Esperance to Host 'Community Turkey Stroll' to Support Families

ESPERANCE – The Esperance Fire Department and the Esperance-Sloansville United Methodist Church are partnering to host a "Community Turkey Stroll" on Sunday, Nov. 16, to support local families in need this Thanksgiving.

The "Walk, Sip, & Give!" event will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Esperance Fire Department, located at 115 Church Street. The goal is to collect food pantry donations and raise funds to provide Thanksgiving meal baskets for area residents.

Attendees can enjoy coffee, cocoa, and cookie decorating. The event will also feature a short, fun stroll accompanied by a "real" turkey.

Organizers are asking for monetary donations or non-expired, non-perishable pantry items. They are especially in need of shelf-stable mixes, juice, coffee, and laundry detergent. Attendees are asked not to bring peas or beans.

 

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Esperance Expresses Thanks to Carlisle Highway Dept. During Monthly Meeting

By Heather Skinner

ESPERANCE- On October 16th, the Esperance Town Board held their regular monthly meeting. Officials and attendees typically gather at Town Hall, but for this meeting, everyone met at the Landis Arboretum Shelter (200 Lape Road). Town Clerk, Jessica Castle, said they try to hold one meeting there per year, usually during the Fall season. 

In the Highway Superintendent report, Michelle Brust celebrated, “So, you came up Lape Road. Yay! It’s done.” Lots of work has been completed on Lape Road, most recently a 14-hour day of cold mix paving, cleanup of the nearby road where materials were located, and a single chip seal. 

Brust added about Lape Road, “The Town of Carlisle came in and did the shoulders before the chip seal, which is perfect. There were just 3 of us. They had an attachment for their dump truck.” Collaboration with Carlisle’s Highway Department helped cut costs. Brust explained, “The cost for the shoulders by the Town of Carlisle and Larned came in at $4,000 under budget; mostly because we were able to use Larned Quarry, so we got a lower price. Town of Carlisle was short an employee, so we didn’t get charged for them and I just jumped in and was that employee, so there’s no charge for me, and the shoulder machine attachment really made for much quicker work.”

Town Supervisor, Earl Van Wormer III, and Brust both want a thank-you note sent to the Town of Carlisle Highway Department and (Carlisle Superintendent) Mike Broadwell. Brust said Carlisle didn’t, “have to do that. He just said, ‘Look, our work in Town is done and I’m just being a good neighbor.’” Adding, “Even though we paid him, we paid a lot less than we would have for going out to a contractor.”

Van Wormer detailed a history of cooperation with Carlisle Highway Department, who owns part of both Woodman Road and Sprakers Road. Brust said Esperance usually plows 300 FT. on Woodman and a few hundred FT. on Sprakers while they are there.

Regarding plowing, Van Wormer updated on budget in the Supervisor’s Report. He expressed to Board members when going over the Highway Town-Wide numbers, “Hope we have a really good October and November, and then we’ll be in really good shape. If not, and we have a bad November, I don’t see any snow in October, then we’ll have to dip into some of that reserve, which as you can see, we have plenty of reserve.”

In other accounts, Van Wormer reported things are in really good shape, CHIPS funding will be billed shortly for road repair reimbursement, and 2026 Tentative Budget Modification and review was up for discussion in New Business. Approving the Tentative Budget creates the Preliminary Budget and Van Wormer had updates for the Board before the motion for approval carried. 

Central Bridge Fire District submitted their budget figure, which was reduced by almost $1,000, and will help offset amounts needed to fulfill a request from Cody Robinson-Bullock for a 2% increase to cover Schoharie Joint Youth Commission operations.  Robinson-Bullock is Director of The Schoharie County Youth Bureau and Schoharie Joint Youth Commission.  

Schoharie Joint Youth Commission is described on the SchoharieCounty-NY.gov website as an organization that, “Provides summer swim programs at the Schoharie Village Pool funded by the four participating municipalities (Town of Esperance, Town of Wright, Town & Village of Schoharie). This program offers swimming lessons, parent/tot swim, private lessons, competitive swimming clinics and open swim to youth and families. For more information, please contact the Village of Schoharie (518) 295-8500 SchoharieVillage.org Schoharie Community Pool Facebook page.”

