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The Best Gifts from Schoharie County

Showing posts with label opinion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label opinion. Show all posts

Editorial: Central Bridge, Promises, and the Assembly

Written By Editor on 3/6/18 | 3/6/18

I like hamlets. I mean, I really like hamlets. Perhaps it was from my high school days of bicycling between Middleburgh and Breakabeen and seeing the beauty of the Schoharie Valley, but there’s just something about them that carries a special fascination for me. I travel through a series on my paper route each week, and from Charlotteville to Fultonham and everywhere in between there’s a certain wonder for me. 

On page B1 my father wrote a story about Central Bridge’s progress over the last several years. Central Bridge is a good, yet recovering part of the County. Between my own time in the pint-sized community and tales from my friend Bill Kinisky in his years of service there after Hurricane Irene, I’ve learned a lot.

There’s some positive momentum there, but seemingly more light than heat. SALT is attempting to salvage its reputation by hanging its hat on a number of projects spearheaded by other agencies. The Land Bank is but one good example. In addition, “program” and “administration” fees should be watched for SALT’s well-worn reputation for misappropriation. Its recent partnership with Central Bridge and the Town of Schoharie shows some progress but unless administered correctly, may be one of the dozens of economic studies and public information input sessions that led nowhere in this County over the last two decades. Will the current photo-philes follow through with grandiose promises or leave the Civic Association and community partners hanging?

Often the largest barometer of success is simply to do something. All of the surveys in the world won’t make the same difference as a single filled storefront or new public service building. 

The page A1 news of the Hoober feed grant is, simply put, amazing. Senator Seward’s office went above and beyond in acquiring the $200,000 grant for the rail line expansion is much needed and may be another catalyst in an already positive movement on site.

However, it isn’t means for grandstanding. Latching onto the work of Senator Seward’s office, it’s become a political event for Supervisor and Assembly candidate Chris Tague while Schoharie and Central Bridge are still hurting. 

Having worked with Senator Seward on several grant projects through the years I observed two important details: 1.) the Senator’s office usually does the legwork the local politicians take credit for and 2.) a photo op for a grant that hasn’t spent a dime yet is bad juju. Part of the reason many of the projects here in Middleburgh worked was because (with the exception for the Valley Market) we never held pomp and circumstance until the very end. Far too much can happen between now and opening, especially if an important event is treated as a political stunt when the actual administration and appropriation of a grant hasn’t even begun.

I know that Supervisor Tague joined the SALT Board of Directors in the runup to the Assembly campaign and that each are looking for public relations wins as promises remain unmet. Candidate Tague promised Central Bridge a new firehouse, water and sewer upgrades, and the moon beyond. Former Supervisor Gene Milone, County Administrator Steve Wilson, County Board Chair Earl VanWormer, and more put in place funding for infrastructure improvements and the feed plant. 

Promises are great, especially when a community is in need of a win. However, I think it’s important for residents of Central Bridge, Schoharie as a whole, and the 102nd Assembly District to ask candidate Tague:

“Where’s the beef?”


-- Matthew Avitabile, Publisher


The Mayor's Nest: Seeking Volunteers for Local Office

Written By Editor on 3/5/17 | 3/5/17

The Mayor's Nest

Seeking Volunteers for Local Office

Across the region, the signs of election season will be popping up all over. In this case, it will likely be literal signs. Some of the villages and most of the school districts will hold elections this spring. At the town and county levels, gears are already turning toward fall races.

While some of the races can get nasty, they’re most often unopposed. In some cases, there are no other candidates, but in many there should be more involvement. The first race I ran in the Village of Middleburgh in 2006 saw about a 9% voter turnout. (Editor’s note: I lost) Many of the other races see similar low turnout, especially if they’re not in November.

What’s the solution? Well, voting certainly helps but that is just a portions. Getting involved in local efforts is a major step up. There are multiple appointed boards needing members, including Planning, Zoning, Assessment, and more. For some, there is a chance to run for office to make the area a better place. If you’re over 18 and have a heart and drive to improve your community, it’s might be just the job for you.

It’s not hard to run for local office. In most cases, it involves getting a number of signatures or attending a caucus. Winning, on the other hand, is not as simple. A campaign can be strenuous and teach you a lot about yourself and the people of the community. I know I’ve made lifelong friends and even family through the people I’ve met over the last decade.

Of course, there are some drawbacks: late night meetings, little or no pay, and making tough decisions, but each come with the territory. It’s also a chance to leave your town, village, school, or more better than you found it.

