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| Photo credit: Syracuse.com |
Darrel Aubertine has a history of ethical lapses. In the letter below (then assemblyman) Aubertine advises the Cape Vincent Town Board Re: conflicted board members voting on wind issues.
June 15, 2006
Cape Vincent town board members
P.O. Box 680
Cape Vincent, NY 13618
Re: abstaining from voting on the location
on wind turbines in Cape Vincent
ladies and gentlemen:
I regret that I was unable to attend the public hearing held on June 3 at which time the above referenced subject was discussed and I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts with you now.
Specifically, I would like to comment about the issue of whether a board member should abstain from voting on the issue. As elected representatives, we are responsible to make decisions for the benefit of our constituents and community. This project, which affects thousands of acres in dozens property owners, has the potential to positively affect every resident. Whether through a reduced property tax rate for new economic opportunities. Messrs Wood and Mason will certainly not be the sole beneficiaries should this project move forward.
While some may feel that these elected officials should abstain from voting on this matter I believe is that they should not. If they are restrained from voting in this instance, then shouldn't the community decide now that the guiding principles will be for future absent nation in different matters and with different representatives? I. E. Voting a tax rate that affects their personal property.
Healthy and positive discourse is mandatory in a democracy; however, governing by referendum is unwise. After careful reflection, I feel that it is ethically proper fit in this case all board members should vote on the issue at hand. In fact I believe it is their responsibility to do so.
Sincerely
Darrel Aubertine
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