Marty Sauer was in Town Court yesterday to answer a July 21 charge of soliciting without a permit. The police had arrested Mr. Sauer after he refused to move his vegetable truck from its traditional location on Route 32.
When he was called to stand before Judge Beesecker on Thursday evening, Mr. Sauer pulled a document from a large envelope. He was about to speak, but the judge advised him to wait for his attorney (Christopher Kleister), who arrived a few minutes later and submitted a plea of “not guilty” on Mr. Sauer’s behalf.
The proceedings were over quickly. The judge set a trial date of Sept. 27, and Mr. Sauer and his attorney left the courtroom. A dozen supporters followed them, and remained in front of Town Hall for several minutes.
Citing two serious accidents on Route 32, the Town of Cornwall has applied to the Supreme Court of Orange County for a restraining order to keep Mr. Sauer from bringing his truck to the parking area near the intersection with Quaker Avenue. Judge Vazquez-Doles will review the Town’s request during the first week in September.
In the meantime, Mr. Sauer has a county permit that enables him to remain in his usual location, and he appears to be busier than ever.
