¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

This was not an easy decision for our editorial board to make. Both candidates have strengths. We think the Town Council will accomplish more in the coming four years with Abbatiello at the helm than we would see if his opponent, Frank Gunsallus, is elected. Abbatello has shown signs of a more balanced leadership approach, critical in the current climate.

In his answers to questions that the Star Democrat submitted to all candidates, Abbatiello captured why he is our pick.

“Good leadership is about teamwork,� Abbatiello said. “No matter how strong your ideas are, they won’t move forward without support from your fellow council members.�

In the past year and a half Gunsallus has shown signs he needs a broader approach to the Town Council decision-making. He has repeatedly alienated his fellow council members with an autocratic leadership style, pointed out here in previous editorials. Each time we suggested he learn from his experience.

We believe the problem with Gunsallus is how he goes about leading meetings. In a recent council meeting, he attempted to change the agenda prior to the start of the meeting. The item legitimately could have been discussed and tabled if proper protocol and order were followed. Instead, Gunsallus gaveled the meeting to order and announced he was removing the item from the agenda until he received an opinion from the state attorney general’s office. It came before the standing item to approve the agenda when such requests are considered. It caused unnecessary discord and distraction.

The result: The council members unanimously overruled the decision by the council president. This is highly unusual on such a procedural issue and one example of what concerns us about Gunsallus’ leadership style.

Time and time again we have seen Gunsallus advance an idea but fail to move it forward. The Town Council president needs to be a more of a leader. Leaders get people to follow, allow for dissension and are about motivating others to pursue an objective. There have been numerous times when Gunsallus has his say and then attempts to cut off other council members when they attempt to voice their opinions. This leadership style needs improvement.

In another example early in his tenure as president, Gunsallus attempted to push a delay on a moratorium of cannabis dispensaries in Easton. His methods sparked heated exchanges with council members. Ward 4 Councilman Rev. Elmer Davis Jr. voiced worry with how the situation was handled.

“... We have never had such a dialogue that we had tonight regarding issues and concerns,� he said. “That dialogue — I’m quite concerned about things that have been said, I’ve never seen this on this council in all my days.�

Voters in the May 6 election have seen the contrasting styles of the two candidates. So let’s get to the reasons why we are supporting Abbatiello. His top issues: smart development, public safety and fiscal responsibility. Abbatiello was the candidate who offered more specific plans — targeted incentives to developers — to create more houses in the $250,000 to $350,000 price range, which are desperately needed in Easton.

He talked about updating the 15-year-old city comprehensive plan that sets the priorities guiding development in Easton.

One thing we wanted to hear candidates talk about was reducing the property tax rate on homeowners. Both candidates boasted that the tax rate for Easton has not increased in more than 15 years. They both acknowledged that soaring property values puts more and more money in the city coffers. Yet neither suggested in our interviews reducing the property tax rate. That’s what we wanted to hear. We suggest either winner consider this option.

We want to see progress in Easton. We want to see the status quo challenged and a recognition of lingering issues of equity for all residents of the city. We want a cohesive town council that allows disagreement while making progress on issues. We think Don Abbatiello is the candidate to deliver a better future for the town. We urge voters to elect him on May 6.