Fredonia village trustees, in early August, began to publicly discuss the proposed contract between the municipality and the State University of New York. It was at this time, Trustee James Lynden voiced his concern regarding a possible opt-out clause by the university.

Since then, however, very little had been said regarding the issue — until last week. At the Monday meeting, with few details discussed, trustees approved the agreement. Lynden, however, voted no due to the lack of public transparency with the deal.

“The contracts were worked out pretty well, but as far as the public goes, I feel that the lack of content (of the resolution) is the reason … for my vote,” he said.

Outgoing Trustee Scott Johnston, however, then indicated the contract is open book. “These contracts are available in the clerk’s office. Anybody who’s interested can come by and read them,” he said.

But that is not true. To be able to view the documents, the OBSERVER needed to file a Freedom of Information Law request. There is nothing wrong with that, but village leaders do not need to be so flippant when it comes to the public’s right to know.

We have all witnessed the many mistakes this Village Board has made over the last decade — from contracts, to illegal meetings and allowing the largest employer in ConAgra to leave.

These actions, without question, are why there is so much skepticism when it comes to how Fredonia operates.