A Luddite-Type Letter Advocating No Change in Copake Whatsoever

Dear Mr Rosenzweig

It is rather ironic that just before the Planning Committee presents their take on the future of Copake, you write a Luddite-type letter advocating no change whatsoever. While apparently written in the context of the cell tower, it was expanded to cover and express satisfaction with every element of our currently deteriorated Copake Hamlet. I cannot agree that our problems are caused by the current economic slump. Over the past 25 years, I have watched our Hamlet center decay almost to the point of no return. In their current condition these empty buildings will never fill: A former General Store with a deteriorated roof and recently rat infested. A former bar with a suspended liquor license. The yellow submarine aka Tyvex Palace with Health citation for a leaking septic and non-code wiring  plastered all over the second storey exterior. A junk yard on the towns southern exit. And more.

If these are the elements of rural charm that you insist on preserving, you are welcome to them. However many of us hope for a revival of Copake led by the efforts of our Planning Committee.

Leonard Ladin

Request From The United Way of Columbia and Greene Counties

Do you know why people contribute to the United Way of Columbia and Greene Counties?

It is because they share the “core values” of the UWCG with their own values:

1.            Helping children and youth succeed

2.            Strengthening and supporting families

3.            Building vital and safe neighborhoods

4.            Supporting health, independence and vital services for seniors

So  people who donate are contributing to their own values.

In 2011 the UWCG funded 37 programs in 35 agencies that met these impact areas .

The UWCG has a fund raising event planned each month in 2011: a Catfish Derby, a Motorcycle Run,

and “Hands Connecting Lives” connecting Greene County to Columbia County with 1000+ people across the bridge!

To volunteer or participate call Brad Poster, Director at 943-1813.

Brad Poster, Executive Director

United Way of Columbia and Greene Counties

P.O. Box 52

Hudson, NY 12034

518-828-4200 Office

518-755-2155 Cell

www.uwcg.org

The Safety of our Children on our Roads

Bob;

A quick note of thanks for the Copake Chronicle. It is an extraordinary publication that I look forward to each week. The news, the humor and the insights that go into the political process of our town is wonderfully put together. Where do you find the time? 

I strongly agree with your editorial of last week. The citizens group lead by Ms. Dipiri have legitimate questions about the safety of our children on our roads and especially on the bridge. I agree that just because they might have a shoulder doesn’t mean that they are safe for the community to use. What will the speed limit be? We still don’t know about the signs and the markings on the road itself.  Without the Chronicle I would know nothing about this project?   Thanks again and please continue to fight for our safety.

Janet Hanson  

Inaccurate and False Accusations

Well Bob, once again I am forced to respond to your inaccurate and false accusations. In your May 12th issue of the Chronicle you wrote that the new Brown's dam bridge did not have accommodations for bikers or pedestrians. When I pointed out to you that the plans for the project had been in the Clerk's office for almost a year you started your play on words. Yes, I did tell everyone that the "study" was there for everyone's inspection. Let me ask you this, when an engineering firm does a study, don't you think they would at least need something to study, such as construction plans? Several other people, including Planning Board and ZBA members, understood this and came in to look at the plans (study). Last year you were the one who brought up the issue of the effects of the construction on the integrity of the dam. Did you bother to look at the plans (study) to answer your questions then? NO. Had you taken the time you would have seen the the incorporation of the wider shoulders to accommodate bikers & pedestrians.

    I'm by no means a trained journalist but I do remember my junior high school english classes where I was taught that before you write something you need to verify all your information. When you heard rumors that there was no accommodations for bikers or pedestrians did you verify the information? NO.Did you look at the plans(study)? NO. Did you contact me to ask about it? NO. Did you contact anyone at County DOT? NO. Did you contact anyone at Clough Harbor? NO. You simply wrote your article based on false and unverified information.

    Now let's tell the rest of the story. You attended the May 11th Board of Supervisors meeting in Hudson. At that time I shared with you a copy of a letter that I had just received that the Chairman had sent to our EAB chairman. You read the entire letter. In that letter Chairman Brown pointed out the accommodations made for bikers and pedestrians. Yet when you published your article the next day you made no mention of this information that was shared with you. Why? You did not even, at the very least, include a post script to your article that you had received additional information the evening before.

    On May 14th you sent, via email, a copy of your article to Chairman Brown with the comment to him that it was published before his letter came to your attention.

