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 Feb.29, 2008 |
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Snow-Shoveling Law The Most Ignores To the Editor As a frequent walker around Cooperstown – to work, downtown, to Bassett – I read with interest the letters debating the winter care and maintenance of our sidewalks. One writer suggested that since we do not fully "own" our walks (we cannot dig them up, for example), we should not be obligated to shovel the snow off of them. Instead, let me suggest that we should consider those who benefit from clean sidewalks – our neighbors, mail carriers, paper deliverers, and children going to school. These are the people who use our walkways, but we force them into the street when we allow our sidewalks to stay snow and ice covered. When we fail to shovel, our actions say that the safety of our friends, neighbors, and those who serve us does not matter. And yet what does shoveling entail, especially in our community of mostly small lots? A few minutes with a shovel, a couple of shakes with some ice melt, a little sand sometimes. Is this too much to contribute to our neighborhood, or too much to give to our fellow villagers? And yet I notice that many employ the old snow management technique of my native Virginia – leave it alone; it will melt eventually. I was initially heartened to see the village taking steps to clarify the shoveling requirement – clearing down to the concrete, for the width and length of every sidewalk that borders our properties. But after recent snows it seems there are as many untended walks as ever. This is a safety hazard (and pending lawsuit) the village needs to address. The village does not wait until someone complains about unsafe water before it addresses the safety of our water supply. Snowy and icy sidewalks are as much a threat to our health as bad water would be. Moreover, such sidewalks are clearly more of a safety issue than two-hour parking, and while we have village personnel devoted to monitoring parking, we do not have someone who circulates to monitor and enforce the village sidewalk laws. So I urge my neighbors to shovel their walks. Do it for your own convenience, for the safety of others, or just to avoid a village fine. I further encourage the village to actively monitor our walks as a matter of public safety. And if villagers do not wish to see Brian Clancy’s crew in front of their houses, remember that a shovel a day keeps the village away! JOHN ODELL Cooperstown To Control Supply, Too To the Editor: The state Public Service Commission (PSC) is seeking public comment on whether Iberdrola S.A. should acquire Energy East, the parent company of New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation (RG&E). Iberdrola is the owner of the proposed Jordanville wind farm. Perhaps the best argument against Iberdrola’s acquisition of NYSEG is the PSC’s traditional reluctance to allow a single company to own both the means of generation (Jordanville) and transmission of electricity. The reason, of course, is fear of monopoly control. Several years ago, Niagara Mohawk was acquired by National Grid, a foreign-owned and -based corporation. If Iberdrola should acquire NYSEG, much of New York State’s transmission capacity will be owned by foreign interests. Yet, at the same time, Iberdrola and other foreign corporations have become major players in the production of wind-derived electricity in New York State. Significant foreign ownership of both generating and transmission capacity raises the question as to what degree the interests of these corporations correspond to the interests of New York consumers. We should also ask to what degree their interests can be responsive to long-term state energy policy. Comment already received – from public agencies, private corporations and public interest groups – is largely not favorable, but it is divided as to whether the proposal will encourage or discourage wind-energy development. The PSC itself states "it would discourage wind-energy investments unless the PSC bars the companies from owning generating plants in New York." So why is Iberdrola seeking ownership of Energy East? Isn’t it engaged in a futile pursuit by seeking monopolistic control of both generating and transmission capacity? Maybe Iberdrola has more friends than we suppose. Could that be why they’re going after the whole pie? ANDY MINNIG Cherry Valley To the Editor: Let me to commend the Environmental Work Group for organizing the recent "Farmers’ Speak-Out" covered in The Freeman’s Journal. As an advocate for, and consumer of, local farm products, let me also note some state efforts to promote locally grown foods. Since 1988, families enrolled in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program and low-income senior citizens have been able to purchase locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets throughout the state. Although food stamp benefits can be used at farmers’ markets, it’s not happening. That’s why we’re promoting the use of wireless technology at farmers’ markets so food stamp/EBT participants can take advantage of farmers’ markets. Farm to School legislation authorized the purchase of New York farm products by schools, universities, and other educational institutions. It’s been instrumental in ensuring that local farm products reach our school cafeterias, benefitting children and farmers alike. Last, I was able to secure a Senate grant last year to help provide heat for Cooperstown’s farmers’ market so they could sell fresh, local products during colder months. There’s more to be done, and I would even encourage