McKenna says he has served Barre well on Town Board by asking questions, seeking answers

Editor:

I have decided to continue to run for a second term in office; to be a voice of reason, fairness, and integrity.

In my 4 years I have voted against raising the tax cap, questioned expenditures, and voiced concerns about needless spending. I have found extra revenue in exploring our previous exceedingly low interest revenues, resulting in a shift from approximately $3,000 a year, to now over $60,000 a year in additional interest revenue.

As a successful business owner of a Barre business for over 35 years, I bring a different look at spending and our budget. I have worked to get Water District 10 installed, but only if the majority of residents show interest and are able to afford it. I plan to speak against proceeding until then, while pushing for grant money to help make it more affordable.

I desire to hear from the residents of Barre and give them a voice. When I ran 4 years ago updating the comprehensive plan was a main task I ran on. I had requested and pushed for this while serving as an alternate on the planning board, as the survey (where we hear from Barre residents) was over 10 years old. Despite opposition to updating the comprehensive plan, I have represented the board and chaired the committee, and the survey was completed to hear from the residents of Barre.

I will continue to put forth the time and energy to review and actively participate in all parts of serving on the Town Board. I have continued fighting for the health and safety of our residents in dealing with New York State and Heritage Wind. I still have concerns about infrasound, shadow flicker, continuously blinking lights, decreasing property values, and visual blight that will have a negative effect on our residents.

These concerns are supposed to be offset by money coming into the town from the project. Unfortunately, the 60-million-dollar campaign over 30 years’ promise of a few years ago now stands at less than 20-million-dollars for over 20 years because of past boards who were in favor of the project or didn’t mind either way.

Additionally, the decommission costs could sit at well over 20 million dollars in 20 years. Where is the benefit? Yes, the project has been approved but with the right voices on council questions that should be and need to be answered can be demanded to be answered by New York State and not just look the other way so lease holders and residents being paid by Heritage Wind can continue to collect their money while the rest of their neighbors suffer the consequences. Questioning and ensuring that companies do what they say they will, and looking to the future can and will benefit all residents of Barre, including leaseholders.

It is probably because of these views that the Republican Committee of Barre, which is composed of three lease holders, did not endorse me. They would not provide me with a reason even after requesting one multiple times.

I am aware of the costs to the town when holding a primary and I had said that I wouldn’t force one if I were the only one running alone. Thankfully I am not running alone. Scott Burnside agreed to make the commitment of running to serve as our Town Supervisor and he truly cares about all residents of Barre.

My wife, Iva, as a strong business person, specifically in human resources, and well versed in what is currently facing the Town of Barre stepped up to run. She has attended most meetings with me for the past four years.

Iva is dedicated, understanding, empathetic and a strong leader. She also knows what it takes to serve our community as she served on the Albion School Board for 8 years. We did seek and request others to run for town council; but everyone who we asked had legitimate reasons for not seeking election.

We took the necessary steps to ensure that this is legal. No, we will most definitely not agree on everything, but we have been a good team for over 40 years, and we do have a combined residency in Barre of over a hundred years. There is no question that she will be attentive to your concerns and protect your rights. You can rest assured knowing that she will be a strong voice for you.

We request that you vote Scott Burnside for Supervisor, George McKenna and Iva McKenna for Town of Barre Councilmembers in the primary on June 24.

Thank you for your vote for a better Barre.

Dr. George McKenna

Current Town Councilman for Barre