Lumberland to retain

current town classification

By SANDY LONG

GLEN SPEY, NY — Though 2,050 people reside in the Town of Lumberland, only 378 cast votes at a special election held on May 24 to determine whether the town should remain a town of the second class or become a town of the first class.

The referendum resulted from the filing of a petition by a group of residents who have expressed various concerns “related to decisions and practices of the current town board and supervisor.”

According to Lumberland supervisor John LiGreci, 213 voters indicated their desire to keep the town’s current classification, while 165 voted in favor of switching. The difference of 48 votes represents approximately 24 percent of those who voted. “The people have spoken and wish to remain a town of the second class,” said LiGreci.

In a press release forwarded by resident Van Krzywicki, who filed the petition to consider the classification change, Krzywicki wrote, “It appears clear that the majority decided to send the board back to their desks rather than to the door. It is also clear that a very significant number of people are dissatisfied with the performance of the present government. We wish the board well, and sincerely hope they re-convene in June with new resolve to base their decisions on what is best for all the citizens of the town.”

LiGreci is glad to see the matter decided. “I’m anxious to move on and get back to town business,” he said. LiGreci expressed regret over expenses like legal fees, advertising, postage and printing that the town must now cover. “It’s unfortunate that it cost between $7,000 and $8,000 to finance a referendum which resulted in the town remaining the same,” he said.

Both parties expressed willingness to resume acting in the best interests of the town. “We will join with our neighbors and return to the challenges before us,” wrote Krzywicki. “We thank all who supported our effort and pledge to keep the public informed of the important issues facing the town.”