My View by Dan Depew

Dear Nieces and Nephews

Dan Depew, the Supervisor of the Town of Wallkill, wrote a “my view” column that appeared in the THR Sunday. Danny is chastising the city of Newburgh for the environmental infractions of sewage leaking into the Hudson River. And while we agree with Danny in regard to the protection of the Hudson River and other natural resources, we wonder what really prompted him to launch this attack on the City of Newburgh.

We don’t believe, for a second, that concern for the environment is the only reason.

Look for the subtext, Nieces and Nephews.

We also wonder: is it his level of expertise in the matter of water and sewer systems that is pertinent here or is it something else? Remember, when Dan was in the legislature, he pursued establishing a water “mini-loop” in Wallkill and surrounding areas that would also cross county lines and include the Village of Bloomingburg, which at the time, was small in population and not in need of additional water. 

That additional water, however would definitely have benefited the Village of Bloomingburg today and in the near future, considering the almost imminent population swell that will come with Shalom Lamm’s (Danny’s employer at the time) development; one that will more than double the population size of that village. (See previous postings).

Yes, we should ensure that the Hudson River is clean! For all of us but especially for those who may use it in the future as a source of drinking water. (There has been talk of a municipality using said water).

Danny wants Newburgh to clean up their act! 

Clean up thier act?

Danny, why don’t you clean up your act? Are the municipal leaders in Newburgh criticizing your handling of the Wallkill Police Department? A PD led by a chief who (allegedly) has a proclivity for harassing female police officers in his department. At the very least, he seems to be discriminating against the female officers, as demonstrated by recommending a lower scoring male for promotion over higher scoring females.(on civil service exams) (Promotions are voted on by the Town Board and Supervisor).

And it is funny, because the Chief of the WPD, Robert Hertman, has never passed the (Chief’s) civil service test himself! The Wallkill town board and Danny keep reappointing Hertman as chief for specific time periods, ignoring the Chief’s civil service list and allowing Chief Hertman to exceed the $30,000 income limit on civil service retirees,according to RSSL* Sections 211-212.

 

Perhaps the chief was too busy attending college and law school getting his JD, for him to bother with the test. But this does not excuse the Wallkill town board and Danny for doing an end-run around the intention of the RSSL.

So before Danny attacks another municipality, maybe he should look in his own back yard.

 

http://seethroughny.net/waivers  


  
       

PS Don’t count on getting a job at Danny’s water park, it might go the way of Danny’s pot farm and the red light traffic cameras. You see, Danny is enthusiastic but he really needs Walt Disney to carry out his plans.

*RSSL Retirement and Social Security Law