Journal Inquirer > Letters To The Editor > Sept. 19-20

Journal Inquirer > Letters To The Editor > Sept. 19-20: "Sept. 19-20
Published: Saturday, September 19, 2009 12:08 PM EDT
‘Straw’ response

In response to “Straw that broke the back” (Tom DiDio letter, Sept. 9), I would retort that “temper” led to his party’s “walkout” of the Aug. 18 Town Council meeting."

‘Straw’ response
In response to “Straw that broke the back” (Tom DiDio letter, Sept. 9), I would retort that “temper” led to his party’s “walkout” of the Aug. 18 Town Council meeting. DiDio, Vernon Democrat Town Committee chairman, has leveled charges that are neither fair nor accurate. Most disturbing is his lack of understanding between the roles of the fiscal body versus the administration.

First, the mayor is under no obligation to inform or ask approval of the Town Council to send an end-of-year report to his constituents. Monies are provided for this in the budget and are to be used at his discretion. Just as state Rep. Claire Janowski frequently sends out mailings to keep constituents informed, so did Mayor Jason McCoy. Also, any councilor may propose an agenda item; however, it is the right of the body to vote to reject it.

Secondly, it is the job of the administration to advertise for, interview, and recommend candidates to the Town Council for the hiring of department heads and others. The timeline belongs to the mayor, not the council. It was absolutely out of order for Marie Herbst to try to propose a motion to force a timeline on the mayor, a fact that, as a former mayor, she is well aware. DiDio’s opinion of the candidate the mayor proposed is of no relevance. It is blatantly obvious that any person who has been politically active in the Republican Party will not be acceptable to him, no matter how well-qualified he or she is. This issue should be taken with a “grain of salt.” It is strictly political, as is most of his letter.

McCoy has conducted himself in a professional manner and has administered this town with the best interests of its citizens in mind. He is honest, bright, energetic, and thoughtful. He has moved Vernon forward technologically, environmentally, and fiscally during difficult times and in the midst of constant political carping.DiDio and his folks should spend less time writing FOI requests and staging press-ops, and start thinking about some real issues that affect Vernon.

Christy Vale Vernon Connecticut