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The Choice is Between Closet Government and People's Government
Dear Editor,
I was disturbed to read Cary Downey's press release in last week's newspaper. Mr. Downey thinks that by dividing this community into two camps, "old" and "new," he can appeal to voters. This is a small community, and we need political leaders who will unite, not divide.
Every person who lives here is invested in this community and each person's voice is equal under the law. When he refers to a "vociferous minority," I assume he means residents who take the time to go to village meetings and contribute to the public dialog that is essential in any democratic institution. With all due respect to Mr. Downey, I don't think I've seen him at a single village meeting.
Thankfully there are two candidates in the upcoming election who believe in open government and in bringing the people of Cold Spring together in public dialog that benefits all of us. The two candidates are Phil Heffernan and John Teagle.
Phil Heffernan has done much for this community during his two year tenure on the Village Board of Trustees. He has been an advocate of dialog and inclusive government. He walks the village every day and takes the time to talk to people, listen to their ideas, and understand their concerns. He has demonstrated that he has the leadership abilities, decision making capabilities, and people skills to be a great mayor. He understands the issues, works to build consensus, and empowers the people around him.
John Teagle has devoted much time to community building. He is director of the Philipstown Recreation Center's soccer program, he coaches basketball, and has volunteered his services as sound engineer and musician at numerous local non-profit events. Mr. Teagle is also a frequent attendee at Village Board meetings and he understands the complex issues that will challenge the Board in the next two years.
The choice in this election is not, as Mr. Downey suggests, between "old" and "new." The choice is between "closet government" and "people's government." Phil Heffernan and John Teagle clearly represent "people's government." Only when issues are debated in public do we get the benefit of the insights, expertise, and experience of the many voices of this community. The best way to ensure that our local government represents the community's best interests is to vote for Phil Heffernan and John Teagle.
Peter Henderson
Cold Spring
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