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Letters to the Editor: Open Government & Accountability Concerns

May 18, 2011

To the Editor:

Following our Village Board Meeting this week, I am disappointed and disheartened. Where has open government and taxpayer accountability gone in our Village?

Since the Reorganization Meeting on April 4 under Mayor Coyne, we have seen the following:

The law firm, Tarshis, Catania, etc. has been re-appointed after three Trustees ran up exorbitant legal bills. I had asked Mayor Coyne to start off with a clean slate and a new law firm to bring unity to the Board. This law firm presented to us what I consider an embarrassing proposal with no fixed retainer. Their monthly retainer of $5,000 for 28 hours of services is the same as last year. So the Mayor has now become the ‘legal police’ that we don’t exceed our 28 hours. Once again, law firm wins, village loses!

We have also seen the treasurer not re-appointed and the position filled without advertising and conducting interviews. Why? There are still questions left unanswered for me about the clerk position. Are we combining the two positions? There have been no procedural steps and no guidelines for checks and balances on payments of claims by the Village.

Now we are faced with re-appointing a new police chief. Chief Weber came to us with a very positive approach to policing and department management. He has reduced the cost of our police department so it is more affordable and upgraded the professionalism. What more can we ask but he is now being replaced.

One of my major concerns is that we are politicizing every department in our village. We elect a new mayor and every department head is in jeopardy.

We have also moved into an era of time limits for addressing the Board at the one meeting that a resident can speak. Jan Smith attempted to read a prepared statement with pertinent and pointed questions regarding accountability and she was rudely interrupted and advised at one minute intervals. I was bewildered and alarmed to see this happen. Did we elect a dictator? Again, I understand about moving the meeting along but three minutes is restrictive and sends a message. That is why Trustee Argenio and I are hosting a Dialogue with Residents on Saturday, June 11 at 11 AM with no time limits. Open government and accountability will be on the agenda. Please mark your calendar and come. Thank you.

Barbara Gosda
Trustee
Cornwall on Hudson

Comments:

Wow told not to talk sounds scarry

posted by barbara hembree on 05/18/11 at 6:02 PM

Here is the video watch for you're self and make you're own opinion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-picCIA_zU
it is also on my Channel ArgenioAndrew on YouTube

posted by Andrew Argenio on 05/18/11 at 6:26 PM

Barbara, even though I cant make it to the discussion I would like to know if Coyne will replace Weber with a Part time chief. Thanks in advance.

posted by J Buescher on 05/19/11 at 7:36 AM

Sounds to me like a bunch of whining again just like the previous administration. If something doesn't go your way we cry and complain and stomp our feet. Must have been a habit picked up by our past mayor. Also, Mrs. Gosda and Mr. Argenio having a dialogue on their own without the other members of the board really shows me that this board is really coming together! NOT!!

posted by Steven Calamari on 05/20/11 at 7:17 AM

A meeting with the full board would be an illegal meeting.

posted by Andrew Argenio on 05/20/11 at 8:00 AM

John: I am unable to answer your question because I haven't discussed it with the mayor. However, we have not budgeted for a full-time chief. Thanks,Barbara

posted by Barbara Gosda on 05/24/11 at 1:43 PM

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