In 2009, Lou Delmonte won election to the post of supervisor in the town of Sheridan. In his release announcing his candidacy, Delmonte noted his work history "consisted of factory worker, union laborer, truck driver and currently, a New York state corrections officer with 23 years service."
To our surprise - and disappointment - last weekend, this elected official had not "formed an opinion" on the uncertain future of NRG Energy Inc. in Dunkirk and Chautauqua County. "I haven't really formed an opinion about it at this point, to tell you the truth," he told the OBSERVER. "I'm waiting to hear more information about it."
Are you kidding us? A public employee, who now leads the town of Sheridan, has no opinion on a potential shutdown of a major facility and highest taxpayer and is waiting for more information in a region where he is a leader?
We never would have heard that from his predecessor John Walker.
In September 2009, Delmonte said this in his campaign announcement: "Considering today's economy I believe my background of working with a wide variety of people, combined with a solid town board and an active and involved community, we can overcome the many obstacles before us and move forward."
You cannot move forward if a major county employer and taxpayer is in trouble. And, you certainly cannot move forward when a town supervisor is "waiting for more information" on serious news that broke two days before his interview.
Step up to the plate, Lou Delmonte. Understand the issues, urgency and the potential impact of this issue on those you serve. While you're at it, we suggest you at least make an effort to get "more information" on the Dunkirk plant if you do not have enough already.
That's called doing your job.
