From the Shelter Island Highway Benevolent Association

To the Editor (Shelter Island Reporter):

This is a statement of facts about Town Councilman Jim Colligan’s abuse of power by trying to suppress town employee’s constitutional First Amendment Right of Freedom of Speech;

On Monday October 19, Mr. Colligan did not approve of the presidential political flags flying on town employee’s private vehicles at the Shelter Island Recycling Center. These are direct quotes of what he said to town employees:

“What’s the deal with these flags?”

“You don’t see me riding around with my Biden flags and at work.”

“Tell everyone to take down those flags and that’s coming straight from Jim Colligan himself.”

“This is [expletive], you guys are making a political statement.”

“Don’t expect me to do any [expletive] favors for you”

Mr. Colligan knows you can have political signage on private vehicles on town property because he sees Supervisor Gerry Siller’s bumper sticker on his car outside of the Town Hall’s door entrance every day. Another instance was when, last year, Democratic Committee chairperson Heather Reylek along with Councilman Mike Bebon, and County Legislator Bridget Fleming were actively campaigning and soliciting votes in the Recycling Center, which is the same place these presidential political flags were flying on personal vehicles. 

There can be no tolerance for an employer to use their power to suppress an employee’s Constitutional 1st Amendment Right of Freedom of Speech. Jim Colligan’s inability to recognize and control his actions is why we have asked him to resign his position on the Shelter Island Town Board. 

RAY W. CONGDON III, President, Shelter Island Highway Benevolent Association

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Councilperson Jim Colligan is Shelter Island's disgrace - his deep anger management problems and complete disrespect for human rights have been an embarrassment for years - He constantly demeans Islanders with no respect for neighbors and visitors. Please email the Shelter Island Town Board and demand his resignation: townboard@shelterislandtown.us

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