As a longtime resident of the Town of Highland, I am chagrined at the behavior of the town board over recent months. There has been a long series of embarrassing incidents and stumbles—and this in a town that has long been admired for its competent governance. Lately things have gotten much worse, and the town is now faced with an imprudent and wasteful proposal by the town board to purchase a property at 564 State Route 55 at a price way beyond the property’s true value for an alleged intended use—parking for citizens attending board meetings—that the property cannot actually fulfill. Moreover, there is no parking problem. Having attended many town meetings over the years, I can attest that parking has always been readily available. Contrary to the allegation by the town supervisor, there has been no indication that the parking situation in Eldred will change.  

Fortunately, there is a recourse for the citizens of the town. We can call for a referendum on the board’s purchase proposal. I am joining fellow residents of the town in signing a petition that requests such a referendum. I quote from the resolution: 

“We are protesting against resolution number 27 dated January 14, 2025, authorizing the purchase of real property located at 564 State Route 55, Eldred, New York, and are requesting that it be submitted as a referendum vote to the qualified electors of the district affected, for their approval or disapproval.”

I urge registered voters of the Town of Highland to join me in signing this petition. It is available for signature at Irene’s Diner, 555 Route 55, Eldred, NY 12732. Be sure to use your name and address exactly as they appear on your voter registration.

Peter Kolesar
Eldred, NY