On Wednesday, the North Greenbush Pipeline reported that the contributor of $2000 to the so called "reformed Democrats" who took control of the town Democratic Committee had applied for a variance to build a commercial use garage at his residence from which he runs Statewide Remodeling.
The Zoning Board voted unanimously to reject Charles J. LaBounty's application Wednesday night. The largest contributor to town Democrats ever recorded, even if improperly, and he can't get a variance to build a comercial use garage on his front lawn!(We're being facitious in case you didn't know!)
Board members gave him a rough time at points during the meeting but regardless of who he was or what he was asking for, they did the right thing. We received a comment from someone who appeared to be a board member who criticized the Pipleine's tongue in cheek comments about the contribution and the Zoning Board's actions. Obviously we know there is absolutely no connection. We did not publish the comment because it incorrectly and unfairly declared that someone unconnected to the Pipeline attended the meeting and wrote the column. Sorry, it's fun to blame people you don't like, but we won't play that game. Incidentally, anyone can email the Pipleine with story tips and that's where many of our items originate.
The point, however, is well taken from what we were told that the Board acted in a highly professional manner. While you may not like us to say you gave an applicant heat as oppossed to required questions under the law, we were told it was a forceful and determined statement from the Board member who sits on the far left as the audience faces the Board. No harm intended and we do respect the long hours and professional demeanor of the board and their attorney.We were also told that the Board member was well spoken,and well versed on the law.
As for the applicant, we're told he is in his thirtys and is a private contractor which only further flames the questions surrrounding his ability and motives to give so much money to a group trying to win conrol of a town political party? Again, we understand there is no connection between the contribution and the Board's determination. Our bet remains he was little more than a funnell for someone else's cash who has a motive to win control of the town Democratic Party. Our bet is that the money came from someone holding a fat town contract.
So when the investigators from the State Board of Election comes a knocking on his door, he'd better have his answers.He might try calling the investigators at the State Board of Elections and come clean before they come to him. Investigators can be reached at 518-486-6627. In the mean time, it's back to the drawing board on the garage for which he has $2000 less to build with.
5 comments:
So, what you're telling us, there is something working in this town. If some of the committees in N.G.are working within the law, there is hope. It should be easier to correct our problems if it's just the elected officials who are corrupt. Thank you Zoning Board members.
My apologies. I made an incorrect assumption, same as you, but I pleased with the follow-up.
As you are, I am also concerned with corruption in North Greenbush. However, I felt that the implication that the ZB would not do the right thing was unfair. But again, thank you for the follow-up.
IS IT LEGAL TO RUN A REMODELING BUSINESS FROM A RESIDENCIAL AREA? I KNOW I WOULD WANT ALL THAT STUFF ON MY STREET ON A PERMANENT BASIS.
To Commentator #2, you are welcome. You should know and the town should know that we received several emails as opposed to comments, which praised the work and professionalism of this Board. We also heard from two people who did watch the meeting in question and without exception, the praise for the professional demeanor of these members was exceptional.(We try to publish comments, we respect privacy in emails which often provide the material for the Pipeline.)
You all should know who serve on this Board that you are well thought of and the town should know that at least one body of government is corruption free and competant.
I'm surprised that you didn't report on the Town Clerk's behind the scenes attempt to influence a case next to her parents business.
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