Editor:

The right to vote stands as one of the most fundamental pillars of American democracy, enshrined in the Constitution and protected through generations of struggle. It empowers citizens to select their leaders and shape their government.

Yet today, in the Town of Shelby, this right faces quiet erosion. The Shelby Town Board is quietly seeking to strip residents of their ability to elect certain officials, proposing instead to appoint them directly. Such a move threatens the very principle of self-governance.

Citizens have both the right and the duty to choose their elected representatives. Voting is not merely a privilege—it is the mechanism by which ordinary people hold power accountable. When boards bypass elections in favor of appointments, they reduce transparency and limit public input.

Appointed officials may owe loyalty to the board rather than the community they serve. This shift diminishes civic participation and risks concentrating authority in fewer hands, away from the will of the people. History shows that when voting rights are curtailed, whether through poll taxes, literacy tests, or procedural maneuvers, democracy weakens.

Citizens must exercise their duty to vote, stay informed, and voice opposition to policies that undermine electoral choice. Apathy only invites further encroachment.

From a military perspective, the defense of voting rights carries profound weight. Service members swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Many have fought overseas precisely so that people—including Americans at home—can live under representative government.

Veterans understand that the Constitution’s promise of republic government rests on free and fair elections. Eroding the right to vote for local offices disrespects the sacrifices made to preserve democratic institutions. I for one didn’t risk everything so that politicians could appoint their successors and sideline the voters.

Local actions like the Town of Shelby board’s proposal set dangerous precedents. They test whether communities will tolerate reduced accountability. Citizens should attend public meetings, contact representatives, and, if necessary, pursue legal or ballot remedies to restore and protect electoral rights.

In the end, the right to vote is more than a procedural formality. It is the heartbeat of liberty. Protecting it requires vigilance from all citizens—especially those who have worn the uniform. Our republic endures only when the people retain the power to choose.

Scott Wengewicz

Former Shelby Town Supervisor and a disabled veteran

Editor:

This coming Tuesday, June 23^rd, is primary day.

To be clear, the opinions and observations are my own and not necessarily of the other Town of Shelby Board members.

In the roughly 10 month’s that I have occupied the Town of Shelby Supervisor seat I have learned a lot. Not only about how our local government is supposed to work, but also how it has not. In fact, the system has failed the taxpayers of Shelby for years.

I, and other board members, ran a successful primary and general election campaign on a platform of change and fiscal responsibility. Even though I had attended Town Board meetings for several years I was unprepared for the level of dysfunction that existed.

How did it get this way?

The Supervisor is not only the Chief Financial Officer, but sets the agenda for the board and the town. Planning and oversight, so that the path forward is clear to the other officials and employees. Unfortunately, the last 3 Supervisors quit, leaving no continuity in direction, financial controls, policies, or procedures.

Under the watch of these Supervisors the Clerk’s Office was stripped of some it is primary duties, such as document control and over time the accounting became the focus of a New York State Comptroller’s Office audit, finding it deficient. In addition, this lack of fiscal oversight allowed the Highway Department budget to become bloated.

With the help and support of the board and some employees at the town we have gradually brought the spending under control, completed an independent audit, and provided the public with a transparent local government.

But without change the past failures will return.

After extensive legal research the board passed a revised Local Law for Code of Ethics, which restricts elected officials and town employees from serving on political committees.

Why?

Unless you get the endorsement of a political committee, especially the republican committee, it is extremely difficult to get elected. Unfortunately, many people line vote, meaning they vote all republican or all democrat regardless the qualifications of those on the ballot. With an overwhelming republican registration, the republican committee endorsement almost always results in a win.

In Shelby, the Republican Committee is made up of 8 members. The Chairperson is the Shelby Town Highway Superintendent. Other members include a highway employee, the Deputy Superintendent, a former highway employee and friend who follows the Chair. This is 5 of the 8 votes.

In practice the Highway Department, through the committee, controls who gets the nod and most likely gets elected. While the committee seats are elected positions, I would challenge most people to explain to me the process involved.

On primary day you have the choice to make a change in one of the 4 districts. You can vote for the Superintendent who would continue as the chairperson, or a former board member, who was one of those who quit last July, depriving the town of a quorum and costing thousands in legal fees and other costs. Or there is a third choice, someone who attends almost every board meeting, speaks his mind (not always agreeing with me) but is passionate about his community.

More recently the board has proposed two new local laws. One to abolish the elected position of Town Clerk and the other to abolish the elected position of Highway Superintendent, replacing them with appointed positions. There would be no impact to the current Clerk or Superintendent for the duration of their term.

