Letter to the Editor: Time for Us to Fight Constitution as a Community

Dear Editor,

I find three things to be extremely frustrating. First and foremost, that in the United States of America, a company centered on corporate greed, lies, intimidation, and bribery can claim the land of hardworking people and do what they would like with it. Two, that our elected officials do absolutely nothing to represent the people that put them in office and had faith in them to do the right thing. Three, and to me this may be the saddest bit of it all, that many members of the county who are thankfully not directly impacted by the implications of this Pipeline have chosen to remain silent and comfortable regarding the matter at hand.  While I am upset with our elected officials I cannot say that I am surprised.  When it comes down to it, not offending supporters and making business allies in future political campaigns seems to be the main goal.  The people of our area are hardworking, family oriented people that lead busy lives to make sure their loved ones are cared for, and while I realize there is not always extra time to research or speak out against things happening to others in the community, this is an instance where I would urge people to try to find the time.  Constitution Pipeline has given out grants to many businesses and organizations that could use the money desperately to benefit the people of this area. Recreation programs, Fire Departments etc. While I do not blame these people for accepting the money I hope they realize what it was and take it at face value. BRIBES and HUSH MONEY. At the end of the day, this could happen to any of us. With future pipeline proposals coming down the line, I would like to remind people to be aware that nobody is safe from this terrible injustice unless we ALL do something now.  At the end of the day, if this project gets the thumbs up, my family and countless others will have their property invaded by strangers and lose our peace of mind all for something that is not going to benefit our area in any way, shape or form regardless of the nonsensical information the company has been distributing.    Thank you to concerned citizens such as J. Fiore and R. Nied for your relentless efforts at spreading awareness and fighting back. We could all learn a thing or two from you.

Thank you,

Alanna Fiore

Letter to the Editor: Problem Gambling - Have the Conversation

Dear Editor,

In honor of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the New York Council on Problem Gambling has joined forces with the National Council on Problem Gambling, New England Consortium of Problem Gambling Providers, and New York State Prevention Providers, to encourage families, friends, and organizations, to have the conversation about problem gambling during the month of March.

March has become one of the biggest gambling occasions because of the popularity of the NCAA "March Madness" Basketball Tournament. A 2009 Microsoft survey estimated that 58 million Americans fill out sports brackets each year, and according to a Las Vegas odds maker, about $12 billion is wagered on the March Madness tournament, making March the largest month for individual bets.

March is also Problem Gambling Awareness Month and year's theme is "Problem Gambling: Have the Conversation." Between six and nine million people meet criteria for gambling problems, and it is estimated that each person with a gambling problem affects between 8-10 others. Problem gambling impacts relationships, families, businesses and communities. Gambling disorders create physical and mental health problems including a higher risk of suicide, domestic violence, bankruptcy, and work performance issues.

Only a fraction of problem gamblers seek help. Many who suffer in silence do so because they don't know they developed a problem, what gambling addiction is, or where to get help. Gambling disorders are too devastating to individuals and society to allow to go unnoticed and unattended. 

Signs and symptoms that there may be a problem with gambling may include: participating in cards, lottery, or office pools often, using sick time to gamble, talk or worry about money problems, a history of writing bad checks, unable to explain the origin of new items of value and possession, and any change in personality or behavior, particularly hypertension, ulcers, or depression.

Overcoming a gambling addiction isn't easy but there are programs to help. For more information call SCCASA at 518-234-8705. To find out more information call 1-877-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369).

