In case you didn’t read the original posting about the 3 Lakes Sewer Project, here is the link:
3 Lakes Sewer Project - Should there be a Jointure?
justabumpkin wrote about a week ago:
As noted by “concerned”, conflicts do abound on a commissioner’s part. As BTMA counsel he has filed condemnations against properties owned or heavily tax-liened by the county. The sewer line easements may make these properties worth much less at tax sales and any chance of gaining tax dollars back will be lost - doesn’t the commissioner also have a duty to see that the back taxes are collected? Or is his own self-interest (seeing the sewer project go through to generate major fees for himself) clouding his vision? Is this why he also failed to give statutorily-required notices to the condemnees, to slide it through fast and without scrutiny?
It is noteworthy that the Bridgewater Municipal Authority, who is embroiled in objections filed by landowners who have had their property condemned for the project, is apparently being represented by Bob Hollister, Esq., who has his office in with Michael Giangrieco, Esq., our minority County Commissioner. Are we getting closer to a complaint to the Disciplinary Board regarding a significant conflict of interest boys??
At least the case is being heard in Wyoming County. It’s amazing there was a change of venue for a condemnation case to build a sewer extension, but a guy on trial for his life (Stephen Scher), couldn’t get one. That will be a separate post.
Your thoughts?
Actually, the condemnation case simply has a different judge assigned to it, who happens to be Judge Vanston, out of Wyoming County. The venue of the case has not been changed. Judge Seamans simply recused himself, which is the same thing that he did in the Scher trial, and another judge (Judge Henry) was assigned to sit in his place. From my understanding, an attorney for one of the property owner made an oral motion relative to the conflict of interest issue, and Judge Vanston will be making a ruling on it.
I stand corrected. Thank you.
It seems this project will affect quite a number of landowners, some positively, some negatively at least in the short run.
In the long run, everyone will benefit from the additional infrastructure.