To the Editor:
This is a tale of two town boards:

— Town Board 1: A Commitment to Health and Safety

Back in 1996, a proposed formaldehyde production plant, valued at $12 million, raised concerns among the members of the Bethlehem Town Board. Recognizing the potential impact on residents’ quality of life, this town board took decisive action.

The board allocated $100,000 for a comprehensive technical and scientific evaluation of the project, demonstrating a genuine commitment to informed decision-making. Additionally, the board went to court against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to secure lead-agency status.

While they didn’t win the case, their resolute stance in safeguarding the health and safety of the town’s residents was commendable. In the end, the DEC, concluded that the proposed site was unsuitable for the project;

— Town Board 2: Missed Opportunities and Lack of Oversight

Fast forward to our current town board'’ handling of the colossal $350-plus million industrial project planned for Beacon Island, sitting atop millions of tons of hazardous coal ash. Did they seek expert advice for a thorough project evaluation? Regrettably, they did not. Did they fight for lead-agency status to exert control over the project's development? Again, they did not.

Instead, the five elected town board members entrusted lead-agency status to our planning board, composed of five part-time appointed individuals, none possessing the requisite expertise to adequately assess this complex project. While the planning board excels in routine town affairs, managing a project of this magnitude is far from routine.

Rather than advocating for lead-agency status, our current town board readily relinquished this responsibility to the planning board, effectively distancing themselves from any accountability. When questioned about the project, their refrain is, “Our hands are tied, we're not the lead agency!” It’s an incredibly convenient position. The very representatives we elected, and could potentially vote out, now disavow any association with the project.

As someone who supported each member of the current town board, I anticipated they would prioritize the interests of Bethlehem’s citizens, placing people above party. Unfortunately, their actions seem to align more with the demands of national, state, and county politics, often placing citizens’ concerns as a secondary consideration.

This November, we have an opportunity to usher in a much-needed change in our town board. I urge you to cast your vote for Kellin Rowlands, an unaffiliated independent candidate for town board. Kellin’s loyalty lies solely with you, the citizens of Bethlehem, without allegiance to any political party at any level.

Let's embark on a journey to reestablish an open, transparent, and responsive town board, reminiscent of the 1996 board that championed the interests of Bethlehem’s citizens. “People before party” should be our town’s guiding principle!

Joanne Maier

Glenmont

Editor’s note: Joanne Maier is working on Kellin Rowlands campaign.