Hello

Greetings Sara,

I have copied your questions and added my answers. I apologize for the length, however I am hopeful the answers are clear.

 

There has also been comments on Facebook regarding an investigation into Emilia Medick and her family residing in the building constructed on the Hop City Maple property (identified as 550 Devil’s Lane by The Heavy Hitters, described as an agricultural building. I am asking:

• Is this true? How was this information leaked?
  
  From the Town's position, there was an anonymous email sent to the entire board in regards to 550 Devil's Lane on March 8th. In regards to any "investigation", there has been no official communication to the public regarding such.

 

• Did you tell her?
  
  No, I did not inform Ms. Medick.  On the contrary, as a private citizen, she informed me, and inquired of me what she should do.
   

• What is being done about her living in that structure without proper permitting?
  
  I am not fully aware of the current situation regarding 550 Devils Lane.  My interaction with Ms. Medick was informing her that if there is an issue with permits, which is what she informed me of, that she would need to take that issue up with the Building Department. My understanding is that the Building Department is working on the situation.

 

“Rumors are... creepy councilman curtiss is flying drones over and spying on people and children…”

accompanied by hashtags including #creepy #watcher #ballston #peepingtom.

 

• Do you consider this appropriate conduct?

 

I consider your example inappropriate conduct by a private citizen.

 

• Why you voted as you did on February 24, 2026

I voted the way I did based on my view of local town committees made up of volunteers from the community.  Those committees hopefully function properly and offer their insight and information to the governing body of the municipality.  In the Town of Ballston, we also assign board member liaisons to committees.  In a perfect world, those committees meet and function as they should.  As a sitting Board member previously, I was a liaison to numerous committees.

 

Each committee operated within their scope and some were very successful, some were not. 

 

At that time, the Town Board did not approve committee members personally, deciding who would be on the committee and who would not be on the committee.  After all, committees are voluntary, and have no governing power.  They could ask for funding, but that was never guaranteed, as far as I know.  The committees were for people who wanted to help in our town and were open to everyone.

 

Upon taking office, it was explained to me that there were new procedures involving committees.  I do not personally agree with those new procedures.  Those new procedures appear to me to be over reaching, judgemental, as well as condemning from our Town Board. I do not see why our council members should subjugate willing volunteers. 

 

The way I see this is: If we have volunteers, allow them to participate. If their participation within the committee is deemed to be unethical, there should be a process to take action.
 

If there is a committee formed, and they all sign the ethics form, that is where committees can adjust, change, remove members- based on violations of ethics when serving. However, in examining our current Ethics form, I would think we need to update it a bit to adjust to committee work and civil acceptable behavior.

 

So, if a committee is formed, and members violate ethics, there can be consequences within Town Hall.

 

I see our current  pre-emptive vetting by the Town Board, concerning committees as a bit too restrictive and predictive that would-be members are presumed guilty of unethical committee behavior before they can even serve on a committee. 

 

In reference to Ms. Medick in your letter, I fully agree with your example of inappropriate conduct, however, that is on social media and outside the purview of Town Government for citizens.  If Ms. Meddick, or anyone else was an elected official or hired employee, that of course would be another story.

 

• How you are addressing the appearance of the conflict of interest

We should address Conflict of Interest via our Ethics Board, when applicable.

In this case, I was not really thinking about the connection in regards to political elections.  You are correct in that there is a connection via political party endorsement, campaigns, etc. But, I was not thinking along those lines while voting, as it would not matter who was trying to get on that committee, it simply was a vote to say I do not agree with the current procedures.  If it were your name, or anyone else’s,  I would have voted the same way.

But I do appreciate you pointing out the possible conflict of interest.  I will check into that in regards to whether abstention is a better option when there is that connection. I really never thought of it in that light.

• How the easement matter described above will be resolved and on what timeline

The easement matter will be resolved.  I was uncomfortable signing a document when at the very meeting it is on the agenda, there is information that I was not aware of.  Regardless of how accurate the new information is, I think you, as well as myself would agree that this issue is incredibly complicated. I simply do not want to prolong this issue any longer than necessary.  

I realize I have not experienced this issue for the same length of time that you have, however, what I am trying to do is make sure this is finished properly to avoid further litigation, confusion , and conflict.

• How information regarding the Hop City Maple property investigation was disclosed

I answered that above.  Again, I was contacted by Ms. Medick. She knew of this issue, I did not share that information with her. I shared with her how to address the issue, as well as confirming that approach with the building inspector.

• What actions are being taken regarding the use of that structure as a residence without proper permitting

That issue is currently with the building department.  I can get an update from them if you wish, or you could contact them directly.

• Whether you believe Ms. Medick’s public conduct and selective targeting are ethical

I like to align my view of being ethical to this definition:

 

It involves distinguishing right from wrong, focusing on honesty, fairness, and integrity. 

 

Based on your report of various items on social media, I believe that those examples do indeed lack ethics.  However, our local government does not control citizen's private ethics via social media.  

Our local government can enforce those requirements within our domain of committees.  So if a citizen participates in unethical behavior within our confines, such as a committee, we can enforce our code and take action to address.

• What steps you are taking to ensure transparent, independent, and accountable leadership

I try to follow the 5 C's of Accountability: 

Clarity, Commitment, Communication, Collaboration, and Consequences.

 

My final thoughts are the following:

As the acting Supervisor, I try to communicate clearly and work with the Town Board.  I refrain from being involved in private personal issues of conflict as well as inappropriate behavior in our public community.  I do not control anyone's private actions. 

I realize Ms. Medick has been a part of my election, however, her as well as several others who worked to get me elected all know that I thoroughly enjoy governance- not politics nor the unpleasantries associated with politics.

The members who support my candidacy also know that I do not actively participate or interact in social media as well as private conflict, many times caused by the use of that exact social media.  It is probably because I see the damage it causes for so many people young and old.  I prefer to utilize our website, that can push info out if so requested. There is no intent from me to close down open communication.

I have been very clear with everyone involved with my election- I am not in favor of social media, personal attacks, and unethical behavior.  If the website designed for me regarding reelection has any of that, I will remove that website associated with my name.  I have made that clear for this upcoming primary as well.

I am not in this to malign, embarrass or condemn anyone.  I am not serving on this Board with hidden, negative motives trying to manipulate people, or sharing confidential information with those who are not privy to it.  

If you or any citizen contact me with a question concerning the Town, I will communicate with you any information to assist you to the best of my ability. 

Unfortunately, there are intricate webs of communication from various members of our community.  Many people discuss, inform, communicate accurate and inaccurate information all around our local Town of Ballston as well as Saratoga County and beyond. There are many community members who are aware of issues involving our community, and who openly discuss those issues.

It is very easy to make assumptions, draw conclusions, and make judgements on multiple issues and conflicts.

I take pride in my open, honest, and truthful communication, and am only hopeful that people would see this. However, everyone is certainly free to draw their own conclusions.

I appreciate your letter of inquiry and feel free to contact me with any further questions or clarification.

 

Sincerely, 

 

John A.