Cobleskill Wal-Mart trip questioned

April 10, 1997

By TOM RUE

MONTICELLO - Trustee Michael Levinson asked other Monticello village board members if they knew about a planned excursion to visit a Wal-Mart superstore in Cobleskill. "It was organized by the supervisor of the Town of Thompson, who invited Monis [Brafman], myself, and George [Panchyshyn]," replied mayor James Kenny.

"In other words, only certain people knew about the trip?" Levinson asked.

"That's correct," replied Kenny, at an April 7 board meeting.

Deputy mayor Gary Sommers questioned the ethics and the necessity of the April 8 fact-finding trip. "Because Wal-Mart is paying for the trip, I just don't think it would be a proper trip. Why let Wal-Mart pay for it and put yourself in jeopardy when you could just get in your car and go see a Superstore yourself," Sommers asked.

In addition to those named above, the trip will reportedly include two thirds of the Thompson town board. The public has not been invited "to monitor what's going on," Sommers noted. "The problem I have," he added, "is how do you prove to the public that I didn't come to any decisions with anyone else on that trip?"

"I'm glad I wasn't invited. I have my own opinion about Wal-Mart," said trustee David Rosenberg. In the past, Rosenberg has spoken in opposition to the huge store because of the damage it would do to Broadway businesses.

Wal-Mart is courting village officials because the proposed site in Kiamesha Lake may annex into the village in order to access municipal water. Supervisor Tony Cellini is opposed to this. Supporters of annexation point out that Wal-Mart is welcome in the community, but should pay village taxes like any other user of village water.

Cellini reportedly called the criticism political, stating he believes Sommers may run against him in the fall.

In addition to those named at the board meeting, a published account stated the trip would include the Thompson planning and zoning boards and Assemblyman Jake Gunther.

Re-appointments made -- auditor tabled

During the village's annual reorganization, Panchyshyn tabled his appointment of a village auditor. In the past, this post has gone to the Monticello firm Bachrach, Waschitz & Waschitz. Panchyshyn did not voice any dissatisfaction with that firm, but noted he is "looking into it with [village treasurer Robin Seward], comparing prices."

Panchyshyn re-appointed Phil Conaty acting village justice; Callie Shambley as deputy clerk; Sheri Klemen as deputy treasurer; Glenn Smith as village engineer; Frank Bastone to the Zoning Board of Appeals for five years; and doctors Abraham Garfinkel and Edward Epstein as police surgeons. He tabled appointing a police chaplain.

Kenny re-appointed trustee Gary Sommers deputy mayor; Michael Davidoff as village attorney; and Leo Glass as deputy attorney. Greg Feicht, Roy Parker, Carmen Rue, Harvey Weinberg, and Jesse York were re-named to two-year terms on the Human Rights Commission. Levinson and Rosenberg were re-appointed as board auditors.

Five banks were designated official depositories, and the Sullivan County Democrat the official newspaper for legal ads.

Mayor's parking spot a hazard?

Davidoff promised to report at the next meeting about safety and public liability issues stemming from the mayor having a reserved parking spot in front of the police station, from which he backs his private car into busy Pleasant St. traffic. Kenny claimed he had "no idea" who directed a municipal sign be placed there with his name on it. "It just appeared there one day," he said.

No ordinance on the books reserves a parking space for the mayor or permitting civilian parking in the spot.

External link:

Bachrach, Waschitz & Waschitz
Wal-Mart