- Norine Hodges

Letter to the Editor: Shame on County for Cuccinello's Firing

Letter to the Editor It was with great sadness that I heard of the dismissal of Andy Cuccinello as EMS Coordinator for Schoharie County. Having been an EMT, I had the opportunity to be instructed by and work closely with Mr. Cuccinello and found him to be a very pleasant and capable medic and manager. But it was with anger and disappointment that I heard of circumstances of that dismissal. Mr. Cuccinello is a 40+ year resident of Schoharie County. For over 30 of those years he has served as a volunteer Firefighter, TAC Force member, EMT-Paramedic, EMT instructor and 16 years as the Deputy EMS Coordinator personally responsible for saving countless lives and aiding our residents in the course of his career. He was given the position of interim EMS Coordinator after the retirement of Bill Averill and then later hired to fill the position. The Board of Supervisors decided to add, to the already burdensome budget, a new position of Emergency Services Director in order to "fix" a system that wasn't broken. (Why not just hire a new EMO Director at no extra cost to the county taxpayers?) The position was filled with Mike Hartzel; a newly transplanted Schoharie County resident and military veteran whose service to our country I am very grateful for. I believe it is worth noting that he is also lacking any experience in Fire and EMS and has very limited experience in the Emergency Management field. Yet one of Mr. Hartzels first actions after having been in this management position for ONLY 3 MONTHS was to give Mr. Cuccinello a less than satisfactory evaluation for his EMS services over the past YEAR. Be aware that prior to that time, Mr. Cuccinello had NEVER received any negative reviews in his employment. After a year of Mr. Cuccinello serving as EMS Coordinator, Mr. Hartzel went into executive session with the Board of Supervisors and requested Mr. Cuccinello's dismissal as Coordinator for reasons that are yet unknown to anyone outside of that meeting (as they still had him listed as "probationary"). It was granted and a demotion to the position of medic and a five figure a year cut in salary was offered to him. Mr. Cuccinello refused the offer and retired from county service. Who could blame him? Mr. Hartzel’s actions are almost understandable. I can see that as a new resident, being inexperienced in a newly hired position, he might feel intimidated or even threatened by an intelligent and capable veteran medic such as Mr. Cuccinello. I suppose you don't really need any practical experience to be an office manager, but with actual lives on the line, a competent leader would, at the very least, listen to those who do have it and not allow ego to influence decisions that directly threaten the residents he was hired to serve. I was even willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and hear what he had to say at a meeting he had convened a week after the dismissal but was turned away at the door being told that county residents were not allowed admittance (which is a direct violation of NY State Open Meetings Law; an oversight I will chalk up towards his inexperience). What I cannot forgive, what absolutely infuriates me, is the actions, or lack thereof, of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Cuccinello was never permitted an audience with any of the committees or supervisors, never afforded the respect due to someone who has given so much, who faithfully served this county for so long; never given an explanation in regards to the destruction of his career by one transplant with ZERO NY State EMS knowledge. I personally met with Cobleskill Supervisor Leo McAllister and spoke of my dissatisfaction at their lack of respect for Mr. Cuccinello and their total disregard for his career and future given his service to them/us over the decades. He said he understood and agreed and that he would speak to the other supervisors. At the next Emergency Services meeting, Mr. McAllister asked for an executive session. After several unreturned phone calls, I have heard nothing. Nor, at last speaking, has Mr. Cuccinello. Mr. Cuccinello informed me that he has attempted several times to speak with them but was told that it was all handled in executive session and they are forbidden to speak about it even with him. It seems to me that if you're the subject of an official meeting then you should either be told beforehand and/or, at the very least, told afterwards what you are being accused of and fired for. It seems to me that Mr. Cuccinello should be allowed to face his accuser/s and address any accusations made against him. It seems to me that he should be respected enough to be looked in the eye instead of knifed in the back by those he has faithfully served for so long. But, sadly, it also seems to me that the use of the Executive Session has become an overused vehicle enacted by power hungry moral cowards so as to be virtually unaccountable for their words or deeds. This county has so far spent over $500,000 trying to justify the termination of another county employee. A figure that is still growing, by the way. (That's right folks; despite what we've been told, that one ain't over yet!) And Mr. Cuccinello couldn’t even get a meeting? One inexperienced person was dissatisfied with his job performance and he was offered termination or a demotion with a huge pay cut. 90% of the residents of this county are dissatisfied with the job performance of the Board of Supervisors and they received a pay raise this year. I wish someone could explain THAT disparity! And I highly question that his dismissal was due to "scheduling conflicts" as Supervisor Van Glad reported in the TJ article. (Which would even be news to Mr. Cuccinello.) So the position of EMS Coordinator remains empty as there were no qualified applicants at this last posting demonstrating a huge lack of forethought by those who should have that very quality. I can almost forgive Mike Hartzel because he hasn't been the terrified parent watching his child slowly suffocate from an asthma attack when Andy Cuccinello walks in and, in a few minutes has the kid not only breathing normally but also laughing. He hasn't been the son standing helpless as Andy works desperately to save his father in cardiac arrest. He hasn't been trapped in an all but crushed vehicle with Andy voluntarily sitting beside him calming him and tending his wounds as firefighters cut him free. He hasn't been laying on a stretcher in the back of an ambulance at 3am on a cold, snowy night breathing what he thinks is his last few breaths only to have Andy reassure him that his life will continue. Mike hasn't. The members of the Board of Supervisors, however, have. Some have directly benefited from his services and dedication to duty and their actions should reflect some semblance of decency and loyalty to that dedication. I say shame on any of them who allowed this travesty to occur. Shame on you! Despite this county’s lack of true leadership, I have every confidence in the two competent but overworked medics we have left and pray that they are allowed to do their jobs and that no resident meets harm or death because of the actions of the few cowardly or egotistical individuals in positions of authority. Maria C. Cartwright Cobleskil

