Shelby town officials should be accountable for passing overlay district, which restricts property owners’ rights

Editor:

I have lived in the Town of Shelby for 47 years. I served my country in the United States Marine Corps then became a police officer in Washington, D.C. I am versed in the law and the U.S. Constitution.

I am retired now but still work as a real estate agent in Medina. Every 2 years I complete a continuing education course on business and ethics for my job. I believe all elected and appointed officials, and town employees, should be required to take business and ethics classes in order to maintain their positions in local government. The town of Shelby’s code of ethics for officers and employees was written in 1970 and has not been updated since, even though a local attorney recently advised it should be updated.

For those who may not be aware, the Town of Shelby passed another version of the law they call the Wildlife Protection Overlay on November 27, 2017. Our tax dollars have paid for four versions of Local Law 5 and it still violates our constitutional rights. The law is non-compliant with other local, state and federal mandates.

The town needs to be reminded that we live in a republic – not a monarchy. In a republic, my property is not the property of local officials. Representatives are chosen by the people to represent our interests – not deprive us of our rights and property.

Now, the town is raising assessments to pay for their legal fees concerning the overlay, without respect or regard for the taxpayers. I feel terrible for the people on my road and others that were not properly notified. They have no idea about what the overlay laws are concerning their property and that the law was used in an unlawful manner. No one tried to notify them.

The present Town Board members, past members, and the Planning Board should all be held accountable for their dealings in relation to Local Law 5.

Sincerely,

Bob Kwandrans Sr.

Medina