Guilderland board members are claiming identity theft and inciting controversy, and one politician said the events have led him to fear for his family’s safety.
Guilderland Town Supervisor Ken Runion said that his name has showed up on 50 or more [Web] sites, and he and his wife are fearful of the implications. He said people who are not `sophisticated` enough to know he is not responsible for some of the messages on the Internet might act maliciously against him.
`It makes me fear for my own safety,` he said.
Runion also said he is `leaning toward` not running for re-election, although no decision has been formally made due to the controversy.
He cited the distracting nature of a campaign and the potential for more `Web wars,` as reason he is considering not running.
`I’m being bullied and badgered and attacked,` he said.
Runion, and Councilman Warren Redlich, a Republican, and board member have started competing Web sites dealing with town issues, and other Web sites have popped up with controversial origins.
Councilman Warren Redlich, a Republican, and board member said that he suspects Runion of foul play, and said he is `covering his tracks` when it comes to content on the Internet, and claims he started several cites while denying doing so.
Runion claims his identity has been stolen and another party is responsible for other Web sites.
`Mr. Redlich can say what he wants. The Internet and Web is a strange thing. I’m not going to get into it. I’m concentrating on getting things done for the town.`
Runion said one site started by Redlich, www.KenRunion.com qualifies as identity theft, although Redlich disagrees, stating that domain names are public, and the nature of politics allows for the free flow of information.
Redlich addressed the topic of identity theft, as it relates to information used to start Web sites.
`It think Ken Runion should call the feds,` said Redlich of the potential identity theft relating to www.GuilderlandEnterprise.com and www.GuilderlandOnline.com. He stated that using Runion’s personal information and email account to start the site would classify as identity theft, and that should be addressed.
Redlich said he stared the Web site, www.KenRunion.com to provide information to about Runion’s tenure. Runion, in response has started the Web site.
Redlich said he started the site, www.kenrunion.com, with the hope of illuminating the `truth` about what goes on in the town of Guilderland.
`It’s fact backed up with evidence,` Redlich said. [It shows] what he says about [issues] in one place and what he says about them in another.`
www.TheRealKenRunion.com, which also provides information about town politics. He said he does often use the Internet, but these are extenuating circumstances.
`I don’t normally get involved with the Web. Right now it’s just a total distraction and I’ve got too many other things to deal with,` Runion said.
The other Web sites, such as www.GuilderlandEnterprise.com and www.GuildlerandOnline.com deal with town issues and are the source of controversy. Online records show that Runion’s name, address and email account were used to create the site, however Runion maintains he did not create them.
Redlich said the growing phenomenon of Web based campaigning is a result of the speedy and widespread delivery of messages.
He said, though, it is not the only avenue for communication, and it is still important to communicate with constituents in other ways.
Redlich raises several issues on his site including increasing property taxes, secretive government and the connection between Runion and former police chief James Murley.
Murley recently took a plea on charges of gambling at an Upstate casino while on town time, and has been involved in claims of sexual harassment.
`The reality is Ken Runion bears some responsibility for Murley,` Redlich said on Friday, March 13. `We want the town governed well.`
Runion said he did everything in his power to address the situation.
`As soon as an issue is brought to my attention about Mr. Murley, I took action,` Runion said. `I believe that I did whatever was in my power.`
Redlich accused Runion of contradicting himself, claiming Runion stated in February that he anticipated a decline in sales tax, while in November, stated it was on the rise.
Runion said, though, changes in the economy account for the discrepancy.
Runion revisited the idea of not running for re-election due to the distracting nature of the political scuff.
`I’ve been thinking about it long and hard. I owe the residents more. I really need to focus on my job,` Runion said. `[The Republicans] will do anything and everything to get control.`
Redlich said he is not planning to run for Supervisor, although has thought about it.
`If Mark [Grimm] is running, I am supporting Mark,` Redlich said.
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