If you’re thinking about it-- go for it!


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Editorial: A Fond Farewell

Written By Editor on 2/26/17 | 2/26/17

District Attorney Jim Sacket announced his retirement recently. Unfortunately, he steps out of the limelight at a time when experience is needed.

According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Schoharie County's crime rate fell 29.1% between 2013 and 2014, the last full years available. The overall state trend was moving downward, but Schoharie's reduction was the second sharpest in the state. The violent crime rate went down at an even faster clip, although that may be more of a relic of our small population. This may be partly due to stepped up enforcement methods from the Sheriff’s Department and State Police. Still, the trend was bold.

Schoharie County aggressively prosecuted a number of burglaries and property crimes in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. The reassuring presence of enforcement put minds at ease after the initial spike in robberies.

Mr. Sacket is always humble about his time in office, often allowing for the County’s reduced crime rate to speak for itself. Jovial and personable, the District Attorney’s years in office came during times of controversy.

Mr. Sacket was a font of knowledge during multiple points of his career. In addition, Mr. Sacket and law enforcement laid the foundation against the creeping tide of opioid abuse. The DA cites the epidemic as his office's largest struggle, especially due to related crimes, such as burglaries.

There will be big shoes to fill. So far, only Blenheim Supervisor Shawn Smith has formally announced his candidacy to the public. Other qualified candidates, including current Assistant District Attorney Susan Mallery may be sure to follow. They’ll be following Mr. Sacket’s lead.


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Opinion: On Tax Rates

Written By Editor on 9/16/16 | 9/16/16

By Matthew Avitabile

Earlier today I read some spirited comments about why New York State ranks first in the country in residents leaving. It's a topic I think about a lot and have seen constantly in my time in office.

There are some fundamental issues that drive the massive taxation the state is known for. Some programs are left on 'autopilot' by Albany while others are actively gouged by lawmakers.

I give Schoharie County lawmakers credit on certain aspects of tax policy. However, cumulative effects of fundless mandates from the state, mistakes of past boards, flooding, economic conditions, and more have made it a very difficult proposition. It seems even many that attempt to tame the beast are unable to even get their plans off the ground.

A little bit of background from where I'm coming from. Before I became mayor in 2012, our village tax increases were completely out of control. The previous twelve budget years saw taxes increase eleven times for a cumulative total of 53%, or 2.66% a year.

2.66% a year? That might not seem so bad. As a matter of fact, some years that is lower than the rate of inflation.

However, compound interest makes even that figure unbearable for many families. Those on fixed incomes, steady incomes, or just starting out can't afford the extra money out of their pocket.

As Einstein said, the most powerful force in the universe is compound interest.

We tightened our belts mightily. Our Village Board members took a pay cut for two years to help balance the budget and together with our current and previous Village Clerk did everything in our power to work on every single line of the budget. Many hours were taken trying to save even dollars. At one point while I was a Village Trustee I cleaned the office's toilets to save us $800 in costs.

We also understood that raising taxes on those that could afford it the least, especially right after the flood, would help drive out those on the margins. We knew that businesses couldn't be asked to give "just a little more" after mortgaging their future repairing flood damage.

Over the last five budget years we've increased taxes one time, just one percent. That was only because of the costs associated with a lawsuit. Before and after we didn't touch it at all. Zilch.

Part of the reasoning behind that was our effort to cut costs. That did work, and we did employ multiple elements of making more with less, such as new energy efficient lighting, new insulation in the sewer plant, and doing a lot of work (including most grant writing) in house.

However, there are other factors at play that can help lessen the tax burden for property owners. About half of our budget comes from that line item and the rest comes from an assortment of sources. About 5% comes from a cell tower contract negotiated by my predecessors and renegotiated by our board has been very positive. Cooperation with surrounding municipalities, community groups, and our local fire department has been wonderful and a key factor in driving down long term compounding costs.

There are efforts that our municipalities and county can do to lessen the tax burden. Such a burden is too high already and many efforts, including Governor Cuomo's tax cap, don't do enough to solve the underlying problems. Bringing business into this county and retaining all of our residents should be on the top of the agenda. I know it is for us in Middleburgh.

Opinion: Money, Money, Money...

Written By Cicero on 6/16/15 | 6/16/15

Money - we all subsist off of it. Businesses need money to operate, people need money to live, and governments need money to govern. 

