To the Editor:

Two years ago, Peter Barber and I were part of a meet-the-candidates forum held by the League of Women Voters. Unfortunately, this year that will not be taking place.

At the forum two years ago, the topic of outside income came up and whether or not we as candidates would have second jobs while being full-time supervisors. Mr. Barber stated that he would be leaving his law practice and becoming a full-time supervisor.

As I knock on doors in different neighborhoods, I have been hearing a constant theme. Residents are not hearing back from the supervisor when they contact Town Hall or are not even able to speak with him directly.

This is unacceptable. We need to have a full-time supervisor to be responsive to the town’s residents. What is the reason for the lack of responsiveness? Is it that he still has another job while he is holding this full-time job?

I write this letter to ask for Peter Barber to prove to the residents that his comments at the forum two years ago actually happened. I ask that Peter Barber release his tax returns to prove that he does not have outside employment while being our full-time supervisor.

In politics, people often say anything to get elected. Will Mr. Barber prove us wrong and show that he no longer has outside employment? Call Peter Barber at Guilderland Town Hall (518) 356-1980 and ask him to release his tax returns. Will he answer the call?

Brian Forte

Guilderland

Editor’s note: Brian Forte, running on the Republican line, is challenging the Democratic incumbent for supervisor, Peter Barber.

Barber responded that he is at the Guilderland Town Hall every weekday from roughly 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., which was confirmed by Police Chief Carol Lawlor and Comptroller Jean Sterling who both work in the same building.

“I return any phone calls I get, every email I get,” said Barber.

Barber was a founding partner of Murphy, Burns, Barber, and Murphy; after Barber left the firm, his name was dropped. James Burns, a partner of Murphy Burns LLP, confirmed that Peter Barber had left the firm.

Barber said, “I ended work at the firm in March 2016 when I wrapped up my remaining cases and started a leave of absence. I formally ended my partnership in July 2017.”

He concluded of Forte’s allegations, “To put it bluntly, I think he’s basically lying.”