Perhaps you should do exit interviews with both Donna Lemoine and Alan Harmon.
They both left due to Babs.
Ask them about permit, inspection and screaming.
Blog
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Ethics Review of Mansfield
Donna Lemoine.pdf: I have a write up from Donna that was sent to Ethics Committee
Grace Grant delivered the fatal blow to § 77-11. The Town Board compounded failure by disregarding § 77-11 entirely when they hired Robert Stanley.
I have also received multiple unconfirmed reports that members of the Town Board may have accessed files in the Building Department in the days following Donna Lemoine’s notice. I have not independently verified those reports and, at this point, would treat that information as confidential and off the record.
Today we lost another inspector in the building department. The good people are quitting.
Below is PDF referring to § 77-11
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Ethics Committee Objectivity
The Town of Shandaken Ethics Board was appointed by Mansfield, Kneissl, Drake, Vanblarcum, and Steen.
I’m struggling to understand how an Ethics Board can participate in an investigation into the very people who appointed them. That doesn’t sit right with me — the principle is supposed to be a ‘jury of your peers,’ not a jury you appointed yourself.
In my write-up on Town issues and the Town Code 77-11 matter, I mention Robert Stanley and Grace Grant. I’d encourage you to look into their roles as part of this.
I’m comfortable continuing this conversation via email rather than meeting in person.
I also contacted the police chief, who provided guidance on next steps.
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My Response to Ethics
Meeting
I am available to meet on Wednesday, August 12 at 7:30PM. Please join me at 5371 Route 28, Store A, Mt. Tremper — located directly next to Coldwell Banker Realty. I look forward to speaking with you.
Ethics Committee.pdf
Please review the attached document. It outlines what I currently understand to be true, but there are several questions in it that I’d like you to answer directly.
Mansfield/Kneissl
I want to be transparent — my familiarity with Supervisor Mansfield/Kneissl is limited to what has been publicly available on YouTube. I have no additional information about him beyond what is in the public record.
I did want to bring to your attention that Donald Roberti has already taken this matter to the State. Given that, it may be worthwhile to reach out and meet with him directly
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Email From Ethics Committee
Dear Howard,
Your concerns about Town Supervisor Barbara Mansfield have been referred to the Ethics Committee for our attention. As members of this Committee, Leah Kilb and I would like to explore in more depth the following concerns you have raised:
1. Your claim that Ms. Mansfield treats employees and Town Board volunteers with disrespect;
2. Your suggestion that there may be code violations that are being ignored in a home renovation job contracted between Ms. Mansfield and Board member Ellie Kneissl.
Are you able to meet at 7:30 this Wednesday evening at the St. Francis de Sales rectory at the end of Main St?
Please advise as to your availability.
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Kevin VanBlarcum & Kyle Steen
At the August 3 Town Board meeting, concerns were raised involving Supervisor Barbara Mansfield and Councilmember Elizabeth Kneissl. To ensure public confidence, I do not believe either official should participate in any investigation, discussion, or decision related to those matters.
I have also raised questions regarding the circumstances surrounding Robert Drake and Elizabeth Kneissl running unopposed and their relationship with Robert Stanley. If those concerns are reviewed, I likewise believe that Drake and Kneissl should recuse themselves from any investigation or related discussions.
UPDATE: I previously stated that word is spreading quickly. Since I published this document, several people have told me they are working with state officials because they are reluctant to rely on the local process. Whether those concerns are well-founded or not, they reflect a lack of confidence in Town government.
I hope the two of you will help ensure these matters are handled fairly, thoroughly, and transparently. The people of Shandaken deserve honest answers, and any investigation should follow the facts wherever they lead, without favoritism or any appearance of a cover-up.
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Ownership and Voice
According to the Town Assessor, more than half of the Town’s tax bills are mailed to addresses outside Shandaken. Because many second-home owners own higher-valued properties, it is likely that they represent a significant share of the Town’s property tax base.
