HIS ROAD WAS PAVED LAST YEAR

[Emailed to Supervisor Dvorchak, Superintendent Briggs and Members of the Town Board] [Abstract]

Gentlepersons –

I write to you today in regard to the proposed paving of additional dirt roads in the Town of Hillsdale. I am a resident of Hillsdale and Texas Hill Road. I endured the decision-making process to pave Texas Hill Road last year as well as the paving process itself and its aftermath. I ask that you take into consideration two key issues regarding the current decision to pave more roadway. I believe that if these issues are properly and thoroughly assessed, then no matter what the ultimate decision is by the town government, its citizens can be assured that their elected officials arrived at a decision transparently, thoroughly and with clear purpose.

These two issues are to develop and articulate a strategy and a commitment to meeting your responsibilities to the public.

Regarding strategy, I ask, and believe all town citizens deserve, a statement of the strategy and policy of the Town Board regarding not only the pavement of the remaining dirt roads, but an articulation of the overall strategy for development and vision of life for the town. Have the Town’s elected officials considered the short and long-term impacts of paving dirt roads, the impacts on the rural character of the town, and how these fit into an overall vision for the next years and potentially decades? Has the Town Board discussed this amongst its members? How and when do you intend to share this policy with your constituents? Are there dissenting opinions? If so, please share what and whom. What are the goals of the strategy? What factors are taken into consideration. Have these factors been articulated and applied consistently? How does the acceptance of a gift to temporarily avoid paving fit into the strategy?