However, it should be said, that there is a reasonable expectation that all three will be diligent enough with their resources, as to not harm others, but what happens when outside forces conspire to harm your money supply?

That is the conundrum that the Village of Middleburgh is presently facing. 

Faced with a multitude of lawsuits from a single individual, the municipality paid over $7,600 in legal fees over the last budget cycle to defeat the suer and his frivolous suits. That amount is equal to roughly one percent of the village's entire budget and nearly equal to the amount in levies that taxes were raised by this past year. 

Coincidence? 

The Mayor of the community, Matthew Avitabile, made a good point at Monday's meeting, when he pointed out that more had been spent on legal fees associated with this string of lawsuits than on the village's successful wild flowers and the recently constructed pavilion combined. 

Although few residents were at the meeting, we believe that a vast majority would say community oriented projects such as what the mayor referenced are worth far more than a continuous legal battle in court.

A continuous legal battle in court brought upon by the former mayor. We will offer no comments as to the validity of the petitioner's suits, for that is not our role, but we do find it offensive that someone once tasked with the responsibility of leading the village is now actively working to bleed it financially. Whether that was intended or not, that is the result of the former official's actions.

Once again, governments need money to govern. They need resources to fix sidewalks, pave roads, promote community minded projects, and so forth, but what they don't need is an ever increasing legal fee line item that is driven by the whims of a single individual for whatever his motives are, because it's not only harmful to the government, but to the people who provide the funds - the taxpayers.

- Timothy Knight,
Editor and Publisher,
The Schoharie News.
Tuesday, June 9th, 2015. 

Opinion: Build the Bridge

Written By Cicero on 4/24/15 | 4/24/15


For two months the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors has heard public comments and concerns on the proposed rebuilding of the Shady Tree Lane Bridge in the Town of Cobleskill.

Currently, the old structure stands as a useless span of rusted and unsafe metal from Barnerville Road to Shady Tree Lane, a visual reminder of the cost of government inaction almost seven years after the bridge was closed.

Some residents and supervisors are opposed to the new bridge because it would require the county to use the unpopular process of eminent domain, while others question the need to replace the structure altogether.

Supporters of the project have urged the county to move forward to reduce the time it takes emergency responders to reach Barnerville Road, which has been cut off before by train to both fire and ambulance squads.

Countless residents, many of whom are elderly, have personally testified to the dangers of not having this bridge in place, because minutes re-routing responders in an emergency situation could be the difference between life and death.

Not only that, but if the county does not move forward with the project it will cost local taxpayers approximately $400,000 in grants the county will be responsible to pay back. An additional tax burden we simply cannot afford.

Ultimately, when you look at the affected residents on either side of the creek, the only individuals opposed are those who will lose portions of their property. We sympathize with them, but there is a greater good to consider.

Take for instance the following example: say one of their elderly neighbors on Barnerville Road has a heart attack and a train is just then passing by, delaying emergency responders for five minutes and resulting in that neighbor's death.

A death that could be prevented by the construction of this new bridge. That is why, in this case, we favor the county's use of eminent domain and the immediate building of the Shady Tree Lane Bridge project to occur as soon as possible. 

Opinion: Schoharie's Albatross

Written By Cicero on 4/10/15 | 4/10/15


Our view from the third floor of The Schoharie News office in Schoharie is unmatched, for we possess a commanding vantage point to observe all the historic village has to offer. 

To our right we can see the Daughters of the American Revolution Hall, the Heritage House, and the beginning of the municipality's residencies. In front of us resides the county building, courthouse, and the daily coming and going of hundreds of people. 

Looking left, we encounter both Schoharie's finest and most disappointing displays. On the finest spectrum rests the village's business district, which has grown at a impressive rate since the floods of Irene subsided in August 2011. It's truly inspiring to see as storefront after storefront has become occupied.

However, also looking to the left, we can't help but see what stands as the albatross of Schoharie: the Parrot House, which for one reason or another, has remained vacant for years and as such has stood out like a sore thumb in a beauty contest on Main Street. 

We understand the reasons behind its current closure: expensive repairs, health violations, and a series of less than savory operators. The Parrot House is old and it requires more than just a little tender loving care to bring it back to glory. (probably to the tune of hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars). 

But bring it back to glory, we must. 

More than just a bar and restaurant, the Parrot House offered curious visitors to the Schoharie Valley a historic lodging to rest their spurs at, fine food to wet their appetites with, and a starting point for which they could experience all we have to offer. 

