Time for a change in Prattsburgh

Posted with the permission of The Naples Record, originally published Wednesday October 28, 2009

The days of doing things the way they've always been done is over

To the editor:

My name is AI Wordingham and I am running for Prattsburgh Town Supervisor, along with Anneke Radin-Snaith, Chuck Shick and Steve Kula, who are running for Town Board seats. I'd like you to take a moment to reflect on some of the issues that have faced Supervisor Harold McConnell and the Town Board in recent years.

We can start with the construction of the new town hall. Four-plus years ago, I took the drawings of the proposed Town Hall to Chrisanntha Construction in Rushville. Their quote reflected a 48 percent savings over what the Town Board was ready to spend. All it required was a different approach for the financing. Supervisor McConnell replied that the financing was already in place, so they would proceed in the same fashion as always. Keep in mind that at this point not one shovel of dirt had been removed.

Then there's the property on Route 74. It took a year, and actually cost the town money to sell this land. If board members Steve Kula and Chuck Shick had not stood their ground, the property would have been sold for half the appraised value, without following a fair bidding practice.

There are many unhappy homeowners who paid dearly to fix sidewalks this year. With forethought and initiative, a grant or stimulus money could have been secured, as it was in Middlesex.

The wind issue always comes up. It does not matter whether you are pro or anti, everyone wants the most economic benefit that can be negotiated. So why was Italy on course to receive $13,700,000 for 18 turbines, while Prattsburgh with 16 turbines I is scheduled to receive $3,000,000?

The answer is simple: Several years ago the board - including! Harold McConnell, Sharon Quigley and David Hall - signed over all of our negotiating power to the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency (SCIDA). David Hall did not excuse himself from voting even though his parents were lease¬holders and have since received nearly hah" a million dollars. While Italy made the necessary changes for their town to be the lead agent for the project (although Italy has since denied the windfarm application), Prattsburgh gave away its rights.

There has been no real growth in business or employment in Prattsburgh for the past decade, and therefore we have skyrocketing taxes. The current board, with the exception of Chuck and Steve, refuses to accept any help or suggestions that don't coincide with the way things have always been done. With this attitude, the town can never move forward. Given the facts, do you want Harold, Sharon and David to handle your tax dollars?

These are difficult economic times. Twenty years ago small communities were not faced with multi-million dollar corporations trying to manipulate town boards. To meet these challenges, Prattsburgh leaders must have background and ability and a willingness to work with taxpayers and with each other.

We are ready and capable to provide Prattsburgh with the leadership it needs to move in a positive direction. All we need is your support.

Al Wordingham, Prattsburgh