Town Board should reappoint Klimowicz

It’s a shame when politics gets in the way of progress. Case in point, the North East Town Board’s decision not to reappoint former Chairman Henry Klimowicz to the Planning Board at its Jan. 3 organizational meeting.

Klimowicz has spent 10 years volunteering his time on the Planning Board — attending meetings and training seminars, poring over site plans and architectural drawings. He has reviewed lighting designs and road setbacks, underground utilities and septic specifications.

During his time on the board he became an expert at his craft and he used that knowledge to help shape the future growth of the town. His dedication, just like his ethics, were unwavering — this he proved with each and every application. Much to his credit, he worked with his colleagues for the betterment of the community, regardless of his personal likes and dislikes. When his personal aesthetics came into play, however, they only added to his value (no surprise considering Klimowicz is a sculptor).

He earned the respect of his fellow board members for being fair and straightforward. As chairman he was known for being solicitous and patient, according to Planning Board member and former Chairman Bill Kish, who disagreed with the Town Board members who claimed he was argumentative and contradictory. Those councilmen have never attended Planning Board meetings, Kish said, so how would they know? Good point.

Yes, some said residents complained, but town Supervisor Dave Sherman said he never received those complaints nor heard of any from his board, not until the night Klimowicz’s appointment came up for vote. Could this be where the political divide fractured what was heretofore a very strong, effective Planning Board — one that looked after the North East community with the kind of care that should have been appreciated rather than seen as a threat?

It was the kind of leadership that Klimowicz offered on the Planning Board — strong, clear, fair and undeterred — that helped forward the town’s vision for its future. To obtain that vision, which includes rural charm, open space, productive agricultural land and a bustling economy, he worked within the confines of the Planning Board. He helped implement good planning and strong design standards.

Klimowicz, whether as chair or simply a Planning Board member, has the tools to protect and improve the town and the know-how to use them. He also understands accommodations must be made for growth and change. Being able to successfully maintain that delicate balancing act is invaluable.

Yes, the Planning Board’s newly appointed chairman, Dale Culver, will undoubtedly do a bang-up job in his new post and he absolutely deserves the opportunity he’s been given. Likewise, the people who have thus far put their names forward as applicants for the Planning Board are bright, intelligent, thoughtful and creative residents who would offer much if appointed to the seven-year position. But Klimowicz, who has put his ego aside and his name forward, really deserves to be reappointed. His knowledge, experience and enthusiasm are priceless, and those on the Town Board who oppose him should put petty politics aside, do what’s best for the town and rename Henry Klimowicz as the seventh and final member to the North East Planning Board.