To the Editor:

Shortly after Daniel Mackay resigned his seat on the New Scotland Town Board, Craig A. Shufelt and Adam Greenberg announced that they would be candidates for election for the remaining two years of Mr. Mackay’s term.

I thought that this would be refreshing, having two individuals run for the same empty seat, giving the taxpayers a real choice.  Shortly after their announcement, however, the town board appointed Mr. Greenberg to fill the next four months or so of Mr. Mackay’s term; my optimism disappeared.  By running as an incumbent, even though he is a non-elected incumbent, Mr. Greenberg has a distinct advantage in the balloting process.

I suppose it is human nature for the town board members to pick one of their own, but where is the taxpayer in all of this? The town board members may want to work with someone who has proven that he shares their ideas but the taxpayer may be better served by someone who could bring new ideas to the table, not necessarily challenge the board but provide alternative insight into the problems facing the town.

Mr. Greenberg now owes a debt to those appointing him to the board.  How that will play out is unknown, but it seems that someone not beholden to the board but only to the taxpayer could be a more independent voice for the needs of the town’s communities.

Only by voting on Nov. 3 will the taxpayer be heard.

Bill Kerr

Voorheesville