SKANEATELES PRESS, LETTERS TO EDITOR, JUNE 23, 2004
In reaction to Spafford Republican’s press
To the editor:
Jeff Ireland letter and the article by C.J. Parsons were character assassination of a duly elected Town Councilor, Joyce Barnett.
It is true no one in office has held the position for more than eight years, but the color, the style and the manner of government have been the same for “decades.” Leadership has been more arrogant than inspired, initiatives more self serving than concerned with the public good, sense of vision remarkable for its nonexistence, response to citizens’ wishes reluctant and torpid and no sense of environmental responsibility, as indicated by the resistance of the town government to a comprehensive zoning plan (the present, inadequate, code is unchanged since 1973).
This style of government, in part, is a consequence of the political indolence of the electorate: at the last elections, The Spafford Party was able to awaken the “We the people” conscience in many of the citizens.
Board meetings, are without the constant, comfortable sequence “so move, second, aye” of the past. This is a healthy change and stimulates all Board members to really “represent the town to the best of their ability.” What’s happening, instead, is the “old guard” is unable to overcome the bitterness for the loss of a seat and to accept that each member of the board carries the voice of a block of citizens and should be given the respect, authority and courteous consideration each part of a community deserves.
Barnett should not be the target of inurbane responses, unfair accusations and poisonous remarks, creating an atmosphere of palpable hate and enmity toward her at meetings. This attitude is totally out of order and a disgraceful show by the Spafford Republican Committee.
As for Parson’s numerous points of criticism, they could be dismissed as “sour grapes.”
Barnett was not at all a “disaster” for the historical society; on the contrary, she has brought to it a patrimony of initiative, vision and good sense.
Ascribing the delay in obtaining the grant funds for the Grange Hall to Barnett’s poor administration is unfair and out of place. That delay should be ascribed to the town’s meddling, advancing all kinds of requests for procedures and warranties. It should be pointed out that the building, acclaimed by a leading historical preservation architectural firm as a “true treasure” was rescued from utter neglect and decay, thanks to the hard work and generosity by private citizens and members of the historical society. It is the input of these unselfish; community minded individuals that constitute the hope for the future of any town.
Our town government should be sensitive to the aims and concerns of all its citizens, striving for fairness, social harmony and reciprocal respect, with no room revenge and retribution.
It is the town supervisor who has the responsibility to ensure the meetings are conducted fairly and civilly, and there should be zero tolerance for loud shouting and nonsensical, vulgar interjections.
Then Mr. Clark can turn off his video camera.
GIANFRANCO FRITTELLI M.D
SPAFFORD