On May 14, Fredonia resident and taxpayer Mark Lotter spoke at a Village Board meeting in regard to his concerns with the code enforcement office. During his speech, Lotter admitted he had second thoughts about speaking publicly.
Only days after questioning the hours, selective enforcement and overall performance of the code enforcement office, which is led by John Monaco, Lotter received a letter dated May 15. It said he was not in compliance with the village code on one of his properties due to high grass.
One day after Lotter's comments, he received a village citation by registered mail.
Coincidence? Maybe. Has the look of retaliation or vengeance? Absolutely.
In other words, village residents better be careful about speaking their mind on issues at the board meeting. If they do, reprisal is a possibility.
By the Lotter citation alone, this is not opinion, but a fact.
So will the board or the mayor do anything to address these issues of potential retaliation on residents and taxpayers?
Good question. Monaco threatened a village trustee in front of a village justice in December. For its part, the village says he was disciplined though they would not reveal just exactly how.
In April, the board reappointed Monaco to his position, which includes the compensation of more than $90,000 in taxpayer dollars.
What is wrong with this picture and just how many other property owners or businesses in the village are putting up with this? How many have left because of it?
By looks alone, it is wrong.