Van Wormer thinks the increase makes sense with the amount of work that will need to be done on the pool, etc.

The only budget price that could change before the plan officially gets adopted is an estimated placeholder amount for the Central Bridge Light District. Van Wormer rounded up from what this year’s numbers were to $3,400 until the Central Bridge Light District Board creates their budget. Van Wormer explained that the Town of Esperance collects to pay them, while their Board oversees the operation of their Light District. 

They scheduled a Public Hearing for November 6th at 5:15PM in the Town Hall before their Water/Sewer meeting.

Also during New Business, “NYSLR Standard Workday Resolution #10-2025 for Joseph Redmond,” motion to offer received all yeses in a roll call vote. 

Esperance Town Board meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7PM in the Town Hall; next being on the 20th of November. Come in-person to look through their Correspondence folder (October’s included the SCCA Newsletter and updates from The Gathering Place, Iroquois Museum, and B.O.C.E.S.)

Your Esperance Town representatives are Town Supervisor Earl Van Wormer III, Michael Keller, Harold Conklin, Benjamin Gigandet, Barbara Sharpe, Deputy Supervisor Brian D. Largeteau, Town Clerk Jessica Castle, and Highway superintendent Michelle Brust.

They are still accepting applications to join the Comprehensive Plan Committee. They now have 6 applicants and are seeking interest from 10-12 total to represent a diversity of locations throughout Esperance. Call Town Hall at 518-875-6109, email supervisor@esperancetown-ny.gov, or attend next month’s meeting with interest.

 

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Residents Respond To Hoshino Proposal

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The Sharon Springs Joint Planning Board held a packed meeting on Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the Sharon Library Community Room. This meeting was a hot topic and drew quite the crowd with the Hoshino Resorts New York LLC project on the agenda. 

Running this meeting was the Chairman of the Sharon Springs Joint Planning Board, Ray Parsons with other board members present including Ron Ketelsen as Secretary. Starting off with the rules, of brief comments of 3 minutes or less and that this was a way to “gather information from the public to aid the board on a decision on this project” and this was “not a debate” according to Parsons.  

This proposed Japanese hot spring inn or ‘onsen ryokan’ is by world-renowned and internationally established Hoshino Resorts, who just celebrated their 111th anniversary, making this their first North American project, stated on their website. The project is a large undertaking and intends to be ”open to resort guests and staff only, includes a shop, library, lounge, bar, multi-function space, all-day dining area, fine-dining restaurant, a spa including meditation baths and room for individual spa treatments, and 30 guest room units, each with its own outdoor onsen (heated mineral water) bath” according to Mary Beth Bianconi, a Partner with Delaware Engineering, the agency working with SSJPB.

At this meeting, Hoshino Team presented information with the foreword that they are “far from breaking ground” and that this “planning board process has been going on for over a year”. During the presentation there was a detailed survey of the property showing 57 acres in the Village of Sharon Springs and 7 acres that are in the Town of Sharon. The survey plan and map separates areas dependent upon use, stipulating maintaining “75% as open area” with the remaining 25% as the facility.

Last week’s article covered the full presentation by Hoshino. After this presentation, the floor was opened up for this planned public hearing for residents to ask questions. This article is to specifically address the concerns and positives residents brought up.

The first concern was from a resident on Beechwood Road that is close to the project and what those impacts might be on the now quiet road. The larger concern was over the construction portion. The SSJPB addressed this and mentioned the road restrictions by the Village and Town and that those laws would need to be in compliance and that if the road was damaged, it would need to be repaired. 

Another resident had a concern for other residents, specifically those bordering the project property. They also addressed the waste water concerns and said they hope they will properly correct the issues that have been brought forward. 

A concern from Sharon Springs Inc (SSI), the original spa project on Main Street, came forward by means of Joanne Darcy Crum, one of the attorneys representing the SSI project. It was stated that “Sharon Springs Inc. sent a letter on June 21, 2024 regarding their concerns about wells drilled on your (Hoshino) property and how it is changing their water”. SSI have done tests on the hydrogen sulfide levels for the last 20 years that have, since the drilling, dropped drastically from 18 milliliters per liter to now less than 1 milliliters per liter of hydrogen sulfide. It is suggested that the drilling has exposed these springs to oxygen and is already negatively affecting them in unseen ways, and in turn the SSI Project. There is a separate need to upgrade the “underground tunnel” or culvert near the Village park that is at risk of collapse. 

