As a Sennett councilman, I wanted to clarify some information concerning “The Old Pioneer” project on East Genesee Street Road. At April's Town Board meeting, Supervisor David Sikora and three town board members (Sylvia Wilson, Kenneth Champlin and Jerrold Eades) voted to file a lawsuit against our own Zoning Board of Appeals based on their decisions regarding that Pioneer project. Sikora is upset with the ZBA because their findings did not support his position.

The ZBA's decisions to allow outdoor seating, outdoor service and a drive-through were made after 10 hours of testimony, untold hours of deliberation over hundreds of pages of transcripts and with the advice of an expert independent council on local and state zoning/land law. I support the ZBA rulings and their under-appreciated dedication. I, in fact, was the dissenting vote in the decision to sue our own ZBA.

I believe the supervisor and code enforcement officer have been harassing these businessmen for months. The town has filed two separate court actions already. The court has already ruled against the town in both.

I believe attorney expenses and court fees, regarding the Pioneer Project, to the town taxpayers are already in excess of $50,000. Our supervisor is committed to spend whatever money is necessary to settle this personal vendetta; clearly a waste of taxpayer money and an abuse of power. The only ones that are benefiting are the town attorneys.

I have heard in personal conversation with some town council members, and it has been reported in The Citizen, quoting attorney Tom Blair, that the town is somehow covered by an insurance policy for further legal expense. Fellow councilmen and fellow taxpayers, no insurance company or insurance policy will cover our legal expenses in such a frivolous act as we, the town of Sennett, sue ourselves.

This case has entered the judicial system for review at the Supreme Court level. If the supervisor and other board members are dissatisfied with the court's decision, they have the option of appealing the judge's ruling to the state Appellate Division. Town taxpayers will, of course, pick up the tab to continue that legal fight.

It is my hope that Boncas (Old Pioneer) will be able to open soon as the summer season gets into full swing. It will be a great economic boost for our town and the county, providing tax revenue and jobs.

I personally wish to thank town folks and the local business community who have shown support on this and other issues facing the town residents and taxpayers.

Jeff Herrick

Sennett