with your eyes. For months possibly years, residents asked the Town Board to start a Town website. Finally under the direction of Supervisor Ray Darling in 2012 the Town had their website, managed by Councilman Rick Ungaro through a Board approved web designer. Start up cost for the first year to the Town was $500 and was now down to approximately $20 a month. Pertinent information as well as information required by law such as tax rolls, meeting minutes, legal notices, etc were posted.
Now step in appointed Supervisor Higgins who announces at the August Town Board meeting that the Town has a new website being managed by his secretary to save the Town money. This website wasn’t approved by the Board; the decision to do was made solely by the Supervisor without formal Board approval. No new Town Board minutes have been added to either site since Councilman Ungaro stopped managing the site in May. In fact, the original website has been closed and none of the minutes were moved to the new site! By New York State Town Law and by ruling of the Committee on Open Government, governing bodies are required to post minutes 2 weeks after meetings are held. Prior to our original website, our Town Clerk always did her job by posting the minutes on the board outside the Town Hall but since the creation of our website, they need to be placed on the web as well. This should be a priority of the Supervisor and all the Board members to see that all citizens of our Town are informed about what is going on with our Town government. If you are disabled and can’t get to a place to read the minutes where they are posted, you are being discriminated against by the Town of Grafton! This has been brought to their attention many times. The last response from the Town Supervisor on this subject was, “It will be looked at when we have the time!’ I didn’t realize we only have to follow the law when we have time! I didn’t realize we can discriminate against the disabled if we don’t have time to follow the law! I didn’t realize we can keep the public in the dark about what is going on in our Town because we don’t have the time to follow the law!
If the current Town Councilmembers were truly for “open government” and “transparency in our government” as their political signs around town state, then why wouldn’t they be doing something about getting the Town minutes on the Town website so the public could be informed?
Please demand that your Town officials keep us informed!
Catherine Goyer
Grafton
Letters & Comments
Letter To The Editor – The Animosity Is Stunning
To the Editor:
This political venue is certainly bigger than me. The level of animosity between parties is stunning. Why am I involved; a lifelong Republican running on the local Democratic platform in Hoosick Falls? Not many are asking that or where I stand on issues. This community certainly has issues worthy of debate.
Most notably, the Town government is run by the current Town Supervisor. Now this is not a personal attack on Keith Cipperly. Keith is not a bad man. However, the mantle of office has exposed certain serious challenges he faces of his own accord:
• Treating people with respect, especially if they have a different view.
• Taking criticism without a punitive response or bullying.
• Running Town meetings according to public open meeting laws.
• Being divisive and non-collaborative.
Keith is a hardworking person. I suggest that his governance of our Town Board does not represent well the spirit of the people of Hoosick. The ends do not always justify the means, especially when we seem to be more fractured and divided than most ever remember.
We have a proud tradition here. True, we are struggling economically, and we need to be strong, smart and tough. But, we can also have optimism, collaboration and fellowship. Hoosick people are equal to any elsewhere. Our young people prove that every day and in every venue.
Recently, the Town employees decided to unionize. They did this to protect themselves from a heavy handed Supervisor who felt he would change their health care without telling or asking either them or the Town Board. This single act will likely make any of the recent claims of fiscal accountability less than moot. At the last Town meeting, the Board felt unsure about the ability to purchase an $8,000 lawn mower for the upkeep of the Athletic Fields. Their uncertainty was due to not knowing just how much the newly unionized Town crew was going to cost. As a taxpayer, I can say that I am not happy to think that we cannot afford a new lawn mower. Fortunately, the good Village of Hoosick Falls is mowing the Athletic Fields for us.
I do not believe that these hardworking men really wanted a union. Unfortunately, they needed one to protect themselves from unfair and uncourteous treatment. Add in the disgraceful treatment of Bill Shiland Sr., a good, honest, public servant of more than 25 years. How does the public feel about the treatment of Mark Surdam? He continues to behave professionally and even with kindness as he is called names in public and behind his back. He is being openly slandered by people with less character than he in public while consistently and steadily working to bring some sense and civility to the Hoosick Town Board meetings. If you voted for Mark Surdam last election, you are being denied your representation on the Town Board because they have shut him out of regular correspondence.
If the Supervisor and his supporters do not like what you have to say, they simply close the door. Talk to any of the people who up until recently were Town of Hoosick Republican Committee Members. Add to this that Keith directed Charlie Filkins to stop videotaping the Town meetings. Now he claims that we cannot afford to share Town business on the public access channel.
