A meaningful oath?


To the Editor:


Town Supervisor Dougherty was recently sworn into office for another term. He held up his right hand and swore to support the Constitution of the United States.


I’m not sure if he understands the basic premise of our Constitution. I certainly do not trust him to fully support and apply the Constitution even if he did understand its importance.


Some time ago, Mr. Dougherty attempted to intimidate me because I was critical of the Town Board [as Mr. Novak publicly asserted at the August 18, 2009 work session — Ed.]. He did not want my remarks reported in this newspaper. He warned me that “elected officials” here will abuse their authority and that “it won’t be nice.” This was his blatant attempt to deny my First Amendment rights. The first, and perhaps, the most important amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It is called the “cornerstone of our democracy.”


When confronted with proof of his remarks, Mr. Dougherty could not deny what he said. He could also not admit that what he said was wrong and publicly apologize. To date, only two board members, Ms. Lewis and Mr. Waddington, have had the gumption to assure me that Mr. Dougherty’s “warning” did not apply to them. Mr. Dougherty has implied that he saw nothing wrong with threatening me. I guess that intimidation is just a way of doing business for Mr. Dougherty. That is reprehensible.


Our Constitution, its amendments and our Bill of Rights explain and protect, as law, the civil rights of each and every individual citizen of the United States. It is applied at every level of government. 


I understand the sense of community here and the desire to protect it. But every town law, code, tax and expenditure must be ultimately about our collective and individual right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. A fundamental ideal of America. When “communityism” supersedes our civil liberties, it is known as something else. When the “state” and “authority” become more important than the rights of any citizen, it is called fascism.


Our democracy requires a government by the people, for the people. Mr. Dougherty and the board have all sworn to support our Constitution. I don’t mean to be naïve, but I’d like to believe that they all have the personal integrity to keep their word. However, Mr. Dougherty’s words and actions give me pause. Time will tell if they actually mean what they swore to. It is a promise and standard that I will hold them to.


VINCENT NOVAK


SHELTER ISLAND