Originally Posted by
Lee Chowaniec
As you are a member of the Town Ethics Board, I would be interested in hearing your opinion whether McNichol should be allowed to when she knew well enough to sign an oath pledge card when first appointed to LIDA in March 2022, was appointed to LIDA in 2023 and did not do so in the allotted 60-day period, while missing 6 meetings in her 13 appointed months as LIDA member.
LIDA attorney Kevin Zanner declared McNichol a ‘holdover’ until such time a replacement was appointed and entitled to a seat until then. Seriously? No oath of office pledge administered, missed the December 2022 meeting, the January, February, and March 2023 meetings, gave no notice as to reason or whether she was still interested in being a LIDA member, but is still considered a ‘holdover’. Not only seated but participating in the meeting and voting? I guess Supervisor Ruffino had it right when saying flaunting the constitution was just a ‘technicality.’ Rules and laws, but not enforceable?
Why has no one asked McNichol whether she was able to fulfil her obligations attending the other organizational functions and boards she sits on? Just musing.
And what’s with McNichol and Ruda belaboring the point that a LIDA member missed 4 meetings in 2022 and there was no replacement call for that individual. No mention was made that the reason for the absences were the result of open-heart surgery and rehabilitation. Member Rinow was willing to sit there and become members Ruda and McNichol’s punching bag. Apples-to-oranges for absence reasons. Ruda and McNichol were aware of Rinow’s absence.
A once united board has become divided, favoring different mission agendas. It appears the enigmatic Rinow has cast his lot with the liberal ‘all economic development is good’ agenda – worthy of public funded ‘inducements.’
Looking forward to the April 17th Town Board meeting and hoping a lot of misinformation gets cleared up before things really start getting ugly!