This wasn’t directly addressed by Hoshino in their response. The Planning Board requested that the well water results from SSI be forwarded on to them.

Two gentlemen from SSI stood up to speak in the meeting with a general concern regarding the mineral wells’ significantly lower content and the issues that have already come up, compounding down the road, particularly once water is being actively pumped from these wells. There is a “worry” and question of viability of the SSI spa project with the now lower content. It was encouraged to work together to remedy these issues. It was again encouraged for SSI to please send their “entire spectrum of results” to see if there is “a nexus” for association on this matter so the lead engineering firm, Delaware Engineering could look into this further.

Another resident came forward and was concerned about accessibility issues for people and for equipment and vehicles for those that are less abled. The resident wanted the planning board to make a recommendation and they said they couldn’t

Another resident brought forward questions on who this resort would hire and if it would be local people. 

From another perspective, local Realtor Michelle Curran stepped up to make a statement that the “cache this resort will bring to Sharon Springs” is valuable, making comparisons to the impacts of the Beekman Boys, and that overall, this would raise property values for the area.

Another resident who had visited a facility like Hoshino in Japan said it was a wonderful and relaxing experience and that she hoped there could be some compromise in allowing local people to have access to enjoy the resort as well, suggesting once or twice a year.

Another resident that is close in proximity to the project feels like he is being surrounded and that there will be a parking lot near his lot. He feels this is a commercial operation, in what should still be a residential lot, even though its designation has been adjusted. He spoke of the line of the Village and that he thinks they (Hoshino) used the tax map and is incorrect. 

Multiple residents made hugely positive statements for Hoshino. One gentleman said this will put Sharon Springs on an internationally recognized level and another that they would like to see this growth.

After the public hearing was closed, there was a statement that the Board and organizations will “follow the letter of the law” allowing for "preliminary site plan approval but not final site plan approval”. 

Sharon Springs Joint Planning Board Meetings are on the 3rd Wednesday of Every Month at 6:30 pm in the Library Community Room located at 129 Main Street, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. Look out for more updates on this evolving story. For more information or questions, please contact SSJPB at (518) 284-2682.

 

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Residents Against No Parking Proposal

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - Last week, several residents showed up to the Cobleskill Village Board meeting to speak against a proposed local law that would restrict parking within the Village.

The proposal’s public hearing has been open since last month, and it states that it seeks to add more residential streets to the Village’s list of no parking at any time because of safety concerns.

One issue that Mayor Rebecca Stanton-Terk cited during the meeting was the width of the roads, as streets like Brookside have become as narrow “as a driveway,” leading to questions about emergency vehicle access

However, the Board also noted that the topic was a work in progress, with the mayor saying “We are in no way ready to do anything with this, but we are listening. We, as a Board, have asked for community input.”

The Board’s request for input was answered by the amount of people that showed up in opposition to the proposal. The first to take to the podium was resident Nancy Van Deusen, who brought up that parking is already restricted.

“I’m very concerned about this because I believe that parking is already difficult in many places in the community,” she said. “I think restricting it further on many of those streets is not only not necessary but it’s also detrimental.” 

“I also think enforcement is going to be a difficult issue,” she concluded.

Resident John Jarvis was also opposed, saying “I believe that this proposal is very anti-family,” and spoke about how the driveways for some homes are not big enough to accommodate family and guests for holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Resident John O’Donnell referred to the community’s comprehensive plan, which he stated was supposed to guide the Board on how to make new policies.

“We have a master plan, and we should be taking recommendations from the master plan,” he said. “I have a copy of it with me here, and it says on page 11, ‘On-street parking should be maintained and reinstated where possible as a traffic calming technique.’”

Other residents, like Steve Philbrick, saw no need for a revision to the law, saying “I’m just confused. The beauty of this area is the sense of community, and I think that this would take that away.”

Wendy Philbrick also noted that the reason why her family chose to live on her street was because they knew that their children would be future drivers, and they needed a road that allowed for extra cars.

After several others iterated and reinforced the points that came before them, the discussion came to a close with resident Matt Newberry, who said “I’ve come to just express my concern, because this is just going to create feuds with people over driveway parking and the limited space there.”

