Unless Planning Board member Rebecca Anderson does not submit a letter of intent to be reappointed and they slide Abraham into that open position.
Anything is possible in the world of patronage politics; shuffling the deck chairs as they now say.
Abraham has the creds to fill the PB position but I would miss Becky's environmental knowledge, candor and experience gained while serving on the board.
And now there are four
For six months there has been an open seat on the Town Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) – since the demise of one of its members in June, 2017. For five of the following months the only applicant submitting a letter of intent to fill the position was resident Debbie Lemaster. Lemaster was found to be lacking in environmental experience by four of the town board members. A written resolution sponsored by Councilman Ron Ruffino to approve her hiring was not formally put on the agenda for vote as Ruffino could not get any member to agree to second the motion if it was introduced.
It became obvious the board did not want to consider filling the position until after the election – fearing any negative consequences for the two Democratic incumbents running for council re-election; despite one of them being Ruffino who wrote and displayed the resolution at a town board meeting.
Well, Councilman John Abraham lost his bid for re-election, but Ruffino won as did Republican candidate Adam Dickman. The Town Board makeup for 2018 will have Democrats Johanna Coleman (Supervisor) and councilman Ruffino, Republican Dickman, Conservative Dawn Gaczewski (ran as a Democrat in 2015) and ‘blank’ Matt Walter (who also ran and won on the Democratic Party line in 2015). Quite diverse, one would think. However, the only board change was Dickman replacing Abraham.
What is intriguing is that Lemaster was denied ZBA approval based on lack of ‘environmental experience’, despite the fact that she attends Town Board meetings religiously, has attended ZBA meetings, is quite adapt at zoning requirements and respected by the community.
ZBA member John Bruso has resigned. Now there are two ZBA positions available.
In December, three individuals have submitted applications for the position – all from Democrats. Mrs. Lemaster is a Conservative. Two of the applicants have extensive backgrounds in real estate and the one has recently become an appraiser.
The third applicant, Tyler Sojka, submitted an impressive application letter citing his educational background, work experience and the fact that he has attended numerous Town and Village of Lancaster board meetings and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings as well. It is quite an accomplished/impressive bio for a young man who graduated from college just a few years ago.
Looking at this supposedly diverse town board make-up , it would be interesting to see/hear what criteria was used to determine which two applicants were found most qualified for the two open ZBA positions – especially if the ‘environmental experience’ criteria is still the gold standard.
Does Conservative Lemaster now have a shot? I would hope so. It is she who attends town board meetings, truly knows town operations and is respected for her integrity and impartiality.
But as many of us know, politics suck and any outcome is possible.
Just my personal thoughts:In December, three individuals have submitted applications for the position – all from Democrats. Mrs. Lemaster is a Conservative. Two of the applicants have extensive backgrounds in real estate and the one has recently become an appraiser.
The third applicant, Tyler Sojka, submitted an impressive application letter citing his educational background, work experience and the fact that he has attended numerous Town and Village of Lancaster board meetings and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings as well. It is quite an accomplished/impressive bio for a young man who graduated from college just a few years ago.
I am dubious of any resume suggesting that a background in real estate and/or land development qualifies a candidate(s) for a position(s) on the ZBA.
That leaves Mrs. Lemaster and Mr. Sojka.
Mrs. Lemaster and Mr. Sojka, together, seem to have the perfect mix of practical qualifications and political diversity.
Absent some unforeseen issue(s), I believe, at this time, that the Council could keep faith with the 2015 Democrat campaign pledge of a Council independent of pure political considerations, and honor the overall interests of the town's general welfare, with the confirmation of Mrs. Lemaster and Mr. Sojka.
Is Tyler Sojka Greg's son or nephew? Doesn't matter if it is, just curious
The Bee stated he received his bachelor's degree this past spring. Maybe some of his experience has been in an internship.
Georgia L Schlager
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)