by Andrew Getty
For the first time, intentionally at least, I’m going to break my self-imposed rule of writing by never using the words I, me or my. You see, these articles were never intended to be about me, but wholly about the topic of the article. All in an attempt to try and provide a glimpse of the code, rule or regulation that many property owners have to live by and why.
So, here I go…
Dear Jay Lawson of the Weekly Adirondack,
I read with great interest your article about the anonymous Christmas greeting card you received that seemed to relish over the passing of Supervisor Parker Snead.
First and most important, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Parker Snead family.
Although I am not employed by the Town of Forestport, and had only met Parker a few times, the loss of anyone who puts themselves on the firing line of a small town in an attempt to do good for his community does not deserve such a despicable and cowardly slam.
Whoever you are, shame on you.
I’m all too familiar with those types’ anonymous letters making accusations of my integrity, professionalism and character.
When someone is charged with authority, whether its codes, police work, elected officials (especially Supervisors) or whatever, it is so easy to point fingers and scream negativity or acts of impropriety.
All too often some people just assume that I or anyone from my office is on the take, always doing favors for a friend, treating other town officials with extreme favoritism, or otherwise being vindictive and dishonest.
After working code enforcement since the very early 1980s, I have become very callous to such treatment.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter what town you’re from. There are just people who think that is how things are done everywhere, without giving a fleeting thought that there just may be some municipal officers who actually try to do their job in the most fair, straight forward, up-front and honest way possible.
Imagine that.
Since I started here in the Town of Webb in 2002, there has never been a time that someone has outright suggested I take a bribe, be it cash, service or otherwise… but there have been several times where the hint was extremely strong, without coming right out and saying it.
My conclusion in those situations is, most likely that is how that person does business elsewhere, either by choice or otherwise.
I’m very aware that there are those places that certain acts of impropriety exist. Shame on them, it is in those situations that puts a blemish on the entire industry.
And who loses in those situations?… The entire town or village, let alone your self-respect.
There has been, and probably still will be more times when my temper gets tested. I’ve taken verbal and written abuse that is unwarranted and excessive; often by anonymous letters.
I guess that comes with the job. People are people. Issues are issues. Situations are what they are.
Here in this office, I try to make sure that Steve, my lead inspector, and I try to make others know always that a gentleman stands before them. Some of you may understand that concept!
So, whoever had to involve the Weekly Adirondack and more specifically Jay with that stupid, immature, disgusting and simply very inappropriate card… especially a Christmas card… I say to you, grow up. I’d like to say a bunch or other things as well, but I’ll just think it to myself.
To you Jay, I have found that you do a great job in your reporting. You’re fair. You’ve called me personally to ask questions before writing something. You love your work and take great pride in your paper… and it shows. You have always been supportive of this article and its intended purpose. For that, I thank you.
So, now that I have violated my own rule of never using I, my, me in an article, it’s back to the goal at hand; trying to offer little tid-bits of information about codes and how local zoning works.
However, I admit, it’s good to vent every now and then.
Happy New Year everyone.