Greater Transparency is Needed From Carmel’s Town Government
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
In a recent letter to the editor by Mike Barile, a former Town of Carmel board member, he complained of the circumstances surrounding Carmel’s highway superintendent position, for which his son-in-law is now running. He has taken issue with the unfortunate process by which his son-in-law was eliminated from the ballot.
Understandably frustrated, Mr. Barile reiterated his concerns that public comment is “stifled by the current administration,” and that when questions are asked, no answers are given. Instead, officials offer a collective no comment.
Mr. Barile’s solution is to abandon the Republican Party line – and I couldn’t agree more. Last year while canvassing the Town of Carmel when running for office, I heard the same sentiments from many people I spoke with throughout the town. Public comment is stifled, questions are asked with no answers given and dollars are earmarked for parks and ballfields and projects that never materialize. People feel that local government is removed from ordinary citizens.
Mr. Barile is on to something, and while you are straying from that strict party line for highway superintendent, there is an opportunity to improve the Town Board situation by also not voting Republican. My colleague, Jerome Mitchell, and I are running to get answers for the people and take a seat at the table to represent their interests. This year you can send a message up and down the ballot that people deserve more from their town.
Kathleen Valletta
Carmel
Kathleen Valletta is a candidate for Carmel Town Board.
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