Gardner Resigns from Board Amid Conflict, Changing Leadership Plan

By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST
HARTWICK

Town of Hartwick Councilwoman JoAnn Gardner resigned from the Hartwick Town Board during its October 19 work session, citing ongoing conflict within town government and the recent passing of her mother. Her departure comes at a pivotal moment for Hartwick, where tensions among board members have grown increasingly visible and where Gardner had been expected to play a key role in future leadership.

Gardner had originally intended to serve as Town Clerk Andrea Vazquez’s deputy, should Vazquez win the upcoming election for town supervisor. That plan, discussed privately between the two, was meant to bring stability and experience to a board that has struggled with internal friction.

Gardner’s resignation now leaves Vazquez without her intended second in command and adds uncertainty to the town’s political landscape.

In her remarks at the work session, Gardner urged the board to refocus its attention on the people who keep Hartwick functioning day to day.

“Before I go, I would like to implore you all to take a real interest in the people who work for this town and not just the town board—the planning board, the various committees, all doing good, good things for the town, the water operators, the library, the volunteer fire departments and the highway department, the biggest and most important department in our town,” she said.

Gardner’s departure was met with immediate public reaction. Councilman Bryan LoRusso posted on Facebook shortly after the meeting: “JoAnn Gardner resigned tonight from Town Board!! Not only was she an excellent partner on the board, I’m honored to call her my friend and will miss working with her very much. Thank you JoAnn.”

While Gardner herself has requested privacy as she steps back from public service, Vazquez offered a measured response, emphasizing both respect for Gardner’s wishes and concern for the broader environment within Hartwick’s government.

“Right now, I’m respecting JoAnn’s request for some peace and privacy,” Vazquez said in a statement.

She added that Gardner’s resignation underscores the need for change.

“Whoever takes on that role must share my commitment to changing the increasingly hostile and dysfunctional environment surrounding our town government,” she said.

Vazquez pointed specifically to a recent candidate forum where a reported threat of political violence unsettled attendees.

“The reported threat of political violence at the recent candidate forum should be a wake up call for everyone,” she said.

Vazquez noted that the tone of local discourse has deteriorated.

“The personal attacks, hostility and inflammatory rhetoric need to stop,” she said. “We don’t have to agree on everything, but Hartwick deserves a town government where people can ask questions, disagree and participate without fear of intimidation.”

Gardner’s resignation leaves a vacancy on the five-member board, and officials are expected to discuss next steps in the coming weeks. Her departure also removes a stabilizing figure who had planned to help guide Hartwick through a contentious election season and into a new administrative chapter.

For now, Gardner’s message remains clear: The town’s strength lies not only in its elected officials, but in the many employees and volunteers who support Hartwick every day.

Her call to “take a real interest” in those individuals continues to resonate as the board prepares to move forward without her.