Published: September 04, 2008 09:53 am         

Letters for September 04, 2008

Area needs enterprise

“Small business people who have survived the years may see business problems more clearly, but they are no better positioned than other residents to reach out to people with the money and inclination to buy and use large tracts of property. People in successful business are busy. Their expertise is focused. They have not knowledge or time to scout the universe to find your ideal. MSG may not be that ideal. The approval/ disapproval process has just begun. If something better comes along ...” The writer of this recent letter to the editor and others have latched on to the idea that there exists in this area an element of what might be called negativity (as in nattering nabobs of) or NIMBYISM hard at work squelching every promising business or economic activity that comes along — baseball camps, wind turbines, motorcyle racetracks, you name it. The attitude of the above writer is that the only way to rejuvenate Springfield and surrounds is to have something or somebody “come along” from outside. She and other business people are too busy hoeing their own rows to make any effort toward growing the local economy, a goal she professes to care about but cannot make time for.

But too often the problem with sitting and waiting for something to come along is that, as we have seen repeatedly in recent years, the proposals that do come reflect little knowledge on the part of the proposers as to the particular needs and vulnerabilities of the locality and its citizens — little knowledge and less concern.

Whether it’s the gas and oil runoff from the proposed motorcycle track into the Van Hornesville fish hatchery and nearby wells and wetlands, the possible effects of industrial wind turbines on local water supplies and the health of people living near them, or the consequences of having a population the size of Oneonta suddenly encamped for three fun-filled (read drug-, brawl-, traffic nightmare-, accident-filled) days and nights in a town of a few thousand, it is apparent that depending, Micawber- like, on something someday to “turn up” has its risks.

No, the best way for localities like Springfield to obtain enterprises that will truly help the local economy in a way that is a good fit for the community as a whole (rather than benefiting only a few at the expense of the many) is for citizens and, yes, local business people, to exercise their own creativity, smarts, and energies in developing them. Local business owners should realize that smart, sustainable, long-lasting all the year round economic enterprises are as much in their own interest as in that of anyone else.

The potential Marcellus shale natural gas boom is a perfect example of how the “bigger is better,” economies of scale model that has been unthinkingly applied to every aspect of economic activity is, if not a myth, then a principle that should be applied sparingly and with due thought. As Jim Andela, a Richfield Springs businessman, pointed out in a statement to Otsego County representatives recently, if big gas drilling companies are allowed to drill all out, full speed ahead, the Marcellus gas will run out in a few years. Exploited in this way, the relief this gas will provide to the nation’s energy needs will be miniscule, especially since the energy costs of forcing millions of gallons of water deep underground (per well, up to six million gallons 9,000 feet deep) will be great. However, if localities take charge of the Marcellus gas, its use could be parceled out over time while other technologies for conservation (as in more affordable and feasible hybrid and electric cars) and for wind and solar power are perfected. Smaller scale drilling will be far more energy efficient. Meanwhile, local economies will remain viable and more able to withstand the economic shocks that lie ahead in the looming peak oil period.

Handing the Marcellus gas to big companies will quickly deplete it at the cost of severe environmental degradation up to and including the loss of the cheap reliable water supply we currently enjoy. Severe environmental degradation will be followed by economic devastation. Mr. Andela shows terrific foresight in his proposed alternative to giving large outside companies control over natural gas development. He calls for a county-based independent municipal energy producer and distributor that, because it would be operated with full knowledge of local needs, would be in a position to minimize potential problems and maximize benefits to the county. The statement of Mr. Andela that really spoke to me is, “I like to think we could do a better job in the distribution of this product.” The same could be said for production as well. The mindset behind this thinking in one way harks back to the early days of this country, when nearly every town in upstate New York had its own source of power — mostly hydro — and small scale industry lined the swift streams. Even after economies of scale had concentrated industry around urban centers in the 20th century, a number of municipalities continued to use water power to furnish their own electric power for many years. But, in another way, Mr. Andela’s vision looks to the future, a future in which the constant evolution toward ever more centralization of everything from power to food production to self-government has been reversed.

