To the Editor:
(Brookfield, NY – Nov. 2011) I’m Joshua Haar, resident of the great town of Brookfield. This summer, eager to keep our local government on track and in line, I decided to run for supervisor. Many citizens provided a great deal of support, and I won 43 percent of the vote.
I must mention that, unfortunately, we’ve seen some underhanded political games on Election Day down here in the hamlet of Leonardsville.
Earlier this year, the voting site was moved from the school to the firehouse. On Primary Day, the new location was clearly marked for voters. As those who voted in the Republican primary can recall, one of the district’s “Vote Here” signs was placed up along Route 8, the other was placed in front of the firehouse, and notice was posted at the school reminding voters of the change in location.
The Republican incumbent lost the Leonardsville primary by 16 percent, even though he won townwide; it was quite disconcerting to lose that many votes to an 18-year-old dairy farmer.
Incidentally, when the polls opened for the general election, no notice was provided at the school advising the Democratic and Independent voters (whom, of course, hadn’t voted in the Republican primary) of the new location.
When questioned about this by one of my neighbors, the county Board of Elections reported that the Republican incumbent had been in charge of putting the notice up.
Additionally, in violation of a Board of Elections directive (which I have a copy of) which requested that a “Vote Here” sign be placed along Route 8, both signs were placed right at the firehouse, effectively “hiding” the polls down on Mill Street.
The result was that the Republican voters (incidentally, the incumbent’s main base of support) had the advantage over the other voters of knowing in advance exactly where to vote.
A number of people, unaware of the new location, called in to ask why the polls in Leonardsville were closed. How many others just returned home?
Over the previous three years, the Leonardsville district had averaged 237 ballots cast (see the Madison County Board of Elections website). This year, while the Brookfield and North Brookfield districts boasted record turnouts, Leonardsville registered only 172 ballots cast.
In Leonardsville, every office on the ballot (except for highway superintendent, which was tied) was taken by a Republican. I’m all right with losing, but the way things were done just isn’t right.
There was no reason for this – except that the incumbent and his supporters among the Leonardsville election inspectors were terribly frightened that I would carry the vote.
I haven’t even mentioned that my campaign sign across the street (and beyond the legally required 100 feet from the poll site) was removed, while during the primary, one of my opponent’s signs was left within 100 feet of the poll site.
The difference probably wouldn’t have been enough to tip the scales in the supervisor race (I’m behind by 98 votes), but the contestants for highway superintendent are separated by only 30 votes.
As Americans, we put great stock in the right to fair, cleanly-conducted elections; indeed, ensuring that elections are fair and square is essential to our system of government. When an election is distinguished by such clear indications that things were NOT done cleanly, it is only fair that that election be re-conducted.
All voters should have an even chance at voting; providing one political party’s members with more information that allows easier access to the polls than the members of another party is incompatible with the standards this country was built upon.
For the sake of a clean record, I’d like to see a re-vote in Leonardsville.
Joshua Haar, Brookfield
To the Editor:
(Brookfield, NY – Nov. 2011) I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who showed their support in this past election and are giving me the privilege of serving another term as Brookfield town supervisor.
After serving our community now for more than 10 years as an elected official, I have seen our town experience much change and am proud to say that many more are now choosing to become involved in how Brookfield operates and looks to the future.
During the campaign, I had another opportunity to talk with many who are deeply concerned about how we plan to survive as a town and how we can preserve the quality of life we enjoy here in Brookfield.
It was obvious that many were of the opinion that limited government is preferred and that they are worried about taxes, how services are delivered and the ability to continue to count on our local government to do the right thing.
This is a concern of mine, also.
With issues like out-of-control retirement costs, increasing health insurance and fuel bills and a property tax cap that makes it very difficult to manage ever-shrinking revenue, we will need to pull together and realize that business-as-usual will just not cut it anymore.
Government needs to provide those services that the private sector cannot or will not consider and do it efficiently and cost effectively.
We are all in this together, and we need to be involved and aware.
