Transparency, trust, and truth - it’s what we expect from our elected officials, specifically our Town Supervisor. Instead we have backdoor negotiations, executive sessions, censorship, and continued character assassinations of citizens peppered with half-truths and outright lies.

Mr. O’Shaughnessy has admitted to calling me a “double-dipping leach”. He further characterized my motivation as “to protect” my “high-paying salary, pension, and lifestyle” on the backs of the taxpayers.

At the time, I noted that this would be funny if coming from a 5-year old. But, it’s not. This is our Town Supervisor making public and social media comments that borders on the slanderous and libelous, especially in light of the real truths. I do not seek an apology – as this is the sad nature of today’s politics - however, I do demand truth.

Truth: Neither my “high-paying salary”, nor my earned “pension” has been paid for or contributed to, using your taxpaying dollars. Mr. O’Shaughnessy’s current Town Supervisor salary is taxpayer funded.

Truth: Many people retire and continue to pursue part-time or per-diem employment as a means to supplement their retirement. Mr. O’Shaughnessy is currently doing the same – again with taxpayer funds.

Truth: “Double-dipping” is not an illegal, illicit, or “shameful” practice. Under 2018 New York State retirement rules – I may work for the same employment entity (MMH) from which I retired – as long as those earnings do not exceed 30,000. Mr. O’Shaughnessy is not bound by such restrictions.

Truth: In 2018, under these rules, while working part-time for Massena Memorial Hospital, my total annual gross pension distribution was 9,347. Add in a “double dipping” income limit of 27,730 and you have a total “double-dipping” distribution of 37,077. This is in contrast to Mr. O’Shaugnessy’s annual gross pension distribution of 53,209 ( https://www.seethroughny.net/pensions ) sans any side income.

Truth: If I wanted to “protect” my “lifestyle” – I would continue in my current position with MMH at my full “high-paying” salary. However, I will be retiring fully on 3 May 2019 after a nearly 20-year beneficial employee / employer relationship. My earned gross retirement annuity will be approximately 34,090 annually. Mr. O’Shaughnessy’s earned gross retirement annuity is 53,209.

The final truth is that I am one who believes in service before self. First as a 21-year veteran serving this great nation, and second, as a 20-year medical professional serving you and our great community hospital. My wife and I believe in giving back to the community we love. We give of our time and resources freely – there is no other motivation. There is certainly nothing “shameful” in this.

I promised you when I entered this race – you would get to know me, and I you. Transparency, trust, and truth go far in building that relationship. Help me bring these key elements back to our representative government this fall.

Bob Elsner

Massena Town Council candidate