After the locals had spoken, Mayor Stanton-Terk thanked everyone for their comments, and explained that this law would not be voted on any time soon.

“Public safety is our number one priority. We are going to continue this conversation, this is long from over,” she finished.

 

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Reverse Trick-or-Treating Brings Joy to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley

HOWES CAVE — Reverse Trick-or-Treating at the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley took place this past weekend and was once again a huge success. Children and adults alike visited the shelter to shower the animals with attention and treats — both of which they absolutely love. From adorable little cows to fairies and animal doctors, the creative costumes added to the fun, and the animals enjoyed every moment of the beautiful day.

Now in its fourth year, this heartwarming event has become one of the shelter’s most popular community gatherings, drawing visitors from near and far to share kindness and treats with the shelter’s furry residents.

The Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley (ASSV) is the only shelter in Schoharie County serving both cats and dogs. It provides a safe, loving environment for animals until they find their forever homes. This year, the ASSV proudly celebrates its 50th year of service to the community.

To learn more about the shelter — or to find out how you can donate or volunteer — visit www.schoharieanimalshelter.org or call 518-296-8390.

 

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Richmondville To Apply For $4.5M Grant For Trail, Other Improvements

By Chris English

RICHMONDVILLE — Local residents seem excited by the possibility of a multi-modal trail to be built along a new sewer line coming in the Town of Richmondville.

About 10-12 residents attended an Oct. 23 public hearing at the town municipal building and engaged in a free-flowing discussion with Engineer Brendon Becker and town board members on applying for a grant that, if received, would fund the trail and other items. At the end of the hearing, the board voted 4-0 to apply for $4.5 million from the New York Forward Downtown Revitalization Program.

Town Supervisor Jeffrey Haslun and Councilmen Eric Haslun, George Horning and Harry Rode all voted in favor. Councilman Todd Sperbeck was unable to attend the hearing. Before the vote, Becker made a presentation, answered questions and heard ideas from residents on how to use the grant if the town receives it.

He said the deadline to submit the grant application is Nov. 7 and guessed the town would find out if it was successful around March, April or May of 2026. If Richmondville gets the grant, a local committee would be set up to further vet projects to be possibly funded with the grant and decide which ones would get money.

One of the projects would be the multi-modal trail to follow the course of a sewer line that's part of a $12-13 million sewer improvement project that would provide public sewer service to a large part of the Town of Richmondville, including Warnerville. Another venture to potentially be funded is a small park near Route 7 and the Warnerville Cutoff that would include a large stone with an attached plaque commemorating the Battle of Cobleskill fought during the American Revolution.

Other potential recipients of grant money would be businesses along the Route 7 corridor where the trail would run, Becker said. He added the businesses would need to match any money received on a 50/50 basis. The money could be used for new equipment or other improvements to the businesses.

Becker said the multi-modal trail would be lighted. He at first said it would be paved with asphalt but other possibilities include concrete or maybe it would be a grass trail. A township highway department employee said concrete would wear better and last longer than asphalt.

The trail would likely run from Route 7 at Podpadic Road to the Village of Cobleskill boundary line just East of the Speedway and the Western edge of the SUNY Cobleskill campus, a length of about three miles, Becker said. The trail would run mostly along Route 7, with possibly some of the trail along one side of the highway and some on the other side, and could also potentially link up with a trail along the Cobleskill Creek just off the Warnerville Cutoff, he added.

"It would serve a lot of people," Jeffrey Haslun said of the trail. "The cross-country team at SUNY Cobleskill, high school kids (at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School) who walk to school. It would serve the community well."

The question of how the trail would be cleared of snow in the winter came up at the Oct. 23 public hearing.

"I'm not sure our highway crew has that in mind," Haslun said.

It was mentioned that a piece of equipment needed to clear the trail in winter would cost around $60,000 or more. Becker said it's possible that cost could be covered with the grant. Or, it's possible the trail would only be used during the warmer months and when there is no snow.

Becker said he would try to see if SEEC (Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation) can get involved with the grant application. Both town board members and residents at the Oct. 23 hearing were excited about the potential the trail and sewer improvement project would have for spurring development, expanding the town's tax base and other potential benefits.

