Vote for the 3 candidates in Barre who are focused on residents’ needs
Editor:
Did you see that?
Me neither! The Barre Republican endorsed candidates are not disclosing who is paying for their campaign. This is not transparent and maybe illegal!
“Effective January 1, 2020, all political communication must identify the political committee paying for the advertisement or communication in a clear and prominent manner to read or be spoken as follows: “Paid for by [the name or the political committee making the expenditure].” (EL 14-106(2))
I look at these candidates and wonder “who has funded the postcards, the banners, the yard signs, the ads?” I noticed candidates are using the same designs as past candidates that were financially conflicted in the Heritage Wind LLC project. So then I checked the Heritage Wind LLC NYS required Code of Conduct disclosure list and voila! I find that Steve Coville is listed as a conflicted member. He has an easement and setback waiver for his property being paid up to $5,000 annually. And so here we are left to wonder, who is actually paying for this campaign?
Before you vote in this primary please ask yourself:
- Who is paying for their campaigns?
- Are these candidates transparent about who they are representing?
- Do these candidates understand the laws? Will they try their hardest to abide by them?
The other side of this primary – three individuals whose transparency is the most important aspect they are running on. Who spend countless hours, their own money and time to find out what Barre residents actually think, and strive to protect everyone.
They recognize that the turbine project has been approved at the state level, yet they know the project has continued to change (drastically) after the approval, and in order to protect the residents of our community they need to stay aware and vigilant. This race is not just about industrial wind turbines. This race is about the future of Barre, water districts, future projects and our community.
- Remember a few years ago when two candidates sent out personal letters, paid for by themselves with a stamped return envelope included (for ease of return) to all residents of Barre so that their thoughts and opinions on Industrial Wind in our community could be voiced? An overwhelming majority did not want the wind ordinance to be changed in favor of taller wind turbines (87%!) and had big concerns about the project overall. The Town Board at the time thought they knew best so they did not take the time and energy to find out. Iva and George did – dedicating time and money for their community! Truth first!
- Post-Covid Water District 10 costs came back significantly higher than when the resident signatures were obtained. George said, “I am all for this but only if the residents still want it at the higher cost.” So what did George do? He went to every home in Water District 10 and asked them if they still wanted it with the higher numbers. The truth was they did not even know about the financial increase. The Majority of them said that they would not be able to afford the significantly higher annual amount that they would have to pay. George put the residents first!
- He fought for your right to vote (combat war veteran). He has been serving our community on the Comprehensive Plan Committee and is dedicated to serving the Town of Barre. Scott Burnside believes in doing what is right and truly cares about our Barre!
Please vote Scott Burnside Supervisor, George McKenna and Iva McKenna Councilman; they have given of their own money, and paid for their own campaign. They research and ask questions to make sure that they do things the right way.
I am proud of all that they have given, and continue to give, to our community. They genuinely care about you, and want to help move Barre in a positive manner.
Be sure to vote on June 24th for our future!
Thank you,
Kerri Richardson
Barre
