To the Editor:

Vendetta, vendetta, who has a vendetta?

I have 2 faults: 1. I am not politically correct, and 2. I have a habit of saying out loud what most people whisper. The following comments are my opinions concerning issues past, present, and future.

On Sept. 8, 2014, The Massena Republican Party held a caucus to select candidates for several positions in the upcoming village election on Nov. 4, 2014. These positions were for mayor, 2 trustees, and 2 village justices.

After being elected Caucus Chairman, Joseph Gray explained the meeting would be conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order, meaning motions have to be made and seconded. When the floor was opened to motions, I made a motion to not put up a candidate for the mayoral position, which was seconded. That motion has caused some angst among a few people.

During the motion comment period, instead of addressing the motion on the floor, per procedure, Mayor James Hidy commenced with a diatribe against my son and I concerning a paid firefighter position.

To clarify the comments, Hidy quoted about my son making in his office: those comments were made at around October 9, 2012 at the village board meeting, not Hidy’s office. The sad thing about that meeting was other than the mayor’s comments not one person on the board made a comment - the silence was deafening.

Old policy, which could have applied because of no current county civil service list, was veterans first, people from Massena first. I told my son, when he asked if he should apply, ”You won’t get the job, but you should get an interview.” One would have to guess Mr. Deshaies does not always practice what he has preached – “Massena First.”

When George Brouse said Hidy had disrespected the Massena Volunteer Fire Department, Hidy made the reference that dealing with the Massena Volunteer Firemen was like dealing with a little child. When and if you ever have a need for the Massena Volunteer Fire Department, you will be surprised at how gown up they are. Though perhaps Hidy already knows this, considering he is a member of the MVFD Exempts.

When Shawn Gray tried to explain Hidy’s conduct toward a large group of people opposed to the SAFE Act, Hidy’s response was very professional. He called Gray a liar 3 times.

For your information, the people opposed to the SAFE Act are also opposed to Mike Bloomberg’s “Mayors Against Illegal Guns” coalition. I have been told Hidy states his name is not on that list. But it was! On Dec. 19, 2012 Mayor Dolan of Melrose Mass. posted the list on his Blog. If you want to check (use all lower case letters no spaces): Mayordolansblog.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/mayors-against-illegal-guns/

I understand that some people are upset with my actions at the caucus, and with my challenge of the Republican party nomination for mayor for Hidy. When I was growing up in the early 50’s, I was raised to respect everyone. When I served 10 years in county government, I still gave respect to people I came in contact with. I also have very strong feelings about my constitutional rights. Never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot say. However, always be civil.

There is no vendetta against Hidy. To you the people of Massena, answer these questions: Is asking why a Massena veteran was not given an interview for a job a vendetta? Is it a vendetta to ask why it cost $6,000 to run a sewer line from the middle of East Orvis to the sidewalk? Is it a vendetta to ask why taxes are going up over 7% this coming year, or why a first term Mayor votes himself a huge raise? Is it a vendetta to expect answers of the people we elect to public office?

We are a country of laws. I would not have challenged the Republican mayoral nomination had I not read that Democratic Board of Elections Commissioner Jennie Bacon said there were 2 violations of the Board of Election Laws and that the people had till 5 p.m. to base a challenge. I read the petitions and saw that 2 people who took a major role in the Republican caucus had also signed Hidy’s independent petition – in direct violation of NYS Election Law 15-108.9(d).

In closing I would like to suggest a few things all people should do:

- Go to your county, town, and village board meetings. See how your governments work.

- Ask the elected officials questions. They work for you, they spend your money.

- Attend your party’s local meeting. The more people involved in the process, the better candidates you will have.

- Use your God-given rights! We watch people die all over the world to try to get the freedoms we take for granted in this country.

Remember to Vote Nov. 4!

Charlie Romigh, Massena