To the Editor:

Northport Council politics is defined by trustee Barb VonVoigtlander’s failure to uphold state and village laws meant to protect taxpayers from crony politics and flawed decisions.

VonVoigtlander never understood the role of a trustee let alone the responsibilities of a council president. Her Enterprise comment quote “We need a president who recognizes Northport’s accomplishments, and has a good relationship with the trustees and employees ...” described president Steffens to a tee. VonVoigtlander, as should Northport voters, finally recognizes president Steffens as an effective leader!

VonVoigtlander never understood the value of “indemnification laws” or protecting the Constitutional Rights of voters who speak their mind at council meetings, especially the last council meeting, Mr. Spears and public, although animated at times, want “definitive answers” so they can make intelligent voting decisions in November.

Mikesell and VonVoigtlander must do their research if, as VonVoigtlander stated “I think it’s important that we have the public informed.” Then answer these questions: 1. Is the clerk legal or illegal? 2. Why didn’t the Council, including two lawyers, inform president Steffens about the flaws in the LCE turbine lease memo before he signed it? 3. Why, when Steffens knew the answers, didn’t both trustees support his “indemnification” positions in the marina and turbine contracts? 4. Why haven’t both explained in detail the long and short term implications of appointed public offices. Simply, not a good idea.

The list of Mikesell’s and VonVoigtlander’s flawed crony answers is long. Trustee Brendel and Wetherbee also participated in the flawed decisions. It’s time for new leadership.

Ronald Schobel

Ransom, Northport