By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- A Massena man at the Wednesday Town Council meeting addressed to board to request an explanation from the supervisor for comments he made last month that the resident found disrespectful.

Michael Mayette took issue with something Supervisor Joe Gray said during a discussion about security at the Town Hall. Gray at the Sept. 20 meeting was talking about a person who got combative with town staff when trying to get change from the tax collector to pay a court fine.

“The guy yesterday needed change for $100. I told Taya ‘You should have asked him where’d he get a $100 bill anyway,’” Gray said, which Mayette took offense to.

“I found those comments to be almost, very disrespectful,” Mayette said. “I kind of wanted you to clarify your position. Going through the court system can be stressful. I think it’s nine of your business where you earn your money.”

“I don’t make judgments on people. The comment was primarily in jest. It was kind of a joke. It may not have come across like that certainly,” Gray said. “I’m glad people are here paying their taxes.”

“Without tax money we don’t operate.”

“This was to deal with a court fine,” Mayette said.

“I know a lot of times the tax office, the receiver of taxes are asked to make change,” Gray said.

Mayette seemed satisfied with the response, didn’t push the issue further and stayed for the rest of the meeting.