NYS Open Meetings Law
“It is essential to the maintenance of a democratic society that the public business be performed in an open and public manner and that the citizens of this state be fully aware of and able to observe the performance of public officials…”
I’ve been on, and reported to numerous organizational boards in my career but I’ve never seen a board operate the way the Stony Point Town Board does. Not once in all the meetings I’ve attended over the past few years have I heard a real discussion about an issue among board members.
I’ve never heard a board member question, “Why are we doing this?”
I’ve never heard a board member ask, “Is there a downside to doing this?” or “Do we have the funds to do it?” or “Should we take this out of capital funds or purchase it through a bond?”
I’ve never heard a board member say, “Maybe we should rethink this.” or “Do we really need to cut this?”
I’ve never heard a board member say, “I don’t agree.”
My research has confirmed that since January every vote by the Stony Point Town Board has been unanimous.
Common sense tells me it’s not possible to be making the decisions the board is making without asking at least one or two questions, without a little bit of discussion.
It indicates to me that there are probably important discussions and decisions being made out of public view.
Board meetings have become a formality.
If I’m right, this is a violation of the Open Meetings Law. Obviously, I’m not privy to what the board does behind the scenes so I can’t prove that this is what’s happening. But here are just a few decisions they’ve made over the last few months.
They’ve approved a new Zoning Board Member - No discussion and a unanimous vote.
Appointed a Part Time Police Officer - No Board discussion. Unanimous vote.
Adoped a Resolution Opposing Tax Law in Relation to Telecommunications Equipment - No Board discussion. Unanimous vote.
Approved Authorization to Hire Special Counsel-Suez Rate Hike Request. No discussion. Unanimous vote.
This is just a tiny sampling of decisions they’ve made without a board discussion, all without a single question asked by a board member.
I’m disappointed with this culture of backroom decision making. This is no way to govern. It erodes trust…
…AND it’s in direct conflict with the spirit of the Open Meetings Law and I suspect with the law itself.
It’s time to add some independent thinking to our unanimous, ask no questions, no discussion, rubber stamp board.
Please consider voting for Ellie Kassner for Town Council on November 7th.
It’s time for a Change!
We’ve been kept in the dark for too long. Let’s turn on the lights.
Your vote will give Ellie a chance to go to work for us.
