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Those We Elect Should Not Undermine Our Laws
Dear Editor:
Philipstown faces real challenges in the years ahead, and never has it been more important for our community to have full-time, hands-on management. Unfortunately, every day it is becoming clearer that our Town Board, under one-party control for the past six years, is failing to offer the kind of leadership and sound judgment our town deserves.
Last year, the people of Philipstown voted to approve a large funding and tax increase to benefit the Butterfield Library. While our Town Board had a lot at stake in the ballot question, including the longterm increase in both spending and taxes, they failed to mount any type of campaign to educate the public as to the high costs.
As the Board was asleep at the wheel, the proponents were able to persuade a majority of voters to accept the increases. And now the Board continues to spend our tax dollars on futile legal appeals, despite their recent decisive loss in our court system.
Regardless of how you feel about the tax increase, which I opposed, the people have spoken. We live in a society that prides itself on respect for the rule of law. Our elected officials don't get to choose which laws they will follow and which they will ignore. Those we elect to lead us and protect our combined interests should be the last ones ready to undermine our laws. Unfortunately, when it comes to lax code enforcement, the library, and other issues, our Board is once again a day late and a dollar short.
Just last week, the Board paid for an advertisement giving an ultimatum to the Library to settle the case. Instead of sitting down at the table and having a dialogue with their opponents, they decided to spend our tax dollars to take the dispute one step lower and further divide our community. At no point has the Board taken full responsibility for their inaction last fall nor accepted the reality that they have no legal leg to stand on. Whether this is the result of being in office too long or having full control without any dissenting voices, Philipstown is ready for a change. We should be able to expect more from our leaders, and we will have the chance to make that change in November.
Jeff Cook Cold Spring
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