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mailmanI'd like to start by saying that serving as a local representative is the ultimate form of community service. In Lansing, we are lucky to have so many neighbors willing to do the work to serve our community. Nevertheless, I'd like to point out some concerns with a a recent report in the Ithaca Journal.

The Lucente family has been working with the Town of Lansing for quite some time on the Village Solars project. In exchange for approval of the project, the Lucentes agreed to build a community center. One extension for that community center has already been granted. Consider this timeline - on July 8th, an $8,400 donation is made to the Town of Lansing Republican Committee. That is quite a sizable donation, and it is made by the Lucentes.

The Town of Lansing Republican Committee is financing Town Supervisor Ed LaVigne's re-election campaign. Six weeks later, at a town board meeting, LaVigne cast the tie breaking vote to provide another extension for the community center. LaVigne made no mention of the donation at this meeting. He later indicated that he did not need to disclose the donation, as all donations are public record.

But why not? Why not just get ahead of the story and let people know? LaVigne did not do anything illegal, but let's be clear - he also wasn't totally honest. I understand that is the way of politics today, but is that what we want? Is it ok that an entity outside of the town can contribute so much money and have that money potentially sway a vote? If Mr. LaVigne is confident he did nothing wrong, why didn't he let the public know this information? If nothing else, it certainly points to a conflict of interest.

I prefer my local officials to be community servants - serving the community of which they were elected. And I trust my local officials to keep the best interest of residents in mind. This situation is concerning, to say the least - I am tired of wondering whether my elected officials are working for their constituents or some outside influence. This situation makes me wonder what is going on with the current administration in Lansing.

Elizabeth Quadrozzi
Lansing, NY
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