Write a commentLast night’s Oswego County Legislature meeting was one of the finest examples of how to snub the public.
The overt and obvious orchestration to shun those who had come in good faith to ask some questions and share concerns, was met with disrespect and outright rude behavior. And I couldn’t help believing it was all planned in advance.
In a nut shell here’s how it went… the meeting was started on time with a brief prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Each of the resolutions on the agenda was read, and ceremoniously passed by the republican majority. One bill, however, was met with objection by the only Democrat present, Mr. Castiglia.
Mr. Castiglia then raised a concern about a recent video of a subcommittee meeting held last week being deleted from the county website. During this meeting he explained, the topic of the county law enforcement agency colluding with ICE and Border patrol broke into a heated exchange. The only response from the chair was that the video camera had malfunctioned.
The meeting went on a few more minutes, at which time the Chairman dropped the gavel and told the audience, the Legislature would be going into Executive Session. 17 members then left the chamber. Mr. Weatherup, the Chairman, said we could wait around but didn’t have any idea how late it would be to have the Public Comment session. He offered to stay and listen by himself.
The people present erupted in anger as this was felt to be an obvious orchestrated snub. We did not leave the room, however.
A short time later, a handful of legislators returned to the chamber. The majority quietly left by the back door.
Those residents who had signed up to speak came forward and took their five-minute time slot to speak on the potential impact on the county if the BBB passes, and to ask once again that Oswego County pass a No Collusion Resolution preventing county law enforcement from participating in the unlawful, harmful overreach activities that are affecting innocent men, woman and children right here in Oswego County.
My heart hurt even more as I watched two more members get up and leave during this session. Those few who remained seemed annoyed as two women legislators repeatedly shook their heads no when someone spoke or as one rep sat with his head down texting on his cell phone.
And to think that these are our legislators who are supposed to be representing everyone's interest in our county.
My heart is heavy this morning.
Lynn Lyons, Fulton NY
