LETTER TO THE EDITOR
MY OBSERVATIONS OF THE ALLEGANY COUNTY TREASURERS RACE
As many people are aware there is an upcoming contentious
election here in Allegany County. Like almost everyone I know, I have been
following this one closely. Even though this is a Republican Primary, it should
not matter what political party you belong to take an interest because there
will also be a general election in November. I have read each candidates’ posts
on their Facebook Campaign Pages and every press release. I have never spoken
to either of these candidates.
Jenna Kelley is one candidate. She is the current Deputy
Treasurer and clearly has that experience on her side (along with experience as
her town treasurer position and the Women’s Republican Committee). She also has
a Business Management Degree. These credentials on the surface indeed seem
impressive. I have read everything she has written. Many times, the buzz words
reflect her definite knowledge of duties, but I cannot help but wonder why her
ideas have not already been implemented if she has been there so many years. It
also makes me consider that a key reason would be that the top position in her
office is being sought out by someone besides her, seemingly forcing her hand
to run because if the opponent ended up being the only candidate, he would
likely appoint someone else to her position.
Adam Cyr is the other candidate. He is a self-employed
businessman who has skills with managing large budgets, meets the requirements
for County Treasurer even if people do not feel that is enough for him to
manage the position. With that being said, if he wins, he will definitely have
to prove himself! However, like every person that starts a new position, they
will have to learn it because you must start somewhere! What stood out to me
regarding Mr. Cyr is the fact that every single time The Wellsville Sun (only
local news outlet that has an option for public comment) posts on Facebook, Ms.
Kelley’s supporters go low with personal attacks rather than letting her merits
speak for themselves! Smear campaigns tend to turn voters off.
Further, people I personally know that support this
candidate (they have yard signs reflecting this) have had people come to their
homes and try to persuade them to not vote for Mr. Cyr. I have never seen
anything like this!
The most egregious example of going low was when I read the
current Treasure’s Facebook post degrading Mr. Cyr’s profession - “garbage from
the garbage man.” This seems to reflect an inability to regulate emotions, and
this statement should outrage her colleagues in county departments such as
Public Works! Ironically, these are some of the very people I bring all this up
to because we need to remember that she is Ms. Kelleys predecessor for over a
decade and who provided her training and supervision.
One last concern fact I discovered is that the current
Deputy Treasurer consistently works a significant amount of overtime and has
for years. If she cannot handle the deputy treasurer position in a regular work
week, how would she manage the head position of treasurer?
I hope that supporters of the candidate I do not endorse
will prove me wrong and one time not attack me for my personal thoughts.
Diane Moore