First, it was Debra Schnabel, who was not only fired by Mayor Hill and assembly people Josephson, Rogers and Thomas. But—as if that were not enough—the EOC attempted to publicly shame her by rushing out a press release that was so wrong it had to be rescinded the following day. It was a mean attempt to sow doubt on a woman who has provided many years of public service to Haines by a group that is supposed to put politics aside and look out for our well-being.
Next, it was Helen Alten, former museum director, who was given only minutes notice by the museum’s board prior to being fired and having her keys to the museum taken away.
Perhaps the borough had legitimate concerns with Debra, and the museum with Helen. But there are responsible, rather than vengeful, means of dealing with those concerns.
Now, we hear that police have ticketed local resident and frequent police critic Paul Nelson for “driving without a license.” Paul said that he was ticketed nine days after he “drove” his half-car in the July Fourth festivities at the fairgrounds—even though the car was towed to and from the fairgrounds by someone else.
Paul’s ticketing borders on absurdity, but the malign treatment of Debra and Helen is lamentable. We need people in power to treat those of us who don’t agree with their agenda with respect and open-mindedness, rather than meanness. It would make Haines a better place.
Sharon Resnick