Mann Challenged in Blenheim

Longtime Supervisor Robert Mann, Jr. has been challenged in Blenheim. Mann, who has served in the position for well over a decade is being taken on by Shawn Smith, who nabbed the Democratic ticket.

Smith, from his professional website

Smith currently serves as the Town Attorney of Schoharie and Fulton. Smith is a partner in his own law firm. He is a native of Jefferson and graduate of Albany Law School.

ALS Dinner in Esperance September 28th

Come and support a good cause on September 28th in Esperance to raise money to fight against ALS. The affliction, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease is a way to get a great meal for a great price for the whole family.

This disease has affected our family greatly, please consider purchasing a ticket or making a monetary donation. TICKETS: $10 age 14- adults $5 age 6-13 and 5 and under free.

Sign up for the event here.

Travis Leads Way on Reducing Fair Bill

Cobleskill Police Chief Larry Travis did the Schoharie County Sunshine fair a large favor at the last Cobleskill Village Board meeting. Travis advised the Village Board to bill the Fair less than originally anticipated for Village police coverage over the last two years. Travis and the Board discussed the issue and waived $12,000 in 2012 costs and $10,500 in 2013 costs. The former numbers were based on traditional charges between the Fair and the Village. The original numbers were not based on actual hours served, as was the crux of Travis and Mayor Galasso's argument.

Wright Signs Poke Fun at Remmers' Opportunism

Karl Remmers' decision to seek the Democratic nomination in the Town of Wright's supervisor election, after having failed to secure the Republican one against Town Councilman Amber Bleau, has exposed his political opportunism to the voters, which has led some town residents to put up some interesting signs regarding the matter:

Ms. Bleau has also received some positive signage from Karl Remmers' opportunism fallout as well, albeit in the form of  a poem:



The election in Wright is definitely turning out to be one of the more interesting supervisor races this year.

NY-19 Race Featured in National Media

The race for the Congressional District NY-19 may still be over a year away, but it has already heated up. Incumbent Chris Gibson (R) has been challenged by the husband of a co-creator of Facebook, Sean Eldridge.

Now the story has reached RealClearPolitics, after Eldridge was profiled by the New York Times several months ago.

Left-- Gibson (R), Right-- Eldridge (D)

Eldridge and his husband are multi-millionaires and have recently purchased a $5 million mansion in the Hudson Valley. He has built up his resume over the last several years, with his run for Congress an open secret:

And as a senior adviser and spokesperson for Freedom to Marry -- a group that led the successful fight to legalize same-sex marriage in New York -- Eldridge cut his teeth in the grassroots style of campaigning needed to succeed in the largely rural district, while earning media experience as a public face of the group.

This does not impress the Gibson camp, which slammed the 27-year old.

“If you look at this race, it’s really going to test the hypothesis of whether or not a congressional seat can be bought,” Gibson spokesperson Stephanie Valle said of Eldridge. “We certainly don’t have the expectation that we’re going to be able to match the millions of dollars that Mr. Eldridge will be able to put in the race, but we’re confident we’ll have the funds necessary to win.”

Gibson, a colonel and graduate of West Point is a veteran of the Gulf War, Kosovo, and the Afghanistan conflicts.

Desmond Wins Praise from Beekman Boys for Harvest Festival

Sheriff Tony Desmond has won praise by the Beekman Boys of Sharon for his work during a recent event. The television stars took part with many in the Sharon area for the annual Harvest Festival. The event drew thousands and security was in part provided by the Sheriff's Department. On the Beekman Boys' Facebook page, Desmond was praised for his recent work along with a picture with the celebrities.

County Sheriff Tony Desmond and his skilled officers take on the massive task of keeping traffic moving and our visitors safe. We're proud to say that we haven't had a single serious incident to date.

Ethington Gains Key Endorsement in Jefferson

While much of the political news out of Jefferson has been about the current Supervisor race, there are other happenings there of recent note. Candidate Todd Ethington has been barnstorming in the sparsely populated town with his campaign marking 100 doors knocked on recently.

While the current focus in the community may be the race between Dan Singletary and Sean Jordan, it appears that Ethington is reaching into the past. The candidate was endorsed by longtime popular former Supervisor Charles Buck. Mr. Buck, a Republican, has emerged as a top supporter of Ethington and could hold sway over dozens of votes in Jefferson.

This has been announced along with the photo on the Ethington camp's facebook. As of today, it appears that the candidate with the most endorsements is still Sheriff Tony Desmond.

Wooly Bear Caterpillar Calls for Mild Winter

With wintertime just around the corner, predictions are boundless as to what mother nature will send our way in the meteorologist's nightmare that is Schoharie County (with our deep valleys and cutting hillside, weather can change from one extreme to another here), but if the wooly bear caterpillar's amazing powers of prediction are to be relied upon, we might be in for a milder season than expected.

According to Dr. C.H. Curran's 1950's experimentation with the wooly bear population of Bear Mountain State Park, there is a correlation between the percentage of reddish-brown segments on the caterpillar to the severity of the upcoming winter. Although doubted by scientists, Dr. Curran's findings were essentially that the browner the wooly is; the milder the winter will be.

And if the caterpillar I discovered over the weekend is any indication, perhaps the forecasts are inaccurate concerning the upcoming winter: with over a whole third of the coloring a reddish-brown, with Curran's standard being roughly 40%, nature's smallest weathermen are definitely going against the conventional wisdom in calling for a nicer than usual winter - and don't I ever hope they are right.

