To the Editor:

Happy New Year! Welcome — to the days following, which may encompass a “variety of multi-everything.” As a New Year’s resolution, I opted to be “more observant.” I thought I could “possibly” keep this resolution, at least for awhile.

Having attended Westerlo’s regular town board meeting of Jan. 2, 2019, I began my observations. I instantly noticed a podium, equipped with a microphone, located on the left front side of the room.

It is very nice and professional looking. This is a good idea to promote audible communication by the department heads delivering their reports or guests or agenda speakers.

I believe it is a bad idea  “if ” (and I stress “if ”) the idea or intent is to limit gallery participation by instituting a sign-in procedure for comments, combined with the podium. In my opinion, the gallery/audience/taxpayers should not have to use the podium or follow this regimental procedure.

I have personally witnessed, for approximately 14-plus years, that many people attending board meetings are reluctant to speak, no less speak while standing on stage or at a podium. I believe in a more informal, relaxed atmosphere and mode of communication to encourage future participation of our residents.

Over the years, I have seen the attendance increase from one or two spectators to a room full of individuals. Supervisor Richard Rapp, throughout this time period, has had as his policy to always permit anyone who requested to speak, the opportunity to do so — with very few restrictions. This is what a leader should do to encourage open government.

A time clock, for town hall workers, seems to be a simple issue that turned complicated. I’ve heard the Westerlo Highway Department currently has its own time clock, so “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”

Its installation could streamline work records while providing protection for these workers and the town.  In my opinion, this is a positive — win, win — procedure that will pay for itself over time and become an asset for the town.

The question in my mind is, “Why would any worker object?”

The instituting, as a requirement, of monthly department reports has come under scrutiny. Copied department reports, which reference monthly information, can become a vital source in the successful management of a town and makes for a more informed community and represent a more transparent government.

Department reports also would provide a measure of protection for all and contribute to positive auditing that is conducted either internally or externally. Analyzing and tracking these reports helps create a better and clearer picture on how to address many issues. “Why would any worker object to this?”

Councilman Rich Filkins has introduced these two great resolutions that were initiated as a result of a huge effort and a large amount of energy and time due to many hours of research. Since taking office, he has also explored many other options that would benefit the town.

Unfortunately, it appears to me that he is being confronted by individuals who still are not able to accept his election win — something like the Trump/Clinton issue. Sad! This type of behavior just destroys.

Change, of any sort, appears to be the culprit. At times, it would be wise for all of our current serving government officials/workers to give themselves a wake-up call and a reminder that they are all public servants and have to perform their jobs as such — a reminder of the oath they took.

Councilwoman Amie Burnside and her team have done a remarkable job with the Hometown Heroes Program that honors our local veterans — definitely a positive observation! They deserve to be applauded for their enormous degree of caring.

I observed the appointment of John Sefcik to serve as the new chairman of the Westerlo Zoning Board of Appeals as an extremely intelligent decision. John’s attendance record at all board meetings can testify to his dedication of  performance as he previously served as a ZBA member.

In conclusion, I’ve observed throughout the years many individuals in our Westerlo government who have traveled down this so called “political road.” Some should never have been on it; others make wrong turns; some couldn’t even find the road as there was no GPS to guide them. But those who remember the correct direction, by following what is honorable and just, have earned my respect.

I hope to follow up on more observations in the future; I sure don’t want the town of Westerlo to think that I have broken my New Year’s resolution so early in the year.

Anita Marrone

Westerl