Holley Mayor Dan Schiavone resigns

Dan Schiavone sought election in the Village of Holley because he felt he could make a difference. "I have never lost sight of my goal to assist the village I love and am so proud of," he wrote in a letter to trustees. He presented the letter Tuesday, September 19.

Schiavone prided himself on his ability to perform his duties honestly, ethically and without bias for the benefit of the whole village, not a select few. "Because the personal, political agenda of a few could not be achieved through intimidation and harassment, I now find myself defending my character and even my health," he said.

He was elected to the mayoral seat in March 2002 and during his tenure was faced with a chemical spill from, and the eventual closing, of Diaz Chemical. Also following his election, the village's former police chief was charged with drug possession. Presently, the village is in the midst of a major road reconstruction project.

While he had his critics, many residents praised Schiavone for the way he dealt with the many issues facing the village.

Addressing issues of health and illegal activity, he said he is in excellent health and has never participated in anything illegal. "All rumors to the contrary are completely false," he said.

Schiavone's letter also read, "I have the greatest tolerance for ignorant and evil people and if I were alone in this battle, these rumors would mean nothing to me. However, I will not subject my family and those close to me to the painful attacks of others."

As mayor, he said he would not allow himself to be "bullied" by others but he couldn't continue to see his loved ones suffer. "It saddens me to see so many malicious people in a small community put their egos, envy and greed ahead of cooperation, progress and our well-being. It detracts from the pride we all have in Holley and hurts our image," he shared. "We are capable of and deserve much better."

Dissension on the board also made the task of governing the village an almost insurmountable one. "I am also disillusioned with those that I rely on for help. It appears that more energy goes into working against each other than moving forward," he said. "There is no team effort but solo efforts to promote personal agendas are plentiful. The focus is too often on the process of government and not the outcome."

He said he was pleased with what has been accomplished in the village and how controversial issues were handled while he was in office. "I believe that the village is now pointed in the right direction and hope that those in power continue in that direction," he said. His resignation was effective immediately. The remaining trustees are now faced with the task of appointing a new mayor from among Buffie Gleason, John Kenney, Bill Quaranto and former mayor Lewis Passarell. A new trustee will also need to be appointed.