Over the past several months, there have been a number of claims made that our town government is getting too big, is overreaching its authority and is attempting to mettle in people’s private business. I have to respectfully disagree.
By opening up government more than has been seen in a long time, by encouraging its citizens to become involved and by efforts like a survey being done to gain insight on how people feel about their town, I believe that we are giving government back to the people. We have well-attended board meetings with everyone given the opportunity to speak, and speak they do.
Another assertion made was with respect to the revaluation. Although it was painful for the town to go through, we kept all who were concerned in the loop, and most were satisfied that their concerns were addressed.
No system is perfect, and we are always looking to do things better. It was easy to criticize in this last election, but I heard very little on how to make it better, only that the solution was change, with very little regard for the important experience that is needed to do these jobs.
Be that as it may, we will look forward as we always have, and I give my only promise- that I will continue to work hard and represent the citizens of my town in the best possible manner and use all my energies for the good of the people of Brookfield.
John J. Salka, Brookfield Town Supervisor
(Leonardsville, NY – Oct. 2011) The Leonardsville Fire Department will be having a Donation Pancake Breakfast on Sunday Oct. 16 at the fire hall on Mill Street.
The menu is pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, applesauce, coffee, tea, milk, and orange juice. Serving is from 7 to 10:30 a.m.
Take-outs are available by calling 855-4466.
(Leonardsville, NY – Oct. 2011) The Leonardsville Fire Department will be hosting a one night CPR / AED Class on Monday Oct. 3 at the Fire Hall on Mill Street. Registration is at 6:30 p.m. with the class beginning at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 per person payable the night of the class. Everyone is welcome to attend.
By Martha E. Conway
(Brookfield – Sept. 12, 2011) The Brookfield Town Council meeting began with a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Supervisor John Salka reported that quotes for the necessary work at the John Carr residence came in at about $29,000. That was good news, he said, as the HUD balance is nearly $31,000.
“Did Upstate Constructs put in anything [to correct] their error?” asked Councilwoman Rachel Owen.
“No,” Salka said. “We are all frustrated at the way this has gone. We got a little spoiled over the years; this did not go as smoothly as we have come to expect [under the service of Mark Taub].”
Councilman Dewitt Head said the town paid big money for the services of Upstate Constructs.
“There won’t be a next time,” Head said in response to comments that the town hopes to get another HUD grant for Leonardsville next year.
Councilman George Cowen, Highway Department liaison to the board, reported Highway Department crews were busy working on Consolidated Highway Improvement Program funded projects, ditching, storm cleanup and performing tree work.
“We’ve got three culverts that are nearly plugged,” said Highway Superintendent Rod Jennison. “If we don’t replace them, we get another flood and it takes houses out, the town is going to be liable.”
Jennison said the town needs to order pipe and get through the permitting process to get the work done. He said the state Department of Environmental Conservation has authority so far into the creek from the center of the road, but the Army Corps of Engineers takes over from there.
“We’ve got enough money, but scheduling the work done depends on when we have to start plowing the roads,” Jennison said. “We had two feet of water running down the street when I got there.
Martha E. Conway is Managing Editor for the Madison County Courier. She can be reached at 315.813.0124 or by emailing martha@m3pmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/marthaeconway or Facebook at facebook.com/meconway.
(Leonardsville, NY – Sept. 2011) The Leonardsville Fire Department will be having a Donation Pancake Breakfast on Sunday Sept. 18 at the Fire Hall on Mill Street. The Cost is Donation.
The menu includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, applesauce, coffee, tea, and milk.
Take-outs are available by calling 855-4466.
(Leonardsville, NY – Sept. 2011) The Leonardsville Fire Department, wanting to do something special in remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001, to show its support for victims and survivors of that tragic day 10 years ago, recently installed decals on its company pickup truck. (Pictured)
According to Assistant Fire Chief Michael A. Jones, the emblem will serve as a constant reminder to the public of the selfless acts performed by citizens, firefighters, police and EMS 10 years ago this month.