Letter to the Editor: Lopez Not Representing Us

Dear Editor,

Last week The New York State Citizens Preparedness Training Program was educating residents of Middleburgh on the necessity of being ready in case of a disaster. There were cameras and microphones, so of course Assemblyman Lopez was present. He spoke about how his constituents should remain vigilant and prepared for what is to come down the road. Everyone who attended received a free "GO -BAG". Mr. Lopez your constituents might need training on another kind of disaster A PIPELINE EXPLOSION! I for one will remain vigilant for what might come down the road, as the big gas companies plan to bury gas lines on my property. My family just might need more than a cute little "GO-BAG". Mr. Lopez I'm sure you remember 25 years ago this very month in the town of Blenhiem. There was a pipeline explosion, 2 people killed, 5 injured and 14 buildings leveled and it could have been much worse. I still don't understand why you have remained silent and turned your back to your constituents? You have left us alone to fight for ourselves against these greedy gas companies. Is it because the pipelines won't be going through your property putting  your family in harms way? Are you afraid to fight the gas companies for fear of hurting future political endeavors? Is it because your close friend John Faso who happens to belong to the same political party as you is now a paid spokesman for constitution pipeline? Whatever the reason, it doesn't look good. It makes you look like your just another lifelong politician, who will do or not do anything to get reelected. Then again, maybe that is all you are.

Regards,

Jerry Fiore  Summit

Letter to the Editor: Supervisors "Vaudeville Act" on Eminent Domain

Dear Editor,

Another example of why this board and this form of government are not working for the people. After years of landowners being bullied and harassed by constitution pipeline, more recently threatened with eminent domain by big corporate lawyers. The supervisors have awoken from hibernation to put on a little vaudeville act for the public. After a song and dance routine they decided to pass a meaningless resolution opposing eminent domain. They were slightly out of step as 4 supervisors tripped over one another as they voted in opposition. No surprise to me one was Harold Vroman, who seems to be wrong on most things. Next comes the second act, the jugglers.  The board will be sending the resolution to Assemblyman Lopez and Senator Seward. I don't expect we'll be hearing anything from them. After all it's not a photo-op involving some ribbon cutting or one of them handing a check to SUNY.

Regards,

Jerry Fiore   Summit

Letter to the Editor: R'Ville Planning Board in Disarray

Dear Editor:

 

Last week’s Times-Journal reported that the Town of Richmondville was claiming that it had difficulty finding people to serve on its Planning Board. That could not be further from the truth. The Town has steadfastly refused to advertise vacant positions on the board, refused to conduct public interviews of people willing to serve (something other towns do) and repeatedly rejected qualified candidates, some of whom have extensive planning and zoning experience. The Town has not had difficulty finding qualified candidates, only difficulty finding individuals willing to pretend that local land use and environmental regulations don’t apply to political cronies and that the role of the Planning Board is to rubber stamp proposals from local developers.

The Town of Richmondville Planning Board has a notorious history that includes taking just a few minutes to issue a slap dash environmental approval of the proposed Maranatha facility, ignoring a voluminous archeological report warning that the proposed facility would have a significant negative impacts and then being forced to withdraw that approval only to reissue a second and then a third approval after each was challenged. The Planning Board ultimately admitted, in a letter signed by their secretary, that the environmental approval was given for the sole purpose of allowing the developer to gain access to tax payer funded grant monies. We all know how that turned out.

The same Planning Board acted with such disregard for standards of behavior that it was issued a letter of admonishment by the Town Board and Town Attorney regarding conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety, which they subsequently ignored.

