Conflict of Interest?         

                       Brookfield Resource Management is currently seeking to build a recycling project in our town. The project, which is an auto crushing business, is applying for a height variance for its buildings and equipment. In an article published by The Times Herald Record ZBA Chairman Onorati was quoted as saying, ”You can’t attract industry at 35 feet…We need rateables. We need industry.” He also stated that we need a height of 65ft. in the zoning to attract rateables. It seems to this reader that Chairman Onorati has already made up his mind.

                        One of the principals in this project has contributed substantial amounts to the Wawayanda Republican Committee of which Mr. Onorati is Chairman. He has also contributed to races for Town Supervisor and Town Council. Our current supervisor has received contributions from this individual in ’05.

                        Considering his association with one of the principals and his comment why has Mr. Onorati not recused himself? Why haven’t our elected officials demanded he recuse himself? It seems they have no ethical problem with this situation. Our town currently has an ethics law to deal with situations like this but it is not being enforced. Our town deserves better. Demand that our elected officials enforce our law and appoint an independent panel to review this project.

            It should be noted that ZBA Chairman Onorati is also the Chairman of the Wawayanda Republican Party.  Chairman Onorati has previously been reprimanded for refusing to allow his ZBA meetings to be recorded by the public.  The ZBA presently allows meetings to be recorded in accordance with the NYS Open Meetings Law.