Dear Editor,
When a Daily Freeman reporter requested the release of names and resumes of those interviewed for the Saugerties Town Justice position, I had a strong feeling that sharing this information was the wrong thing to do, so I checked with our Town Attorney, and also the Committee on Open Government. We were given the legal opinion, that names and resumes of applicants are protected private information under the law. Our attorney cited case law to back this up, as well as, written opinions from the Committee on Open Government.
I have deep concerns about circumventing the law by releasing information that could potentially impact people negatively. I would not want the Town to be sued for failing to protect private information, impacting someone's business, impacting someone's chances of election/re-election, or impacting their current employment. It's difficult enough not to be selected for a job in this tough economy-- let alone have your name in the paper, listed as someone who didn't get it. In this circumstance, the Golden Rule applies. Especially since the Internet comments on the local newspaper websites are so mean spirited.
Newspaper critics Tony Adamis and Hugh Reynolds roasted me for being selective with sharing information, however I firmly believe their desire for material (used to sell newspapers) needs to be tempered with respect for people and a little more kindness.
The Saugerties Town Board did the right thing. The Board chose a good, smart, qualified candidate who represents the values of our community. I bet you didn't know that 72% of all Town Judges are non-attorneys! When mid-term appointments are necessary, NY State makes training opportunities immediately available to get judges oriented to their positions as quickly as possible.
The majority of the Town Board voted to appoint Claudia Andreassen to fill a 5-month vacancy. Saugerties voters will have an opportunity vet their candidates and pick their judge at a special election in November. Too bad the Daily Freeman didn't send a reporter to Justice Andreassen’s swearing in ceremony on 5/23. Wasn’t that in the public interest? It would be a terrific idea to do a human-interest story on her; she’s an amazing lady. Saugerties' newest judge has master's degree and a career spanning 25 years in criminal justice and rehabilitation. She has bi-partisan Town Board backing. The community needs to respect her, and get behind her; she has a very tough job to do. She stands up for what is right, and fair, every day.
Kelly Myers
Saugerties Town Supervisor
Dear Editor,
When a Daily Freeman reporter requested the release of names and resumes of those interviewed for the Saugerties Town Justice position, I had a strong feeling that sharing this information was the wrong thing to do, so I checked with our Town Attorney, and also the Committee on Open Government. We were given the legal opinion, that names and resumes of applicants are protected private information under the law. Our attorney cited case law to back this up, as well as, written opinions from the Committee on Open Government.
I have deep concerns about circumventing the law by releasing information that could potentially impact people negatively. I would not want the Town to be sued for failing to protect private information, impacting someone's business, impacting someone's chances of election/re-election, or impacting their current employment. It's difficult enough not to be selected for a job in this tough economy-- let alone have your name in the paper, listed as someone who didn't get it. In this circumstance, the Golden Rule applies. Especially since the Internet comments on the local newspaper websites are so mean spirited.
Newspaper critics Tony Adamis and Hugh Reynolds roasted me for being selective with sharing information, however I firmly believe their desire for material (used to sell newspapers) needs to be tempered with respect for people and a little more kindness.
The Saugerties Town Board did the right thing. The Board chose a good, smart, qualified candidate who represents the values of our community. I bet you didn't know that 72% of all Town Judges are non-attorneys! When mid-term appointments are necessary, NY State makes training opportunities immediately available to get judges oriented to their positions as quickly as possible.
The majority of the Town Board voted to appoint Claudia Andreassen to fill a 5-month vacancy. Saugerties voters will have an opportunity vet their candidates and pick their judge at a special election in November. Too bad the Daily Freeman didn't send a reporter to Justice Andreassen’s swearing in ceremony on 5/23. Wasn’t that in the public interest? It would be a terrific idea to do a human-interest story on her; she’s an amazing lady. Saugerties' newest judge has master's degree and a career spanning 25 years in criminal justice and rehabilitation. She has bi-partisan Town Board backing. The community needs to respect her, and get behind her; she has a very tough job to do. She stands up for what is right, and fair, every day.
Kelly Myers
Saugerties Town Supervisor
