To the Editor:
We are writing to show our support for Mr. Neil Gardner, formerly the Stephentown Highway Supervisor. As you know, he was convicted of wrongdoing in a blatant act of politicism. He has been railroaded by the small faction in our town who wants to see him ruined. We are thoroughly disgusted with our justice system and feel that this is a terrible injustice.
Not only does Mr. Gardner have to worry about his future and the future of his family because of this conviction, but he is now being harassed by that same faction of people in our town. The same people who have tried again and again to get him into trouble and who, we are sure, had a large part in the injustice of the accusation, investigation and his subsequent conviction. These people have called the police on him four times as of the writing of this letter and made outlandish accusations against him. We believe that by doing this they hope to influence his sentencing in December. But we know the truth?
Right now, we ask that everyone who knows Mr. Gardner, not only in Stephentown but in our surrounding communities, rise up and help him! Everyone who voted for him again and again, all of you who have benefited from his generosity and kindness and who have received help from him when you needed it most, show your support! Let us not stand by idly and just watch as this good man is ruined.
How can you help? Don’t just stand quietly while others spread gossip and innuendo. Set them straight! Don’t believe everything you hear, go to the source. I am sure Mr. Gardner would be happy to tell you what is really going on. Take up a petition of support for him, get as many signatures as you can and pass it along to Mr. Gardner. Write letters of support and send them to the Judge who holds Mr. Gardner’s future in his hands. Send them to Honorable Robert Jacon, Rensselaer County Courthouse, Troy, NY, 12180.
A kind word to Mr. Gardner and his family would help also. Show them you support them and care about them. Your prayers, a card, a word of encouragement, a meal, etc. would do wonders to help them as they go through this terrible time. Remember they are our neighbors and our friends. And let us not allow a few people to ruin a member of our community who has always had our best interest at heart, who has worked tirelessly to better our town, someone whose family has lived here for generations. Remember the parable of the Good Samaritan and act on it. Please get involved!
Dana Tarr, Judy Tarr, Shirley Brown, Leola Tarr, William Sniger. Amber Sniger
Calvin Cole Road, Stephentown