 That Bob was an absolute lie. You had knowledge of the Chairman's letter prior to the start of the May 11th BOS meeting yet your article was published the next day, May 12th. If and when you ever become Supervisor, is that how you plan to conduct yourself, lying to the Chairman?

    You are correct when you say there was a lack of communication in this matter. It happened when you published another article that was based on rumors, misleading, inaccurate and unverified information. You have once again done a great disservice to your readers.

Reggie Crowley

Supervisor

Some Thoughts about Elinor Mettler's Passing

The news of Elinor Mettler’s untimely death came to me as a shock –– and with an aftershock when I realized that we had been acquaintances and colleagues for some thirty-five years!   Our earliest connection began in the ‘70’s with the Roe Jan Historical Society.  A highlight was the historic church tour marking the Nation’s Bicentennial, and with that the creation of the Roe Jan Community Choir under the baton of Newell Jenkins.  

 

Despite my relocating to California, we stayed in contact and, in fact, had been in active correspondence only a few weeks ago.   Elinor had a profound influence on me and on my late wife, Marion, who had a significnt professional relationship with the Dr. John Mettler.  All who knew Elinor owe her deep gratitude for the multitude and abiding contributions she made to the community.   She was, indeed, the ‘great lady of Copake’.

     

Howard Ennes

Copake is a Destination for Cyclists

To:
Roy Brown, Chairman of the Board, Columbia County, NY
Bob Fitzsimmons, County Attorney, Columbia County, NY
Bart Delany, Chair of Public Works, Columbia County, NY
Dean Knox, Engineering Division Director, Columbia County, NY

Dear Sirs,
The Copake Economic Advisory Board unanimously supports the combined Brown's Dam/County Route 7a rehabilitation projects (PIN#s 8757.17 & 8757.21) to have GreenLITES certification.

Copake is a destination for cyclists and we think all communities should encourage access for walking and biking; it is therefore important that this project have GreenLITES certification.

There are numerous concerns that have been raised over this impending project. One of the biggest concerns is the absence of a pedestrian/bike path over the bridge. The second concern is the lack of public input. The last time there was an opportunity for public input was seven years ago, and that is a very long time ago.
We would like our voices to be heard before construction commences. We would also request that GreenLITES certification be included to make this process possible.

Sincerely,
Leslie Wood
Chair
Copake Economic Advisory Board

Community Day is June 18th!

Dear Neighbor,

Community Day is June 18th!   This fun filled daylong celebration attracts thousands of people from Copake and the surrounding neighborhoods.  Please don't miss your chance to help support this great event, now in its 22nd year!

Please show your support by taking a vendor table, or becoming a sponsor of one of the many activities.  As you may know, Copake Community Day is a free event for everyone to enjoy.  We do this with the help of so many of our sponsors and supporters.  Please join us to help make June 18th a huge success!

Here is how you can participate!

·         Share your story!  Non profits can host a table at no cost, however, tables need to be confirmed using the form attached.

·         Showcase your business by taking a table.  Plants, antiques, crafts or jewelry vendors are needed.   

·         Sponsors can support community day and receive recognition in many ways including mention in flyers and posters all around town.   Many sponsorships are still available.  

·         Individual donations are gladly accepted and go a long way toward ensuring Community Day can be fun filled and kept completely free to attend.

General questions regarding Community Day, please email:  karendiperi@gmail.com

Vendor questions contact Bill Newcomb at 518-329-1234 or 325-5932

Sponsor questions call Chris Quinby at 518-755-9642.

Best,

Karen DiPeri

Community Day Committee

In response “Do We Need A Cell Tower?”

 In response to Mr. Rosenzweig’s letter “Do We Need A Cell Tower?” the answer is a resounding YES! 


He does make some good arguments as to the area’s charm, but there are many other uses of a cell tower.  Would the argument be the same when a loved one is having a cardiac event and the paramedics cannot get adequate service to speak with a physician or send telemetry? 


Would the argument be the same if a tanker carrying hazardous materials crashes on Rt. 22 and the Fire Department cannot pull up the latest weather and wind directions from the trucks to set up an evacuation area?  Would the argument be the same if a police officer cannot get the latest information on suspect via their MDT (Mobile Data Terminals).  And yes, there are plenty of areas in the county where the emergency services radios have difficulty transmitting and receiving.  


So before we as a town say no to a cell tower as a convenience, please consider the essential public safety uses they provide.


