Well, it’s February so it’s appropriate that we are in the Groundhog Day of shoddy, divisive journalism lacking integrity that is the River Reporter. Another Haas hit piece, another article without fact checking. To be clear, the issue between Tom Migliorino and Jeff Haas is not a fire department issue, was not about fire department business, and doesn’t involve the fire department beyond the physical location and the fact that both men are members. Beyond being offensive in pandering to the public and the volunteers in the area, Migliorino’s statement was a bold-faced lie.

Jeff is no longer town supervisor and no longer politically involved in the town or county, but he’s still a taxpayer and a resident. The opinions expressed by him and by myself in the course of any conversation or disagreement with anyone, especially an elected official, are valid and warranted. Tom campaigned for people “to bring him their problems” and for transparency, but when he is approached with a problem, concern, or complaint by people that don’t tell him how great he is first, he can’t stand it to the point of pressing charges! I’m not sure what his allegations are, as the first time I heard of them was from the statement to the newspaper and I was never approached for comment, despite my name being dragged through the mud.

Also, I’m not a junior. I’m just Jeffrey Haas. 

I never laid a hand on Tom and I never will. Tom may have been under the weather when he arrived at the drill. He instigated a disagreement at the firehouse, called Jeff names, and punched him in the face after he was threatening Jeff and encroaching upon his personal space in a threatening manner. Once you hit, you’re wrong. When you are an elected official you have to hold yourself to a higher standard. This man does not have the temperament for office and should resign immediately. The Town of Highland should take swift action to protect the community, not remain silent on the issue. You can’t physically fight with people who don’t agree with you. 

This community has been attacking my family (father, wife, brother) for years and not one of us has ever disrespected ourselves, our community, our elected/appointed positions, or our employers by resorting to physical violence. Ever.

Jeffrey M. Haas 

Yulan, NY

Editor’s note: The above letter was written by Jeffrey Haas, the son of the former supervisor, Jeff Haas. Jeffrey does not use the suffix "Jr."