Constructive criticism

No one likes being criticized. But constructive criticism is slightly different. It’s intended to help, to guide and to improve. By and large such critique is beneficial and, by definition, should not be about disparagement but analysis.In the case of North East property owners’ recent criticism of the townwide reassessment project, that line is razor thin. Let’s hope that precipice is respected, by all sides involved in this complicated issue, and the importance of the subject at hand does not get muddled with personal attacks and accusations.At the Thursday, April 14, North East Town Board meeting, bewildered property owners gathered to voice their discontent with the reval. One, apparently, had a property that jumped in value 116 percent. Another had a farm building that did not get evaluated as such. Most saw dramatic increases in their property values, and all expressed frustration at a process that clearly confused them. Those property owners should be commended for taking action and attending that meeting, for voicing their discontent and informing the Town Board they believed something was amiss.The majority of those at the meeting last week threw their support behind a resolution introduced by attorney and resident Robert Trotta. That resolution called for the Town Board to advise Assessor Katherine Johnson to “defer from filing [the] proposed tentative 2011 assessment roll to permit further review of the same, and that the assessor file and utilize the 2010 assessment roll as the tentative 2011 roll.”In an accompanying letter, Trotta referenced complaints of “disproportionately increased percentages in excess of any changes in the marketplace,” and of the assessor having “misgivings as to the use of agricultural value assessments as permitted under the Agricultural and Markets Law.”These are serious claims and need to be investigated. The attorney also referred to a letter submitted by Planning Board member and Ledgewood Kennel owner Chip Barrett, who stated that he believes Johnson “has a bias against people who own farms.” Barrett supported that statement with a letter Johnson reportedly presented at a meeting last year for the Farmland Protection Committee as well as on conversations he had with her regarding agricultural exemptions and farmers “not paying their fair share.”While Johnson made no move to defend herself from those specific statements at last week’s Town Board meeting, she did so repeatedly the following day. She said the accusations are simply untrue.“I think that may come from my being tough, because I cleaned things up that were incorrect when I came into office,” she said. “I followed the law. I’m sorry if that’s tough. I was new and the Assessor’s Study Group wanted me to clean up ag exemptions, and now that’s all been corrected. I’m just holding to the law; farmers are required to show their income and acreage used — I’m just following the law.”Complaints run the gamut — from farmers not getting ag exemptions to property owners not being able to set up appointments with consultants at the assessor’s office to property comparisons being unjust to land being valued for best and highest use.For what it’s worth, during her tenure Johnson has shown a pattern of diligence, dedication and fairness. Although clearly disturbed by last week’s accusations, she assured this paper she remains open to working with the public.And while the two-week window to speak with a consultant has ended, Johnson said she will personally review data with property owners up until the very last day before Grievance Day, which is set for Wednesday, May 25.Let’s hope property owners will remain involved in the process and continue to voice their concerns to the town and to Johnson. It appears the town is listening; after all, the resolution Trotta proposed was passed by the Town Board (for more turn, to Page A1). That will give the town time to review the situation.In the meantime, Johnson will be able to work toward finalizing her roll and proving her case. Remember, she may be right on target. If so, the town should give her all the support she deserves. Ideally, there will be critical analysis in the place of wanton criticism, all through the process, ultimately leading to fair and equitable property values throughout the town of North East. After all, isn’t that what this is truly about?