Rhetoric doesn't match reality

To the editor: Terence Kiesel’s disjointed letter touches on many topics and uses his opinion and innuendo as fact. It shows a lack of knowledge or is intentional misrepresentation for political purposes. It cries out for correction. It is as important to understand what services the Town of Monroe provides as it is to understand what services are not provided. A Town information guide was sent to every home in Monroe explaining services and who is responsible for them. Copies are available in Town Hall. This information is also in the draft Master Plan and on the town Web site at www.monroeny.org. We have a long history of fiscal responsibility which has resulted in a stable tax rate for all residents in the Town of Monroe, as illustrated in our Facts About Monroe. Mr. Kiesel’s comments about “no parks, no pool or recreational facilities” and that we have an “all volunteer fire department and no dedicated police department” are just more examples of how SaveMonroe constantly ignores the facts and the costs associated with these items. The town funds half of the Smith’s Clove Park operating budget and capital improvements that are in excess of $600,000. This is a wonderful facility that provides this community with many recreational opportunities. He ignores the fact that a Town Park project has begun and that more than $475,000 is in the park projects fund. This will increase by another $100,000 in the 2006 budget. He ignores the fact that in 2004 the town purchased more than 107 acres of land increasing our open space and parkland without raising taxes. (Residents who are interested in the town parks can participate in a tour on Saturday, Oct. 29, starting at 10 a.m. at the Senior Center.) Using the lack of paid emergency service personnel as a campaign issue is a slap in the face to all the volunteers who make valuable, personal, contributions to our community. We appreciate the men and women who serve as volunteers. We are always looking for ways to promote volunteerism in our community. We are currently working on a state supported local law that would give small tax exemptions in recognition of our appreciation of the service provided by qualified volunteers. SaveMonroe continually mixes regional and local issues. Mr. Kiesel states that “our roads are in disrepair.” Our town Highway Department has an excellent record of maintaining town roads. If Mr. Kiesel has an example of a specific problem, perhaps he should bring it to the attention of the Town Highway Superintendent. If SaveMonroe had regularly attended the Southeast Regional Traffic Task Force meetings, they would understand that it is not the town roads that are “jammed with traffic,” as Mr. Kiesel states. The map published in our Facts About Monroe in this week’s Photo News has a discussion of this very issue. Our traffic problems are regional not local. With the help of Congresswoman Sue Kelly, a grant in excess of $8 million has been obtained to help start resolving these problems. The next step is to implement these solutions and will be overseen by the N.Y.S. Department of Transportation. On Oct. 27, this group will be receiving an award from the Hudson Valley group Patterns for Progress for their work. The Town of Monroe is hardly in the dire straights that SaveMonroe would have you believe. Under the leadership of an experienced town board, we have sound fiscal security. Programs are initiated that we can afford. If SaveMonroe initiated all of the programs, they advocate the town wide tax rate would triple. Once again SaveMonroe mischaracterizes issues with inaccuracy. SaveMonroe’s rhetoric simply does not match the facts, never has and never will. Sincerely, Sandy Leonard Monroe Town Supervisor