Much like Guilford Mills did in Cobleskill, the Parrot House poses daunting challenges to the future of Schoharie, because in its current state the building is a neutral object that, although unused, isn't causing a net loss to the village, but fully operational it would be nothing short of beneficial to its revitalization.

The first step to solving any problem is to admit that a problem exists in the first place, which I hope we all know by this point. Our question is: how do we get to step two and start addressing Schoharie's albatross in a productive and successful manner? 

That - we are not pleased to admit - but we don't even know where to begin. What we do know is going back to our commanding view of the village, that we reside somewhere special with a lot of potential, which when put together, will restore Schoharie back to being the jewel of the Valley. 

Opinion: Time to Move Forward

Written By Cicero on 4/2/15 | 4/2/15


Alright, it's finally over. 

After fifteen months of debate, public hearings, and revised laws, Schoharie County will have an Administrator to oversee the daily operation of county government, albeit in a reduced form than we had hoped for at this publication.

We could spend the remainder of this editorial blasting the county board's decision making, but at this point in time - what difference would it truly make in the outcome of Tuesday's narrow vote? None whatsoever. 

Not only that, but we truly want whoever is the future administrator to succeed, because it is for the good of this county that they do. So why continue shrouding his or her future position atop the county pyramid over sour grapes.

Well, we wont. That's for sure. The same, however, needs to be said for our friends on the county board who opposed the amended version to either grandstand or on principle. We all must unite on this, or it is destined to fail. 

Treasurer Bill Cherry said as much when he stated that he has, "some doubts that any variation of the Administrator position can succeed in Schoharie County until both the public and the Board can find some common ground and joint consensus on this divisive issue."

A-men. 

This weekly editorial often condemns or points out the absurd in county politics, but we feel that at this time on this issue: we all need to be on the same page to not only move forward as a county, but to hire the right person to help steer us into that right direction.

As such, we would encourage both residents and representatives of the county to bury the hatchet and to heal whatever sore wounds exist due to the lengthy administrator debate, because from this moment forward the question is who will be in charge, not if. 

Opinion: DeFeo's Actions Unbecoming in Middleburgh

Written By Cicero on 3/25/15 | 3/25/15


We already know what happens when you place sixteen individuals around a table with the simple instruction to govern: constructive chaos. Although headache inducing, occasionally something gets done in Schoharie County; warts and all, we might add. 

(Don't get used to the praise, Supervisors; it is only to draw a comparison)

However, we have few words to describe what occurred at the March meeting of the Middleburgh Town Council, where Councilman Brian DeFeo stood before all present and went on a destructive assault against Supervisor Jim Buzon. 

Well, actually we have more than a few words to describe what we think of Mr. DeFeo's antics, but they would be too impolite to publish.

We understand that government doesn't always operate smoothly or on the complete unanimity of those present (we're looking at you, Supervisors), but proceedings should never reach the point of one official attempting to prosecute, sentence, and punish his colleague, let alone the town supervisor. 

Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened in the Middleburgh Town Hall, with public officials and residents equally disgusted by the councilman's improper use of town business to coordinate his trial of Mr. Buzon on the supervisor's alleged misconduct. 

Whether the supervisor was guilty or not of the four charges brought against him, DeFeo's behavior was unbecoming of an elected official who is entrusted by the citizens responsible for his holding that position to conduct himself in a professional manner. 

By that measure, the Huntersland resident owes all of Middleburgh an apology. 

Furthermore, rumor has it that Mr. DeFeo is quietly organizing a campaign to challenge Mr. Buzon in November. Although it might be a bit early for election pronouncements, we can promise that the incumbent supervisor will have our vote if it's him against the town councilman.

Opinion: Keep Administrator As Is

Written By Cicero on 3/17/15 | 3/17/15


It took the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors fourteen months to establish an administrator to oversee the daily operation of county government. Fourteen months of debate, hearings, research, and soul crushing rehashes of the same arguments for and against. 

And in just one month since the law was enacted, supporters are pushing to amend the administrator to eliminate redundancies of responsibilities between the new position and existing offices, while opponents are pushing to abolish the whole law altogether. 

Worse yet, when voting to set a public hearing on the new administrator proposals, supervisors only set a time and place to discuss the amended version and not the measure to abolish, squashing equal opportunity to continue the ongoing debate in the process. 

By God, only in Schoharie County. 

Let us be frank for a moment: The Schoharie News has stood behind the administrator proposal since day one, because we felt a change in county government is beyond necessary. We didn't stand behind turning this attempt at a solution into yet another problem. 