people to use of portion of their federal rebates on locally grown foods. That’s good for farmers, families and our local economy. Good job, Environmental Work Group, for bringing the issue to the fore. JAMES L. SEWARD Milford State Senator, 51st District To the Editor: Some information in your editorial of Feb. 23 needs correcting. The Hartwick town board’s resolution in 1997 approved health insurance for employees with 17 years of service. I have worked for the Town of Hartwick for four years and DO NOT receive health insurance, or other benefits. My previous employer generously pays for a large portion of my health insurance, just as the Town of Hartwick provides for its long-time employees. The dental coverage was added at the suggestion of our insurance consultant as part of a package that reduced the town’s monthly premium and increased the individual’s co-pay. I count three former employees receiving health insurance. How does that add up to half a dozen "folks?" By the way, the highway superintendent’s name is Rood, not Root. Mr. Kevlin, you should take care to check facts before you print your opinions and cause embarrassment for others. REGINA M. PALMER Town Clerk Hartwick  Cooperstown Must Look Ahead, Not Back To the Editor: Regarding the upcoming village elections in Cooperstown, I am reminded of two thing: one, the metaphor for most drivers (except those with automotive aptitude) of never opening the hood of their cars until breaking down on the side of the road and when doing so, not really having a clue anyway; and my variation on a theme of the misguided, trite T-shirt slogan (Cooperstown is a ______ town with a _____): Cooperstown is a Transition Town with a Baseball Problem. Yes, like all of small-town America, we are impacted by the slumping economy and housing crisis. However, more so than any other, we are directly and dramatically impacted by Major League Baseball. From steroids to HGH and the "Say It Ain’t So" revelation of what many of our heroes were really doing in the clubhouse, to the putting-all-of-our-eggs-in-the-Dreams-Park-basket phenomenon and the end of the Hall of Fame Game era, Cooperstown cannot sit idle longing for the bygone days. With my eyes on the future of Cooperstown for my children and their children, I am supporting Jeff Katz and Jim Vrooman for trustee. Both have demonstrated a passion and respect as stewards of the Norman Rockwell nature of Cooperstown’s past, yet are actively involved and committed to planning and initiating for Cooperstown’s future – with or without potential disillusioned little leaguers and their families, Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Mark McGuire… LORI MILLER Cooperstown To the Editor, I encourage the villagers of Cooperstown to support Jeff Katz for reelection to the Board of Trustees. Having served with Jeff on the Cooperstown Corridor Committee, I know from personal experience what a thoughtful and skilled decision-maker he is. He doggedly researches the topic at hand, learning from the past what mistakes to avoid and what strategies have yielded the greatest successes. He remains loyal to the principle of fiscal responsibility that he pledged to the villagers of Cooperstown when he first took office. He listens to opinions of others and can speak to all sides of an issue and, leaving personalities and personal agendas aside, decides issues with consideration for the welfare of the entire community. From the experience of his professional life, he is a skilled negotiator who can find compromise in the most heated of debates, reminding us that our similar interest in wanting the best for the future of Cooperstown is far more important than our individual differences. We are so fortunate to live in a community that attracts such a variety of enthusiastic and talented people. I am grateful that some residents like Jeff Katz are willing to give of their time and devote their energies to solving the dilemmas that face our local government. Jeff’s work is apparent in the success of the Paul Simon and Bob Dylan concerts, which helped fund the Fire Department and much-needed library renovations. He helped revamp our village tax structure based on the completion of the property revaluation, creating a more equitable system for all. I know that he will continue to work towards projects that will ensure more financial security for Cooperstown in the future. I trust that Jeff will continue to make sound, principled decisions on our behalf. KATE LEONARDO Cooperstown To the Editor: Since the first day I met Jeff Katz in 2005, I have found him to be a hard worker. He does his homework, is credible, listens and is very sensitive as to how even the smallest decisions connect to greater issues and tradition. This initial perception continues today. Like the majority of us, he shares the same passion for the wellbeing of this village and has chosen to live in Cooperstown for its small town spirit and wealth of resources. I have witnessed his active encouragement to get residents involved in their village through participation… and it’s still working. In his two years as a trustee, he has heightened awareness of the inter-workings of village government. He reaches out to seek assistance from seasoned residents, educates us on pertinent issues, stretches the realm of possibilities and is a hard daily worker on behalf of village betterment. My involvement on village committees that Jeff facilitates is very positive and productive. He again listens to an array of opinions and carefully ensures the issue is elevated to its next step only after group consensus. He’s ever