We wish to have government of, for and by the people, not just the people we like or always agree with. This is what we, as responsible adults and citizens have as a duty to those who follow us. There is so much more to the people of Hoosick than fear, hate, division and economic challenge. We need better leadership here.
I am proud to stand behind Mark Surdam in this election. His character has shown through in the face of enormous adversity. He is a fine candidate for the Town.
To again answer the question my wife lovingly keeps asking me, “Why are you doing this David?” My answer, “I will pay forward the kindness shown a little Hoosick boy by names of families such as Pine, Baker, Seifert, Harrington, Laporte, Mahar, Cipperly, Martinez, Brownell, Bilson, Cottrell, Sura, Roose, Corbett, Leonard, McGovern, Bugbee, Holbrook, Stempek, Chapones, McGuire, Marsh, Magisano and others. My glass is full as a result of those kinds of people.” Would some be foolish enough to ask me whether I care what political party they belonged to?
What kind of community do the people of Hoosick want? What kind of Town government? We need to come together as a community. Together we can do much for Hoosick. There are many who are relying on us to do so.
If you disagree with me, it is okay but feel free to discuss, debate and voice your concerns; this is the U.S.A.
Sincerely and Thankfully,
David A. Sutton
Wilson Hill Road, Hoosick Falls
Letter To The Editor – Unwarranted Political Agenda Or Bona Fide Concerns?
To the Editor:
In reading a letter to the editor of The Eastwick Press by the Petersburgh Town Supervisor on August 30, there was some concern as to whether “statements about the Highway Department and other offices were made public just for the sake of elections.”
Statements about townspeople made publicly by Town officials and reported in news media in a Town Board Meeting can always be tricky, particularly when it involves a local business owner who finds out there are concerns that have not been directly addressed.
It is wise to discuss issues with your elected officials as suggested in the Petersburgh Town Supervisor’s letter to the editor. In fact, I met with Siegfried Krahforst earlier in August to discuss my thoughts, concerns and desire to run for the Town Highway Superintendent. I shared with him many of the concerns addressed to me by Petersburgh residents while campaigning for the position.
One such concern I addressed was why the Petersburgh Highway Department is purchasing material from other places when we have a local supplier. As a long time heavy highway superintendent, I have had the pleasure of working with many municipalities across the state. The process is simple – requests for bids are publicly advertised, competing companies submit bids for specific projects and/or materials and the lowest bidder is given the contract. Most municipalities also request pricing for specific equipment and hourly labor rates pertaining to emergency or unforeseen circumstances.
It is my understanding that our local supplier was the lowest bidder and was awarded the contract to supply the sand, gravel and stone for Petersburgh. Ethically speaking, this low bidder protocol should be followed eliminating any bias or personal preferences.
As a community, we all need to work together to ensure that we are spending our limited tax dollars responsibly. Asking questions and being informed while attending the Petersburgh Town Board Meetings the third Monday of each month is a great way to reinforce this process!
Gene Kluck
Johnnycake Hill Road, Petersburgh
Letter To The Editor – Love And Respect
Dear Editor:
“Love And Respect One Another.” These are the words on the gravestone of world famous sculptor Jose DeCreeft who lived from November 27, 1884, until September 11, 1982, and who spent his summers on Fog Hill Road in Hoosick. His grave lies behind Saint Mark’s Church next to Wood Park in Hoosick Falls.
It bothered me in some way to see some of our young people climbing on his gravestone and monument during the last concert of our Hoosick Falls Community Band season. I made an announcement asking them to stop doing it but to no avail. While it is hard to read the inscription on the stone it is clear the intent of the structure. It was also brought to my attention (since my back is to Main Street [when conducting]) that some young folks also climb on the newly constructed monument to the fallen service men of our community. In my opinion these acts should not be tolerated by us.
While audiences rise to the playing of our National Anthem, some young folks do not while others salute the flag during the performance. I even noticed a gentleman in a wheelchair, and with great difficulty, rise to his feet.
Probably the fault might lie with those of us who do not stress the importance of respecting that which others have built to honor others for all in the community to enjoy. While there have been awful acts of terrorism there has not been a war on our shores since the Civil War and for that we are thankful and should honor those who gave that supreme sacrifice and for whom the monument was erected.
It is my hope that the leadership among our young folks will show the others the proper way to conduct themselves and that will result in the end of the vandalism on the bandstand and the lack of respect for all that has been given us and this will provide for a better tomorrow.
