Letters to the Editor, Jan. 24

Financial transparency: the town of Pound Ridge deserves better

To the Editor:

Transparency, honesty, and accountability. I attend town board meetings and consistently walk out seeking these fundamental principles. Supervisor Kevin Hansan’s response to John McCown’s letter (“Hansan says letter writer’s allegations misleading,” Jan 17) attempts to spin reality, but facts are facts: The 2021, 2022 and 2023 financial statements weren’t just “late” — they violated state law requiring submission to the state controller 90 days after fiscal year end. 

As our town’s CFO, the supervisor’s performance raises serious concerns. Would you trust a CFO who violates state filing requirements? Most organizations would have shown such an executive the door long ago. These delays and lack of transparency have serious consequences that most residents don’t realize.

Further the supervisor promises no costs will burden taxpayers outside the proposed water district, but where’s the framework ensuring this? Is this just the beginning, with a $40 million-plus wastewater treatment facility looming?

Although we all appreciate Hansan’s weekly letter, his “Letter to the Editor” spin continues. He claims high interest rates on financing were justified by “high inflationary years,” touting 5 percent CD investments. This is misleading — the town could have invested in these same CDs while paying normal municipal rates. We’re paying excessive interest because we lack timely audited financials, yet none of this appears in the supervisor’s weekly newsletter.

“Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” Don’t be misled by Hansan’s letter discounting McCown’s findings. This is your wake-up call to attend town board meetings and understand how your tax dollars are being spent. For you newcomers, don’t take things for granted, or the very reason you moved to Pound Ridge may change without your participation.

Transparency, honesty, and accountability; 2025 is an election year and I think it is time for a change. 

Nick Cianciola Sr.

Pound Ridge

Still seeking information on grants for new senior bus in Pound Ridge

To the Editor:

I wish to update the senior residents about the senior bus. Back on Nov. 24, 2024, Mr. Hansan stated that he hoped that in the 2025 budget that the bus would be included. He also stated that the Highway Department needs a salt/plow truck but looking at the town board meeting of Jan. 21, 2025, on the agenda under new business, there is a request for approval for utility truck for $75,320.20 and 2025 Ford F-550 cab/chassis for $69,728.19. There also was a request for board approval of a body and snowplow for the F-550, for $50,995. Previously, at the town board meeting of Dec. 4, 2024, I found out that the grant information I gave them back in July was not a fit as it was for an electric bus. At the Dec. 18, 2024, meeting I gave the town board two grant application forms that had an expiration date of Jan. 25, 2025. I requested information on the update of the above grants via email to the town but have not heard back. I did attend the meeting of Jan. 21, 2025, and I asked again for a reply but I was told to give a copy of the request dated Jan. 3, 2025, to Mr. Hansan’s secretary, which I did.

Katherine Biagiarelli

Pound Ridge 

Outraged that President Trump has pardoned U.S. Capitol rioters

Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to U.S. Rep. Michael Lawler and reprinted by The Recorder at the writer’s request. 

Dear Congressman Lawler:

I am writing to you about my outrage that President Trump has pardoned and commuted the sentences of convicted rioters at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. President Trump has repeatedly shown that he has no respect for law and order and for the duly appointed personnel who are responsible for enforcing the laws in our country. As my elected representative in the House of Representatives, I feel you have an obligation to publicly denounce this decision. Without your denouncement, you are sending a message to President Trump, your constituents and others that you support this action. 

I come from a family that has always supported police organizations within our country, including a member of my family serving as a local police officer, a Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms special agent and as a career U.S. Secret Service special agent. Similarly, both my parents served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and I served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971. One of my wife’s and my sons served in the U.S. Navy and our granddaughter will soon be commissioned as a U.S. Navy officer. We have been steadfast in our support for these institutions that make this country great and do not support weakening these organizations or undermining the rule of law in this country. As an elected member of the legislative branch of our government, I expect you to do your sworn duty to uphold high standards of law and order and the integrity of our military and not to just go along to get along. Further, any retaliation or retribution against any members of these organizations for doing their jobs in the past should not be tolerated. Do your job and speak out! 

Lee Dewey

Pound Ridge