The original law as written served the needs of county government. The administrator, whomever the poor soul wound up being, would have the authority to oversee the operation of government through all of its faucets, including auditing, budgetary, and financial. 

Guess what? The amended version removes all three of those aspects from an administrator's list of responsibilities because they overlap with existing offices, which apparently justifies their removal and the weakening of an individual not even hired yet.

Again, only in Schoharie County.

Perhaps we are not remembering this accurately, but wasn't the entire purpose of establishing an additional layer of government to serve as a check and balance to the status quo while instituting much needed oversight over all functions of daily operation?

Actually, we just answered our own question, because the answer is definitely yes. Furthermore, if we can't trust an administrator to oversee and work with our exemplary officials and staff in county auditing and treasury, who can we trust him or her to oversee?

With the aforementioned stated, we stand behind the original text of an administrator, and we are opposed to all efforts to either amend or abolish the measure, because if we can't keep this position to help Schoharie County stay on the upright, then we're doomed. 

Opinion: Rural America's Suicide Epidemic

Written By Cicero on 3/11/15 | 3/11/15


Rural America is often seen as the heartland of this great country, with Schoharie County a shining representation of all its hard working ethos and well natured community spirit.

However, if The Atlantic's Julie Beck is to believed, our position might also put us in the cross-hairs for tragedy:
In rural America, where there are more guns, fewer people, and fewer doctors than in the urban U.S., young people are at particular risk of suicide.
A study published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics analyzed suicides among people aged 10 to 24 between 1996 and 2010, and found that rates were nearly doubled in rural areas, compared to urban areas.
She stated the aforementioned in her recent piece "The Growing Risk of Suicide in Rural America," an eye opening and question spurring article that addresses several issues we have grown increasingly accustomed to in our own community.

Namely, the county's lack of sufficient employment opportunities and a growing sense among young people of feeling out of place with a population that is rapidly aging. Combine that with a cultural stigmatization and we are in trouble.

The statistical realities are just as disheartening, according to Beck:
Both adults and adolescents are at greater risk of suicide in remote areas of the U.S., according to a 2006 literature review. But suicide is in general more common among adolescents and young adults: It’s the third leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the second for people 25 to 34, and the 10th most common among the general population.
So what are we to do? We know Schoharie County isn't immune to this type of tragedy - just last fall a SUNY Cobleskill student took his own life on campus. What is the solution to a problem that can impact anyone from any background?

Well, whatever the solution, it has to begin with the recognition that there is a problem to begin with and that once we can accept that reality, we can let go of a cultural stigmatization that only emboldens a sense of apathy and loneliness.

After that acceptance the rest will fall into place, most of which involves an increase in mental health awareness and societal understanding. I don't think it can be stressed enough that the simple act of understanding can make the difference.

For anyone who is going through difficulties and needs a kind voice to hear your troubles, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and talk to one of their caring counselors, because your life is worth it. 

Opinion: No to Eminent Domain

Written By Cicero on 3/3/15 | 3/3/15


The topic of eminent domain has become increasingly relevant to advocates and homeowners in Schoharie County recently, as natural gas pipeline companies faced with local opposition resort to its means to obtain land easements. 

Eminent domain, simply defined, is the process by which: "the right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation." 

Nervous that this practice is coming to Schoharie County, our Board of Supervisors recently declared they are "opposed to having its resident's lands taken by way of eminent domain....without having first been granted permission by the owners of said property."

So are we. 

Unlike most observers in Schoharie County, media or otherwise, The Schoharie News has remained strictly neutral on the pipeline debate because we felt someone needed to remain fair to all sides after years of discontented fighting.  

We still have no official opinion on whether or not more pipelines should be granted further access through the county, while on the related topic of fracking we simply believe the Utica Shale formation does not contain enough shale in our region to ever warrant drilling here. 

However, eminent domain crosses a line. 

Invoking stark images of whole communities being forcefully relocated to allow the transcontinental railroad or hydroelectric dams to be constructed, eminent domain has a unkind reputation with respect to the United States government's utilization of its power. 

One that has transcended the centuries and lasted strongly into present time. Americans are prickly people, we expect our rights to be upheld and not trampled upon, especially when it comes to our fundamental and unquestionable right to possess private property.  

We're sorry, but this requires us to take a stand. If the Constitution and Tennessee Gas Pipelines are approved the burden of securing land easements falls on their representatives shoulders to come to acceptable terms with property owners in accordance with the law. 

