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From the Desk of Councilwoman Soro: Being involved in town government and politics is becoming increasingly more difficult. Work schedules and commuting take up greater amounts of our time. This leaves precious little time for our families and even less time for local politics, government and issues. Not being able to attend meetings doesn’t mean you need to be left out of what is going on. In order to keep you informed I will begin sending out monthly reports informing you what was discussed at our monthly Town Board meetings. Currently our local Democratic Committee can only afford to send out 300 letters per month so please share the information with family and friends. Also please log onto WayDems.org for future monthly letters if you do not receive one in the mail.
The Town Board meeting for March covered the following issues:
*Due to the recent controversy about taping public meetings the town board voted unanimously to allow taping of ALL town meetings. This is to include the Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.
*Confusion now exists as Supervisor Razzano was quoted in the Times Herald Record as saying ZBA Chairman Onorati can decide if he wants to allow taping. This is contrary to the measure passed. This discrepancy was pointed out but he refused to commit to enforcing the board policy.( Mr. Onorati has been persuaded to allow taping.)
*The need for an Ethics Committee was discussed. I made a motion to form a committee. Currently we have an ethics law but no committee to enforce the law. The motion failed as the FOUR REPUBLICANS saw no need for enforcement of the law.
*In an attempt to save money Supervisor Razzano has not had legal representation at workshop meetings. This leaves the board without legal advice or having to wait for advice prior to taking action on an issue. I have voiced my opposition to this practice. The other board members disagree and workshop meetings will continue without legal representation.
*A precedent was set as an individual was allowed to be placed on the agenda. The individual used the time to vent his anger and/or displeasure about what he sees as problems in the town.
*The assessor was verbally attacked for allowing STAR and Agricultural exemptions to those who do not qualify. The assessor was not there to present his side. Those in attendance were assured by me that the assessor is following all Federal, State, County and Town guidelines.
*It was brought to the Town Boards attention that code enforcement in our town is lacking. Current policy allows for only signed complaints to be investigated. Even if the Code Enforcement officer rides past a violation he will not pursue it without a signed complaint. Supervisor Razzano sees nothing wrong with this situation adding “code enforcement officers are to busy to stop even when driving by and seeing a violation.”
If you have an issue, question or concern you would like presented to the Town board but cannot attend the meetings please email them to me at
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I will present them, on your behalf to the town board personally. All emails will be held in strictest confidence unless otherwise indicated. The response to your concern will be sent back to you promptly.
Working to Represent the People --- Councilwoman Gail Soro
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