Michael LaForge

Do we really need a cell tower?

I get pretty consistent cell service with my Verizon phone.
If I happen to be stuck in a ditch in one of the few spots that doesn't get reception, I
am willing to take that chance.

This "rural" community is starting to seem more and more like it is pushing the envelope and
yearning to be something it is not, or should ever be.

We want the perks, but we also want to keep it the same.
I hear an awful lot of contradiction and hypocrisy with what some people
have to say about what they want and don't want to change here.
Downtown Copake  is an "eyesore"?

I think it's just a small town that is in an economic slump, pretty much like everywhere else,
yet it still has held on to the basic needs and services anyone should want out of their small town.

Two banks
A diner
A deli
A gas station
A few mechanics
A pharmacy
A laundromat
Dairy farmers
Doctors
lawyers
Realtors
A library
And plenty more

Yes, there are some empty storefronts.
They will be occupied again, in time.

What's the hurry?
If you want a fancy cappuccino, or a $50 meal, you know where you can go.
You want culture, you want a NY Times, you want free Wifi. It's already here. Maybe you have to drive a little.
You all made a choice to live here.

This town is just fine the way it is.
It will have a livelier downtown in due time, then it will slow up again, and so on. It's been like that for many, many generations.

In the meantime, get a cellphone through Verizon, buy a delicious, inexpensive breakfast or lunch
at the deli, and if your car breaks down, we are lucky enough to have one of the most dependable, honest, and professional auto body shops anyone could ever need.

This town is not broken, so stop trying to fix it.
If you try to have it both ways, you'll get it, and things will never be the same.
Take a nice deep breath of clean, sweet air, stop worrying about your cellphones, stop complaining about the cow manure,
look around, get outside of yourself and love this bucolic slice of heaven for what it is and what it used to be, and not what it "could be".

-Steve Rosenzweig

A Lovely Evocation of Rip Van Winkle

Hi Bob:   
Last November I wrote with anguish and apprehension on the construction of the entrance building to the Ore Pit Park. I’ve watched it grow and evolve into what I expect to be a lovely evocation of Rip Van Winkle, fully laden with ready-to-remember corners, crannies, wrinkles, the hat, and all save a smoking pipe.

Congratulations to everyone, including the building crew, who have had a hand in this very delicate treatment of, after all, a very sensitive spot: the point of entry and the last visible point on exit.
Thank you all. 

Bob Wood

The Backbone of our Local Society

Bob:

I want to thank you for bringing the emergency services into such clear and necessary focus. Our town is indeed blessed by an extraordinary volunteer corps of men and woman who without pay risk their lives and their valuable time to protect the public. Your editorials have made me realize just how special they are.  I have a different perspective on the subject now. They are indeed the backbone of our local society. My gratitude to them all. 

John M. Graves

Understanding Social Security

Understanding Social Security

     A mailing received from a group that calls itself American Federation of Senior Citizens declares that “Obama and the liberals continue to use something that they call the Social Security Trust Fund—draining that fund to pay for needless pork projects and massive government spending.  The fact of the matter is that there is no Trust Fund.”  In addition to crediting the President with draining a fund that doesn’t exist, this mailing projects a willful or grossly ignorant distortion of the Social Security system. I interrupt this sophomoric attempt to mislead seniors to interject elements of truth that I think can be helpful.

     Social Security retirement and disability payments have been paid for by the 6.2% payroll tax of gross worker income paid by both employer and employee (12.4% total.)  To this date, income from payroll taxes has exceeded payments to recipients.  The surplus income has gone into the Social Security Trust Fund.  By law, this fund can be used only to preserve the capacity of the Social Security system to pay benefits. It cannot be used for any other purpose.  Funds in the Trust Fund have been invested in U.S. government securities.

     That said, there is a real Social Security financial problem on the horizon.  For demographic reasons, the Baby Boom population bulge now beginning to move into retirement and the decline in number of workers relative to payment recipients, benefit payments will, not later than 2014, exceed income from payroll taxes.  Until 2022, the gap will be filled by two other sources of income, interest on government securities in the Trust Fund and payments into the Trust Fund from income taxes paid on a portion of Social Security benefits.  At that time, the Trust Fund will have to begin redeeming its government securities.  In 2010, these securities were projected to last, if there were no changes in the funding of Social Security, to 2037.  Thereafter, with the Trust Fund fully depleted, Social Security payments, relying entirely on payroll taxes, would drop to 78% of the expected amount.

