To the Editor:
(Brookfield, NY – Nov. 7, 2013) The election is over and the people of the town of Brookfield have exercised their right to determine the future of our town. It goes without saying that I am pleased with the results and am sincerely humbled and appreciative of so much support. The numbers of those that voted to keep this leadership were the highest yet in my time as a supervisor and it means that they want me to continue to do my job and keep the town on the right course. I am proud to be given the privilege of serving the people of my town for another two years.
In my travels going door to door I spoke to many that are deeply concerned about our future, about the changes that we are going through, and how we will prepare our town for possible growth and how to manage it. We have a wonderful community and it is becoming more and more of a challenge to keep it that way. There has seen a steady rise in those wishing to build in our town as more realize that we can offer a quality of life you just don’t find many places anymore. We truly have a gem here that needs protection, and we so need public input to guide us.
The wonderful thing about this election is that we had a record number of new candidates that threw their hat into the ring. I was truly impressed with them. Their ideas and suggestions, along with their perspectives based on experience and enthusiasm was truly inspirational and I want to thank those that were relatively new to the political arena a sincere thanks. Please do not let one election loss discourage you from being involved. We need your ideas. There is another election in two short years.
Now we look forward and try to realize that we have many challenges before us. We will need to work together as a community and realize that the petty political bickering that is splashed across the pages of the newspapers does us no good. We need to a make sure that we never hear again what is going on down in Brookfield unless it is to inquire as to the good that we are doing here. This can be done. Case in point is the recent award that was given to the town’s Comprehensive Plan Committee by the CountyPlanning department for a job well done. Brookfield can shine and it will if we all work together for the good of our town. The negative spin has no place here, the voters have proven that.
I would like to express my thanks to my opponent and advise him to stick to his ideals. He worked hard to offer his views on how our town should be managed and I respect his drive and ambition. Running a town is a complicated job and I would hope that he is willing to learn the basics before taking on a job that requires so much experience and time. The issues are complex and need careful consideration and knowledge. When you make a statement you will need to back it up with truth and accuracy. And please, stay away from the personal attacks.
So I hope that we can look to the future of our town with optimism and hope. That we can reach out to all that have a love for this town that is deep no matter how long you have lived here. And I hope that those that did not vote for me find the time to voice their concerns and that we may find a common ground that we can reach to do what is best for our town. That may take compromise and maturity but I am convinced that we have the strength as a community and we will be able to keep Brookfield the great place it is to live. I look forward to your input and make one promise and one promise only. That I will work as hard as I can to serve the people of my town and try my best to make sure I am always there when you need me.
Thank you,
John Salka
BrookfieldTown Supervisor
What a great letter, John. I’ve seen many over the course of my scant 13 years in CNY, and most say next to nothing. I’ve always thought you were one of the better local govt representatives, and apparently others see that, too. It is indeed a difficult job, especially if it’s done not only well, but right. Case in point: Town of Madison. I was so hoping the Madison Unity candidates would unseat Bono and open up the Town Council to some new leadership with vision. But at least this go round, that was not to be. We live in very interesting times, and CNY with its bounty of open inexpensive land is so vulnerable to outside corporate interests. Unfortunately, there are many who can’t see the forest for the trees, and I fearful for what the future holds when it comes to all the reasons many of us live here. Congratulations on your recent victory, and for doing things right. There are many of us out here who notice such things, even if we don’t live within your boundaries.