The Planning Board is led by a chairman who, despite years in the position, often appears to struggle with even a basic understanding of local zoning regulations, requiring the Board secretary to repeatedly remind him of the process that must be followed. That same chairman erroneously advised his board that they could quickly issue a permit for a proposed massive pipeline staging area along Route 7 without a site plan review and environmental assessment. It is unclear if a total lack of understanding of the law or some other factor motivated his misstatements. Certainly the fact that his family later received nearly $70,000 in payments from the pipeline company does not help the public perception. After the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities stepped in, the Planning Board was advised by the Town Attorney to conduct the appropriate reviews before issuing permits for the pipeline staging area.

Observing the actions of the Town of Richmondville Planning Board at any monthly meeting is an eye opening experience. They careen through the approval process basing their decisions on irrelevant anecdotes and preconceived notions instead of facts and reach their conclusions with a shocking lack of thoroughness.

Unfortunately, the Town Planning Board deliberations will likely continue to be some of the most dysfunctional in the region because under Supervisor Lape’s stewardship the Town Board is not willing to do anything about it.

But there is hope for change. The Village Trustees and Mayor Neary can refuse to sink to the Town’s level and insist that a Joint Planning Board reject political cronyism, incompetence and conflicts of interest and conduct itself in a manner that respects the residents of Richmondville as well as the planning and zoning process. If the Village can’t secure those assurances they should stay as far away from the Town Planning Board as possible so as not to be party to the embarrassing spectacle that poses as governance in the Town of Richmondville.

Bob Nied

Board of Directors

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities

Letter to the Editor: County Government is Broken

Thank You Supervisor William Smith for writing and clarifying your flip-flop on a county administrator. In your letter you also implored the public to attend the supervisors meeting this past Friday. You cried out, Please speak up! You must be heard! Yet yourself and Ms. Bleau missed work that day. I'm wondering do we still pay the supervisors when they're absent? It now looks like the county will be hiring a full time babysitter for the 16 toddlers. So the same group that just chose a chairman by voting right down party lines will now be entrusted to hire an administrator. We're supposed to believe they now will have the integrity and intellect to pick the best person for the job. This would all be laughable but we're paying for this long running mess. It's becoming more obvious with each passing meeting they cannot do the job they were elected to do. Gene Milone who initiated this future waste of taxpayers money has stated many times, we're just floundering. Shawn Smith Blenheim Supervisor says, It seems like we just drift from one disaster to another, not very assuring words for taxpayers to hear. Now because of the boards incompetence and the inability to work together the taxpayers will have to pay the price. Who knows what the final tally will be? This form of county government, the system in place is not working it hasn't for years. Failure after failure, mistake after mistake and the taxpayers foot the bill. We cannot do it anymore.The time is now for a County Executive elected by the people with this form of government every vote counts. As of now with this system my vote is useless. We have a 16 member board. I get to vote for one for one member to sit on the board that of course is who I vote for as my Town Supervisor to represent and serve my town at the county level.  This is one of my problems with this system.You see my Supervisor gets a free ride as he seems to run against someone always named unopposed That leaves us with no choice and makes it quite difficult to make a change.For someone to step up to challenge one of incumbents you would have to be a member of one of the major parties, even then you would have to get the approval of one of the 2 kings. It truly is a Good O'l Boys club.