Usurping sections of private property for private enterprise is, quite frankly, the farthest pipeline companies could go from reaching acceptable terms with hesitant landowners. As such, we believe a stand must be taken and that the pipelines should be opposed until this situation is favorably resolved. 

Knight: Why I Came Back

Written By Cicero on 2/24/15 | 2/24/15


Ladies and gentlemen, I'm back. 

A couple of weeks ago, after working for the Mountain Eagle since mid-July, I submitted my two weeks notice and contacted Schoharie News editor Robert Panico about potentially regaining control of my old project.

And here we are today, with me announcing my second term as editor of this delightful yet trouble making online news media publication. A reputation I was once proud of, but am now focused on rebranding into something new; something better. 

So now the hard part: explaining why. 

Well.... Why not? 

This news site is my pride and joy. A lot was accomplished in Schoharie County over the first year and there is much more to be done. Trust me, there is a lot more coming down the pipe for this news project, which we will come back to later. 

But for now, what will change? Well, everything. 

In addition to reintroducing a steady stream of hard news stories, investigative and feature pieces, as well as my own obnoxious editorials, which I'm sure the county board is just groaning at the thought of, I'm bringing along a few new people to the fray. 

Shania Marotta is joining The Schoharie News as our new ad lady, while Joslen Pettit will be helping out when he can with freelance (more like desperate intern) contributions to our county conversation. Both are excellent people I have full confidence in. 

However, the biggest change might be in what is left out... Arrest reports and soft news stories are vital to any news organization, but they are being put on the back-burner. Our focus is to bring you the news you need, not the news you need less of. 

To be completely honest, coming back is the hardest decision I have ever made. Although just a freelance journalist, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the Mountain Eagle and Liz Page is a wonderful editor, but... my place is here, with all of you. 

I can't promise that everyday we will have three new stories or some blockbuster, and there may be even times when we go one or two days without something at all being published, but that's because I am working on something that will soon be very important to us all. 

Something I can't quite share with everyone yet, because there are a few pieces left to put in the right place, but I can promise will come as a shock to many of you......but enough with the vague hints. 

It's an honor and a great pleasure to be back as editor, publisher, and owner of The Schoharie News, and I hope that together we continue down the road we once set upon to let the light of truth shine down upon the darkness of corruption and destruction.

- Timothy Knight, Editor of The Schoharie News. 

Opinion: The Power of a Job

Written By Editor on 12/16/14 | 12/16/14

It has been said that a job is the most effective anti-poverty program there is.

Schoharie County's finding that out after a long, slow learning process. The deal to bring in up to 900 jobs to the Guilford Mills site is a Christmas miracle. Even any significant fraction of such employment would be a boost to the local economy not seen in well over a decade. For the first time since Interknitting started closing down in 2001 will the private sector make up for its loss of 700+ jobs.

Many jobs are dependent on local tax dollars-- local schools and governments are vital part of local society. However, private sector jobs also have the ability to branch out and bring in addition investment, new jobs, and pay in more to the local tax base. Altogether, one person with a new $40,000 job and the means to pay for a house, car, and local products is a massive boon to our local economy.

Just imagine 900 of them. Imagine the extra demand this will put on our local restaurants, contractors, shops, and other parts of local commerce.

The process is being started across the County. Middleburgh has created dozens of local jobs over the last several years, and Cobleskill is preparing a large growth spurt. Schoharie is opening new businesses and repairing old buildings. Just add 900 jobs and the long reaching effects on top of all of this.

Let's try to keep young and working age families here in the County. We can build enough of a tax base that the rates don't have to jump every single year for many school districts and municipalities. We have a golden opportunity: let's use it to our full advantage.

Opinion: McAllister Must Make the Right Choice on Terry

Written By Editor on 11/19/14 | 11/19/14

This Friday may be the most important day of the year for the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors. The Board will be discussing the prospective 2015 budget and its affects on the future of the area.

Unfortunately, the economic and job growth of the area has lagged significantly behind nearly every county in New York State, Upstate and Downstate since Alicia Terry began her role in the Planning Department twenty years ago. Now that her position and record is on the chopping block, it is time for the Board to take a stand for local growth and shed the good ol' boy image that has hobbled the area for so long.

It's clear from some public statements and past voting records that the vote may be close Friday. Middleburgh Town Supervisor Jim Buzon has come out strongly in support of Terry and her record while Schoharie and Jefferson Supervisors Gene Milone and Sean Jordan are likely to vote to relieve her of duty.

