Guest Column
Mayor must take action, not issue sound bites
James Casella
Guest Column
Mayor must take action, not issue sound bites
The Oct. 23 Tri-Town News included an article which described events which surrounded a Jackson Planning Board meeting’s cancellation.
The article offered a response by Mayor Michael Kafton, which suggested that I had an ulterior motive. His quote made three points that I would like to counter:
"I would hope the charges are not politically timed."
The complaint I made is no different than one that appeared in the March issue of the Tri-Town News.
The mayor had six months to correct the situation as well as my Sept. 19 correspondence. I did not seek out the story. The reporter called and questioned me. I answered those questions honestly.
"He is a strong proponent of VOTE."
It is true I signed a petition. So did 7,000 other citizens. I am entitled to my personal opinion and voting privilege, but never once referred to my feelings on the matter in the article. It was Mr. Kafton who brought it up. Other than signing the petition, I do not even know how the mayor could know my position on VOTE. We certainly have not spoken about it.
"I would hope he is not using his position as chairman of the Planning Board to advance his own political agenda."
I was not aware I had a political agenda. I have never run for any political position and have no current plans to do so. I have served on the board and, with my fellow board members, have stood on the front line defending our town, asking the tough questions and making the demands on developers that have not been made before.
I am positive that out of 45,000 citizens it would not be difficult to expeditiously find dedicated volunteers to fill the Planning Board. The mayor’s response was to defend his electoral status by undermining my credibility. He helped underscore why I did sign the VOTE petition. We deserve accountability from our representatives, not sound bites.
James A. Casella is chairman of the Jackson Planning Board.