Seeking conscientious local government

It has been my sad experience that local government tends to resist self-examination.

Your problem with the administration of [municipal] law or code seems to be all yours to attend to, until you make your problem a problem for them as well. This may sound unfair, but generally this was my experience. It is the secretaries, assistants and clerks that I would like to thank for their unconditional and diligent performance of their responsibilities.

Rural local government tends toward easy-going, and the danger is deterioration to the point of “anything goes.”

All governmental positions hold a responsibility to perform with the goal of doing the right thing for the community—deep gratitude for all who stand up and participate.

The short orientation courses required by the state are adequate for the greater part of the service our neighbors do in local government positions. The problem is amateur government is susceptible to professionals exploiting the inexperience or lack of broader knowledge. We see the sad result in town after town that has disappeared into massive housing development, always to the surprise and horror of the local community.

We are not against progress or improvements that the whole community would agree makes our lives and towns better.

Often the threat to our community derives from lack of information: if you don’t know what to do, nothing gets done.

My problem is with building-code administration and enforcement. I identified multiple serious problems with obvious consequences for our community and the ball was dropped.

In this case, I believe both a failure of the department of state training along with local lack of initiative in addressing obvious concerns of the community are the problem. The DOS [Department of State] should stress that questions should be referred to them as the authors and final authority on building code interpretation and implementation.

Please, show your support for good government by attending the Tusten Town Board meeting on Tuesday, January 14. Thank you.

Geoffrey Gangel
Narrowsburg, NY