Georgetown
The town of Georgetown and Georgetown Fire Department will host a Sept. 11, 2001, ceremony on the Fire Department Field at 8:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 11.
Chittenango
The village of Chittenango will hold a Sept. 11, 2001, remembrance ceremony Sunday, Sept. 11, at Stickles Park, Falls Boulevard at Genesee Street in the village.
The candlelight time of reflection will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., and features a keynote speaker who survived that day in the World Trade Centers and music.
For more information, visit Chittenango.org (village events).
The event will be moved to the Chittenango Fire Station in the event of inclement weather.
Cazenovia
On Sunday, Sept. 11, the First Presbyterian Church in Cazenovia will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedies with a service of meditation and remembrance.
George VanArnam, United Methodist Church Minister and marriage and family therapist, will lead the worship. The worship begins at 10 a.m. VanArnam’s sermon will be based on scripture found in Jeremiah 31: 10-14: “I shall turn your mourning into joy.” Hymns will include O Day of Peace. The choir will sing the Natalie Sleeth anthem, The Love of God.
VanArnam is the former director of the Samaritan Counseling Center in Utica. He and his wife Peggy are long-time residents of Cazenovia. VanArnam is providing counseling services at St. Peter’s Church on Mill Street in Cazenovia.
An informal coffee hour will commence after the service in the Meeting House.
At a special Cazenovia Forum event marking the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedies, Thomas Flynn, former CBS Evening News producer, will read from his acclaimed book-length poem “Bikeman,” an account of his experiences at Ground Zero on that day.
The event will take place Sunday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church Meeting House on Albany Street in Cazenovia, immediately following the annual Community Sept. 11 ceremony that will begin at 7 p.m. across the street in Memorial Park.
This Caz Forum event is free of charge and light refreshments will be served after the reading.
In 2001 Flynn was a producer for CBS Evening News with Dan Rather, living in lower Manhattan near the corner of 10th Street and Sixth Avenue. When the first plane hit the north tower of the World Trade Center, he grabbed a pen and notebook and rode his bike to the scene, arriving at about the time the second plane hit the South tower.
“Bikeman,” published in 2008, is Flynn’s account of his experiences in the midst of the disaster, including his struggle to both cover the story and survive it.
Canastota
The Greater Canastota Chamber of Commerce will hold a “911” Memorial Sept. 11 at Memorial Park, downtown. The public is invited to gather at 6:45 p.m. for the service, which will begin at 7 p.m.
“We are blessed to have such a beautiful reflective park in the heart of the village in which to stroll, read and rest,” said Rick Stevens, chamber president. “We are fortunate to have a piece of the steel to touch, knowing that it was a small part of the site where our firefighters, police officers, EMT’s, and so many others lost their lives that day.”
After the ceremony, refreshments will be served at the Canastota Fire Department.
Oneida
(Oneida) The Madison Cortland ARC SunShine Choir, Mighty Fortress dance troupe and the Wind Dancers will mark the tenth anniversary of Sept. 11, 2011, with an outdoor patriotic concert, Friday Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. on the front lawn of Alternatives Industry, 588 Broad St. in Oneida.
The event is free and open to the public, and concert-goers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Refreshments will be available.
In the event of rain, the concert will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church located at 555 Sayles St., Oneida.
For more information, call Madison Cortland ARC Family Support Services department at (315) 363-3389 ext. 1510.
Hamilton
Colgate University will hold an Interfaith Sept. 11, 2011, memorial service Sunday, Sept. 11, from 2 to 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Chapel.
The ceremony is an opportunity to join the national remembrance of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, by attending a memorial service to honor the memory of that day. For more information, contact Ann Zinsmeister at (315) 228-7682.
By Mike Bova, publisher
Did you know the average visit to a news site is 3-4 minutes? That tells me people are not reading their newspaper online. They are only reading a story or stories of interest.