"It would make us more community friendly so people would want to be here," one resident said.

"It sounds exciting, our little Hamlet might get on the map," another added.

Becker reiterated that the costs for applying for the grant would be around $5,000.

"I don't think $5,000 is a ridiculous amount of money to try to improve our town," Councilman Rode said.

Jeffrey Haslun said if the Town of Richmondville is not successful on the first round of the grant, it could always try again next year and possibly do a joint application with the Village of Richmondville.

"A very positive response from the community," Councilman Horning said of the Oct. 23 public hearing.

Becker encouraged anyone with comments or ideas regarding the grant to email him at bbecker@lamontengineers.com.

 

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Sharon Springs Community Food Pantry Special Holiday Schedule

SHARON SPRINGS — In order to best accommodate our visitors and our volunteers, Sharon Springs Community Food Pantry will be following a special holiday schedule during the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, all of which fall on Thursday this year. 

During these weeks the food pantry will be open only on Tuesday, with both morning and evening hours:

Week of Thanksgiving  open Tuesday, November 25,  9-10:30 a.m and 5-6:30 p.m. 

Week of Christmas,  open Tuesday, December 23,  9-10:30 a.m. and 5-6:30 p.m. 

Week of New Year,   open Tuesday, December 30, 9-10:30 a.m. and 5-6:30 p.m. 

The Sharon Springs Community Food Pantry is housed in the United Methodist Church, which is directly across US Route 20 from the Sharon Springs Central School. It is open to all need help stretching their food budget.

 

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Spooky Fun Times at the Red Shed in Cherry Valley

CHERRY VALLEY - The Red Shed in Cherry Valley celebrated the Falltoberfest in Cherry Valley and Halloween with a full day of food, spirits, and music.

The Mopar Cams performed at night and even Wednesday and Morticia Addams (real-life mother and daughter Stacy and Avery Merchant) came out to help at the bar Saturday night.

Photos by David Avitabile.

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Meet the Candidates - Write-In Race in Sharon Springs

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The election is coming up fast this next week on Tuesday, November 4th, with a write-in race for the Village of Sharon Springs, making for an interesting last couple of weeks around town.

This election cycle, there isn’t a candidate for Mayor on the ballot, making it write-in only for this integral figurehead position. The write-in candidates for Village Mayor are current Deputy Village Mayor Paul Novko and Village resident Krystina Jacquot.

There are also 2 Village Trustee positions available, and 1 vacancy, with only one candidate on the ballot: Will Kleffner, who currently serves on the Sharon Springs Zoning Board of Appeals. The other open Trustee positions would need to be filled by write-ins, with other write-in candidates that have come forward for Trustee including: Ron Ketelsen, Brooke Billinghurst, and William Barbic Jr. (aka “Bill”). 

In order to paint the best picture, the candidates have prepared statements on why they should gain your vote this November 4th. Please find the following statements from our Village of Sharon Springs candidates for Mayor as well as Village Trustee:

Paul Novko for Mayor (write-in):

To the residents of Sharon Springs, My name is Paul Novko, currently the Deputy Mayor, and a write-in candidate for Mayor of Sharon Springs. I have resided since 2016 at 574 Rt 20. I own and operate Blue Star Farm & Cidery located at 582 Rt 20. I have owned a couple other businesses in the past. The first was a dairy farm located in West Laurens, NY and Novko Equipment Inc., which I started and ran concurrently at the same location. I have worked as a Professor in the Agricultural Engineering Technology Department at SUNY Cobleskill, and currently I’m employed by the AGCO Corporation as Technical Support Field Manager in the Northeast Region. Educationally, I’ve earned an Associates and Bachelors degrees from SUNY Cobleskill, in Agricultural Engineering and Agricultural Equipment Technology respectively. I also hold a Masters of Education Degree from SUNY Oswego. I was appointed as a Village Trustee in January of 2018 by our former Mayor, Doug Plummer, to fill in for a board member that moved from the area. I have served as a Trustee since that time with the exception of one year, when I was a member of the Joint Planning Board. During my time on the Board of Trustees, the Village has undertaken several infrastructure projects, namely water and sewer system improvements, some street paving, and sidewalk replacements. There are several other projects forthcoming. With that being said, I decided to run for Mayor to help the board continue with the oversight of these projects to ensure they are completed properly, without cost over runs that will negatively impact the 500 residents of Sharon Springs with an increased tax burden. We live in a small Village which currently is on a sound financial footing. As Mayor, I would like to continue the work Mayor Denise Kelly and the board has been involved in, to help keep the Village affordable, and hopefully attract new residents and help the Village grow. I would appreciate you choosing me as a write-in for Mayor on November 4, 2025. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best Regards, Paul Novko.

