To the Editor:
I am writing in reference to recent letters to The Enterprise from Maryann Ronconi [“Total lack of political smarts,” July 27, 2023] and Richard Ronconi [“No choice on Election Day in Berne,” July 27, 2023] as well as an editorial in last week’s issue concerning the current status of politics in the town of Berne [The people are powerless if the political enterprise is not competitive,” Aug. 3, 2023].

Both letters harshly criticize the Berne Democratic Committee for the absence of any Democrats on the upcoming election ballot. I do not fault any Democrats who are well informed of the political environment in Berne for deciding not to run, especially those who ran in the last election.

Despite the well-publicized incompetence, lack of integrity, and absence of dedication to effective public service, the majority of voters elected the full slate of Republican candidates during the previous election.

The assertion from The Enterprise that even one board member of the opposing party can make a significant difference doesn’t seem to be valid in Berne given the difficulties experienced by the lone Democratic board member during the previous administration. Despite his efforts and the well documented stories of the treatment of that board member by the GOP majority and his efforts to expose the incompetence of that board, town residents still voted for Republicans.

I find the failure of The Enterprise to recognize that fact as well as the realities of the current political climate compared with that of 20 years ago to be staggering. The Enterprise embrace of “words of wisdom” from Peggy Warner is equally concerning. Her advice for this period of time is about as useful as a rotary telephone.

Despite the plethora of facts available about the lack of integrity, poor conduct, and incompetence of many of the Berne GOP candidates running in the previous election, Peggy Warner characterized them as honest, good people. I submit that her judgment was not based on an objective and honest assessment of the behaviors of those who had served in Berne political positions at that time, rather partisanship at its best.

I am not affiliated with any party. With that being said, I must disclose that I strongly encouraged my wife, Peggy Christman, to run for town supervisor in the previous election, after I had amassed a 3-inch thick file of Enterprise articles and letters describing the incomprehensible failures of the board to act in the best interest of the town. She agreed along with a number of other committed Berne Democrats.

To say that I was impressed with the majority of the slate of Democratic candidates at that time is an understatement. As a result, I did all I could to help them with their campaign.

With respect to Ms. Ronconi’s letter, I don’t recall seeing her at any of the campaign events. I never heard of an offer by her to help with the campaign in any way. While I don’t like to be harsh, I would ascribe to the saying, “Put up or shut up.”

As for the previous election, I believe that Berne Democrats failed those candidates and if they wish a different town government administration in the future, they need to get involved and act.  For the time being, I believe we have some good members on the current board who want to do good things for this town.

Unfortunately, it is my opinion that the two primary leaders of the board need to go. Thankfully, one is not running for re-election. The only other position available is currently held by Al Thiem, who I believe is an asset to the town.

Sadly, the supervisor position is not up for re-election. The effectiveness of any town board can be significantly limited by the quality and character of its leader. There is an old saying that every village (or town) has an idiot. I think you can figure out where I am going.

Bryon Christman

New York State

Police Major, Retired

East Berne