DEMOCRATS RESPOND TO NEGATIVE CAMPAIGNING

Town Board candidates Paul Cooper and Tom Partridge addressed a caucus of the Evans Democratic club members to address negative campaigning. 

"They’re running ads complaining I didn’t vote ‘No’ on Town matters," described Board member Cooper. " ‘No’ to what? My votes are public record: I voted ‘Yes’ to improving police protection for seniors and residents. Is the other side against police protection?"

He continued "I voted ‘Yes’ to improving water delivery to the Town’s households. That insures the safety of our volunteer firemen, residents, and property owners’ investments. I voted ‘Yes’ to saving money and improving police protection for the Village and the Town. Is the other side against increased safety and protecting homeowners?"

He noted "I voted ‘Yes’ to a NYS tax credit for volunteer firemen and EMTs, who give so much of their time to our residents. I voted ‘Yes’ for the Hike-Bike path. I appreciate having the endorsement of the Democratic, Independence, and Conservative parties. But as much as I appreciate their support, no party boss tells me what to do. I voted for all of these things, because they’re good for our town.

"If the opposition is against improving police protection, then come out and say so. If they’re against improving fire protection, then say so. If they’re against tax credits for firemen and EMTS, or against the Hike-Bike path, then just say so. That way the voters will know where they stand, instead of just hearing their negative campaigning. But stop misrepresenting my record."

Tom Partridge address the group. "The ramblings accused me of voting, and I quote, ‘in violation of New York State law', in resolution 392, page 199.  That is ridiculous, and deceptive.  Tell the whole story: page 198 of resolution 392 clearly states it was permitted by law.  I never voted for anything that violated the law.

"You know, the Pordum-Partridge-Cooper team is focusing on the great and positive things in this town," continued Partridge. "But deception will not get a free pass. I will promise this to the voters: If you vote for me, you will get straight answers and the whole truth. I will stand on my record of success. And I’ve made my campaign about answering your questions -- not rambling distortions."

Democratic Chair Robert "Bob" Catalino addressed issues raised by candidate Dash’s ads. "I don’t know if he’s letting Mr. Militello write his ads for him or what. So let’s set the record straight: The Supervisor is the Chairman of the Town Board meeting. It’s his job to protect the Town Board meeting from people who want to annoy and engage in frivolous or delay tactics. Everyone knows that Evans town meetings don’t go till all hours, like some towns.

"At the March 7 Town Board meeting, the Supervisor reminded everyone that the Open Meetings Law gives the public the right to attend the Town Board meeting and listen to Board deliberations. And that the public participates in the meeting at the invitation of the Town Board. He then immediately extended the privilege of the floor to any and all persons present. And the meeting Chair has extended the privilege of the floor at each and every Town Board public meeting."

Earlier this year, the Supervisor had asserted control to deal with disruptions by the so-called "Freeholders". Late in 2006, candidate Militello was part of the Freeholders group, which sued the Town of Evans and requested a court audit of Town spending. A prior State audit had already found no wrongdoing. The Freeholders’ targets included the Town Attorney, so the Town was compelled to hire an outside law firm. The lawsuit was thrown out of court and the judge noted that the Militello/Freeholder lawsuit had "disrupted ordinary Town business." At this time the Freeholders have still not reimbursed the Town residents for the legal expenses the Town incurred to defend itself.

Some at the caucus think that candidate/Freeholder Militello pushed for the lawsuit, in order to keep the Town of Evans in headlines and in his "ramblings" for his 2007 campaign.  Town residents voted Militello, a longtime politician, off the School Board in 2003, after 25 years. He started his "ramblings" in late 2004, just before his unsuccessful 2005 attempt for the Town Board. He was recently defeated in the September Independence primary by Cooper and Partridge, who will be the Independence candidates in November’s general election.