I would like to offer a public comment from my perspective as a resident of the Village of Brockport, a former village board trustee, a landlord, and a community volunteer. My comments are in regard to the non-financial components of the village court. My reasons for this are that the financial numbers, both real and unreal, have been shared enough. People have taken sides depending on which report they believe and who they believe. Time to look at the non-financial aspects of having a local court for our village.
Many residents will never personally appear in court because they follow the law, but that does not mean the court has no direct value to them. Its presence helps uphold order, accountability, and respect for local laws, which benefits the entire community. A local court contributes to a sense of safety, stability, and confidence that issues affecting the Village of Brockport are handled fairly, close to home, and by people who are residents (and therefore knowledgeable) of the village.
I know that the court is financially self-sustaining and an asset to our village, so why would I (or any other resident) want to eliminate this vital and important service that our village offers? I remember when my husband and I moved to Brockport, there was no village court, and everything was handled by the Town of Sweden court. Then along came the village court, and things changed. I noticed that safety, accountability, and the appearance of neighborhoods improved. Why? Because there was a direct village check-and-balance system in place. Departments worked together to brighten the quality of life for all residents of Brockport.
Now, a small group of people want to get rid of the court system. Why? Do they not care (or understand) about the quality of life of ALL the residents of the village? Do they know (or have even looked at) what the consequences of eliminating our court will be on the village and its residents? Have they truly and honestly researched the results and changes that would occur with no village court and then shared those findings with the residents? The residents have a right to know and understand both the financial and non-financial aspects…before the vote!
Let me repeat, even for those who never use the court themselves, its role supports the overall quality of life in our village and helps preserve the standards and sense of community that residents value and expect every day.
I, for one, as I am sure many of you would agree, want to retain the quality of life that we all enjoy here in the village of Brockport that is provided by our village court.
I see every reason to keep this service that is self-sustaining and extremely beneficial to the quality of life for all residents in our Brockport village.
Please consider all the aspects and make your voice heard on June 16.
Katherine Kristansen
Brockport
