Webb enjoys good relations between Code Office, elected officials ELECTIONS & CODE OFFICES

Our local elections are over, the results are in. Congratulations to all the candidates who were willing to put their name out there.

Win or not, it is a huge decision to act on the desire to run for any office.

Unlike elected offices, the Code Office [specifically the Code Enforcement Officer] is not elected, but rather appointed by the elected body, the Town Board.

In either case, elected or appointed, it is not uncommon to hear someone say: “I wouldn’t want your job.”

It is amazing how some people assume that the Code Office works at the direction of the Town Board, and specifically by the wishes of the Town Supervisor.

There may be some areas around the state where this is kind of true. In years past, it was even more common.

However in today’s world, finding this to be a reality is becoming less likely.

Does this office talk to the Supervisor and the Town Board?

You bet we do. As would any corporate or business entity discuss matters of importance with the managers running the programs. This is called communication.

This office tries to make sure the appropriate officials are aware of various things that are important for them to know about.

Examples may be potential litigation, problems with the local laws, unenforceable ordinances, a heated exchange between staff and a property owner, or complaints that may be filed with the Town Board.

Knowing that the Town of Webb Code Office deals with thousands of people every year, there are many things that the elected officials would never know about, nor, do they need to know about.

However, just like anyone else, if there is an issue that they are interested in, all they have to do is ask.

The files are public information, and are therefore available through the Freedom of Information Law [FOIL].

This office has never experienced an elected officer coming into the office and demanding potentially inappropriate action be taken against someone else.

That’s a good thing, because it won’t happen. Our little Town is luckily not to be so politically charged as to be susceptible to these types of pressures.

However, there are other towns, cities or villages that this happens more often than one may think.

Being a Code Enforcement Officer in a difficult environment could be challenging. Someone who has a grudge to pursue, and thinks getting elected will give a means through the Code Office, can create absolute havoc in the Code Office.

Now that our Supervisor, Robert Moore, is about to hand over the reins to our new Supervisor, Ted Riehle, it is a good time to say Thank You Robert.

Thank You for a job well done.

Robert has always been thoughtful in every matter that the Code Office had to get him involved with. Or with matters that came to him involving the Code Office. That works two ways. Personal prejudges did not come into play. Each situation is evaluated on its merits and a course of action is identified.

And knowing Ted as we do [he having been the Chairman of the Planning Board for years] the Code Office stands ready to continue that helpful and professional relationship with him.

For any Code Office or Officer to take a political stand, or rally behind a particular candidate is potentially pretty stupid. The intent of this article is not to do that—the elections are over, the results are in.

It is, however, just to say that we all are very fortunate to have the elected people we have had years past, and look forward to working with the new for years yet to come.