Most second-home owners vote where they reside full-time and therefore have little or no voice in local elections, despite making a substantial financial contribution to the Town through property taxes. That does not mean they lack an interest in good government.
If current concerns about Town leadership and decision-making continue, second-home owners may need to organize and make their voices heard, much as the Woodland Valley community came together to oppose the proposed water bottling project.
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Comprehensive Plan
The proposed Comprehensive Plan includes discussion of easing the Town’s current parking requirements. That is concerning because parking in Phoenicia is already extremely limited, especially on summer weekends. Many residents and property owners struggle to find parking in the very community where they own homes.
It is also worth noting that Councilmembers Robert Drake, Elizabeth Kneissl, and Supervisor Barbara Mansfield all live within walking distance of the village. Their experience with parking is very different from that of many residents, business owners, visitors, and property owners who rely on available public parking. Any changes to parking requirements should reflect the needs of the entire community, not just those who are least affected.
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Robert Stanley
Before the 2025 elections, I spoke with Ulster County Republican leaders about getting involved. They directed me to John Horn. At the time, John Horn was under the weather and told me to discuss it with you, indicating that you were effectively his second-in-command. You had also been elected Town Supervisor multiple times as a Republican.
I spoke with you and exchanged messages several times, but each time the conversation was delayed until it was too late to hold a Republican caucus. As a result, council members Elizabeth Kneissl and Robert Drake were able to run unopposed.
Less than a year into the new term, you entered into a professional services agreement with the Town of Shandaken as Floodplain Consultant. At the March Town Board meeting, that agreement was capped at $15,000 for 2026. By the July meeting, the Town Board had appointed you as Floodplain Administrator (FPA) and increased the compensation cap to $30,000.
UPDATE: Word is spreading quickly. Someone suggested that I contact the Association of State Floodplain Managers at 608-828-3000 to inquire about your Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) status. When I called and mentioned your name, the staff member immediately knew who I was referring to without looking up your record. Based on that conversation, I came away with the impression that your certification status had already been the subject of previous inquiries.According to the information I received, you were previously a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM), which means you successfully passed the certification examination. However, you have not held an active CFM certification for approximately four years.
In reviewing the CFM program, I also learned that certification must be renewed every two years through continuing education and other renewal requirements. Based on your certification status, it appears you have missed two renewal cycles.
Have you maintained the required Continuing Education Credits (CECs)?
Finally, on February 12, 2025, at 9:01 a.m., you sent me the following message regarding your time in office and Howie McGowan:
“In my defense, I was drinking when I hired Howie. I was sober when we fired him.”
Perhaps it would be best for both you and the Town of Shandaken if you moved on and no longer worked for the Town.
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Barbara Mansfield
Leadership built on fear and intimidation rather than trust and respect is not sustainable. In my opinion, your leadership style has created a negative work environment. I have spoken with multiple individuals who have expressed concerns about being yelled at or treated disrespectfully while working in Town government.
When you decided to run for office, I supported your campaign. I even introduced you to the New York State Democratic Party Chairman, who helped with your campaign. Looking back, I regret that support.
You also attempted to operate a business in our town that ultimately did not succeed. I know this firsthand because I was your landlord and have documentation regarding that tenancy.
In my opinion, your performance as Town Supervisor has not served the Town well. I believe your interactions with Town employees and volunteers serving on Town boards have been disrespectful and have undermined confidence in your leadership.
At the August 3 Town Board meeting, concerns were raised involving you and Councilmember Elizabeth Kneissl. Given those concerns, I do not believe you should participate in any investigation, discussions, or decisions related to that matter. I also have firsthand knowledge that not all required inspections were completed.
During a conversation in your office, I asked how long you had owned property in the area. Your initial answer appeared inconsistent with the public record of your home purchase in Phoenicia. When I asked follow-up questions, your explanation changed from owning property in another town to renting with an option to buy. I remain concerned that I did not receive a clear or consistent answer.
For these reasons, I believe it would be in the Town’s best interest for you to take a leave of absence or step aside as Town Supervisor.