To the Editor:

I would like to compliment candidate Rich Filkins on his letter to the Enterprise editor printed on Oct. 19. I believe it was excellent. Referencing his promise to be the  “voice of the people” meant more to me than he could imagine. It was truly enlightening and in total agreement with what I believe in and one of the concerns that I have been striving for.

At Westerlo’s workshop meeting, held on Oct. 17, pertaining to the annual budget, Councilman Anthony Sherman informed us “gallery folks” that, due to a lot of necessary information that had to be covered, he was requesting that we should not be verbal until the end when we would be placed on a two-minute time limit for comments.

Others at the table bobbed their heads “ yes” in agreement. Sounds like they had a plan? It crossed my mind, was the two-minute comment period a reward for being good boys and girls? Would they like it said to them?

I observed an empty table area with no budget documents for the people. I did notice that the size paper of budget information increased for the table people, compared to the budget info that I held in my hand. I believe the size of the print of their budget information also increased slightly, so possibly fewer magnifying glasses had to be used.

This goes hand in hand with the poor volume of speaking, which so many people have problems with. A helpful hint, in reference to the size of print, is to enlarge it. A copy machine, even a cheap one, can increase or decrease print in various percentage sizes and then supply the people with copies.

I think if people can’t see or hear the information, or even have it available, it presents the appearance of  “no transparency” and whatever else comes to mind. Additionally, I observed very few (if any) gallery suggestions, from the past or present, being implemented in this year’s budget.

Personally, I believe when a title of “workshop” is given to a meeting, members of the public should be able to contribute their ideas and concerns without then- talking rule put in force.  That is how I view freedom of speech. That is what I believe to be one of the freedoms our soldiers have fought and died for. Most importantly, that is how I perceive America and the rights of all its people.  

Sadly, the town dollar budget seems to be coming up short. So, be prepared. I heard many great two-minute comments that were given by us control subjects. Although I doubt, as in the past, that the ideas from the gallery will ever be utilized, implemented, or whatever.

For the most part, the board members are good listeners but, in my opinion, poor action-takers and decision-makers. The positive point, derived from the negative previously written and described above, is I get to inform all you residents about what is happening.

Back to the budget and its shortfalls. How did the town government ever think it could have afforded the passage of the referendum vote? Do you ever hire two employees to do work on a building and then debate decreasing the repair work they were hired to perform?

Simple common sense or logic is: If you can’t afford something, you don’t buy it and make sure you re-evaluate and change your current budgeting practices. I look at gallery participation like two heads are better than one and so on. We are the people and we deserve to be treated as equals and we should never be instructed to stay silent, so thanks, Rich.

With election time right around the corner, I would like to stress that any form of suppression of people to speak, is, in my opinion, a controlled, dictatorial power play that I don’t want to be seen evident in any type of leader.

I also think it is a total disgrace and disrespectful to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag one minute and a few minutes later be told that we were to be put on silent mode. So, council people, in our pledge to the flag, what does the section “…with liberty and justice for all” mean?  What message are you conveying to all the residents of our township?

There was even a young schoolboy in the gallery that night. What type of impression does it convey to him?

I’ve heard the word “disappointment” recently. How does that apply now, and how does it apply to you?

Anita Marrone

Westerlo