To the editor:
At the regular Cicero Town Board meeting on Jan. 22, 2020, a public hearing was held for discussion about adding an ad hoc member to the Cicero Ethics Board. The only people to speak were each and every member of the ethics board.
Their first concern was that they had not been consulted about the idea. The town board apologized, stating it was an oversight. With the activities surrounding forming the new board, that is understandable.
Their next concern was that perhaps a Democrat would be appointed and throw off the balance of the board. They were concerned that there are confidential issues discussed and that they already work so well together.
After the hearing, the town board elected to take no action on adding an ad hoc member.
During the public input period, I inquired as to the number of members of the board and their affiliations. There are five members: two Republicans, two non-affiliated, and one Conservative.
I don’t see how, in the unlikely event a Democrat were appointed, how adding one Democrat could throw off the balance. Unless they prefer unanimous votes.
Yes, I am a Democrat. And, I am insulted by the implication that a Democrat cannot be trusted to hold a confidence and/or be able to function in an ethics setting.
Perhaps the Cicero Ethics Board needs a little more than an ad hoc member.
Joyce Villnave
Cicero