mindful to the village process/protocol and makes no qualms to remind us of such! I will be casting my vote for Jeff Katz on March 18 so he, along with his fellow team trustees, may continue to bring to fruition unfinished initiatives and new opportunities that benefit residents and visitors alike… and most important, are compatible with this place we call home. RICH McCAFFERY Cooperstown And Kept Downtown Clean To the Editor: I have read Grace Kull’s letter published in the Feb. 23 edition of The Freeman’s Journal. Many of her points are well taken. I would though like to refresh her memory and correct her perception of the history of merchant involvement in the beautification of the Business District. During the repaving of Main Street in the 1990s, the stones which had been under the trees for many years were removed. The village had plans to install grids in their place. However, concerns were raised as to their expense and practicality and the project went unfinished. At the initiation of Rick Byrd and Rick Gibbons, both Main Street business owners at the time, with assistance from the Chamber of Commerce, a program by which merchants would adopt the beds around the bases of the trees was put into place. With great enthusiasm, a sense of friendly competition and at their own expense, flowers, herbs and grasses were planted and maintained by the merchants for many years. In the process some soil lines became elevated. A situation which could eventually cause damage to the trees. There were also safety and liability concerns and over the years many of the boarders had become damaged. The Village, with good reason, subsequently removed the border boards from around the trees. Unfortunately those reasons and new guidelines were not adequately communicated to all concerned parties and the program lost its momentum. Many business owners continue to maintain their plantings or have adapted to above ground planters. Merchants recognize that an attractive streetscape is both good for the community and good for business as well. For the past five years I have assumed responsibility for the trees on the south side of Main Street from Chestnut Street to the entrance to Doubleday Field. I have spent many a morning weeding, pruning, cleaning out the trash and other debris and putting down mulch. This past spring, I decided to remove the mulch and plant grass in its place. With the help of Mary Beth Allison, Alex Webster, who also planted a tree in front of his business, and other merchants, the beds were seeded, watered, kept litter free and well maintained. Your letter laments that Main Street business owners do not care enough to either initiate or participate in village beautification projects. History tells a different story. The better questions to ask are: Have Main Street business owners been invited to join in the process or have they been sidelined as some continue to operate under false assumptions that they are uncaring and unwilling to participate? Have Main Street business owners been approached to become a part of the solution or do some continue to consider them part of the problem? I firmly believe that the Main Street business owners of this community are valuable allies in our search for solutions. NEIL WEILLER Cooperstown To the Editor: On March 18 we will have the opportunity to displace – put out of office – Mr. Jeff Katz. Any person who does not pay attention to 400 residents and neighbors, can sit in defiance, coheres other members of the village board to vote his own defiance of the will of the residents of Cooperstown needs to be gone. When any member of the village board does not think it is necessary to listen to the total constituents of the village that they took the oath of office to represent should not be any part of governing all the people. If Mr. Katz has a lot of time on his hands, a lesson in the Constitution might make him better prepared at a future date to be a member of our governing body. The running of our village government is not a social affair. If a small group of residents in social gatherings is making policy, and you condone that, then you don’t belong in an office that must represent all segments of our village, by the people and for the people – and that means all the people. Get it! On March 18, please vote for Carol Waller, Doug Walker and Neil Weiller. TED HARGROVE Cooperstown Self’ Applies To the Editor: I have worked with Jeff Katz on several Rotary sponsored fund raising events for the benefit of our community. Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” fits Jeff appropriately. Not only has he been a willing worker, but done so enthusiastically, even bringing his son to help out. I have been before Jeff’s Parks Committee representing Otsego Lake Association’s plan with the Lake & Valley Garden Club to create a buffer zone preventing soil and water erosion from contaminating our drinking supply. His questioning and thoughtful remarks clearly indicated he had taken the time to be responsibly prepared with the desire of improving our community’s parks and water supply. This community is well served by Jeff Katz, and we are fortunate to have him. I hope you will support him. CARL GOOD Cooperstown | Letters- Nov. 23, 2007 | Letters- Dec. 14, 2007 | Letters- Dec.21, 2007 | Letters- Jan. 04, 2007 | Letters- Feb.1, 2008 | Letters- Feb. 15, 2008 | Letters- Feb.22, 2008 | Letters- Feb,29, 2008 | | Our Services | Contact Us | Great Links | Return Home | Classified Ads | News Archive | Cooperstown Homes | Calendar -Best Bets | Letters to the Editor | |
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