     There are two reasons to develop additional funding for the Social Security system on which nearly all of us rely.  First, when the Trust Fund begins cashing in its securities, that addition to the expense side of the federal budget will add to pressure elsewhere in the federal budget.  It is likely that current budgetary debates in Washington will repeat:  should the budget be balanced by cutting military expenditures and tax credits for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, or by cutting health, educational, and other programs that serve the middle class and the working poor?  Second, failure to prevent a 22% reduction in Social Security payments will thrust additional millions of elderly Americans into poverty.

     Possible ways to keep the Trust Fund solvent indefinitely include repealing the tax cuts for the super-wealthy and raising, to the extent necessary, the current $102,000 ceiling on Social Security payroll taxes. Over time, of course, national priorities that determine the federal budget should be continually reexamined from both fiscal and moral perspectives.

     Now then, what were you saying?

Clark M. Simms

Copake Falls

(518) 325-4376

Copake Lights the Way

The lead article in the March 24th edition of the Columbia Paper highlighted the steps being taken by the Town of Copake to move into the 21st Century by installing solar panels on its public buildings.

 

Thanks to the strong efforts by Councilwoman Linda Gabaccia (D), who is always looking out for the best interests of the Town and its citizens, and Councilman DannyTompkins (R), who has been the voice of reason and intelligence on the Republican controlled Board, not only will the Town do its part to conserve fossil energy, but it will save and even make money to help its budget for the next forty years.

 

They worked together to obtain grants to pay for all but $30,000 of the costs and are to be congratulated.  Thanks to both of you.

 

Morris Ordover

Copake, NY

Thoughts on Social Security

I am a senior citizen, 81 years old. In my mail on 3/19/11came a letter in large, black, easy-to-read type, a form letter from the American Federation of Senior Citizens proclaiming the looming death of Social Security by"Obama and the liberals (who) continue to use the Social Security Trust Fund -- draining that fund to pay for needless pork projects and massive government spending", when in reality Social Security is doing FINE right now!

Reality: Income from Social Security is earned when people work. Automatically a designated percent (6.2%) of the earner's wage is deposited in the Social Security Trust Fund  by both the employer and the employee. A record is kept of this transaction is kept so that all the monies collected this way by that worker over his or her life until age 65 will begin to be returned to him or her in monthly payments until death.

NO MONEY from this Trust Fund is used for any government expense other than dispensing  monthly portions to the retired person who earned them. That's the law.

I feel that is malicious and unfair for the Federation of Senior Citizens to LIE to Seniors that the government  is  "stealing"  their hard-earned life's savings.

There has always been a surplus in the Social Security Trust Fund. At this moment that surplus is thinner because of the recession and subsequent joblessness of this time .  As the "baby boomers" begin to retire, real stress will be added to the S.S.Trust Fund, which will have to use  up the fund, and by 2045 it will disappear.

BUT there is one action that the Government can make which will prevent such a disaster:  TAKING AWAY THE TAX RELIEF FOR THE VERY WEALTHY 2% people. 

Chase Crosley

Copake Falls

Our local NYSEG guys did a heroic job... BUT

Dear Bob (hope you're feeling better)

During the last snow storm we were out of power for almost 5 days...many households were out equally as long in last one as well. Our local NYSEG guys did a heroic job  , as usual, but the problem is, we now have very few local workers. NYSEG was purchased several years ago by a Spanish Company called Iberdrola.They have done what a lot of companies have been doing and that is slashing services as cost cutting measures. They also purchased Rochester Gas and from what I understand the situation is the same in that community. Iberdrola, I have heard, has cut over 60% of the  local service and has set up a complicated corporate structure not located in Columbia County for emergency response. Instead of locals who know where everything is and can fix a pole or power line on the spot...the response time has slowed to days...not hours. I don't know about you, but with all of this cost cutting, my utility prices have not been reduced...how about yours? Are we outsourcing important emergency responsiveness? A friend in Rochester suggested we make sure to purchase a generator as this is just the beginning.

Iberdrola is a Spanish utility company. The company is engaged primarily in the generation, transmission, distribution, and marketing of electricity and natural gas. 
Iberdrola acquired international energy company Scottish Power in November 2006, giving access to new markets and augmenting its generation capability along with other benefits. The combined entity operates in Spain, the UK, the US, Mexico, Brazil, Greece, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Guatemala, Bolivia, and Chile.