Since there is likely a split vote, it will come down to the largest proportion of weighted votes of the sixteen supervisors, Town of Cobleskill Supervisor Leo McCallister. He represents 16.2% of the weighted votes and will likely be the kingmaker on Friday.

In his hands alone will fall the fate of future economic growth and the ability to remove the last Ethington holdout. Mr. McAllister was elected by a wide margin to replace one of Ethington and Terry's chief allies, Tom Murray. It was Murray that was alleged in a lawsuit to have worked with Terry to force out former planner and current Supervisor Sean Jordan.

Mr. McAllister ran on a platform of practicality and the removal of the corrupt influences in the county. Now he has the ability and the responsibility to take the important step of aiding the county and ridding corruption at the same time.

Leo McAllister was elected to step Cobleskill out of Tom Murray's shadow. It would be a major shame for him to step back in it.

Opinion: Alicia Terry's Termination is Well Past Due

Written By Editor on 10/29/14 | 10/29/14

It's a well worn piece of commentary at the County Building. Not every conversation goes like this, but the variations have been heard too many times to count.

"How did Alicia Terry even become Planning Department Chair?"

"Her daddy and granddaddy were County Clerk."

Whether or not Terry was hired as a legacy may be an opinion. What is a fact is that in her twenty years running Planning and Development, Schoharie County has suffered failure after failure.

- She did not step in in 2001 when Interknitting announced it would be leaving Guilford Mills to prevent the closure and loss of 700 jobs.
- She bungled the sale or use of Guilford Mills for years before County Treasurer Bill Cherry stepped in and had it sold in months.
- The Guilford failures included a logging company, Intelligent Fish, and Butternuts Brewery.
- Bungled the prospective deals to bring Lowe's to Cobleskill.
- Forged the AECOM contract without Board approval, costing the taxpayers millions.
- Not following through in Sharon hotel renovation. Multi-million dollar promises from Terry and Korean investors still go unfilled years later.
- Worked with Cassandra Ethington to manipulate county government.
- In 2012 the County unemployment rate reached 12.2%, nearing Depression levels.
- Was directly involved in at least one questionable firing during her tenure.

In fact, her one "accomplishment" was her front-and-center involvement in the $9 million water line extension from the Village of Cobleskill to Howe Caverns. A project engineered by former Mayor Mark Galasso that just happened to benefit his relative Emil.

Former Middleburgh Mayor Gary Hayes says that Terry was a 'go to' person for Middleburgh's economic growth. No recent publication or statements from Middleburgh officials seems to back that up.

Alicia Terry is well-educated, for sure. But failure after failure has shown no learning and no initiative to solve Schoharie County's myriad economic problems.

Treasurer Bill Cherry's budget is bold. It is also necessary.

If you are on the fence, just ask yourself this: is the County better off due to anything, anything that Alicia Terry has done.

Opinion: Seward, Lopez, and Gibson a Winning Team

Written By Editor on 10/16/14 | 10/16/14

While there has been significant concern about some local officials over the last several years, it is clear that Schoharie County is well served by its representatives to the state and federal governments.

Congressman Chris Gibson has repeatedly assisted communities hit by flooding. He helped resolve a three-year old FEMA funding issue for the Town of Schoharie and was personally thanked by Supervisor Gene Milone. His work on behalf of farmers and against Lyme disease show his local concern for the area. His bipartisan work has assisted officials of both parties.

Assemblyman Peter Lopez has served the residents of the area for over thirty years now. His swift action in 2012 prevented flooding during Hurricane Sandy. He has fought for and won funding and recognition for Upstate communities even as Assemblymen from Downstate dominate the chamber. His actions following Hurricane Irene are still talked about and remains a responsive advocate for local residents.

Senator Jim Seward has fought consistently for the towns and villages he serves. Just recently he successfully gained hundreds of thousands of dollars of funding for the streambank mitigation project. He has also played a major role in assisting communities with grant funds and flood recovery efforts.

This November remember the actions of these representatives and how they've helped shape the recovery over the last three years.

Opinion: Yes to Administrator

Written By Editor on 10/9/14 | 10/9/14

The recommendations are clear: the County government is a mess.

It's not necessarily a mess because of the individuals on the County Board of Supervisors, but rather due to the antiquated system that it runs under. While an overall overhaul may be a better option in the long haul, the chances of it coming into being through the current government system is unlikely.

