The residents of the Village of Montgomery have an important choice to make on March 18th.  Four candidates are running to fill two trustee positions.  Given the controversy and division that have plagued village politics for the past year, it is more important than ever that village residents think hard about their choices.

 On Saturday, March 8th, the four candidates took part in a “meet the candidates” event, responding to a variety of questions posed by village residents.  Communication problems between trustees and residents were raised multiple times at this event. In fact, I would argue that communication problems are at the root of virtually all of the concerns with the current Board of Trustees, and the differences in the candidates’ answers were very instructive.

 The current Trustees, Kevin Conero and Randy Wilbur, who are running as partners, focused their responses to questions about communications on one-way tools of communication (e.g. facebook and newsletters) that inform residents, rather than on two-way personal contact and open exchange of opinions.  And Mr. Wilbur, in particular, seemed more interested in rules that limit resident participation than in finding ways to open and encourage communication. He offered his belief that most residents prefer to go about their business without paying attention to village governance and sees this lack of participation as a positive goal, a position consistent with Kevin Conero’s seeming nostalgia for a time when very few residents attended Board of Trustees meetings.  Mr. Wilbur’s comment that what he brings to the board is that residents “… can sit at home and watch Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy and know that good decisions are being made” is both demeaning to village residents and evidence of his lack of understanding of how democracy works best.

 In contrast, the new candidates, Steven Imbriani and Cynthia Nokland, clearly were much more focused on two-way lines of communication – such as town halls and open forums – with much greater focus on listening to residents.  Both mentioned making sure that all sides are represented in discussions about controversial issues, and finding better ways to include public opinion during Board of Trustee meetings.   Mr. Imbriani’s insistence on restoring kindness to village discussions -- to get people “talking rather than yelling”  – was particularly refreshing as was his heartfelt comment: “Participation of the village residents is key to local government…. I don’t understand how we’re not respecting the fact that there are some people who want to be part of it”. 

 I encourage the residents of the Village of Montgomery to support candidates who respect their rights, interests and opinions.  Vote for Steven Imbriani and Cynthia Nokland.