Shelby shouldn’t take away right to elect highway superintendent, town clerk

Editor:

We are nearing the 250th anniversary of our country’s battle for independence. The right to elect those who govern and manage for us was a key part of the struggle. We did not want a king we didn’t put in power telling us what to do.

So, this brings up the question, why does the Town of Shelby Board want to remove our rights to elect the town clerk and highway superintendent?

Some quick facts from an internet search:

1. There are 933 townships in NY

2. Only 92, or about 10 percent appoint their clerks and highway superintendents

3. Most of the 92 are located in large urban or suburban areas that might require specialized skills for these jobs.

4. Obviously, the Town of Shelby is not urban or large in population and is in the 90 percent who elect the positions.

There will be a public hearing Tuesday, June 30th at 6 p.m. at the Town of Shelby Hall.  Please plan to attend and ask the board why they want to take away your right to elect these two important offices.

Having the town clerk, and highway superintendent directly accountable to the voters every few years, is better for the people of Shelby than having the board dictate to us who will serve.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeff Smith

Town of Shelby resident, former Shelby Town Supervisor