Cuthbertson: Public Hearing Not Needed Before Code Amendment Vote

On at least one issue, the people's voice means nothing to Huntington Town Councilman .

When voting on whether to schedule a public hearing next month to a Town Code amendment regarding property maintenance nuisances, specifically a proposal to regulate the excessive growth of bamboo, Cuthbertson said his mind is already made up. 

"I have concerns with the motion that we are going to regulate the bamboo," said Cuthbertson, at a meeting at Monday. "I don't know what would be next, poison ivy?" 

Governement regulation works in some cases, but not with bamboo regulation in Huntington, according to Cuthbertson.

"I just think this trying to regulate the growth of bamboo is not the place where Town Board members should go," said Cuthbertson.

Town Councilman Eugene Cook reminded Cuthbertson that Monday's vote was simply to give residents a chance to voice opinion on the bamboo issue before a final vote is taken.

"This is to schedule a public hearing not to decide on the bamboo," said Cook.

Cuthbertson said he's already decided.

"I just want to be very clear that I don't support regulating it at the end of the day," said Cuthbertson.

"Isn't it our job to listen to everyone and hear what they have to say?" said Cook. "I think it's very important."

"The fact is councilman, there are some decisions that I can make right away and I know that I am not going to vote to regulate bamboo," said Cuthbertson. 

"Fair enough," said Cook.

By a 4-1 vote, a March 13 public Town Hall hearing on possible bamboo regulation was approved Monday.