To the Editor:

At the threshold of the Town Hall in Colton on September 14, I knew there was no going back. Since 1974, beginning with my involvement in land-use planning to give local citizens and non-resident taxpayers a voice, I have addressed problems in Colton. The Colton Citizens Committee helped establish other local groups like the neighborhood center, senior citizens, and a historical association.

The Committee fought the “black fly wars” that brought the Colton Bti program, supported the creation of a local transfer station, and endured the forest tent caterpillar fiasco of this century. Mrs. Edith Finnegan’s classes in Madrid high school guided me to Dr. F. Roger Dunn’s history courses at Potsdam State Teachers College for a firm foundation in the democratic process framed the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. I have earned my place for speaking out!

At the Town meeting I presented my opinions on two issues. The first issue concerns freedoms and my statement began: “I am in support of Kevin Beary’s First Amendment Right to Free Speech. Kevin frequently writes about numerous issues in and beyond Colton. He addresses these issues as an individual and does not identify as Colton Town Councilman. It is unfortunate that Facebook folks had to get involved in a recount of history that is not discrimination.

If you read the Town Code of Ethics posted on its website you would see that the letter was not a problem requiring lawyer fees. The eleven Standards were not against the First Amendment.”

Kevin Beary spent much of his teaching career in Italy where he taught English as a second language while learning Italian. He practiced his faith in the churches of Italy with Latin mass. Our Bill of Rights protects religious freedoms. Are they protected or exploited by Supervisor Robert in Colton?

From my written statement: “When did Supervisor Robert go WOKE?” He lost all common sense in this discussion. Who is his target?” You are, if you disagree with him. He is a student and puppet of former supervisor Hank Ford. They practice vindictive politics. Republican Robert doesn’t use money frugally; he will spend and spend your tax dollars.

After the meeting, citizens at Town Hall spoke to me of their religious beliefs central in their lives. One person thanked me for speaking out “against the tyrant.” I am energized with this patriotic position to speak again.

Mary S. Rutley
Colton