A letter of Safety from Japan

Hi Bob - thought you might be interested in the following facebook message I received from Sachie Hoshino, the Japanese student who lived with us back in 1996 from Gunma Prefecture. We've stayed in contact over the years and she sent this after I sent her a message to see if she was ok. -

Maggie Graefe

Thank you, mom! small earthquake is not unusual for us and we are well prepared for, just in case. but nobody expected such a big quake... The number of Dead and unidentified people has increase everytime turning on TV, it seems that over ten thousand, I can't believe the pics of screen... so terrible. It'll be start planned-blackout from tomorrow morning in my place, and not easy to get enough gas for car at present. but I think I'm lucky, all my family and friend are safe and i'm able to have almost same life in my house! My best friend lives in Sendai, which area is one of suffered heavy damage from Tsunami. Fortunately, she stayed in the hotel far from coast area for preparing her wedding party in next day, so she was saved. if earthquake happend in 12th, i would be going to visit her.

Sachie Hoshino

Why the Grand Jury can't see the forest through all the trees.

Why the Grand Jury can't see the forest through all the trees.


The Grand Jury can only hear what the District Attorney allows them to hear. There is no cross examination and no witnesses that testify that the District Attorney dose not allow. Once the police decide a person is guilty and convince the District Attorney indictment and a trial are sure to follow.

The police can cherry-pick the facts. Given two suspects they start to pick the facts that fit their personal prejudices. That is what happened in the murder of Viola Manville. Of the two suspects, Mark Christy and Frank Sterling, Frank Sterling became the police target and the facts surrounding Frank Sterling were presented to the Grand Jury. Frank Sterling spent the next 18 years of his life in jail for a crime he did not do. Mark Christy went on to murder again.

The best way to prevent cherry-picked facts from convicting an innocent person is to change who decides if a trial will take place. It should be decided by a judge in a hearing where the accused can have council and cross examine the police in how they conducted their investigation.

New York State should replace the Grand Jury as Britain did 78 year ago

Grant Dinehart Langdon

Let's value life!

Bob,


I feel your "humorous" cartoon depicting the killing of a bear published in the March 3rd Chronicle is inappropriate. The killing of any living animal, especially one who unsuspectingly was just enjoying a drink of water from a pond, is not what we want to laugh at, or foster in our children. Please rethink such humor going forward unless there was a hidden message in this one. For the most-part, I think many of your other cartoons were good. but this one was definitely not. Let's value life!

Terry Ardito

Thank you for supporting Camphill Village!

Dear Editor,

I speak for our Board of Directors and the 240 people who live and work in Camphill Village, many of whom are adults with developmental disabilities and offer a heartfelt thank you to the volunteer firefighters who helped us on Feb. 13.

It was 3 am on a Sunday morning when the alarm went out.    Fighting a fire that burned our Garden Shed and workshop to the ground was dangerous and challenging with the ice and snow….remaining cheerful and dedicated is another. 

Many of the firefighters were still on the scene twelve hours later.  A nicer and more dedicated group of people can’t be found – they mentioned that it was “nothing”, “all in the line of duty”, “our pleasure”.     We applaud the volunteers from the Ancram, Copake, Craryville, Hillsdale, and Taghkanic  departments for their unfailing assistance and willingness to help as volunteers. 

We especially thank Chief John DeRoche of the Copake Fire Company #1.

With sincere appreciation,

Robert G. Norris

President, Board of Directors

Camphill Village USA, Inc.

Reggie Crowley Responds to Eithics Questions

Chronicle Editor’s Note: The following is an exchange of
ideas resulting from last week’s editorial in The Chronicle about the Copake
Ethics Board and the possibility of our town board shutting it down.

These letters come from a forum called Copake Politics. It is an open forum with just a few restrictions. The political discussion should be contained to Copake only and civility should prevail at all times. You can join this group by sending the moderator Howard Blue a request to join at Krylatsk@Gmail.com
_____________________________________________________________________________
From John Decker
I haven't taken any stand on any of the issues so far talked about here because I didn't think I had enough information. But today I will because this is different.  I am proud to live in a town that has an Ethics Board. It is good for the town and the people who live in Copake.Why would our town board even consider to shut it down?  It is a
dumb idea.  I am hoping that it is just some sort of  lawyer talk and the town
board will completely dismiss the idea.
J. Decker

From Bob Sacks

John:
In all fairness, other than myself, the board hasn't taken any official stand yet. We have to
wait and see what the other board members wish to do. I am hopeful like yourself that they quickly stand up and express their full support and intent to keep the Ethics Board where it belongs, right here in Copake. So far there are just recommendations from the town lawyer. Only the Town Board can make a change.
But thank you for your comment.

