There is a lot of rumor-mongering happening in an attempt to both discredit Kurt Wheeler and mislead voters about his positions. Kurt Wheeler has posted a response to the rumors.
http://www.wheelerforcazenovia.com/facts.html
The full text of his comments are included below.
Kurt Wheeler addresses the issues, including the rumors and distortions being promoted by his opposition.
Why are others so eager to distort my views and positions?
Why is the opposition trying so hard to claim that my primary campaign issue is the historic ordinance?
Why aren’t we talking about what I have clearly statedis my primary issue: Effective planning and measured growth that is true to our heritage.
Perhaps they recognize the majority of our community does not support the direction we are currently headed.
Perhaps they realize that most Cazenovians support the central messages of my campaign:
Below are some rumors and pieces of misinformation currently being circulated, followed by the facts:
| Rumor: It is imperative that we annex as much property as possible because the college is rapidly pulling property off the tax rolls, causing tax increases. |
| Fact: The college has not removed a piece of property from the tax rolls in nearly five years. Our tax base has increased during that same period and the percentage of tax exempt property has declined. |
| Rumor: Our school district has far more capacity than advertised. Impact on our schools is not a factor when considering annexation. Published capacity figures are a ‘scare tactic’ to prevent development. |
| Fact: The Cazenovia Central School Board of Education, our current Superintendent and former Superintendent, using all the data available and the prescribed methods for analyzing current and projected enrollment, have each concluded that our current school infrastructure can accommodate approximately 150 additional students K-12 without adversely impacting the quality of education. Recently published attempts to “reinterpret” that analysis were deeply flawed. Annexations already approved if developed at R30 will yield 224 new homes. The potential impact of this many new residences on our school district, and infrastructure such as village sewers, should be carefully considered. Our school officials should be included in the planning process and their well-informed, factually accurate input included in decision-making. |
| Misinformation: [All four recent annexations were] “included in areas generally identified in the Comprehensive Plan as possible annexation sites.” |
Fact: The first three annexations were, in fact, located in zones identified as “possible sites for annexation in the Comprehensive Plan. (Chapter V-11, Chapter V map insert). The fourth annexation site is not listed or depicted as a potential site. No potential new annexation sites are depicted west of Chenango Street/East Road . The only reference to the site in question is in Chapter III of the Comprehensive Plan. The Chapter III map insert, “Wetlands, Floodways, Floodplains & Aquifer Recharge Area” depicts a significant area west of Chenango Street/East Road as a “ New York State Designated Wetland.” Chapter III, page 15 explains the implications of this designation for any potential development in the area. In Chapter IV, the Comprehensive Plan establishes the following goal for the village:
The first policy listed under this goal is:
Given this clear guidance in the Comprehensive Plan, why wasn’t the full SEQR process used before the most recent annexation vote was conducted? Wouldn’t more information about the potential impact of the annexation have been in the interest of the Village? |
| Rumor: “Kurt Wheeler is a ‘radical,’ beholden to ‘special interests’ and will push the current version of the historic ordinance through with no consideration for its impact on our community or homeowners.” |
Fact: I support the concept of historic preservation and will listen carefully to all perspectives and work thoughtfully with the other trustees and all stakeholders in our community to enact an historic ordinance that best serves our entire community. Every major study conducted by our community in the past 20 years with the backing of various Village Boards has called for the addition of an historic ordinance to help preserve the qualities that make our village special. (See Chapter V, page 1 of the Comprehensive Plan “Recommendations to improve Village physical environment and services.” The first recommendation in this section is: “Adopt a Preservation Strategy.” See also the CAPP report (Go to “Resources” then “Data and Resources” on this site to view it), which specifically endorses the model used as the foundation for the current draft ordinance. Those of you who know me, know the following:
Base your opinion of me and your support for my campaign on my long history of concern for Cazenovia, not on rumors and distortions. The draft ordinance is the product of nearly a year of work and research by a committee assembled by former Mayor Tom Clarke. The ordinance is based on model legislation which serves as the foundation for laws currently used by approximately 170 communities across New York State to protect their property values and unique characters. After much research and study of what has worked in other communities like Cazenovia, the committee has submitted this DRAFT proposal as a starting point. Don't believe rumors about what the proposed law would do - please read it for yourself. Specific concerns or suggestions about how to improve the ordinance will be welcome. Everyone’s perspectives, opinions and suggestions will be carefully considered as part of a thorough process which will include a legally mandated public hearing. |