The Post-Standard News
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Post-Standard, The (Syracuse, NY)
October 20, 2005
Get the facts straight about
zoning permits
To the Editor:
Election time is looming and there has been talk about out-of-control zoning in
Spafford. Well, I'm on the zoning board of appeals and here are a few facts:
The zoning rules were last updated in 1998. Are revisions needed? Admittedly, yes.
Permits for new home construction: in 2003, nine permits issued; in 2004, 12 permits issued; and so far this year, five permits issued. Hardly an exponential growth, in fact, a reduction thus far for 2005.
Permits for new homes which are replacing older homes: in 2003, four permits; in 2004, five permits; and so far this year, two permits. Again, no evidence of exponential growth.
Total number of all types of permits issued: in 2003, 82 permits; in 2004, 96 permits; and thus far in 2005, 70 permits.
I would ask all voters to please consider the facts. Do not let your only sources of information come from hearsay and editorials.
Ken Lieberman
candidate for Spafford Town Council
Democrat candidates offer distinct difference
To the Editor:
This is an exciting campaign season in Skaneateles politics because we have four candidates for town supervisor, three candidates for county Legislature and four candidates for town council.
In many other positions, as well, there is competition.
In my 26 years of living in Skaneateles, we have not seen such enthusiasm to offer the town leadership.
However, in such times it becomes critical for the voters to understand the differences in the candidates.
As a candidate this year, I believe there is a very clear difference offered by the Democratic Party.
First, there is a clear team. The team of Phil Tierney, Mary E. Sennett, myself, Bill Volcko, Margaret G. Sovik and Gail van der Linde has been meeting since July to iron out a consistent platform that all can set as a core ideal. These ideals are ones that the voters have spoken to us about in the last several months as those that are important to them.
Second, this team is highly qualified. With advanced degrees and experience in science, the law and negotiations, this team is particularly well-positioned to put the voters' issues first with not only the town but the county, state and federal governments.
Third, this team is well-aware of the standard accounting principals for budgeting and management principles for organization. Each comes from a strong business background with management experience.
Finally, commitment to the community and strong communication.
Volunteerism has been the hallmark of this team with Tri-County Skaneateles Lake Pure Water Association, religious groups, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, United Way, Junior Achievement, Skaneateles Festival, the Peace Corps and the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department.
And these organizations have had the advocacy of these candidates, a lawyer, teachers and business leaders. They are now ready to be advocates for the voters' issues.
We are people you know, we are competent and we have been a part of the community and have taken an active role and now we want to work for you.
Mike Dempsey
candidate for town council
Everyone deserves respect at meetings
To the Editor:
At the Oct. 11 town of Geddes meeting, under petitions, where people in attendance are able to ask questions, Joe Dobson, of Lakeland, was told to shut up and sit down by Highway Superintendent Dan Patalino.
Allowing everyone their point of view and recognizing that Dobson attends all town meetings, he regularly brings up issues and concerns that get very global and asks the supervisor to take some action.
With more humor and patience by all, often as not, Joe takes his seat following his granted two minutes with a smile as the next resident is called upon for their remarks and questions.
The supervisor, who presides as I did for four years, learns to cut off comments that are of a personal nature and serve no purpose in public discussion.
It was Dobson's question of why multiple town trucks were seen in his neighborhood of Birch Road that did concern Patalino.
The highway superintendent asked Dobson if he was accusing his men of not doing their job.
Dobson asked the highway department head if he knew what his men were doing at all times.
To which, Patalino said, "Joe, you know better, shut up and sit down."
I do not enjoy nor do I wish to hear hostile comments between town board members, department heads or visitors at town meetings.
As a friend of former Councilor Jane Longo, we agreed that these meetings are business and the opportunity for residents to participate.
I hope that our town officials who presume to be non-partisan while at their duties can find a balance between questions asked and the need to respond in anger to an elderly person.
Mr. Dobson, my apologies for this comment made to you. And to our highway department and its supervisor, just keep doing your everyday great job that we expect from you.
I would ask residents who come to our meetings to feel free under petitions to ask questions and share your thoughts with our town board, elected officials and department heads who work for you.
Vincent Palerino
town of Geddes councilor
Republican candidates won't attend forum
To the Editor:
There have been some articles and notices produced lately indicating that there will be a candidates forum at the
Spafford Town Hall hosted by the League of Women Voters.
Our local Republican candidates will not be in attendance. There will, of course, be rumors and innuendoes regarding the reason for their absence.
For those who appreciate the truth, I offer this explanation. Those notices and newspaper articles appeared as if by magic.