In the future the Town Board would post these jobs, review their resumes, interview applicants, and appoint the most qualified candidate, just as any business would do.  Because these applications would not be limited to anyone based on their political affiliation, a broader source of qualified people would be available.

So why now?

These jobs are complex, not easily learned in a few months or even years. Having served 18 years, the current Town Clerk has made it clear that she intends to retire next year at the end of her term. The Deputy Clerk has made it clear that she has no desire to assume the Clerk position and most likely be leaving soon.

It is the desire of the current Town Clerk to bring someone else in, getting some experience before she leaves. However, with the current system there is no guarantee that this trainee would get a political endorsement and without it, would they run a primary campaign. I can tell you from experience, it is not for the faint of heart. After digging out from the years of dysfunction, the Town of Shelby cannot afford to have either of these positions filled by unqualified individuals.

I will share a little about what I have learned about elected positions, mine included. While mine, as Supervisor, is designed as a part time oversight position (the last Supervisor rarely showed up at the town hall), the Clerk and Superintendent positions should be full time.  But, for all elected positions, there is no requirement that you do your job.  Unlimited vacation, good retirement, no boss, and according the New York State Town Laws an elected official does not even have to show up and there is nothing anyone can do about it until the next election. In fact, I know of a case where a highway superintendent has another full-time job, but gets full time benefits of the elected position.

The board has scheduled public hearings for these two proposed laws on June 30th at 6 p.m. and at 6:05 p.m. I am sure we will hear from many who have strong opinions on this subject. We will hear from the political parties who wish to maintain control, from associations that represent these positions and collect dues.

We will hear from concerned citizens who feel that it takes the public’s right to choose, to which I will say, three of the 5 board positions come up for vote every 2 years, so you have more control over the affairs of your town. Shelby is not the first, nor the last municipality to follow this path.

We are facing challenging times. Increasing costs, stagnant revenue, and increased taxes. Many who voted for me said they wanted change, but change is not easy or always popular.  I have no agenda other than to make the local Town of Shelby government a more efficient, fair and in a better place than when I walked in the door. I welcome the chance in the public hearings to hear your concerns and hopefully explain the reasoning behind these actions.

Jim Heminway

Town of Shelby Supervisor

Editor:

A message to the residents of Clarendon, I am honored to be running for re-election as your Town Supervisor in the Republican Primary.

My family and I have proudly called Clarendon home for the past 34 years. For more than 13 years, I have served our community on the Town Board, and since becoming Supervisor in 2025, I have worked every day with one goal in mind: putting the people of Clarendon first.

As a retiree, I have the time and flexibility to serve our community full-time. My door is always open, and I believe local government works best when residents know they can reach their elected officials and be heard.

I believe taxpayers deserve a representative that is honest, efficient, and fiscally responsible. That is why I worked to keep the 2026 budget increase under 1% while remaining under the tax cap. Every dollar we spend is your dollar, and I take that responsibility seriously.

During my time as Supervisor, we have made meaningful improvements that strengthen our community and protect our residents. We secured nearly $928,000 in grant funding for the proposed Water District 14 project, with additional funding opportunities that could further reduce costs to taxpayers.

We also brought all Town facilities up to fire and safety standards and established an emergency station at Town Hall equipped with lifesaving resources, including a First Aid Cabinet, Narcan Station, and Automated External Defibrillator.

We restored accountability by retaining a Town Attorney who now attends all Town Board meetings, ensuring residents receive sound legal guidance and transparent government.

I continue to pursue additional grant opportunities that will benefit Clarendon residents. One will help complete the long-awaited Hillside Chapel Restoration Project, while another focuses on addressing flooding, drainage, and stormwater issues that affect many homeowners throughout our town.

Service to this community has been a lifelong commitment. For nearly 20 years, I have proudly served as a volunteer firefighter with the Clarendon Fire Company, including serving as Fire Chief, Vice President, and a member of the Board of Directors. Having been involved in the fire service since 1988, I understand the importance of protecting our families, supporting our volunteers, and preserving the strong sense of community that makes Clarendon special.

I believe local government should be guided by common sense, experience, integrity, and respect for the people it serves. A Town Supervisor must understand town law, manage taxpayer dollars responsibly, and always put the community’s interests ahead of politics.

My record reflects a commitment to accountability, transparency, and honest leadership. I will continue working hard every day to keep Clarendon a safe, strong, and financially sound community for future generations.

I respectfully ask for your vote and continued support.

Thank you,

Marc Major

Clarendon