May 1 2016
Derek Schnure
I want to remark on a few comments in this group that imply that somebody is being defamed by the discussion on the candidates. I think that individual is trying have a chilling impact on the critical review of the council members vying for a seat in the village election next week.
Firstly, a statement must be false or it’s not considered damaging. If a statement can’t be proven false it is not defamation. According to nolo.com, “Public officials and figures have a harder time proving defamation. The public has a right to criticize the people who govern them, so the least protection from defamation is given to public officials. When officials are accused of something that involves their behavior in office, they have to prove all of the above elements of defamation and they must also prove that the defendant acted with “actual malice.” People who aren’t elected but who are still public figures because they are influential or famous — like movie stars — also have to prove that defamatory statements were made with actual malice, in most cases.”
Therefore, I don’t see it as unreasonable if the citizens question connections between candidates and employees/contractors of the village and Planning Board.
Secondly, certain individuals have criticized discussion arenas like the Ridgewood Blog. The Blog is not a newspaper. It’s a collection of published articles from other sources and an open discussion forum. It provides a valuable service in the discovery and dissemination of facts in this town and of the happenings in the government. Contrary to some opinions, most of the information happens to be true. There obviously are speculative opinions on the blog but it definitely serves a valuable purpose in that people can discuss goings on anonymously (more openly) without fear of retribution. I think more honest discussions can be held there. A lot of people have opinions that aren’t posted in this forum because they don’t want to ruffle feathers or appear at odds with their neighbors.
Just my two cents….
comments taken from “It takes a Village Facebook page “
Gail Price “Please exercise extreme caution as falsehoods continue to be spread and reputations are maligned”
Gail Price “There’s no vested interest – there’s no conspiracy- there’s nothing sinister or underhanded at play. The most decent civic minded intelligent person who happens to be my husband has announced his candidacy for Village Council. But rather than allowing people to run on their merit, some of you are compelled to fabricate absolute non-issues and to create fire where there is none. The anonymous evil, rude and malicious commentary that has been released by a group of people who clearly are unhappy with their lot in life is most unbecoming to our Village. I don’t have a vote on the Planning Board and people should stop insinuating anything to the contrary. Here’s a fact, people may think they can say whatever they feel like saying about anyone at any given moment. However, uttering false or malicious statements has very real consequences. Making those statements that in turn impact people’s lives Is not without ramifications. Our schools have strict anti bullying policies. It’s remarkable that those policies don’t seem to apply to certain adults. Focus should be on facts and real issues rather than on spreading gossip and trying to Instill fear.
If people don’t know what’s going on in their town, then shame on them. Read the paper, attend meetings, volunteer — lots to do. But I guess it’s just easier to take pot shots at people than to put oneself out in front of things and to take personal responsibility for pitching in to make this Village a better place to live. In the 33 years I have lived here (not the handful of years that some have been living here) I have never witnessed the utter and sheer lack of respect being displayed. It’s unrepresentative of the kind of town we used to be. Self entitlement is so inappropriate.
I have no intention of engaging with anyone on these points and I don’t “jump” when someone expects a reply on here. I will however not hesitate to protect my reputation and my family.”
Gail Price wrote this sad commentary on Facebook. Her husband is running for office and she believes that he is being libeled. No doubt that she loves her husband but they are not cut out for politics.
Brooks has gone on the record as being for the “council knows best” garage. He has to live with that public statement writted by a PR firm, and MANY disagree with him. Like Vaggianos he will not win. I am sorry to se that they talked him in to running for office. He is being used. Nice guy, coach. And leave it at that.
