Op-Ed: Sign Controversy Raises Government Transparency Issues

BEDFORD, NY — The following letter to the editor was submitted by Bedford United candidate for Town Supervisor, Don Scott.

On September 15th Supervisor MaryAnn Carr sent a letter to inform residents that Bedford United had 30 days to remove its signs within the town’s right-of-way per the town code. Unfortunately, Ms. Carr's communication was a political gesture, not an accurate representation of the matter or how it unfolded.

I would like to set the record straight.

Bedford United was well aware of the requirements of the code. Our slate is comprised of experienced public servants who have served in local government. We placed dated stickers on the signs and even reviewed everything with the building inspector to ensure compliance.

The Bedford United slate of candidates, including Peter Michaelis for Bedford Town Board, Boo Fumagalli for Bedford Town Clerk, Don Scott for Bedford Town Supervisor, Clark Petschek for Bedford Town Justice. and Alli Choi for for Bedford Town Board. (Bedford United)

Regardless, elected officials and others continued to issue complaints about the signs. So, on September 9th I appeared in good faith before the Town Board with a simple request — please clarify the code for concerned residents in your next communication.

Surprisingly, board members Ellen Calves and Bobbi Bittker pushed back on my request, suggesting people could look the code up themselves. After I explained that finding the code might prove difficult for some, Supervisor Carr agreed to include it in her update.

What followed was an official communication from the Supervisor on town letterhead which didn't acknowledge that Bedford United was aware of and compliant with the code, or that we had asked that the issue be clarified for residents in the first place. The Supervisor even posted the letter in the Bedford Village Community Facebook page, generating over 130 comments and creating an unnecessary controversy.

This level of politicization in our town governance is not productive. We have important issues to solve and it’s time to put people over politics.

If you agree that it is time to work together on the business of governing, we ask for your support on November 2nd.

Don Scott

Don Scott is the Bedford United Candidate for Town Supervisor

SEE ALSO:

• Bedford Officials: 30-Day Notice Given To Remove Political Signs
• Matt Damon Endorsement Lends Star Power To Bedford Justice Race