Krystina Jacquot for Mayor (write-in):

Howdy neighbors! I'm Krystina Jacquot and I'm running for Mayor of the Village of Sharon Springs this November. I've been a resident here with my family since 2017 and have only fallen more in love with this Village each passing year. Those of you who know me, know I'm currently the Activities Director for Marchand At Sharon Springs. I have a myriad of life experiences and skills that I have picked up from previous employment that I plan on bringing into the role of Mayor. From writing grants at a start up not for profit to balancing the books from running my own small business in the community. I also have a long history of working with and advocating for the needy and underprivileged. It is my hope that in the position of Mayor I can keep doing what I've been doing but on a grander scale. That I can keep helping the people of this Village.  It is my hope to extend a hand and unite all the moving pieces that run this Village. I want to be able to get information out to the residents so they actually know what is going on where they live. I want to bring my energy, resourcefulness, and principles to this Village and make this a community we are all proud to live in.

Will Kleffner for Village Trustee (on ballot):

My name is Will Kleffner, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Village Trustee this November! Since moving here in 2023, my wife, Caroline, and I have been so touched by how welcoming and kind this community has been. I currently serve as Executive Director of the Cooperstown Food Pantry and on the Zoning Board of Appeals right here in Sharon Springs. Additionally, I serve on the membership and advocacy committees for the Alliance for a Hunger Free New York, as well as the advocacy committee for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. I am dedicated to making the places I live and work safe, happy, and affordable for all. As Trustee, I would like to give back to the place that’s given us so much, supporting thoughtful growth, open communication, and the unique character that makes Sharon Springs such a special place to live. It would be an honor to serve as Village Trustee, and I would be grateful for your vote on November 4th!

Ron Ketelsen for Village Trustee (write-in):

During my decade-long residence in Sharon Springs, I have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community leadership and development. I served as president of the Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce for seven years, where I expanded membership and orchestrated numerous festivals and parades, followed by four years as President of the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce. My involvement extended to the Occupancy Tax Board and Tourism Committee for three years each, and I continue to serve as Secretary of the Joint Planning Board since 2022, Secretary of the Town Zoning Board of Appeals since 2022, and as a member of the County Planning Commission since 2023. Beyond municipal service, I have been instrumental in preserving local heritage as President of the Sharon Historical Society since 2021, successfully securing nearly $1 million in private funding to establish a historical village and acquire a building for a future museum. My dedication to understanding village governance is evidenced by my attendance at every Village Board meeting—either in person or through online replays—since 2014. This comprehensive experience across community organizations, municipal bodies, and planning commissions, combined with my deep knowledge of the challenges facing Sharon Springs, uniquely positions me to serve effectively as a Village Trustee.

Brooke Billinghurst for Village Trustee (write-in):

I’m running for Village Trustee in Sharon Springs to help preserve our unique heritage while promoting responsible growth and community engagement. As a proud resident, I am committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and maintaining the charm that makes our village special. I will work to improve infrastructure, support local businesses, and ensure that every voice is heard. Sharon Springs deserves thoughtful leadership that listens and acts with integrity. I’m ready to serve with dedication and a collaborative spirit. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote to help shape a vibrant, sustainable future for our Village.

William Barbic Jr for Village Trustee (write-in): 

In a phone call, “Bill” Barbic Jr spoke about his previous role as the Town of Sharon Highway Superintendent for 20 years as well as his term as Village of Sharon Springs Trustee and term as Village Mayor. Barbic has been active with the Sharon Springs Fire Department for 53 years and counting. He mentioned he can offer his “many years of experience with money” , he knows how to “listen to people”, and can “see more big picture stuff”.

Remember to get out and vote this Tuesday, November 4th in the Sharon Community Building located at 129 Main Street, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459. Voting is open from 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Visit the Schoharie County website for more information.

