To the Editor:

For a period of over nine years, I’ve had problems with a piece of property I own on Singer Road in the town of Knox.

My experiences dealing with the town board and the zoning board of appeals have been almost unimaginable.  Unimaginable that is, until last week when all of Knox had a glimpse into how the town is run by Mike Hammond, Nick Viscio, Amy Pokorny, and the rest.

Specifically, I'm referring to the comments that came out of Nick Viscio's mouth in his interview in last week's issue.  His interview was telling of how the town operates and speaks volumes about his character. 

Instead of focusing on the issues, Mr. Viscio spent 40 percent of his interview repeatedly attacking his opponent Travis Stevens, even turning his comments to Mr. Stevens's great dead aunt who ran a gas station in the town of Knox years before he was even born.

Shame on you. Maybe others are surprised by your interview and your attacks but I am not.  In contrast, Travis Stevens never even mentioned his opponent’s name and focused solely on the issues at hand. I’ve spoken with Mr. Stevens and found him to be a true gentleman.

In May of 2009, I was asked by John Dorfman, the Knox town attorney, to address the town board; I found out later from Mr. Dorfman (at a town board meeting on Sept. 11, 2012) that he had told the board members not to talk to me, in that he felt it better if he “handled things.”

I've been in front of the town board numerous times, and every time I was dealing with John Dorfman, not Mike Hammond or the other board members.  Mike Hammond has repeatedly abdicated his responsibilities as town supervisor and instead has hid almost exclusively behind John Dorfman. It’s John Dorfman who does most of the talking and, the last I checked, he's not an elected official.

Amy Pokorny's letter about Vas Lefkaditis was right in line with the town’s bullying mentality and it should be no surprise because she's one of them.  I don't know Mr. Lefkaditis well at all.  In fact, I only met him once approximately two years ago at a town board meeting.

He was in the audience and was disgusted with the treatment I was receiving.  As I was leaving the building, he took it upon himself to follow me out and explain to me how to go about filing a complaint and getting things done in Knox. 

He was ashamed for their behavior.  He didn't know me, or the issue but he identified the treatment I was receiving and offered a hand.

The bottom line is, I'm glad Mr. Viscio and Ms. Pokorny wrote and said what they said.  Because it gives readers a window into what the Knox officials are really about.  They are part of a viscous “old boys’” network that defends their own and attacks anyone who disagrees with them.

It's bullying and wolf-pack mentality at its finest.  I guess it's fine if they're on your side but are you willing to be represented by people who, if or when they turn on you, can become as nasty and unprofessional as them? 

Maybe it’s time for some fresh leadership in Knox.

Vince Virano

Albany