Bob Sacks
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From Janet Hanson

I think Mr. Decker has made a very valid and important point. Given a choice I would prefer to live in a town with ethics. Is there someone who disagrees?

Janet H.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From Reggie Crowley

In reply to your comments about the Ethics Board. First of all, Mr. Blue did not question the integrity of the Ethics Board itself, but rather questioned the legality of the law. The Board asked the attorney to look into Mr. Blue's question. The attorney did not suggest anything.He gave us a report that outlined the opinions of the Committee on Open Government. He also gave us TWO options to consider.

The first was to for a committee to review our ethics law and make any necessary changes. The second was to adopt the County's ethics law, which was just reviewed about 3 months ago.He DID NOT suggest one option above the other. He left that decision up to the Board.The attorney did exactly what we asked him to do.

He didn't confer with the Liason because at the time there was no Liason to the Ethics Board. Kind of tough to talk to someone who doesn't exist.He didn't confer with the Ethics Board because the Ethics Board DOES NOT write the law, that would be a bit of a conflict don't you think?

Once again Bob, you are posting only partial information and half truths. Perhaps what you should be concerned with is why the Ethics Board did not meet or even pick up their mail for 10 months.

Fortunately, there were no complaints in the pile of mail that built up for 10 months, but they could not have known this if they didn't bother to check their mail.I believe that if you check our present ethics law you will see it requires that the Ethics Board meet monthly, whether they have complaints or not.

If you are going to make posts Bob, you should post ALL the information. Posting inaccurate,incomplete information and half truths are a great disservice to the people of our town.

Reggie Crowley
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From Howard Blue

Re discussion of the ethics committee,

I wish to correct Reggie Crowley's assertion of what I requested that the board ask the town attorney. Three months ago, at the Nov. Town board meeting I asked the board to look into the legality of keeping the Ethics Board's work secret, a procedure which I suggested violated the state's Open Meetings Law. In response, Reggie said that he would check with the attorney.

Many weeks went by and I had still not received the promised reply. So on February 8,  I repeated the request in an e-mail to all of the board members except Walt Kiernan.
Then, earlier today in a posting to this forum, Reggie wrote "Mr. Blue did not question the integrity of the Ethics Board itself, but rather questioned the legality of the law."

I've already established above what specifically my question was. My concern is with openness in government and compliance with the Open Meetings Law. I believe that we need an Ethics Committee and that as much as practical and legal, its meetings should be open to the public as should its findings.

I also believe that our elected representatives owe it to us to be held accountable. Good and honest representatives will not have problems doing so. Only representatives who are less than good and honest need to fear compliance with the law and responsible oversight.

Howard Blue

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From Bob Sacks

To Reggie Crowley and the Copake Politics Group:

Reggie Crowley twice has posted interesting notes in this email forum. In his closing statement in the first note he concludes that:

“Posting inaccurate, incomplete, information and half-truths are a great disservice to the people of our town. “ For the first time, in a long time, I agree with Mr.
Crowley. I suggest that he consider following his own advice.

1) Mr. Crowley is incorrect in his first statement of what Mr. Blue asked. Mr. Blue didn’t ask about the legality of having an Ethics Board, he asked if they were following Open
Meeting Law.

2) In Mr. Crowley’s letter he proudly suggests a fascinating reason why our lawyer didn’t
speak to the liaison. Mr. Crowley said:

 ”He didn't confer with the Liason because at the time there was no Liason to the Ethics Board. Kind of tough to talk to someone who doesn't exist.”

I respectfully suggest that Mr. Crowley reconsider that statement.  There has always been a
liaison to the Ethics Board since 2006, with the exception that no appointment was made in 2010.  Who makes liaison appointments is a good question.  That responsibility would fall to the supervisor. Reggie, why didn’t you appoint a liaison in 2010? 

3) Mr. Crowley complains that the Ethics Board didn’t meet. That is true.  They did not meet when there were no cases.  I am aware that several of our boards don’t meet when there were no cases.  The ZBA and The Planning Board come to mind.