Regards,
Jerry Fiore 
Summit

Letter to the Editor: TAC Force Decision Hurts Volunteers

At the February 20th meeting of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors a political train de-railed on the Sheriff’s Tactical & Rescue Force. For those of you who are unfamiliar with who the TAC Force is, they are the people who direct traffic at your parades, keep order at the Grandstand events during the county fair and other festivals around the county and other such law enforcement work needed when there is not enough coverage available through local PD or the regular road patrol deputies. They also provide an extra level of search & rescue personnel for the county. The Force has been an active unit of the sheriff’s office for 45 years, always in uniform similar to that of the road patrol, and always armed. When they were first established in 1970 they were constituted as a special force of the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Department whose purpose is to serve and protect the residents of Schoharie County within our special field when called upon. Members were divided into 2 groups, active and inactive. The active members received a lot of training in law enforcement and firearms certification and were appointed as Special Deputy Sheriffs. The inactive members were persons with special skills such as pilots or divers who were primarily used for search & rescue operations. At some point during the current administrations reign, the county insurance provider was changed. When this happened the TAC Force members were not delineated as being armed members of the sheriff’s department. Last year the provider found out that the Force was armed and told the county supervisors that the Force was not covered for that and that this situation presented a great liability threat to the county. The Force members and Sheriff Desmond were looking for ways to get the Force back under coverage without extending the already overtaxed budget but this has been shut down. At the meeting mentioned above, in an 11 to 2 vote, the Board of Supervisors voted to disarm the TAC Force, take them out of law enforcement like uniforms, and change their name. I was present at this meeting to speak on behalf of the Force and outline the requirements by state law for an armed unit of auxiliary police or special deputy sheriffs for civil defense. I was not allowed to speak before the vote was taken. When Chairman Lape asked if there was any further discussion (there had been none other than the motion and second) I raised my hand, which was highly visible being filled with sheets of paper containing my prepared statement. He looked right at me and said, “There being no further discussion, all those in favor…” and just like that, your group of volunteers, who have provided thousands of dollars’ worth of free law enforcement service to your community in the last 45 years was shut down. Mind you, they will tell you that they did not disband the Force, which is, political rhetoric. They removed our side arms. They removed our powers to arrest. They removed our appearance and representation as law enforcement. They ordered us to change our name. If that is not disbanding, I don’t know what is. And yet, they expect the Force members to continue to provide the exact same services that they have been. We will have no more authority than a volunteer event staff person. What happens now when an unruly bunch starts acting up during a demolition derby? Local PD cannot afford to maintain a large enough presence on the fairgrounds to handle situations like that. The TAC Force is still needed. Let your town supervisor know that you are not pleased with their decision and that you want the TAC Force back as an armed unit of law enforcement in your community. Let them know that if they don’t, maybe the next person you vote for will! Spread the word!

Thank you.
Ted Volkert,
President of the TAC Force

Letter to the Editor: Consistent on Administrator

To the taxpayers of the Town of Broome and Schoharie County:

I am writing to you to clarify my position on whether or not we need a county administrator. This is in response to a statement made by the Schoharie News that I “flip flopped” on my views on the issue.

In 2014, during my first few months in office, I stated several times that a county manager, administrator or executive was needed due to our dysfunctional county government. But as time went on I learned that was not the problem! I feel that we have good people and a good system in place for the proper operation of our county, but it is not allowed to work! If we create a new position for county manager or administrator we are forming more government with a large salary and benefit package that puts a greater financial burden on our taxpayers without fixing a thing, because it will not be allowed to work due to the current political climate.

A county manager will not be a magician, just a band aid over the underlying problems of a county that is being run by personal and political agendas, a system that does not have the best interests of the taxpayers and county employees at heart.

You need to be heard! Voice your opinion for or against a county administrator at a continued public hearing at the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 20, 2015 at 9:00 am on the 3rd floor of the County Office Building.

There have been several public hearings on this issue in the past couple of months and only approximately 50 people have been heard. I feel this is not enough of a voice to support a decision for the entire county. Please speak up! You might ask, for example, what would the county administrator do that the supervisors aren’t already doing? And also, where would the money come from to pay the substantial salary and benefits for this new position?

Truly Yours,
William M Smith, III
Town of Broome Supervisor

Letter to the Editor: Pipeline "Shock and Awe"

To hear Christopher Stockton of constitution pipeline speak, he is now being called a communications specialist. It reminds me of a General giving a military briefing. He states the starting date is getting close, we are ready to get going. Constitution's army is planning to have 5 armored divisions attack 5 different counties at the same time, It's their version of Shock and Awe. They will systematically start their assault with expert precision. They're veterans of this kind of raid, having done this many times before. He also noted the pipe for the pipeline is waiting and will be put to use as soon as constitution's army are allowed to mobilize. It is then the invasion and onslaught begins, code name Operation Seize and Destroy. The environment, pristine woods and waterways, every living thing in the path of these invaders will be annihilated for ever. Then finally after a year of occupation the nightmare will be over. Or so we thought, for in the shadows there is yet another army assembling. The worst part of the nightmare, all of this is happening in America.

Jerry Fiore
Summit

Letter to the Editor: Where is Lopez, Seward on Pipeline?

