To the Editor:

Constructive, effective leadership for Colton is needed to handle the upcoming Erie Boulevard lawsuit. Why when the value of hydroelectric power, a proven renewable resource, is increasing should the value of the power projects along the Raquette River or assessed value be decreasing? A recent letter to the editor outlined many of the issues involved but voters need to be reminded of the history of 2006 and 2007.

That lawsuit was settled out of court and began the increase of property taxes for landowners in Colton. The powerful hydroelectric corporations won when Supervisor Ford put politics ahead of the people. Ford could not understand how the lawsuit rather than capitulation to Erie Boulevard and Albany was the better solution. He took a ‘million dollar bribe’ that will cost the taxpayers millions in the long term. An outside appraiser from the Buffalo reassessed Colton properties and taxes began an upward spiral. The issue of the FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) boundary lines along waterways was never settled. Ronald Robert was a strong supporter of Supervisor Ford and voiced no support for pursuing the lawsuit. Would he capitulate in the upcoming case?

Now we are facing another lawsuit and seeing signs that say “Elect Ronald Robert for Town Supervisor.” We need a Supervisor who can provide meaningful leadership, is computer literate, will pursue the current case and protect the rights of taxpayers. His tenure on the Town Board has benefited him rather than containing property taxes or solving other problems Colton faces.

In his letter to Primary voters, Robert stressed bringing transparency to the job. As leader of Town Republicans his lack of transparency was obvious in selection of candidates for the Town Council seats on the Board. First he had quietly forced out the long term chair of the party to become the County Committee person for Colton. He scheduled no meetings to organize local Republicans for the upcoming election.

Transparency is great if you ‘practice what you preach’ and have a Twitter account. Voters need to study the issues and evaluate the candidates. With 80% of the Town Board changing with this election, the outcome is critical. Get out and vote. Vote for candidates who will protect our tax base.

Mary S. Rutley
Colton