One Party Rule Bad for Putnam
Dear Editor -
I wanted to respond to Bob Buckley’s thoughtful criticism (“Respect the voter’s wishes,” page 8, July 20) of my recent letter on one party rule (“One party rule bad for Putnam,” July 13, page 10).
Buckley is a bit unclear that we actually have democracy in Albany, where the minority has representation and leadership so that communities like Putnam still have a voice even when Democrats have won the majority in both chambers and the governorship. Autocracy is when power is consolidated and unchecked (and yes, we recently had a governor who took such liberties but thankfully resigned in disgrace). Any time there is unchecked power, there is a greater chance of overreach and corruption - clearly that can happen on both sides and it is always wrong.
In our local government - county government especially - we have nearly unchecked Republican power. When Republican legislators and leaders shut down, exclude, and undermine Nancy Montgomery simply because she is a Democrat, the voters in Phillipstown are being systematically disrespected. When legislative hearings devolve into hostility and harassment directed towards Nancy, and not a single Republican legislator stands up for decorum and decency, it disrespects voters of all stripes who believe in democracy. When local Republican leaders don’t bother holding town halls or listen to anyone but their own supporters, we can’t pretend this is a functional democracy. When local papers can’t afford to do journalism…when local businesses choose political fealty over economic policy…when political appointees are chosen based on party instead of qualifications…when the political discourse is dominated by who has the biggest sign placed on the richest property…when the ruling party has eliminated public debates by refusing to participate and answer tough questions…I am pretty sure we are not experiencing what anyone would call a democracy.
And to the point about respecting the voters and the process…well, it isn’t my party that refuses to accept the outcome of elections. Unfortunately, it is my party that declines to participate in local elections because they don’t see themselves represented. We all can do more to create a local government that respects and reflects all its constituents.
Jen Colamonico
Chair, Putnam County Democratic Committee
and mom from Mahopac
(As appeared in Mahopac News, August 17, page 11)