Who let the pitbulls out of their cages? I see Senator Seward and Assemblyman Lopez are running loose, growling and ready to take a bite out of Governor Cuomo's leg over his education policy and rightfully so. Yet when it comes to the big gas companies taking our land and turning Schoharie County into an interstate for pipelines, not even a whimper.I wonder why? Mr Lopez has called on the public to help him fight Mr Cuomo's policy via letters to the Governor and also the editor. Thats just what the  opponents of the pipeline have been doing for the past couple of years, maybe you have read a few of those letters Pete? The Assemblyman will use his membership on the Education Committee to lead the charge against Cuomo. Mr Lopez also is a member of the Assembly's Enviornmental Conservation Committee. But I have never heard him speak out or use his membership on that committee to take a stand against the Constituion Pipeline. The destruction of our land and the denuding of the forests is a criminal act It will cause irreversible damage to the environment. I hope the pit bulls will still have some fight left in them, when Kinder Morgan comes calling looking to take more of our land for a second pipeline and easement. But I expect by that time they will both be locked up back in their kennels.

Regards,
Jerry Fiore Summit

Letter to the Editor: When We Talk About Pipelines

When people talk about pipelines they often repeat vague statements they have heard in the press – pipelines are safe, pipelines are dangerous, we need the gas, we need to switch to renewables. By reiterating those statements, people keep the issue at a distance; It is less personal and less real.  For dozens of families in our area pipelines are very real and very personal because they have been confronted in their driveways and church parking lots by strangers: process servers shoving packets of legal documents in their hand and retreating quickly while announcing ominously and dispassionately “you’ve been served.” In recent days residents have been startled by sheriff deputies knocking on their doors to serve court papers, informing the recipients that Constitution pipeline is moving to condemn a portion of their private property in order to force an easement for their proposed 30” high-pressure gas pipeline that will transport gas from the fracking fields of Pennsylvania to Canada and ultimately to overseas export markets.  This sad scenario has been playing out since just before Christmas and is continuing right here in Schoharie County.

I have spoken to many of those who have been served or are looking over their shoulders knowing they will be next. Many are elderly and living on fixed incomes. Some are in poor health. Almost all are frightened, angry and depressed. None of them deserve it.

They are learning not only about a horribly unjust system that allows a corporation to raid the private property of average citizens but also prevents most people from defending themselves. For these landowners the condemnations will play out in Federal Court where the rules prevent landowners from recovering the cost of their legal defense. Consequently, few can afford to hire attorneys that charge $250-$300 per hour to fight eminent domain.  So most of the landowners will give up and watch their land devalued and the dreams they had for their properties extinguished. After that, they get to live next to a pipeline build by companies with horrific safety records. I have listened to the heart wrenching story of a an elderly woman who promised her late husband that she would preserve the land he loved in its natural state only to learn that her promise will be forcibly broken by a pipeline company who will clear cut a nearly 100’ wide swath through her woodlot, gardens and meadow. I have heard the story of the retiree who saved his entire life to build a modest home in the country – on the spot that may be a pipeline right-of-way kept barren for the next 30 years by regular applications of herbicides. As the unfortunate ones watch the machines clear their land, they won’t be able to take solace in the knowledge that the assault will be over soon. Instead, a second pipeline is poised to serve them with legal papers and take even more of their land.

When I talk about pipelines I talk about the disgrace of a corporation seizing private property – something that should not happen in a free country. I also talk about apathy or political cowardice shown by most of our elected officials who ignore the reality of pipelines and mindlessly tout “jobs” that won’t materialize or repeat meaningless phrases like “energy independence” which ring so hollow as to be insulting.

When people talk about pipelines they should talk about those who will be harmed. They should calculate the cost of a pipeline not in steel and earth moved but in how much people and community stand to lose and never recover. They should at least try to put a price on people made ill by the anxiety and fear of condemnation or the consequence of feeling helpless and unable to protect their home, investment, quality of life or the safety of their family.   

-- Robert Nied

Letter to the Editor: Time to Stand Up to Pipeline

I see where the Constitution Pipeline has created its first jobs for the county. Schoharie County Deputies are out serving papers notifying landowners that they now have become defendants and their land will be confiscated from them. Following right behind constitution is another land grabber Kinder Morgan who wants to run a pipeline through the same towns and they want a seperate easement. That means between the 2 pipelines a football field wide swath will have to be cut through our properties, woods, fields, and backyards thus bringing a pipeline even closer to our homes and drinking water. I can only hope the Schoharie Supervisors will not remain silent again as its residents get put through another nightmare Maybe with the new leadership on the board, they will take a stand and say enough already. Do we really want our county to become an interstate for pipelines? Chairman Lape did state that his number 1 priority was to protect the health and saftey of our residents. Well here is your chance Mr. Lape back up your words. Also Assemblyman Lopez before you start thinking about the next rung on the political ladder and riding down 95 south to Washington, HELP US!

