Daniels should account for her own Town Board record

Dear Editor,

As a longtime North Salem resident, I watched the Oct. 21 Town Supervisor debate at the Hammond Museum with great interest. I came away with my own conclusions about the candidates, but one moment in particular stayed with me.

During the debate, Katherine Daniels made remarks that I interpreted as suggesting that Supervisor Warren Lucas is primarily concerned with himself. Judging by the grumbling I heard from members of the audience, I was not the only person troubled by that implication.

Anyone who has known Warren over the years is entitled to disagree with that characterization. But there is another question I believe deserves attention.

Katherine, there is no “I” in TEAM.

You have served alongside Warren on the North Salem Town Board for almost six years. The Town Board is not a one-person government. It consists of five elected officials, each with a vote on matters before the board.

If you now disagree with so many of the decisions made during those years, I believe residents deserve to know which decisions you supported, which you opposed and what alternatives you proposed.

It is reasonable to question a Supervisor’s leadership. It is equally reasonable to ask a sitting Town Board member to account for her own role in the decisions being criticized.

That is what troubled me most about the debate. Campaigns should be about explaining what candidates intend to accomplish and how they would govern. They should also be about accepting responsibility for the decisions in which they have participated.

I support Warren Lucas because I believe he understands that effective local government requires teamwork, accountability and respect for the people it serves. I hope voters will consider his record and his commitment to North Salem when they cast their ballots.

-William Monti, Past Chairman, North Salem Republican Town Committee