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First it was the
town website--used to be done by town residents, not so anymore. Next
the assessment file--used to be given to town residents to post on the
town website--not so anymore. (We had to file an appeal just to
try to get the current assessment database for our own website.)
Then the citizen's
budget committee. They used to have input into the budget
process--not so anymore.
Well, my friends and
neighbors back in November of 2005 the cry was we want change. O.K.---you got it. How does it feel? I'm thinking the previous
administration looks pretty good to me right about now.
Here's some truth for
you:
We have a town website
with little or no information.
We have an assessment
roll that does not stand up to scrutiny. In order words, friends, if
citizens were to file a class action suit against the town using the
information on this website, the town would lose.
An article in the September 19, 2006 Observer Dispatch titled
"New Hartford Dissolves Citizen Budget Panel" quotes Mr. Earle Reed, our Town Supervisor as
saying, "My philosophy is, citizens don't have all the information we have. My (department)
leaders have too many things going on to sit with residents on the committee".
Well, hush my mouth,
Mr. Reed, but I think you and your department heads work for us, sir!
Wake up, New Hartford!
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