 

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Opinion - Cobleskill, It’s Time for a Change - Freitag for Mayor

By Matthew Avitabile

COBLESKILL — Cobleskill, I know that our community can do better. I say our community as Cobleskill runs in my veins. I live in Middleburgh but attended SUNY Cobleskill at 17 and have worked at the college for the last 15+ years. I’ve seen Cobleskill’s ups and downs since I was a kid and I want the best for the engine of our county’s economy.

We’ve been missing that for years.

A photo that I wanted to place with this op-ed was the banner saying that Family Dollar was closing— but by the time I came back it was already down. It was symbolic of so many lost opportunities faced by the community. There have been chances to work better with business groups and the college, the withdrawal of the village from the Schoharie County Village Officers’ Association, the slashing of police coverage, the lecturing of the volunteer fire department, a fight over dogs and whether the water belonged to the mayor or to the people, and much much more.

I know what local leadership means. For 14 years I served on the Middleburgh village board, including building and working with the team that turned the community around. My eight years as mayor and working with various local public officials (including incumbent Mayor Becky Stanton-Terk) allowed me to see what works and what doesn’t.

Whatever is being tried in Cobleskill just isn’t working. 

RJ Freitag has the experience. He has a law enforcement background. He served on an elected city council. He’s run his own business. RJ is friendly, responsive, responsible, and is just a good guy. He has an actual detailed plan for the community that he clearly put thought into. In last week’s article, I faithfully used the answers from each candidate in last week’s example. Each got a chance to review their interviews before they were published. However, I had to cut about three-quarters of RJ’s answers because I didn’t have the physical space in the paper. The man has put in the work and wants to build a Cobleskill that is safer, a better business environment, and more responsive to the average person. Do you think it’s any coincidence he has so much support from fire personnel, former police officials, village officers, Town Clerk Tina Ward, and former Mayor (and my friend) Linda Holmes? They’ve seen the difference and they have taken a clear side. So have I.

Take it from two successful former mayors who want Cobleskill to shine: RJ Freitag is the only way to make that happen. These races often come down to several votes. Cobleskill’s future is in your hands.

 

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Fletcher Eyes Supervisor Seat in Seward

By David Avitabile

SEWARD - Republican Mark Fletcher is running unopposed for the supervisor's seat in the Town of Seward. The seat is for one year.

Mr. Fletcher has been looking at the seat for some time, he said.

"I'm running for supervisor simply because I have wanted to do that job for years. A need for a capable and willing candidate arose, and I said , 'Yes.'"

The town is faced with several major issues, he said.

"We are looking at a million dollar septic repair," Mr. Fletcher said. "We are hoping to fund that through grants. If that falls through, we will have to look at alternatives. Should that happen, we will have to start from scratch. A methodical team approach with the board and people affected along with professionals to re-examine all alternatives and come up with a plan. Unfortunately, I am getting involved late in the process, but I believe we can overcome that obstacle if plan A falls apart."

In addition, "The highway department takes up 80 percent or more of the town budget.

"The person elected to be highway superintendent by the people needs to be held accountable for the workings of that department. The board and the highway superintendent each have a job to do. I think we need to change the culture a little and rebuild mutual respect."

Mr. Fletcher said he brings several qualities and experience to the post.

"I bring about 15 years of public service to this position," Mr. Fletcher said. "I have served as Seward town justice since 2020, and as Carlisle town justice from 2000 through 2005. I also served on the board of fire commissioners in Carlisle as a member and later as its chairman. 

"I am making a lateral move into the supervisor's chair and with that comes challenges. I will approach them as always, with training, advice, a willingness to learn, common sense, open ears, and a heart for the job and our community.

"I may not make everyone happy all the time, but I intend to do my part by treating the supervisor position, the town board positions, the clerk, justice, and highway superintendent as well as the public with the same respect and guidance it deserves."

Other positions on the ballot on Tuesday are:

* Town clerk/tax collector, one-year term, Republican Brenda Southworth.

* Highway Superintendent (one-year term) Anthony (Tony) Kulesza, Democrat.

* Councilmember (two three-year seats) Lisa Sigtermans, Democrat, Tina Dawson, Democrat, James Serensky, Republican, and William Harlow, Republican.

 

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