The Town of Mamakating has a new deputy highway superintendent. The entire Town of Mamakating Highway Department was present at the August 2 town board meeting to show support as the board approved the appointment of now former Councilman Thomas Morrow to the position. Mamakating Supervisor Michael Robbins explained to the public that on Wednesday, July 27, JoAnn Salomone resigned as deputy highway superintendent, citing a wish to retire. Morrow then resigned as a councilmember to accept the appointment. He is well familiar with the department and accepted the appointment with "honor" and "excitement." He told voters his end goal is to win their vote as the highway superintendent. For the time being, his wish has been to be as fully involved with the highway department as possible. He looks forward to serving the public. Many rounds of applause were given for J Salomone's service and for Morrow's appointment.

But, now the chips will fly. Several members of the public raised questions on almost everyone's minds: the town is still paying double salaries, and what is happening with Highway Superintendent Robert Hufcut, currently on leave about being accused of child sex abuse? Once again, several of the public spoke directly to Hufcut through Zoom, some preceding with if he was listening and Bill Lothrop saying he knew he was listening. They gave calls again for Hufcut to, "do the right thing" by taking a leave or resigning, "resolving his personal issues” and to "be a man." One commenter even suggested that Salomone was resigning because, as a woman she didn't feel comfortable knowing that Hufcut could come back any day. Salomone did not comment on this speculation.

Hufcut is not convicted, but the charges allege sex abuse against a child, not adults. It is also not legally possible for him to return "any day." As stated by Robbins earlier in the meeting in anticipation of questions on Hufcut's return, the town has been in written contact with Hufcut's lawyer. He has not been told by the town that he cannot return, but Hufcut has not personally responded to letters from the board. The board invited Hufcut to meet with them, but he did not show. As it stands, Hufcut is still a town employee legally and, this next bit has drawn some understandable ire from residents, Hufcut has said that he wants a $1,000,000 buyout.

Thomas Morrow will receive a prorated salary of $74,088.

On the good side of news, Robbins applauded the 50-years anniversary of the Basha Kill Area Association (BKAA). He said he attended the celebration on July 23 and congratulated the group for their work. He added that the turnout and the food was great.

Chris Leser gave a historical account of the recent China City/Thompson Education Center case. He shared several newspaper clippings dating back from 2013, when Sherry Li was in talks with the town. Leser said Harold Baird, then supervisor, did not allow the public to speak. Leser said, however, several residents, organizations, and legislators did send written communication strongly opposing the project. Mamakating did not allow the project and when it went to the Town of Thompson, Leser noted, Legislator Kathy LaBuda wrote a strong letter of opposition, and BKAA’s Paula Medley almost singlehandedly prevented the project (and many others like it) from developing in the town.

Lorrence Green reminded voters that, since Antonio Delgado has accepted the appointment as lieutenant governor, the town need to participate in a special election on August 23 to name his replacement, who will fill out the remainder of Delgado’s term.

The town has two public hearings coming up. They will both be on August 16 at 6 p.m. One is to withdraw funds for the Red Hill bridge repair, the other is for making an amendment to local law to add the Hamlet of Burlingham to the town.