My thoughts on recent events

By now, most of you have heard the news about Penfield Town Board member Andy Moore, and may be wondering what I think about it.

 For starters, I know only what has been published in the press. I can say a couple of things about this situation, however, and would ask you to keep the following in mind.

Firstly, Andy Moore and I attended Penfield High School together back in the 1980s. With respect to Penfield politics, Andy and I may not see eye-to-eye on every issue, but I can only imagine that this is an incredibly difficult time for him and his family, and they are in my thoughts and prayers.

Secondly, anyone named in a situation like this is unequivocally innocent until proven guilty. It is not for me or any other candidate to judge him on these charges – we are fortunate in this great country to have the very best system for guaranteeing due process and ensuring Andy a fair opportunity for the truth to come out, whatever it is. 

In light of these charges and the decision of the County Republican Party to suspend him from his role as Executive Director, I hope and expect that Andy will consider thoughtfully whether he can continue to serve the people of Penfield effectively as a member of the Town Board. At the very least, however I strongly believe that Andy should not be involved in the process to fill Debbie Drawe’s recently vacated seat. The town’s “call for resumes” ends today with candidate interviews to be conducted by current town board members next week. As I write this at 3:45 pm on September 4, 2009, there has been no word from the town on Andy’s status as a Penfield Councilman.

Thirdly, and most importantly, I believe more strongly than ever that business-as-usual government in Penfield is not good enough. I’ve lived in Penfield as an adult for more than a decade now and I have watched our town government go from a fairly efficient and productive group, to one that is trying to serve too many masters. When policies and decisions are made to please both the needs of the town and a political party, it is the town that loses out. Our elected officials exist to serve the needs of the town of Penfield, period. Any influence that comes from a political party at the county, state or national level, however genuine or well intentioned, will never be driven by the needs of our town. With opposing parties at the root of most candidacies, too often the debate becomes about who is right or wrong, instead of what is right and wrong.

We all lose when politics takes precedence over the interests of our town and its people. As an independent candidate, I can and will focus entirely on what's good for Penfield, and no party boss can try to tell me otherwise. You have my promise on that. Beginning next week, I will be posting detailed written and video statements about where I stand on specific issues facing our town and I look forward to a fair and spirited debate right up to election day, November 3^rd.

Have a great Labor Day weekend. I'll be spending it enjoying the last of this summer’s sparse sunshine and getting my kids ready for the start of school next week.

Nazarian for Penfield bumper stickers are now available at:

Trendz Salon - 2132 Five Mile Line Rd.

Mud About You - 1802 Penfield Rd.