Letter Published by Riverhead News Review
The Riverhead Town Board misappropriated at least $207,000 of
taxpayers’ funds for its share of a law suit that was inherently partisan. It joined with seven other Republican
controlled political entities to attempt to reverse in Federal court a New Y
ork State law that ended odd year elections of local governments. Republican Party committees are lead
plaintiffs without paying anything toward the $1.656 million to date in legal
fees and costs
On June 10th, as reported by Denise Civiletti in the
Riverhead Local, Riverhead and the other towns simultaneously withdrew from the
case. Withdrawal was never discussed
publicly by the Town Board. We await an
explanation from the Town Attorney about whether his action was legally,
politically or morally motivated.
Both parties surround their positions with noble rhetoric
about democracy and participation but have an obvious political self-interest. Democrats who control the State
government believe accurately that they do better when more people vote in even
year elections. Republicans prefer that fewer of the right people vote, a persistent
goal of the Trump Administration.
One can be on
either side of the election date issue but recognize the institutionalized
corruption of misuse of public funds. Riverhead
should insist that the presumably Republican law firm (Brewer, Attorneys &
Counselors) should fully reimburse the town.
Or we should bill the Republican town committee for the $207,000. At least registered Democrats and
Independents ought to get a rebate on our taxes.
John McAuliff
Riverhead Watch
No comments:
Post a Comment