To the Editor:
Read with interest in last week’s Weekly Adirondack, a letter from Parker Snead of Forestport, a candidate for town supervisor, in which he questions the need of the Deputy Supervisor’s position currently held by me.
When I was appointed to this position six years ago, no other town board member was interested in serving in the position, which like all public positions has a large time consumption factor.
Secondly, a deputy supervisor and deputy town clerk must be appointed by New York State law. My position currently pays $2,000 a year and consumes about a thousand hours of time per year.
Mr. Snead claims that benefits should not be paid to this position. Let me point out that when DEC told the town they needed new fuel tanks at the highway department I was able to negotiate a deal, saving the town over $100,000. That is more than ten times greater than what a health insurance payment for Deputy Supervisor costs the town.
During the six years, and with town resolution, I spearheaded the campaign and successfully saved the Woodgate Post office, leased unused town property to an investor which will bring new business and jobs to this area, and increased fire and EMS budgets by the state’s allocated amounts.
In the spring, I spent over one hundred hours of time with Councilman Karn preparing the financing and construction contracts for Mr. Snead’s twin bridges which he stated in full page newspaper ads would not cost more than $495,000. The tab is much higher.
Summer recreation in “magical Woodgate,” his own Topix-appointed deputy supervisor wanted to move the entire summer recreation program to the Adirondack Middle School in Forestport.
As a lifelong member of the White Otter Fish and Game Club who attends most meetings, I conclude within the last year, that the White Otter does not want to be Mr. Snead’s horse ranch.
Supervisor William Hasenauer has managed to maintain his promise of zero general fund taxes and to keep the town as one of the state’s best credit rated towns.
I am pleased to serve on his team and to move this “very negative” town ahead.
Sincerely,
John Isley, Woodgate
(Yes, a signed name that you won’t find on Topix)
