Letter to the Editor: 'New Problem for the Yorktown Town Board'

Editor's Note: The following Letter to the Editor was written in its entirety by Yorktown resident Al Avitabile:

Seems our Chamber of Commerce has placed our Town officials in a very difficult position. Now that they have changed from an organization whose purpose used to be the voice of our business community and it's membership to what is now a political group how does a Town Board co-sponsor an event with them?

When they endorse candidates for office in our town it not only does a disservice to all of the groups members it also raises a very interesting legal question. Can and should a political group be allowed the use of public property and be able to in turn rent out the same for profit while costing the residents money? Residents that may not now share their politics? If this is legal, it is certainly not very ethical. 

It's time that the silent majority stand up and voice an opinion either in print, at a town meeting or in the voting booth. At the very least voters deserve some answers. How much does it cost our town for this Street Fair in overtime for employees and police? How much of that cost does the town get reimbursed from the Chamber for this event? If it does not cover all town costs why and how much does the Yorktown Chamber net from the event? 

What is more surprising is that the business members of this once very good organization seem to be standing by and allowing this to happen. Have they become that complacent because this is certainly not an organization to either be proud of or a member anymore. My admiration and respect goes out to those who stood up voiced their objection and resigned, sadly this organization lost the wrong people and maybe chamber members will remedy this with their own election.