Jerry Fiore
Summit

Letter to the Editor: Where is Seward and Lopez?

If there is one thing more upsetting and disheartening than having our land seized and eventually ravaged to bury this unnecessary pipeline. Which by the way serves no one who will have their land confiscated from them. It is the lack of support from my state and local officials. Of the 16 Schoharie County Supervisors only Gene Milone of Schoharie has stood steadfast in his opposition to this pointless pipeline, and I want to thank him for that. As for Senator Seward and Assemblyman Lopez your silence tells me everything, to you two. Thanks for nothing!


Jerry Fiore 
Summit 

Letter to the Editor: Time for a Shakeup in Local Media

Dear editor,

As much as your publication seems mainly hinging on arrest reports and poor editorials, at least you publish letters sent to you. How many people in this county have seen their letters to the Times Journal thrown away and never published?

While we're talking about the oldest paper in the county, how many times do people need to get yelled at by their editor? The amount of business owners, public officials, and regular ol' people that she's cursed out has probably exceeded the subscription base. Well, at least she gets good pictures of people's behinds and half-filled parking lots from events. Makes you wonder what secret she has on old Jim anyway?

The Gazette doesn't seem to do much around here. The Mountain Eagle is useless. Any satirical crap from disgraced former kleptocrats is a joke (and not the way ol' Dan or any young former members of the Planning Department wants it to be).

So we the people of the county are seriously underserved. Maybe the Schoharie News can pick up its game. Maybe we can do something about corruption and local products. Maybe we should, considering not much is working now.

Richard "Halliburton"
Summit

Letter to the Editor: Lape a Poor Choice for Chair

Dear Editor,
Congratulations, or should I say condolences to Dick Lape on becoming Chairman of the Board. I see the voting went right along party lines, guess I shouldn't be surprised. But one has to wonder if the best person was chosen for the job or did Mr. Lape just have more friends on the board? Another reason why this taxpayer does not have any faith in this board. This just proves to me that they all put their political parties first and the people of the county second. I am intrigued by the new Chairman's comment. His number one priority is to protect the health and safety of our residents. Does that mean he is against the land grabbing pipeline companies that want to take our land and ravage our county to bury 30 inch pipes in the ground to transport volatile gas somewhere else? I'd say that might be a health and safety issue to all of us. Will Mr. Lape back up his words and stand up and fight for the people or will he remain silent like Senator Seward and Schoharie's favorite son Assemblyman Lopez? Again, I am not surprised, but unfortunately this is the way career politician's work. Why take a stance or come out strong against anything that might affect your future political endeavors. After all, the rich people behind the pipeline companies might want to donate money to campaigns down the road. If a political office is not in one's future, there could always be a job. We all see who John Faso is working for. He tried to become a career politician, but he couldn't make it. However, I'm sure he is being well compensated by the Constitution Pipeline.

Thank you,
Jerry Fiore
Summit, NY

Letter to the Editor: Continue Fighting the Pipeline

Dear Editor, Neighbors and Friends,

The long awaited decision from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission concerning the approval of the Constitution Pipeline comes as no surprise to many. For those of us at the local levels of government that did everything humanly possible to prevent this pipeline from running through our county, the decision is extremely disheartening. Our county board of supervisors, unfortunately, was fragmented on the issue, thus causing each town to find its own way. Our representatives at the next levels of government supported the entire concept and without their resistance the task of stopping the pipeline approval became monumental.

Our residents who are to be directly impacted by the pipeline routing understandably, will suffer devaluation of their properties as well as the constant worry that setbacks are not sufficient to insure safety in case of any compromise. Over the last 18 months I have witnessed many groups accept grant funding from representatives of Constitution and many of our land owners have signed off on easements and accepted the one time payout. For those land owners who have resisted, Constitution is now showing its true colors by mailing letters of intimidation to them. It is truly unfortunate that our county has in the past and is currently feeling the bullying powers of Big Energy because of the lack of unity among its residents and representatives.

