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Supervisor Pam Duke:
I never imagined writing this letter to you... The first time I and Jon met you, you were a first time candidate for Rochester Town Supervisor. As a good neighboir, Jon designed your first post card and we explained honestly to you and Holly that, like almost all the immigrants coming from a Communist country, we are Republicans.
I enjoyed working together — in a pleasant non-political way — for the Heritage Day organized by the Friends of Historic Rochester in October 2006.
On January 8, 2007 when attending the meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission you told me that I have to come for a second interview regarding my application to join that Commission, for which you often asked for volunteers. As I'm truly interested in preservation and this can be best proved by the fact that I and Jon obtained the largest preservation grant in the history of the town, I thought my second interview would focus on my qualifications.
The now infamous interview took place on Wednesday, January 24, around 7 pm. Not a question was related to preservation. I was just absurdly accused of my name being "associated with an adult site."
I cannot believe that you, the first WOMAN supervisor of the town, allowed me, the only woman in your office at that moment to be treated and humiliated the way I was, surrounded by 5 men (4 town board members and the town's attorney, Mr. Rod Futerfas). As you know, I was so shocked and so emotionally distressed after hearing your totally false accusations that I had an accident right in the Town Hall's parking lot (the first on my 37-year spotless driving record!).
On the Rochester Democrats site (under Responsible Government) your party declares that you "value the diversity of our community and the views of all of our residents..." and that "everyone deserves to have their views heard by a government that is respectful, welcoming, and accessible." Really?!
What about having me, an immigrant, on the HPC? Then, can anybody please explain to me how was the government — represented by the whole town board — "respectful" and "welcoming" to me, during this Inquisition-style interview behind closed doors?! I'm glad I mentioned even during the "interview" that the situation was a tragic reminder of my experience in totalitarian Communist Romania...
Still, the most important question is: how can you be trusted as a LEADER if you act on unchecked rumors, if you never try to find out the facts?! As I learn now that your inner circle has spread the rumor around the town for almost two months, you had plenty of time. The only explanations I can think of: you either are part of the lie, or you have no use for the truth...
Anyway, thank you for the lesson. A great one — in human behavior, fairness, decency, leadership style...
Manuela Mihailescu
The Brick House
Kerhonkson
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