Post-Standard/Neighbors West
Thursday, June 3, 2004
Spafford Party appreciates support
To the Editor:
What’s important in Spafford? It is early in the day and more than 100 Spafford
citizens (that’s about 12 percent of the electorate in our little town) have contacted me to
express disappointment in the Spafford Republican Committee’s letter
in the May 27
West Neighbors. Why?
Most people I spoke with are Republicans and are disappointed in their local
committee. All of them supported the Spafford Party, a coalition of citizens from all
parties with a common vision. The independent party formed last August, just in time to
run three candidates for town board in the November 2003 election.
We focused on critical needs in our changing community: The need for a
Comprehensive Plan, updating zoning (not done since the 1970s), open town government
and environmental issues specific to our Skaneateles and Otisco Lake watersheds.
We looked forward to having an open discussion on these important issues and invited
the community to 10 forums to question us and present their own ideas.
The response was overwhelming and positive — democracy at its best. The new
Spafford Party was well-organized and the issues so timely and clearly articulated that
we almost made a clean sweep of the town board incumbents.
It astonished even us.
To appreciate this feat, one must understand that Spafford is a one-party town and
usually there is no competition for local elected office.
Generally, the little band of folks who control the Spafford Republican Committee
select one of themselves to appear on the ballot and the voter’s only choice is to either
vote for that candidate or not vote at all.
It’s been that way for a long time. We call that “no choice” and C.J. Parsons’ letter
tells us (in 23 paragraphs) that those words make him furious.
How did the 2003 Spafford election turn out?
I easily took the position C.J.Parsons had held (unopposed in the general elections) for
eight years.
Of the four council member candidates, I received the most votes; Parsons came in
last. Another Spafford Party candidate, Linda Sanders, came within eight votes of
unseating incumbent council member Billy Vinzant.
Supervisor Gordon Ireland barely held on to his position —by only about 45 votes.
Parsons’ comments can be easily condensed into three major points:
It was a lot better in Spafford when no one ran against us. Joyce Bamett wrote an
article (in the Skaneateles Press) that spoke out against intolerance, hostility and
ignorance (didn’t mention any names) but we imagine she was accusing us.
Besides, some people deserve intolerance, hostility and personal attacks (like her).
We’re angry and insulted because we shouldn’t be challenged in the voting booth or at
the Spafford Town Board table. Everyone else should be insulted by this, too.
Everywhere I go in Spafford today, people tell me how hurtful and wrong they found
the personal attacks.
The last 10 months haven’t been easy, but real progress has occurred. We have
survived slashed tires, physical assault and many forms of intimidation.
There is real concern and that is why as recently as May 13 an undercover law
enforcement agent patiently watched over our town meeting. (There were angry,
personal attacks then, too.)
Parsons is “using his words” to work through his frustration. I know that many of us
don't appreciate such ugly words, but they are just words.
Let us just respond with patience and tolerance — as we remain very focused on
creating the best possible community for all of Spafford:
1. Encourage open communication in town government
2. Protect our beautiful land and lakes through inter-municipal efforts
3. Work toward a comprehensive master plan for development
4. Be responsive to community needs and interests
Those are the important issues in Spafford. Thank you to the many, many citizens of
Spafford who have worked so hard to move us toward these goals.
Every day I am awed by the talent and commitment in our community. What a journey we have had.
How far we have come in less than a year.
Joyce Barnett
Spafford Town Council
NEIGHBORS WEST Thursday, June 3, 2004