Townspeople Speak at Committee Meeting

COURT HOUSE – Rio Grande resident Stanley Doniger was the first on his feet with a question about an agenda item at Middle Township Committee’s July 7 meeting. It was a resolution to provide Middle Township employees with Jersey Fresh produce and vegetables.
Committeeman Daniel Lockwood explained that there would be no “cost to the taxpayer.” There would be certain times when a huckster would stop by the municipal building and employees could purchase green goodies. Doniger was satisfied.
Vilma Pombo had concerns about the Dollar General store under construction along Route 9 in Swanton. She raised concerns about the dust, decibels and destruction of old trees.
Yvette Lavalette reported that her neighbor did not remove 27 signs as she had promised when she appeared before committee May 30. Lavalette said it was impeding her ability to sell her house. Adminsitrator Constance Mahon promised action the next morning.
A resolution passed that will allow bus riders to catch the bus on Easy Street where it intersects with Route 9 near Orbit Drive.
Mayor’s Apology
Mayor Timothy Donohue took time to read a personal apology and enter it into the record. He referenced comments he had made at the previous meeting when he mentioned Eileen Fausey, a resident and Democrat committeewoman, who was not present.
“I was wrong to do that,” Donohue said. Donohue declared he had the utmost respect and admiration for Fausey. He continued, “Since I made those comments in public I want to read my apology publically.”
Rebuttal
When he finished, Fausey stood and read a two-page letter. In part it stated, “People who know me, know that I believe that once you are elected to office, you must serve all people regardless of party and that I speak for myself as a resident.” She also entered her letter into the record. The end of her statement read, “In the future, I will continue to be involved in the process of government regardless of personal jabs that might be given me.”
Hire Police Officer
Donohue announced a hire for the police department. He is Mike Pastore, a veteran who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is, coincidentally, a grandson of Sam Kelly, Democrat candidate for committee running against Donohue in November.
The mayor said he was assured by the county Director of Operations Mike Laffey, that the main library steps on Mechanic Street would be fixed before the summer ends.
Rio Meeting in September
He also announced that just as committee had done last year, one of the bi-weekly meetings for September would be held in Rio Grande.
More Rec Duties for Matthews
Middle Township Recreation Department Supervisor Robert Matthews who served as director of the Martin Luther King Center in Whitesboro has been named recreation program coordinator. His duties have been extended to fit a “wider long range view,” according to a release.
“With the upcoming addition of the Old School House in Whitesboro to our Recreation Department site list and the groundbreaking on the Ockie Wisting Complex in Rio Grande coming in August, it was important that we appoint a leader with the ability to oversee multiple facilities,” Donohue stated.
“Robert has shown that he can run a top flight community center at MLK, while taking on added responsibilities. He has jumped right in to make the Old School House an important addition to our community based programs. This new title will have him involved in managing and overseeing activities at the Goshen Complex as well.”
Goshen Complex Director Tammy Devitt will continue in that role, under Matthews’s supervision. Matthews will remain based at the King Center for the time being. With the addition of the Wisting site, the MLK Center will be a more central location from which to oversee the various recreation programs.
“I share township committee’s mission of continually improving the quality and variety of our recreational programs,” Matthews stated. “At the same time we want to put Middle Township on the map as a recreation destination for tournaments and our seasonal visitors. I look forward to working with our experienced and committed staff to make our Recreation Department one we can all be proud of in years to come.”
To contact Helen McCaffrey, email hmccaffrey@cmcherald.com.