To the Editor:

Thank you, Melissa, for your editorial written in the Oct. 10, 2019 issue of the Altamont Enterprise about Peter Hotaling [“Did Peter Hotaling receive a hearing or an exit interview?” The Altamont Enterprise, Oct. 10, 2019]. Your perseverance in “seeking the truth and printing it” is an extremely admirable quality.

You presented the legalities and referenced the laws that were being broken. For this, I am truly grateful.  I wonder how many others who supported the acting supervisor (in reference to this Peter judgment call) are going to remove themselves from what I believe to be the kiss-up crowd? Especially since now they are aware of the laws that were broken.

The excellent cartoon of having the rug pulled out from an individual is missing one thing: the artist did not depict a wheelchair that Peter was in at his executive session. A suggestion for a future cartoon could be “passing the buck $.”

I believe this will be phase two of the blame game, which could come up next. So, folks, don’t keep playing follow the leader; instead, stand up for an honorable cause. To me it appears that you all are mesmerized and being blindly led — or is the word “intimidated” more appropriate than “mesmerized?”

At the town board meeting of Sept. 17, 2019, which I attended, it is my opinion that Peter’s removal/dismissal stemmed from a personal conflict. So then, this so-called conflict, I believe was camouflaged and presented as being financially unfair to the residents of Westerlo, with drummed up excuses.

I have to admit, to me it was almost convincing. It was a pretty good sales pitch — but — flashback to a time in Westerlo’s history — how many thousands of dollars were lost on “architectural designs,” plus whatever, for our town hall extravaganza/escapade? How many people at the front table remember that? Does anything seem hypocritical?

Councilman Rich Filkins, Councilwoman Amie Burnside, Planning Board Chairperson Dotty Verch, Republican Chairperson Lisa DeGroff and myself, a Westerlo resident, supported Peter at the meeting held on Sept. 17.

I tried to put myself in Peter’s unbelievable horrendous situation/condition. His health was critical and his medical prognosis was unfathomable. How could anyone not feel a portion of what he must be going through?

I couldn’t believe all I was hearing at that meeting. Is this the township that I grew up in, raised my kids in, and saw my grandchildren continue on this same path? Is this why America is what it is?

Peter performed his job for 19 years, with a good report card, so why not show him some compassion? Is that how our township helps someone who is down and faced with adversity? It was quite devastating for me to hear and feel the cold, calculating, manipulative attitude in that room.

So I asked myself, who is the new player that was going to be recruited from the sidelines? Is Jack’s back-door policy taking effect once again?

I know previously, in this letter, I mentioned the “pass the buck $” cartoon, but maybe it should be “feeding the vultures.” Wow — and I thought bullying was bad!

My compliments to Bonnie Kohl-Laub for having the decency and the ability to care enough to write her letter in support of Peter. Both you, Melissa and Bonnie, have helped restore my faith in humanity. In my mind, you both went the extra mile for the right cause. I applaud both of your efforts.

Additionally, I enjoyed the introduction letter of Dotty Verch [“When I see a problem, I set out to solve it,” The Altamont Enterprise, Oct. 10. 2019]. I could relate to her life in many ways

 I am one of those appreciative individuals who benefit from Dotty’s broadband committee. I have progressed from dial-up to high-speed internet. A terrific job was done by her and her team.

It pulled me out of the dinosaur era, although I spend a lot of sleepless nights becoming educated on this modern technology. I am not only amazed, but also impressed with Dotty’s commitment to the town of Westerlo. I respect and admire her as she is very approachable and not dictatorial.

In conclusion, it is my opinion that you are three fine women, all of different backgrounds, all determined, all ambitious and all dedicated to make our town a better place to live.

Anita Marrone

Westerlo