Guilderland Town Board - Redux

I went to the Guilderland Town Board meeting tonight, and spoke during the Public Comment period.

Trying to force a debate, I put it right to Mike Ricard. He had made his bold vow to debate anywhere on any topic. I reminded him of this, saying that I wanted to debate in Town Hall, and on the topics of fair tax assessment and fair zoning.

I then asked him to name three dates. He did not respond. Supervisor Runion intervened on his behalf, saying the comment period is not for political grandstanding. I asked Runion to explain this "protocol." Was he saying that Ricard was not allowed to answer my question?

Runion gave another mumbo jumbo response. I asked again if Ricard was not allowed to answer. Runion said that I was correct, that Ricard was indeed not allowed to answer.

This is just amazing. A sitting legislator allowed someone to tell him he was not permitted to respond to a question from the public.

I want to assure Guilderland voters of one thing. If I am elected to Town Board, and a member of the public asks me a question, I will respond. I will not hide behind anyone else.