Franchise fee has long-term impacts

Editor,

Our unthrifty Mayor and his Town Board of Directors just unanimously passed the new very unpopular Carbon Power Franchise Fee 10 year Ordinance on third reading within a few minutes of the last Town Council meeting.  Just a quick motion, second, several audience comments and then a unanimous vote to stick every homeowner and business with 8 years of new pass thru monthly electric “fees”. I commended their 2 year carrot “gift”, but read on for the “big stick.”

Also, look out, there are still new big increases in Water, Sewer, Trash and maybe other “fees” coming our way fast!!

Why did the Mayor and Board decide to kick the can down the road for the first 2 years of “no fees”? Who advised the unthrifty Mayor and Board to do this unusual Ordinance and who really stands to benefit? To be magnanimous, the Mayor said “I want to give the Lumber Yard two years of no new electric costs to afford a new pellet machine.” So, Whoopee, our businesses and homeowners also get a free ride for 2 years then the 4% supposedly kicks in monthly for 8 years, but can be reviewed so says our unthrifty Mayor who won’t resign and wants re-elected. 

If you believe this tripe excuse, then I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you, cheap!!  How stupid does the Mayor and Board think our voting citizens are??  Pretty stupid, I guess, because we all know this is just a cheap political election year stunt to try to garner a few votes to keep this unthrifty Mayor and Board in “Majority Power” and continue with overspending and unnecessary non-essential expensive projects.  The mosquito bridge, swamp walking path, portable bleachers, lawsuits, counter-suits, counter-counter suits, hire more lawyers, more police, more muscle, etc. etc.

It is truly time for a complete house cleaning of all Town elected representatives and their political appointees who are not competent and frugal and who also need to go elsewhere for their expensive monthly butter. Legal and litigation fees, over employment, and ridiculous pet projects are “breaking the bank”. These actions are what brought down Detroit and seriously hurt many States other Cities and Towns.

Sincerely,

Leon R. Hetherington,

Saratoga

Editor’s note: this letter has been edited for content.