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Uproar Used as a Tactic to Silence Discussion
Dear Editor:
On Wednesday last, when the reappointment of John Zarcone to the Putnam Valley Planning Board, was challenged - in good, time honored democratic tradition - you would have thought that a heist was underway! Uproar from Mr. Zarcone's supporters. Supervisor Davis was right to call the brawl to a stop by tabling the appointment.
Why is it that any time a change is proposed in PV which threatens entrenched persons or institutions, there is such uproar? Uproar which drowns out civil discussion, to the disgust of those who want to hear all sides of an issue. It happened during our hearings on the Moratorium when some of the worst heckling came from a town board member who also encouraged thug-like heckling in the audience. Similarly, uproar once again guranteed that all the public heard on Wednesday night was that Mr. Zarcone's reappointment was being challenged.
They did not hear about the credentials and accomplishments of the other candidate, Annette Lindbergh- an experienced and highly regarded architect who has offered to serve. There are obvious good reasons to consider the candidacy of Annette Lindbergh who would provide a fresh, experienced professional view and the balance such boards need. Not incidentally, she would be the only woman on that board, and one of the few women on ANY Putnam Valley board. In the din of uproar, however, we never got to hear how she would certainly fill Councilwoman Keresy's prescription for "balance" on the planning board. Or, at least what I hope Ms. Keresy means by balance, given her campaign palm card promise to bring more women into PV government.
Once again, we saw uproar used as a deliberate tactic to silence full discussion.
Whether in official capacity or otherwise, those who treat PV governance in this way- as their own personal playground- by meeting legitimate challenge with bullying and uproar, not only present the embarrassing spectre of a town beyond the bounds of civil behavior, but also leave no space for a thoughtful consideration of critical issues on which reasonable people can reasonably disagree.
Certainly, there are reasons to support John Zarcone's candidacy, but there are equally good reasons not to. And, fairness and good governance dictate that both be considered, along with the qualifications and drawbacks of other candidates. No honest candidate would want- or deserves less. But, only the Town Board can provide the safe and civil environment needed for this.
It's time for the games to end. I am hoping that the Board will hold the meeting which several residents requested last week, i.e., a meeting in which ALL candidates for the Planning Board will be interviewed in a public forum. I hope that the Board will not try to slip one by us via executive session or other less than transparent method.
Dr. Kathleen O'C. Hoekstra
Putnam Valley
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