The League of Women Voters did not, to the best of my knowledge, initiate them. I was not notified, nor were any of the Republican candidates, prior to the production of these notices.
I believe this is a tactic initiated by the local political opposition intended to manipulate and embarrass our local Republican candidates by creating an audience that will be both disruptive and aggressive.
Anyone who has attended a town board meeting in the past two years can attest to the lack of manners exhibited by some of our neighbors.
The local Republican candidates want to be a credit to the community and live in harmony with all their neighbors. They will be here long after this election is over.
The Spafford Republican Committee is trying to provide the types of forums where our candidates can meet with their neighbors and answer questions in a relaxed, casual manner.
We have had one meet-the-candidates luncheon, held a family picnic and at 3 p.m. Oct. 30 (a Sunday), we will host another meet-the-candidates hour at the
Spafford Town Hall. All are welcome to come, visit, ask questions and share a light refreshment.
This is the way we are conducting our campaign. For this reason, I have asked our
Spafford Republican candidates to allow me to respectfully decline the invitation from the League of Women Voters.
I have done so. That's the truth.
Barb Randall
acting chair, Spafford Republican Committee
Too much bickering in town of Spafford
To the Editor:
My name is Webb Stevens and I am running for the office of supervisor in the town of
Spafford. Over the last several years, there has been growing dissention among some residents about issues of townwide management and planning.
The contention and animosity displayed by some folks is neither productive nor healthy.
If elected, I would ensure an open and orderly process for accepting input from town residents. I support a planning process that looks to the future of the town, protects our farming heritage and the lake, and respects the rights of tax-paying property owners.
I'll dedicate myself to seeking positive, practical solutions to current issues and healing
Spafford to its friendlier days.
Webb A. Stevens
East Lake Road, Spafford
Should union leaders dominate town board?
To the Editor:
How much union presence do the taxpayers in the town of Geddes want on the town board?
Three of the Democratic party's candidates for next month's election are union officeholders.
Their supervisor candidate, Kathy Thomas, and town council candidates James Ennis and Christopher Ryan are all union officials.
Do town residents really want union leaders negotiating union contracts with town employees?
Where will their allegiance lie?
JoAnn Heskin
Hall Avenue, Solvay
Democratic candidates deserve our support
To the Editor:
I would like to take this opportunity to fully endorse the Skaneateles Democratic slate of candidates for the local town board positions.
It is time for a fresh perspective in the running of our town.
The present board has fumbled with critical decisions that have cost the taxpayers with their indecision and delays.
When I was on the village board, we asked repeatedly to have the town board directly address the firefighters' very real concern and need about a new facility.
It is interesting to observe that now, just before the election, and after a sound defeat on a referendum they delayed on this issue, our town board is set to take a solid action, following the village's lead.
Phil Tierney, Mary Sennett, Mike Dempsey, Bill Volcko, Margaret Sovik and Gail van der Linde bring promise of a much-needed fresh approach to the many problems and critical issues facing our community.
Please consider a vote for these candidates as a vote for an improved town government.
I also believe that Karen Hanford will work to bring openness and sincerity in caring for the citizens of our county in the position of county legislator.
Karen's perspective on an honest and visible sharing of the issues our county government is working on will bring a welcome relief.
Julie Sharpe
Skaneateles To the Editor:
The Skaneateles Democrats want your vote so that we can bring the opinions of all town residents into the governing process more regularly. Skaneateles Democrats are campaigning for more open government and dialogue with residents.
Dialogue is important because our town is governed by representation, not by referendum. In other words, citizens don't get to vote on every decision, their representatives or town councilors vote for them.
Without adequate input, the Mackes property was purchased prior to the citizens voting on the fire station. Without community input, family membership was defined for the community center.
We want to pull back the curtain and let residents know what is going on, what the issues and facts are and how decisions are being made.
If residents don't know what is going on and don't have an easy way to communicate with the town board, a councilor may have to vote based on input from a small circle of friends.
We plan to open things up in three ways:
Technology. We will have a Web site for town information as well as meeting agendas and minutes. Residents will be able to respond with questions and comments.
Television. We will arrange for the town meetings to be filmed and aired on Public Access TV at no cost to the taxpayer. With this option, citizens can "attend" meetings regardless of weather or distance.
Print. Copies of agendas and minutes will be in the library and town hall prior to meetings and minutes will be available after meetings.
We will inform residents about the issues and relevant facts early so that we can have input before decision making. Opening up the meetings and making information more accessible will make the town board more accountable and responsible for its decisions. This will result in a better run and better managed town.
Mary Sennett
town board candidate
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