The committee's report is chock full of relevant research and parallel experiences of similar counties. Chair Bill Frederice has put together a compelling argument that the current system is unsustainable.

After all, it is the current system, with a weak executive in the County Board Chair that allowed the Cassandra Ethington mess to unfold. Even further, there is great instability in such a system-- look at the four different Board Chairs over the last several years.

The Administrator position is non-partisan and independent. It would require some money for salary and at least one assistant, but realistically, it is far more efficient than the current arrangement. For those concerned about the amount of money that would be spent, the Board could propose the exact amount spent to be cut from next year's budget.

The Administrator would allow for the different Departments' efforts to be arranged, instead of allowing for an accumulation of power as Ethington engineered or a mismanaged fiefdom, like Alicia Terry's handling of the Planning Department. Allowing for these Departments to work on similar goals, such as economic growth or streamlining costs is something that has not been done to its fullest.

We always get emails and calls asking for an investigation into x or y department in County government. Wouldn't someone that is responsible for overseeing each one prevent waste and abuse? After all, the current Board Chairman's position is only part time with limited authority.

The Board can make some changes to the recommendations, but they appear to be solid. Tie the threads of County government together in competent hands and help heal the many issues confronting Schoharie County.

Opinion: Cherry's Astonishing Success

Written By Editor on 9/29/14 | 9/29/14

Last week the County Board approved a deal that will see Guilford Mills purchased, fixed, and reopened.

With 500-900 jobs created.

The negotiations to get GRSI to bring their business from New Jersey were nothing short of amazing. County Treasurer Bill Cherry took the lead and was able to sell Guilford in a fraction of the time than the Planning Department held responsibility for it.

There are many people to thank for this amazing project, including Assemblyman Peter Lopez. However, it must be noted that without the initiative and hard work of Treasurer Cherry it would have never happened. 900 jobs is nearly as many as the Interknitting facility once held. It would be an economic miracle for the area, now finally recovering.

There is no downside to this deal, so long as it is carried out. With negotiations already this far, a building complex re-appears on the tax rolls and Schoharie County will see reverberations for years.

Knight: Farewell to America's Captain

Written By Editor on 9/26/14 | 9/26/14


O' Captain, my Captain. 

After fifteen years of watching professional baseball - starting at age six - the last great hero of my youth is gone. Never to be seen again in Major League Baseball, or any other so-called professional level of athletics, for that matter. 

Yes, I'm talking about the legendary New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. And I don't use the word legendary lightly, with respects to the steroid tainted embarrassment the past decade has been to baseball. 

Furthermore, I will openly admit to my deep seeded and passionate hatred for the Yankees, due to their common practice of buying World Series titles, unbearable arrogance, and the overall disgust I have for their organization has a whole. Plus, 1999 is a sore spot. 

None of which, by the way, I hold over Jeter in any form whatsoever. He has been the walking definition of greatness and professionalism in the Yankees clubhouse for the past twenty years; loved for his athletic ability and untainted by scandal. 

Jeter, in addition to other Yankee greats such as Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada, carried the club to championship after championship on the back of their on-field prowess, while navigating the fierce and ugly world of New York City sports media and fandom without losing their souls off the diamond. 

But perhaps, even more importantly than anything else, is the conduct he has held himself to since announcing his looming retirement in the spring. No other departing athlete in recent history has done more to thank his fans or express his appreciation for his ball club than Jeter has done in the Bronx. 

From television commercials to full-page advertisements and the respect he was showered on adoring fans since April, not only in New York but across the county's ballparks, Jeter has established himself as America's Captain; the last living baseball legend we will encounter for a long time to come. 

I heap these praises upon Jeter despite my allegiance to the Atlanta Braves, who produced some of the greatest and more respected ballplayers than any other club during my youth. But Jeter was able to do something more: he was able to retain our faith in the sport through his love of the game. 

Steroid trials? No problem, Jeter was on the highlight reel making a ridiculous throw from shallow left field for the out. The question now is: who do we have left to look forward to? Who do we have to pick up that mantle and revive our faith in baseball's present and future?

Don't feel bad, I couldn't think of anyone either.

With all of that said, I wish my farewell to America's Captain; the last legend. The greatness he exhibited on and off the field will not be recreated anytime soon, nor will the loyalty he held for his team - the only time he ever played for - be seen again in this free-spending era of free agency. 

Nor will I forgive his .353 batting average in the '99 Series, but that is besides the point. 

The Best of the Summer

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