It is extremely important for everyone to know that the effort to defeat this pipeline being placed in Schoharie County soil continues and the general public once again will be given the opportunity to voice its opinion at the upcoming public hearings to be held by DEC January 12, 2015 in Binghamton; January 13, 2015 in Oneonta and January 14, 2015 in Cobleskill at SUNY Cobleskill - Bouck Hall Theater at 6:00 PM. DEC must decide if it will issue the necessary permits for the pipeline to be built after evaluating what its possible effects will have on aquifers, ground water, storm water runoff, spring thaws and streams.

The DEC has just announced that it will prohibit hydrofracking in New York, because the Health Department has advised them that it will be quite awhile before the issue of health threats is fully researched and understood. All the dangers of leaks and pollutants in fracking also exist for gas pipelines near water sources. The people of Schoharie are so dependent on having safe, clean water and they need to let the DEC know that the issue of pipeline health impacts on water supplies also needs to be researched and understood. If people can’t make the meetings they can email their concerns to dec.sm.constitution@dec.ny.gov

Unfortunately, our nations’ economy has taken its toll on many households causing families to participate in projects of this nature, which normally they would not have. But, the fact remains that we all must fear the county becoming a corridor for pipelines carrying a product which the major portion of will be exported at our expense. Let us be reminded that there has always been strength in numbers and if we are to protect our landscape, environment and way of life, a coordinated effort between county residents and elected officials must be accomplished.

Gene Milone,
Schoharie Town Supervisor

Letter to the Editor: Broken Local Government Shows Need for County Executive

New Year, same government in Schoharie County. Does anyone think 2015 will be any different? We will have a new chairman this year, my guess it will either be the Supervisor from Cobleskill or the Supervisor from Conesville. Fresh face, maybe new ideas, we have seen this all before. It doesn't matter who is holding the reins of the stagecoach, the wheels will eventually fall off. I am sure those who serve on the board are all fine people doing the best job they can. But after watching this futility for years it's obvious that this form of government is not working. And for the county to move forward there should be a change. The answer is not an administrator who will be chosen by this board, it should be a County Executive elected by the taxpaying citizens of the county.

 Jerry Fiore
Summit

Letter to the Editor: Anti-Science Activists Support Deforestation

The recent pipeline debate seems to have struck a nerve with some. The Schoharie "News" published an editorial in support of a green energy solution. Fine, I guess, if it was workable. One part that made sense was to actually push for energy instead of being one of the anti-everything activists.

Some so-called environmentalists have rallied against the pipeline and carbon fuel. Unfortunately, they don't understand that using coal, natural gas, and oil for electricity and heat has saved the forests.

No-- really.

Using wood to heat houses is as old as time and with the large population boom in the 1800s and early 1900s, the forests of the US and Europe were cut at an alarming rate. When other types of energy were used to heat homes, namely deriving from carbon fuels, deforestation reversed course dramatically.

Contrary to claims that Pennsylvania's economy has been ruined by fracking and unemployment has gone up, using energy has had some positive effects. Frequently spouted "facts" on Facebook are just plain wrong. Someone needs to explain that unemployment has fallen from 8.7% in early 2010 when fracking was first used in PA to 5.4% today (lower than the national average) while GDP has grown from $554 billion in 2009 to $603 in 2013, but don't let facts get in the way of a good narrative. How many jobs have these protesters created again?

So let's get rid of coal, gas, and oil. Okay... so let's get wind! Oh no, the "environmentalists" in this county are against it. Okay, what about hydro power! Oh, wait. Solar! Not ready yet?

So let's use a renewable organic source of energy-- wood! Forested areas in the US and Europe are at the highest levels in over 100 years because people no longer clear cut for heat.

Who will tell our NIMBY friends that their desired policies would clear cut far more forest than any pipeline?

Cheers,
Richard "Halliburton"
Summit

Letter to the Editor: Middleburgh Effort Paying Off

Reader Tim Hines recently donated land to the Village of Middleburgh to construct new park land:

Open letter to the Middleburgh Village Board and Mayor Avitabile,

I am glad the board has decided to accept the land in Middleburgh. I would also like the board and townspeople to know the main reason I am donating this land to the town is because of my dealings with you. From the time I first met you during the flood and all the times since it has been a pleasure to work with someone with so much passion and caring for their job. I am also impressed by how you care for people and for doing what's right.

 I look forward to wrapping this up and turning the land over to the town for its use as a part of the park in a timely manner. If there is anything I can do please let me know and I will be glad to assist. Please keep me posted as to your progress and please keep up the good work you are making a difference from all that I hear.

-- Timothy Hines