This was addressed
to the Ulster County Legislature at their monthly meeting August 2002
Good Evening,
My name is Brian Donoghue I'm a resident and business owner in Saugerties. Tonight
I'm here speaking as Vice-Chair of CARES, Citizens Action for Residential Environments
in Saugerties.
I understand that much of your energy this evening will be spent dealing with issues surrounding the vote on the proposed Ulster County Jail, so I will attempt to be brief.Tonight I am here to address an issue that is very important to the people of Saugerties. As some of you may or may not know, the Town of Saugerties is involved in litigation focusing on a town law prohibiting mining in residentially zoned neighborhoods. The enactment of this law was the result of concern for the safety, health and economic well being of our community.
Early this year year a businessman from Westchester County, Gilbert Shott filed suit against the town in an effort to reverse the towns efforts to protect its inhabitants. A few weeks ago residents who live on the property abutting Mr. Shott's proposed mine were surprised to find City of Kingston Representative John Naccarato at the proposed mine site asking questions.The residents welcomed the concern and didn't think about it further until last week when we became aware of the fact that in the middle of this period of litigation Mr.Naccarato was acting on behalf of the Mr. Shott to arrange a meeting with Saugerties Town Supervisor Greg Helsmoortal.
It's not as if Mr. Shott needs an introduction, this issue has been going on for almost 2 years, if he wanted to speak with the town supervisor all he had to do was pick up the phone. So tonight we are compelled to ask the question, why is a representative from Kingston, John Naccarato spending so much time and energy on behalf of an individual who doesn't even live in Ulster County?
If Mr. Shott felt he needed an an intermediary wouldn't it have been more appropriate for Representative Naccarato to enlist the aid of the elected representatives from the Saugerties District? Why were they not informed as to what was going on? More importantly I would like to know what relevance does Mr. Shott's ability to mine in Saugerties have to Mr. Naccarrato's constituents here in Kingston?
In closing I would ask that the members of this body respect the democratic process that the citizens and elected officials of Saugerties have gone through to protect our community. And I would ask that the next time one of you is approached to intervene in a controversial local matter outside of your district that you think about the appropriateness of your actions.
Thank You.