MALTA — Once again, the Town Board is being criticized for failing to provide access to meetings after the audio for remote viewers was muted during Monday’s workshop on the controversial South Shore Marina. Aggravating the situation further was that once the audio was restored, after the South Shore Marina discussion ended, the town supervisor could be heard on a hot mic saying “f—ing people.”
The comment followed residents speaking out against another controversial plan — building a State Police barracks in their neighborhood.
“It’s unfortunate,” said Supervisor Mark Hammond on Thursday. “I regret that it was heard, but it was not directed to anyone individually or any group. It was born out of the frustration of the entire day. … I’m human. It was a frustrating meeting, the day was frustrating and it went right into that meeting that was contentious. The only regret I have is that language was heard. No one should hear that.”
Residents who are against the police barracks are not taking it well.
Nancy Definio who was watching remotely said she was appalled by his “disrespectful comment.” Another remote viewer, John Cashin, said it demonstrates Hammond’s “disdain and animus for the public he was elected to serve.” And Joan Salvi, who was at the meeting, said the comment was clearly targeting her and others in the room.
“What you see is a selected persona that really doesn’t represent what he thinks and who he is,” Salvi said. “I think the remark is directed toward us. … I think it could very well be that if you don’t agree with him, you become his enemy of the Town Board.”
Aside from civility, many believe the town is purposely trying to hide what it is doing on Saratoga Lake, specifically working on a proposed development of a large condominium complex with a restaurant and other businesses on…
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