Town of Wawayanda Democratic Committee - WayDems.org

Why We Continue To Inform 

            Some people have questioned why this now widely popular website continues to write negative comments about elected officials and proposed projects in our town.  Apparently, certain detractors feel that keeping you informed is a bad idea and /or negative effort. These people seem to feel that if you are not with them 100% on every issue then, in their minds, you are simply another thorn in their side and have nothing of substance to contribute. They feel that you are simply opposed to progress and you are impeding them (the current town administration) from doing 'positive' things for the town - like trying to bring in junk yards and waste facilities or polluting power plants and attempting to pass them as "clean" rateables. 

            If you doubt this to be the truth or feel it is an exaggeration by any means, we encourage you to attend a town board meeting and question them on their actions concerning issues in the town or where they stand on certain points of these issues. If you don’t fall for their usually feeble "brush-off" answers and continue to push, watch how their attitude about you turns negative quickly.  More often than not, those that become known to this administration as "outspoken critics" - the ones who regularly push for REAL answers and question many of their policies and motives - are then made targets of constant, malicious acts of harassment  by "persons unknown" and subjected to wildly fraudulent accusations and meaningless investigations which are privately endorsed by a certain few members of the current administration and often initiated with the aid of their financial supporter(s) - somewhat reminiscent of a third-world dictatorship whose leadership punishes those who speak out against them. They have no shame, either - even targeting military veterans, the disabled and elderly residents of this town with these fraudulent investigations and harassment - anyone who speaks out repeatedly against their policies.

           There are many issues that are extremely touchy to them. Some of these issues include ethics, apparent conflicts of interest, proposed projects for the town, zoning changes, etc. These issues are extremely important to town residents due to quality of life, property values and the environment. Issues such as these need to be discussed openly with all sides heard. All decisions should be based on public input and what is best for the town, certainly not what’s best for the special interests of any group or individual.

            This website will continue to keep you informed! Since the town's own website has become a mere dormant, stagnant page which rarely posts important information or updates, this site will continue to point out the problems for residents regarding proposed projects in our town. We do this in order to inform the public, as both sides of every proposal need to be heard. Once the public has heard both sides, they can make an intelligent decision as to where they stand on an issue. They can articulate what they feel is best for the town and pass their desires on to our elected officials.

            The power of the public to sway elected officials was evident at a recent public hearing. Town officials attempted to raise the weight limits on some (most) town roads. Even before the public hearing was opened, 2 Councilmen stated their opposition to the proposed legislation because people who could not attend the hearing had contacted them and had spoken their minds. The town hall was packed compared to the usual 4 to 5 people who normally attend the meetings. Between the crowd and communications to the board, the public changed the outcome and no new weight limits were imposed (yet).

            The public has the power over elected officials, as they need your approval to keep your vote and their positions. Currently the board is composed of 4 Republican council members and a Republican supervisor. Unfortunately, this means very little dissent or discussion on many issues. Things are usually worked out privately and  behind closed doors, then a united front is presented to the public. The weight limit issue was different, as a surprised supervisor could not believe that so many people felt so strongly about road safety, speed and weight issues. The difference was public input. You voiced your concern and those people up for re-election next year, listened and voted your way. Please continue to make your wishes known on weight limits, stay involved till the law is satisfactorily written and passed!

You the public have the power! Use it! Voice your opinion!

Let elected officials know how you feel on all issues facing the town! Use the phone, email or come to the town hall. You may also contact the Democratic Committee through this website and we will attempt to represent your interests as best as possible.  Let these elected officials know their jobs depend on your vote. Let them know you will not vote for anyone who would not follow the will of the people.

And keep looking to us to KEEP YOU INFORMED!