Bill Gaillard, Director
Hoosick Falls Community Band
Letter To The Editor – Just For The Record…
To the editor:
In response to recent allegations made about the Town Highway Department not purchasing gravel from O’Donovan Sand & Gravel: the fact is, over the past few months the Town has spent $32,722.00 to date with another bill pending from O’Donovan Sand & Gravel. Statements about the Highway Department and other offices made public just for the sake of elections or any other reasons are unwarranted. The Town Highway Superintendent and Town Supervisor are available to discuss any questions or concerns the public may have at any time.
Siegfried Krahforst
Petersburgh Town Supervisor
Letter To The Editor – Making Fun?
To the Editor:
Regarding the August 16, 2013 article “New Lebanon Town Board Action – Unreality Show,” the fact that current New Lebanon Town Supervisor Mike Benson makes fun of so many things – like my asking about his refusal to follow NYS law by not posting his Town Board meeting agendas on our Town website and other concerns of his constituents – is just one of the many, many reasons why some of us will be voting for Matt Larabee for Supervisor on November 5.
Trina Porte
Planning Board Member
Canaan Road, New Lebanon
Editor’s Note: At the last Town Meeting Supervisor Benson said about video recording the meetings, “It would save me from having to correct Trina Porte at each meeting.”
Letter To The Editor – The Martinezes Make A Difference
To the Editor:
How do you compile a letter of sincere appreciation and thanks to a couple who have made such a huge impact on this community? How do you possibly put into words how much Dr. and Mrs. Martinez mean to all they have treated, the many families they have delivered a child for, saved a loved one, held a hand and wiped a tear over the countless years of their practice?
We all have stories we could tell of the way this wonderful couple have changed our lives, saving my son, Matt, as a baby during birth, saving my daughter, Stephanie, three times during her childhood, and I’m sure there are many in the community who have similar stories. They say behind every man is a good woman. In this case beside this great man is a great woman with a kind word and that beautiful smile. What a perfect team they have made and continue to make. Thank you doesn’t seem enough, but please know for all you do, have done and continue to do for all of us, you are appreciated and highly thought of. It is only fitting that this honor [Health Care Leadership by SWVTMC] is bestowed upon you.
Our community is a much better place for having the privilege of Dr. and Mrs. Martinez amongst us. They will never have to ask the question of themselves that many of us do, “Did we make a difference?” Absolutely, they did, beyond a shadow of a doubt.
We are most fortunate and blessed to have you. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Stan and Robin Brownell
Letter To The Editor – Thank You All!
To the editor:
I would like to thank all the emergency responders for their quick response to the tractor trailer rollover accident on Route 7 on July 15. Many times we forget how much work and dedication goes into making a fire department, police department or rescue squad a well run organization until we need them. I am proud to say we have some of the best organizations in all of New York State!
I appreciate and would like to thank everyone of you for your service. Your dedication to your community does not go unnoticed.
Respectfully,
Keith Cipperly Town of Hoosick Supervisor
Letter To The Editor – Police State Tactics At School
Dear Editor:
I share the dismay expressed by Anita Henry over the “Drug Sniff at BCS.”
What was the plan if the dog made a hit? Would the principal assist the sheriff’s deputy applying handcuffs to the student. Would the student(s) be taken away in a patrol car? Is there an attorney on call to assist a student with legal rights? Was the dog’s hit accurate?
What was the plan to deal with a child who refused to participate?
Is the District prepared for the expense of defending this behavior in court?
It is sad to see police state tactics brought to school. This tactic seems over the top when the principal indicates drugs are not a significant problem at the school.
I am dismayed that the Board of Education sponsored this exercise.
Richard A. Demick
State Route 43, Stephentown
Letter To The Editor – Disturbed By The Warrantless Search Of Our Children
To the Editor:
I read with dismay the article in the June 7 Eastwick Press regarding the “Drug Sniff at BCS.”
It is refreshing to know that no drugs were found. However, it is equally disturbing to know our school administrators and County Sheriff’s Department felt it would be acceptable to conduct a warrantless search/sniff of our children’s belongings. If there was no explicit reason to suspect these children, there should have been no reason to conduct the search.
I wonder how the teachers, custodians, assistants, administrators would have felt if their pocketbooks, wallet, pant pockets, backpacks were sniffed as they entered the school or got out of their cars. Would the Sheriff’s Department have felt they could ask the adults to line up and place their belongings on the ground? Would the adults have complied?
This was not a drill. It was an assault on our children’s civil rights and privacy. I believe the BCS School Administration owes an apology to the children and to their parents.
Sincerely,
Anita Henry
Schmich Road, Stephentown