To the Editor:

I’m not a very politically oriented person and I had no intentions of ever writing a letter to the editor but, after reading last week’s interviews of the Knox candidates, I couldn’t help myself.  I was born and raised here and have had my fill of baseless political speak and lack of action causing our town to slowly slip into the abyss. 

When asked why he was running for another two-year term, the current 42-year supervisor Michael Hammond’s response was, “I like the job.”  Really? That’s it; he likes the job?

When asked of his accomplishments after 42 years in the office he listed:

—  1. Updating the town’s website (which was actually done by the town clerk), which is fine but this isn’t 1995, better late than never I guess;

— 2. He stated “we” just organized and hosted a forum for rural broadband — conveniently three weeks before an election; and

—  3. He stated they developed youth and senior coordinators positions — both of which were created in an election year...

So after 42 years in office his self-proclaimed accomplishments sum up to three events.  One was performed by someone else and two others done more than likely in the interest of political campaigning. 

When asked how should building and zoning codes be enforced in the light of the tragic murder of Kenneth White he responded, “We try and enforce all zoning laws that come before the board,” and, “Hopefully that will never happen again.”  Again, that’s it — hopefully it will never happen again? No other solution or suggestion?

To appear pro-business, he touted the creation of a multi-use district on Route 156, which was a good thing.  But I did a little homework and that business district was a result of a group of residents who felt the town was quickly becoming a ghost town.

The movement was started in March 2013 by Vas Lefkaditis in a conversation with the planning board, pursued by activist town residents after that, and a direct result of concerned residents.  Mike Hammond and the town board had very little if anything to do with the business district other than to approve the planning board’s suggestion of creating one. 

Additionally, Mr. Hammond and the town board on March 11, 2014 voted against their own planning board, which on Feb. 27, 2014, had recommended creating a second business district along Route 146, but instead opted to delay until the completion of the update of the town’s comprehensive plan, which can and probably will take years.

After reading this interview, it’s unfortunate but no wonder our town looks the way it does and lacks basic needs and services.  While Mr. Hammond isn’t officially ready to retire, it seems he has checked out and disconnected years ago.

Thankfully we not only finally have a viable option for supervisor but one who is motivated, capable, devoted, and willing to work for our town.  I believe the single reason Mike has been in office this long is because he rides the Democratic blue wave every two years.

I, too, come from a long line of registered devoted Democrats but on Nov. 3 I’ll be crossing party lines and voting for Vas Lefkaditis along with the rest of my family.  I hope the majority of you do the same.

Jeremy Springer

Knox