There is nothing better that sitting down with a cup of coffee and flipping through the pages of a local newspaper. You can peruse the paper at your leisure. There is not a computer to fire up and it’s easy on the eyes…no glare.
Plus, you’d have to click on 70-80 pages of www.MadisonCountyCourier.com to read what is in one issue of the Madison County Courier Weekly.
The Weekly is so good, it will even be seen in Steven Soderbergh’s blockbuster movie, Haywire, which is opening Jan. 20, 2012.
Also, you should really purchase a subscription to the Weekly, which supports your local newspaper and keeps the newspaper in business.
Lastly, we just made it a little less expensive for everybody. Until Sept. 30, 2011, a 13 week subscription is only $10 (normally $13.) A 26 week subscription is only $15 (normally $20) and a 52 week subscription is only $25 (normally $35.)
If you buy a subscription to the Madison County Courier Weekly, I promise you won’t be sorry you did. Thank you for supporting your county newspaper.
Towns Struggle to Formulate Contingency Plans for Various Possibilities
By Martha E. Conway
(Brookfield, NY – Aug. 8, 2011) Town supervisors from around the county are attempting to educate their town boards and residents about the statewide property tax cap that was passed by the state Legislature toward the end of its session in June.
Despite its enactment, the legislation continues to be revised, leaving local municipal leaders shooting at a moving target, they say.
“There are still a lot of unknowns about it,” said Supervisor John Salka (R,C,I – Brookfield) at the regular meeting of the Brookfield Town Council Aug. 8. “If property taxes are capped at 2 percent, it will be entirely eaten up by rising retirement costs.”
According to Salka, the town paid $15,500 in retirement contributions in 2010, $26,000 this year and is projected to face $48,000 in contributions for the 2012 fiscal year.
“Either bills won’t be paid, or services will have to be drastically cut,” Salka said.
Some incarnations of the property tax cap include an override provision and exempt certain costs, such as retirement contributions.
“We are facing unprecedented hikes in fuel, operations and health care premiums in addition to retirement,” Salka said. “It will be a tough budget to formulate this year.
HUD Problems Continue
John Carr of North Brookfield was one of the HUD grant applicants hardest hit by an accounting snafu at Upstate Constructs, the consultants overseeing the grant administration and project management functions for the town.
Carr said he has a contract with UC to get the work done on his house, but now there is no money.
“If I sign [the current contract offered], they will do work until the money runs out,” Carr said, explaining that if the budget is exhausted for lead abatement, it will be a waste of money if the roof cannot be fixed. “My town board is letting down a resident of North Brookfield.”
“We are not pleased with how the program went this time,” Salka said. “It is my understanding that the estimates increased because the lead abatement work forced a re-bid.”
According to Salka, the original contractor was not lead certified.
Salka said UC made a mistake, and the town board had no idea of the problem as it was making payments to the firm.
“They did report it as soon as it was identified, and they have been instructed to spend every penny available on the Carr property,” Salka said. “I think that’s about $31,000.”
Salka said he could consult the town attorney, if the board authorized him to do so, but he already had received information that any legal action would likely be unsuccessful.
“[Town Attorney] Steve Jones’s opinion was that we didn’t have much of a case,” Salka said. “This board is just as frustrated as everyone else. We’re not the HUD experts; that’s why we paid $60,000 for Upstate Constructs to do it. All of this is being kept in mind for next year if we get the grant for Leonardsville. For now, we need to focus on taking what there is available to do what we can.”
Fun Day a Success
Councilman Dewitt Head reported that the annual community fun day in the North Brookfield park was a success. He said the event grossed about $5,000, netting a little more than $3,000 for the park fund.
“I have to thank Jeff Mayne for the chicken, hamburgers and hotdogs,” Head said, adding that the co-ed softball games through the day were very well attended and populated.
Other events included a dunking booth and silent auction. He said Steve Walker, who has volunteered for years was deserving of special recognition.
“We sold a couple of hundred chickens, a couple of hundred hamburgers, hot sausage and more,” Head said.
