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SCHRATZ AND MOHAN DIVERT PUBLICS’ ATTENTION
The public was cast into a fool’s role by Supervisor Mohan’s deliberate diversionary tactic to cover up Deputy Supervisor Schratz recent unethical and unlawful actions that renders her unfit for public office.
During deliberations on Schratz ethics (recorded public meeting, August 4th), Councilmember Manna told Schratz: “The perception is you conspired somehow to talk to people who signed the protest petition to convince them to get off.” Manna asked: “Did you specifically target people who signed the protest petition? Did you coordinate in any way with the activities of the petitioners?” Schratz disjointed responses included a remark about “Schumer” and “Hillary”.
On Monday, August 11th, we released an open and shut case, substantiated by public recordings, records on file, six witness accounts and Schratz admitted behavior, in an interview with the Amherst Times, August 3. All that was necessary was a review and a roll call for unethical and unlawful actions by our Deputy Supervisor. Instead of reviewing the incriminating, self evident argument and acting swiftly on it, Supervisor Mohan conjured up a charade.
MEDIA DIVERSION, FACTS AND OUTRAGE:
1). Dr. Mohan knowingly selected a very hot public issue and called a press conference August 11th, regarding the condominium loophole. He said the Town Board was “seriously thinking of adopting the homestead option”. The Amherst Bee responded, August 13th: “Why the big announcement? Why now? …Came out of nowhere.” ….Too many unanswered questions….” “…..Causes panic.” “If the town needs further review and more detailed plans, why get the residents involved and cause more unease and confusion?’
Why, indeed?? We claim that this was a political ploy. Supervisor Mohan stirred and manipulated the voters, at large, as a means of diversion from the unethical and unlawful behavior of Deputy Supervisor Schratz. This ploy did cause “unease and confusion”. (See recorded meeting Aug. 18).
A response from someone not familiar with the timing of the ethics investigation, posed this perspective: “Even after being advised by the Town Attorney, Assessor, etc. about the need for the state to change the law, the likes of the TS (Town Supervisor) and his deputy decided to place their own resolutions on the agenda. So once the Town Board meeting had started the TS gave a half-hearted apology to the crowd and stated ‘that he never attended (sic) it to affect existing condo owners’.” (Speak Up Western New York, Aug. 20).
This confirms Supervisor Mohan knowingly brought forth, in a public forum, a resolution that was truly non-sensical. The question is: Were we participating in a comedy or tragedy? This deception was at the expense of the taxpayers of Amherst.
2). Mr. Rubino, defended Schratz and himself in an Amherst Bee story August 13. Clearly, the link continues between the developer and Schratz, who came on the scene July 7th, lobbying for him, the day of the expected vote.
The facts are: The sequence of events follows recorded dates, substantiated by recordings, filed records and admitted testimony by Schratz. - - “Shelly said she did speak to four of the people whose names were on the petition voting “no” to the Rubino project.” “Interestingly, the four people she spoke with did remove their names from the petition sheets.” (Amherst Times, Aug. 3) “Shelly Schratz should be removed from office if she refuses to resign…” (Speak up WNY, Aug. 11)
Deputy Supervisor Schratz has violated her public office and public trust and should step down.
3). The STENCH gets WORSE. Opposed petition count: Foxberry Village 95, residential homeowners 85. The Supermajority (takes only one opposed) was NOT broken on August 4, as was announced and we were lead to believe. The Town’s legal council, in full knowledge, rendered the decision to negate the Foxberry Village count. This granted Shelly Schratz the power to lead and swing the vote.
Crucial Note: These petitions are the only documents missing from the Clerk’s file. They provide the evidence to the discovery of this unlawful act.
On August 4, the opponents were left with no other recourse than to utilize the suspension of rules to turn the planned vote. They presented and exposed an ethical quagmire. This left no alternative but to vote 7-0. (Camera recorded, Aug. 4).
This common practice of interfering with the local democratic process, demonstrates the arrogance of power to serve those involved and a selected few in our community. It is NOT in the service of the constituency at large and is inconsistent with the Town’s vision.
We are confident that there are many voices in our community that want to be heard on this outrageous, disturbing and offensive finding. An independent special investigation is in order.
Call/Write/Fax:
SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON 212-688-6262
Department of Constituent Affairs
780 Third Avenue, Suite 2601
New York, New York 10017-2024
FAX: 212-688-7444
SENATOR SCHUMER
130 South Elmwood Ave #660
Buffalo, New York 14202
846-4111
Fax: 716-856-4113
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