COOPERSTOWN

Governor Paterson's directive to the Department of Environmental Conservation to upgrade regulation of natural-gas drilling was a "de facto moratorium" and a vindication of Democrat Don Barber's own call for a moratorium, the candidate for the 51st state Senate seat said today.
"We weren't the only voice pointing out that the DEC's regulations don't cover the new techniques drillers intend to use all over our region," Barber said. "Local citizens raised legitimate concerns."
Barber said he is ready to meet state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, as public forums around the district to discuss the issue.
The candidate's spokesman, Michael Blaine, said although Barber supports a moratorium, he also supports exploration for natural gas if the right safeguards are in place.
CAPTION: Don Barber, Town of Caroline supervisor and candidate for state Senate.