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I was sorely disappointed to learn the three Republican candidates running for office this year in Schodack have declined to participate in a Meet the Candidates night that was slated for later this month.

Their refusal is a slap in the face to residents who would have benefited from meeting those who want to continue to run the town; Supervisor Dennis Dowds, Councilmen Mike Kenney & Frank Curtis, and a blow to students in the Maple Hill High School's Participation in Government Class.

PIG was helping organize this normally annual event at the high school.

The Schodack Planning and Development Association, a group that also sponsors these events, was told Monday, Oct. 3 that Republicans would not be attending. Weeks ago, Republicans were given a variety of dates from which to choose, but "were busy" each evening proposed.

Democratic candidate Linda Underwood was more than willing to work around the other three candidates schedules and has always been more than willing to speak with all residents.

Why have Mr. Dowds, Mr. Kenney and Mr. Curtis chosen not to participate in this public process? What are they trying to hide? What questions do they not want to answer? It has made me, a voter and the mother of a PIG student who now with her class has to scramble to figure out how to participate in a local government that seems to not want to participate in anything to do with the public.

Ms. Underwood, a lifelong advocate for this town and it's people, has my vote and I sincerely hope others follow suit and elect a candidate who really cares about the town and the people in it.

Schodack Democrats will host a Meet the Candidates night October 25 at the VFW Post on Scott Avenue to which all candidates are invited. Unfortunately, the PIG class will have to find another venue in which to lean about town government. It is very disappointing our town officials choose not to support the students they claim to hold in such high regard.

 

Kristin Shaw

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