According to Head, Highway Department Superintendent Rod Jennison helped with excavation for the work that has been done at the facility. In addition, the park boasts two new barbecue grills and a plastic fence around the outfield.
“There were fewer auction donations this year,” Head said. “Proceeds were down a little, but it is still 100 percent profit. It might have been held too late in the day.”
Head said bidders need to be present to win, and the time was pushed back about three hours in the day, from about 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“The whole community contributed to the success of the day,” Head said, adding that about 300 people attended throughout the event.
In other business
* Elizabeth “Perk” Stalter of the Brookfield Historical Society reported that the Society will hold a picnic Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in Brookfield park.
“Bring a dish to pass,” Stalter said, adding that the Madison County Dairy Princess is expected to make an appearance.
* The town council received on record a letter of intent to renew its liquor license from the Horned Dorset.
* The town council accepted with regrets the letter of resignation of Don McCoach from his position on the planning board. McCoach serves as chairman; his resignation is effective Dec. 31, but he said he would continue working past that date if a timely replacement cannot be appointed by then.
* The board placed on record a request for a street light at the intersection of Route 8 and Forbes Road. There was no information available on the cost of installation or operation.
* The Highway Department reported that patching, sealing and resurfacing work continues. The department also took delivery of its new loader July 28.
* The town council approved Highway Superintendent Rod Jennison’s request to bid 10,000 yards of sand.
* Salka pulled a resolution to establish a capital reserve fund for highway equipment. He will come back to the board with more information at a future meeting.
Martha E. Conway is Managing Editor for the Madison County Courier. She can be reached at 315.813.0124 or by emailing martha@m3pmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/marthaeconway or become a friend on Facebook at facebook.com/meconway.
Board Notes
By Martha E. Conway
(Brookfield, NY – July 11, 2011) The issues with Upstate Constructs, a HUD home improvement program administrator managing $400,000 in rural development projects, continue to be investigated. A UC representative reported to members of the Brookfield Town Council at their June meeting in Leonardsville that an accounting error has left them with less money for project work than originally anticipated.
The announcement came after a request earlier this year to re-open the application process because UC thought they had $80,000 yet to lend.
“Late last week they were looking to finalize numbers,” Salka said. “I’m not sure the board is satisfied with the way things left off.”
“I think we should start pushing a little,” said Councilman Dewitt Head. “I’m not happy.”
“I’m not happy, either,” said Councilwoman Rachel Owen.
“I think we should hold payment a while and hope they make good on some of the work promised in Leonardsville,” Salka said.
“I definitely don’t think we should pay them until we see some action,” Owen said.
Salka said the HUD programs have always run smoothly in the past.
In other business
* The Brookfield Community Fun Day will be held Saturday at the North Brookfield Park.
* Salka reported that negotiations with Town Highway Department crews are underway.
* According to Salka, an audit by the Office of the State Comptroller is wrapping up, with preliminary recommendations and written report expected soon.
“Some of the recommendations are going to increase clerk and supervisor reporting work,” Salka said. “They are clamping down on small municipalities.
* Salka congratulated and thanked everyone involved in working on the Madison County Fair this year. He recognized Karen Nowak and those who volunteered with her to rejuvenate the horse arena and rebuild its footing.
“The arena is really amazing,” Salka said. “This is something that gives the town the recognition it deserves.”
Salka said there was much positive energy surrounding the Fairgrounds this year
Madison County Board of Supervisors Chairman John M. Becker (R,C,I – Sullivan) also recognized the efforts of the volunteers at the July 12 Board of Supervisors meeting, as well, saying it’s incredible what a community can accomplish when it works together toward a common goal.
“It was a real good community effort, and I am proud to be a part of it,” Salka said.
“It’s the best fair I’ve seen in 20 years,” Owen said.
Martha E. Conway is Managing Editor for the Madison County Courier. She can be reached at 315.813.0124 or by emailing martha@m3pmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/marthaeconway or become a friend on Facebook at facebook.com/meconway.