The loss of cheap oil, that made the “bigger is better” model viable, will force technological innovation (such as a recent MIT solar energy breakthrough that may make every household energy independent in a decade). Concerns for a sustainable and safe food supply are already driving local food initiatives across the country and this will only increase. The thinking that fosters the “wait until something comes along” attitude (that persists since by now generations of Americans have known nothing different) must change. Otherwise we face a very uncertain future.

Cathy Mason

Springfield

No concert for Springfield

I love the Town of Springfield. I was born in Springfield Center, have paid both real estate and school taxes for 64 years to the town and operated three successful businesses through those years. I have lived in my present home for 59 years. Springfield is dear to my heart.

The first week of July, I wrote the following letter to David Staley, the head of the Comprehensive Planning Committee. My letter was read at one of their meetings.

“Dear Mr. Staley, You probably do not remember me but when the Comprehensive Planning committee was just in its very early formation you met with a few Springfield Historical Society members. I attended that meeting and remember suggesting to you I would like to see living quarters for senior citizens, to which you seemed to be in agreement. Because of a real hearing problem I have not attended any of the later meetings.

“I am not in agreement with the plans now brought to the table.

“If I may quote from the Bible, ‘Where there is no vision the people perish.’ My vision is a senior citizen village on that land, perhaps little cottages for those who winter in Florida but need a summer home, apartments for two with a full dining room for evening dining if they so desire, a third facility for assisted living. On the grounds could be a building with a room for general use, an exercise room, a barber shop, a beauty parlor and perhaps a little convenience store.

“I am thinking in terms of helping our senior citizens to remain in their home town. It would provide many year round jobs. It would make the Town of Springfield an outstanding community. “Thank you for letting me share my thoughts and vision.”

Janice M. Maine

Springfield Center

Make informed choice

Recently, there has been interest voiced regarding the judicial screening process. Judge Ghaleb, the interim Otsego County Judge, participated in the New York State Judicial Screening process. This process is mandatory for anyone interested in filling a judicial vacancy.

The membership of the State Judicial Screening Committee is made up of individuals selected by different officials. The committee is tasked with evaluating the qualifications of candidates for open positions, including their “integrity, independence, intellect.” Political party affiliation is specifically listed as something that is NOT considered by the committee. This committee only recommends those candidates who have been designated “highly qualified.” According to the Screening Committee’s Rules of Procedure, “highly qualified” candidates are in part, “outstanding members of the legal profession in their community; have outstanding legal ability, intellect, judgment, breadth of experience, and the highest reputation for integrity.” Any candidate who is nominated must then be confirmed by the Senate. Judge Ghaleb’s nomination was unanimously confirmed by the bipartisan Senate. Information regarding this process and the members of this committee can be found at www.state. ny.us/governor/judicial/index. html.

One of the great things about a local race is that interested voters have the opportunity to meet the candidates and make their own assessments regarding each candidate’s experience and qualifications. The Otsego County Judge serves a 10- year term and presides over Family Court, Surrogate’s Court and Criminal Court. I urge everyone intending to cast a vote to meet the candidates and make an informed choice.

Samantha Holbrook

Sherburne

MSG — My back yard

My back yard is the future site of the Madison Square Garden music festival and I am deeply concerned. This event is one that will cost me and many of my neighbors an expense never expected of rural residents. My concerns are real and have not been addressed. Security, safety and pollution, a projected 75,000 people is a real security threat to my loved ones, my property and me. How am I to pay for adding high tech security to my property? Who will pick up all the trash that is thrown and blown to my yard from the people attending the festival? I understand change is inevitable but I have asked for answers to my questions and am not hearing answers to the anticipated problems.

I am happy my rural farming neighbors have the opportunity to sell their farming acres in one huge deal. This is great for a few and I don’t believe anyone has the right to deny this sale.

There are people involved in writing letters stating they will love Madison Square Garden events in their back yard. If it is not in your backyard, please keep out of it. The 353 Not-In-My- Back-Yard “NIMBYs’” signatures collected regarding MSG are a far greater representation than 189 and deserve answers and the attention of MSG representatives.

