It was with shock and dismay that I see that Garrit Smits is not only running for reelection but also for the Town Clerk’s position. For the last two years it has been a constant battle with Garrit to pay our monthly bills, let alone do any of the other responsibilities of the office. Quarterly payroll taxes have not been paid on time, resulting in a healthy fine, as of January the monthly employee retirement had not been paid since September.
These retirement funds are deducted from our paychecks weekly and we count on the Treasurer to deposit them on time. Every month as I receive bills, I approve the amount and enter the account it is paid from; I also keep my own set of spreadsheets that show the date approved, the amount and the balance of each account.
Garrit’s comment that I don’t get him the bills in a timely manner is incorrect. During the construction of the Highway garage, I was responsible not only for the day-to-day operations of the Highway Department, but also for the all the contractors and their payments. Many times I requested a balance of our building accounts from Garrit and he was unable to get me those numbers. Thank heavens for Pam Cousino who does keep track of the accounts.
This past summer we almost lost a $16,567 discount because the signed check was sitting on Garrit’s desk and never sent. I have kept the selectboard informed of these issues and they have diligently tried to resolve them with Garrit to no avail. All these issues are exacerbated as Garrit is only in the office on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. I am very concerned about the issues our auditors brought up in their report pertaining to accounts that aren’t balanced and deposits not made.
It is for the above reasons that I support Deb Healy and hope you will vote for her on Election Day.
John Bull
Ferrisburgh