North Salem Democratic chair critiques grant coverage article; publisher responds

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my disappointment with Tom Walogorsky’s article ("Dispute erupts over North Salem grant funding claims" Oct. 8, Page 6).

Instead of focusing on the real story — the North Salem Supervisor’s failure to adequately respond to my Freedom of Information Law request for copies of the grant applications, award letters and agreements supporting his claim to have secured over $40 million in grants on behalf of North Salem — Walogorsky wrote a two-page article excusing Lucas’ conduct.

There is no excuse for the fact that, as Lucas concedes, I “received a detailed list from the Town and some documents” rather than a formal response with the proof requested. These documents should have been readily available in the town’s records and they were not.

Journalists have a duty to investigate the facts impartially. This article is a profound disappointment. I was never even contacted. I expect better from the press.

-Emily Siegel, Chair, North Salem Democratic Committee

Publisher’s Note: We disagree with Ms. Siegel’s suggestion that Tom Walogorsky’s article took Supervisor Warren Lucas’ side. The article reported allegations submitted to this newspaper by Planning Board Chair Cynthia Curtis and a written rebuttal submitted by Lucas.

The missing documentation was explicitly addressed. Walogorsky quoted Curtis challenging the town’s response to the records request and asking, “If the number is real, where is the paperwork?” Lucas’ explanation was then clearly attributed to him. Publishing that explanation did not mean endorsing it, validating his grant totals or concluding that the town had adequately answered the request.

Although Siegel was not separately interviewed, the central concern she raises was presented through Curtis’ statements. Her absence as an interview subject does not establish that the article favored Lucas. Readers deserved to hear both the allegations and Lucas' response. We stand behind Walogorsky’s reporting of that exchange.