At the end of the day none of this posturing by me or Reggie matters.  What matters is whether the Town Board will sustain our local Ethics Board.  I am for continuing to have one.

I am asking Reggie right here and now to declare his intentions.  Reggie, will you support the continuation of a local Ethics Board in Copake?

Bob Sacks

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From Reggie Crowley

To answer Councilman Sacks questions.

In regards to Mr. Blue's question as to why the finding of the ethics board are not made public. This refers to the legality of our law which states that all complaints are confidential, therefore it is a question about the law, not the ethics board members.

Yes I did not appoint a liason in 2010. My reason for this was to avoid any appearance of political influence on the ethics board. I'm not in any way implying there was, but with no Town Board member as a liason it takes away all doubt. But in February 2011 the ethics board asked for a liason so I appointed one at that time.

Yes the ethics board did not meet for 10 months Bob, and your reasoning is that was because they had no complaints. A question for you Bob, how did they know they had no complaints if they didn't pick up their mail for that 10 month period?

As to my stand on the issue, I still have several questions for the attorney and the ethics board itself. When I get the answers to my questions I will make up my mind.

Reggie Crowley
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From John Cady
[Copakepolitics] Ethics obfusification

New Word. Obfusification. noun, Just talking non-sense in a thinly veiled attempt to cloud the real issue rather than even acknowledging it. See obfuscation.
This is getting too weird.

Now Mr. Crowley is suggesting there was a question about the Ethics Board members?

"In regards to Mr. Blue's question as to why the finding of the ethics board are
not made public. This refers to the legality of our law which states that all
complaints are confidential, therefore it is a question about the law,  not the ethics board members."

My understanding of ethics issues in government is that they can go two ways.  The people can have questions about the ethics of officials and officials can have questions about how they should conduct themselves when they perceive they may have conflicts. Officials with questions may want to consult an attorney but my understanding is that the Ethics Board is there to help with those questions also. Our Supervisor says he had an ethics question that prevented him from carrying out his duties regarding the ethics board. The ethics board is there to help. There is no such thing as a dumb question there.

"Yes I did not appoint a liason in 2010. My reason for this was to avoid any appearance of political influence on the ethics board. I'm not in any way implying there was, but with no Town Board member as a liason it  takes away all doubt. "

What was the question? That is the first question to ask when evaluating the attorney's response. Lawyers are expensive. Did the Supervisor really say, Mr. Attorney, tell us what the legality of the Ethics Board is and the attorney said, gee that's a complicated question, lots of case law there, I'll get back to you in a few months? Maybe questions put to our
attorney should be drafted in session as a team effort.

John Cady

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From Janet Hanson

This has become scary. What possible problem could there be for having a local ethics board?  What possible reason could there be to be against it? It makes no sense.  Not having ethics is like not having churches. I am appalled.
Janet

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From Howard Blue
Reggie Crowley wrote, "The ethics board meetings are open to the public, when they meet. (but that's another issue). But as you know, personnel matters that may involve discipline are confidential, even at Town Board meetings."

Reggie,
Three months ago, I asked the board to look into the legality of keeping the Ethics Board's work secret, a procedure which I suggested violated the state's Open Meetings Law. Would you please clarify? Is your statement above the town attorney's response to which I have been waiting since November?

If a an ethics complaint is made regarding a town employee or elected official and the Ethics Board finds that complaint is valid, does the law support keeping that conclusion secret, does it support protecting an employee's or official's behavior that has been found to be
unethical?

Also, you wrote "The lag in replying to your question was because of the time it took the attorney to research this issue." But as I said in my recent posting you misrepresented the question I had asked. You stated that I had questioned the law which I did not. I asked
whether the Ethics Board's operating in secret was in compliance with the Open
Meetings Law.

And you wrote, "The ethics board meetings are open to the public, when they meet. (but that's another issue)." What do you mean that's another issue? It goes to the very heart of the question I asked: secrecy or openness.

I repeat the question that I asked in November: What is the legality of the Ethics Board operating in secret? Your statement that the public can attend its meetings seems to contradict your implied statement that the public cannot hear discussion of any personnel action that might result in disciplinary action. So what can the public hear at an Ethics Board meeting besides the Pledge of Allegiance? And what about the public's access to the
Ethics Board's findings of the ethical violations?

If your statements above are not a report on the attorney's findings, when can I expect an answer (to the actual question that I asked)? Before the end of the month? Before the end of the year?

Howard Blue