MSG should start answering neighborhood concerns and demonstrate they do care about the area by working with the neighbors who do have serious concerns.

Laura J Sikkema

Springfield

CYB had successful season

Another wonderful season of softball and baseball of Cooperstown Youth Baseball has come to an end. We are grateful to our many sponsors for their continued support, including Connell Dow & Deysenroth, Bruce Hall Home Center, Cooperstown Lion’s Club, Spurbeck’s Grocery, Church & Scott, Clark Sports Center, Don Olin Realty, New York Central Mutual, Paraco Gas, Smith Ford Cooperstown, Stewart’s, Haggerty Ace Hardware, McDonald’s Restaurant, NAPA Auto Parts, Bassett Healthcare, Doubleday Cafe, Mang Insurance, National Baseball Hall of Fame, Reiss Car Wash, Catskill Eye Care, Colonial Insurance SEFCU, Cooperstown Fire Department, Cooperstown General Store, Copy Shop Plus, Ginsberg’s Foods, Hoffman Lane Bistro, Lambert & Trosset, Mohican Flowers, Noel Clinton, Pizza Hut, Pressure Washing Service, Stretches’ Lawn Care, Suburban Energy Services, Tallman Tree Service, Taylor’s, Three Mile Design, TJ’s, Wilber Bank, Royal Auto Group, DiMaggio’s Hot Dogs, Action Doors, Russ Smith Disposal, and Springfield Tractor.

We also thank our team sponsors, Otsego County Sheriffs, Church & Scott, Stretches’ Lawn Care, Bruce Hall Home Center, Cooperstown Lion’s Club, Bennett Motor Sales, Otsego Lodge No. 138 Masons, Hartwick American Legion and Veterans Club, Reiss Car Wash, Leatherstocking Region Federal Credit Union, Cooperstown Bat Company, Clinton & Holohan, Cooperstown B&B, Hoffman Lane Bistro, Cooperstown Police, The Freeman’s Journal, Ashford Oliver Group, Cooperstown School of Ballet, Barnyard Swing, Schlather & Birch, and Bertram Hardwood Flooring.

Special thanks to Brian Clancy and the Cooperstown Village Department of Public Works and our neighbors in the Trolley Garage.

Finally, my special thanks to the Cooperstown Youth Baseball Board of Directors Tim Haney, Mary Bonderoff, Katie Lambert, Bonnie Segit, Mark Davine, Kai Mebust, Matt Curtis, Mike Cring, Bob Hall, David Pearlman, Mike Donnelly, and Terry Bliss for another great year.

David Borgstrom

President,

Cooperstown Youth Baseball Tell me why!

Why is the price of gasoline in Cooperstown so out of line with gasoline prices in, for example, our neighbors in Oneonta and Richfield Springs, to say nothing about communities across the state — across the nation?

When traveling the entire eastern seaboard from Cooperstown, N.Y. to Sarasota, Fla., the highest price of gasoline has for several years been in Cooperstown. Is there someone out there who can give me a straightforward, reasonable, honest explanation? If so, I will stay tuned.

Carol G. Hanlon

Fly Creek

Concerts were a success

The Tuesday night Concerts in the Park are over for the season and they were a huge success.

A total of 1,375 people attended and the variety of entertainment was such that there was something for everyone, young and old.

Many of the same people attended every week and there was a feeling of camaraderie as they listened to the music in the beautiful setting of Lakefront Park. But, the concerts didn’t just happen. There was a Concert Committee that chose the entertainers and set up the schedule. However, one person deserves the most credit for making sure that everything ran smoothly each week. Rich McCaffery arrived early to be sure that each group had everything they needed and to greet them and make them feel welcome. He made introductions and announcements each week and stayed after everyone left to be sure that the groups were packed up and on their way. He then did whatever was necessary to leave the park picked up and in good order. Thank you Rich, for being such a great ambassador of good will for the Village.

Grace Kull

Parks Board

Trustee Representative