Baldwinsville — To the editor:
During the Lysander town board meeting on July 30 there were several thoughts that I wanted to share but did not because of the intimidating and hostile environment. This was the first town board meeting I have attended; I was shocked at the circus like atmosphere.
Board members tone towards individuals during public comment was at times hostile. This threatening atmosphere limits the feedback from well intentioned members of the community. The lack of order during a public meeting was also astonishing; the unaddressed outbursts of meeting attendees stokes the intimidating atmosphere and contributes to the perception of Lysander town government being a soap opera.
At the July 30 meeting, the town board proposed a referendum on changing the town clerk and highway superintendent to appointed positions. Very little was provided in the way of explanation on this move. The lack of a narrative explaining a rationale for this change was surprising and unwelcomed. The lack of detail gives the impression of backroom government that continues to erode public confidence.
I would like to note that several individuals made the point that an Aug. 13 meeting was abrupt and did not allow sufficient time for the community to discuss and absorb the issue. One person making these statements was Eugene Dinsmore, the current highway superintendent. With the highway superintendent in the dark about the board’s intentions on the shift in his position, I assume the majority of the community is equally in the dark on the issue and intent.
When the time for public comment arose, Supervisor John Salisbury restricted any discussion on the issue of appointments stating that the referendum would provide opportunity for questions and comment. With just a few short sentences on the rationale of this substantial request, John Salisbury decided that the public needed no more information. The public is given only the opportunity to discuss this removal of voting rights at meeting two weeks away.
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Comments
Romans1219 9 months, 2 weeks ago
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." Mattew 7:3-5
turgid 9 months, 2 weeks ago
FYI, Casey Ostrander is a shill for the Lysander Republican Committee. Mr. Dinsmoor was fully aware of the intentions of the board as he expressed concerns at the Lysander Democratic Committee meeting when he was seeking the Democratic endorsement. If you had attended any of the Lysander 1st functions you would have known the group wanted to move in the direction of shared services and consolidation. Again, it is LIE to say they are taking your vote away. A referendum is the purest form of democracy. It allows all the voters to make the decision. Why do you hate democracy so much?
ghostofbville 9 months, 2 weeks ago
He's no more a "shill" for the Lysander Republican Comm. than you are for the LDC (if the group even still exists).
As far as talking points during the campaign, at no time did JAM ever present this info, before during or after they held office. Trying to make the Town Clerk into an appointted position to simply a "political vendetta" brought about by Freddy, Steve, Andy & co., it has NOTHING to do with shared services and everything to do with eliminating a political opponent.
turgid 9 months, 1 week ago
They ran on shared services and consolidation. Sorry if you are unable to figure out what that means.
turgid 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Casey, who created the circus like atmosphere. Could it have been the Lysander Republican Committee whipping up people with lies and bringing signs? The LRC operatives far out numbered anybody else in the room. Yes, there was heckling of liars. Lies should never go unchallenged.
ghostofbville 9 months, 2 weeks ago
Your maturity shines right through, but then again it what we come to expect from the JAM "shills". Funny how your bunch never commented on JAM viloating the Open meeting laws & trying to hide their efforts behind closed doors. And please stop blaming the former Supervisor & board for everything, you sound like a whiney little brat.
turgid 9 months, 1 week ago
We sure objected when the previous administration held their private meeting before and after every meeting. The one time Barry invited people back into the inner sanctum, Brian May threatened Fred Burtch's life and Barry called the police. The previous administration was never open for the public. Your hypocrisy is amazing. By holding one working session open to the public, they have done more than has been done in the previous 16 years.
skip 9 months, 2 weeks ago
All I remember from the democratic meeting last year was John S saying he is not Barry and I endorse the Y at that location. Is that not true? Lysander 1st, LBC, what ever you want to call them started with one agenda, get Barry and the boys out, which included dog catcher. I do agree with you in that the choice is up to the voters in the end, but feel the Board is doing this to remove Lisa from her position. Van Buren is not considering changing their Clerk position so how is doing ours going to help consolidation? If they want the Clerk out, run somebody against her, though I am not sure they can do it again as I don't see Mark Bitz and the YMCA buying, I mean funding this next campaign.
Mixologist 9 months, 2 weeks ago
I have attended a few meetings in Lysander. Have become disgusted with the antics some attending are allowed to conduct. The bald guy seems to be interrogating the board. I would have him removed for disruption of town business. Disrespect runs a muck in that room from both sides of the bench. The supervisor would learn a lot by attending VanBuren meetings, taking note how things are done on that side of the river. Very professional they are. Good luck Lysander. You're going to need it.
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