Ethington Accused of Impropreity in YouTube Video

Todd Ethington has recently been accused of attempting to influence a hiring decision. In a video posted to YouTube, Ethington reportedly leaves a message on an answering machine. The poster of the video accuses the candidate of inappropriate behavior. In the video a voice clearly says in part "...this is Todd..." Much of the audio appears difficult to make out.



The controversy has bled over into a poll conducted by the Schoharie News. In the comments a link to the video and commentary are listed.

Edit: 3:16pm. Jeff Bever has written on the Schoharie News' Facebook page that he did not list this video. Its originator is not known at the moment.

Sheriff's Interviews to Start Wednesday: Desmond, Ethington, Travis

Over the past two weeks I have had the pleasure of sitting down and getting to know each of the three candidates for Schoharie County Sheriff, with each interview/conversation lasting close to an hour and covering a wide range of topics - including drug enforcement, experience, the SAFE Act and politics as well. 

In reviewing my notes with each of the candidates, I have been internally debating as to which order I should present the pending three articles - and after much procrastination (thanks to Professor Tusang for encouraging me to do so in all of my studies) - I have decided to present them simply in alphabetical order. 

Thus, Sheriff Desmond's interview will be published Wednesday afternoon; followed by Deputy Ethington's Thursday morning and finally Chief Travis' Friday morning. Each will be roughly four-six paragraphs long, pending on content and will be based mostly on paraphrasing rather than direct quotation, due to the fact the speed of sound travels far faster than my brain's ability to comprehend the words said and then relay the information to my nervous system which travels to my hand and after muscle movement forms the written word. 

I can honestly say my opinion of all three candidates has improved during the course of these interviews and I hope all of yours is as well, because all three of these candidates are hard working, well qualified men who deserve our respect as protectors of the law and consideration as candidates for Sheriff.

Gibson Votes to Defund Health Care Law

Congressman Chris Gibson took a strong position against the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. He joined the majority of the House of Representatives in the effort, although a similar measure in the Senate appears destined to fail. He wrote in an email to his supporters:

I've been consistent since first retiring from the Army that the Affordable Care Act is not the direction our country should take in terms of health care reform. Although the goals are the right ones: to drive down health care costs and expand access to quality care - this law has not – and will never - live up to those goals.

Ethington Sweeps Southern Schoharie County

Todd Ethington continues the robust pace of his door-to-door campaign with his latest round of barnstorming. On Saturday, Ethington attended the Rock the Valley fundraiser in Schoharie and the Harvest Fest in Sharon, both also attended by Larry Travis.

Sunday Ethington brought attention to the southern part of the County. This region appears to be one of the most supportive regions for the Deputy. This part of the County has also been one of the least traversed during the current campaign and could see a large swing in any direction.

Ethington wrote on his facebook page:

Went to Conesville Fire Department's Open House and had a great breakfast, then hit South Gilboa Road, heading to Jefferson to put up two of the big signs and walked the whole hamlet. Will be back up and at it tomorrow.

Valley Rocked Saturday in Schoharie

Schoharie's Rock the Valley fundraiser was an impressive event Saturday, attracting hundreds. The event, which originally started in the aftermath of the flood, is now in its third iteration.

Many agencies in the Schoharie Valley, including the Schoharie Niagara Fire Department, the Schoharie Promotional Association (which provided the following media on their Facebook page) participated.

The Schoharie FD's prize

Clapper's Glass Bar won the bed races, with the Schoharie FD in second, and the Promotional Association in third.

Travis Expands Campaigning to Sharon, Schoharie

Cobleskill Police Chief Larry Travis has stepped up his campaign as of late, taking part in two events in the last week. The events in Sharon Springs and Schoharie have certainly raised his profile-- thus far mainly relegated to the Cobleskill area.

In Schoharie

Travis attended the Rock the Valley Schoharie Benefit Concert, which drew hundreds to the community, including candidates Ethington and Travis.

Afterward, Travis headed to the Sharon Harvest Festival, which was also well-attended.

In Sharon

Campaigning in two of the largest communities in the County certainly assist the County, who has just a month and a half left to make his mark in the minds of the voters.

Photo Credit: Larry Travis for Sheriff Facebook Page

GOP Picnic Well Attended

About 100 people showed up for the annual Schoharie County Republican Party picnic at scenic Minekill State Park on Saturday. Among the dignitaries were many candidates for election, as well as others. Sheriff Desmond was a featured guest, as was District Attorney James Sacket. The two have the only two positions running on the County level and are co-hosting a fundraiser next month.

Chairman Lew Wilson thanked the crowd for coming and celebrations began with Assemblyman Peter Lopez. Lopez recounted accomplishments over the last year and beseeched the audience to support Sheriff Desmond, as did James Sacket. State Senator Jim Seward and State Supreme Court Candidate Carol Donnelly Steven. Many of the candidates for Town Supervisor were present, including those from Gilboa, Jefferson, Fulton (both Frank Tatten and Phil Skowfoe, a Democrat), Cobleskill, and Richmondville. There was no rain at the event-- downpours soaked about half of the ceremony last year.

2013 Sheriff's Race Largely Shaped by Campaign Yard Signs

Obviously, political lawn signs are a vital part of any election at the local, state, or federal level. Signs can be contentious, problematic, or a visible reminder of a community's deep divisions. In the recent Sheriff's race, they have played an outsized and unexpected role.

The Todd Ethington for Sheriff Campaign reports that it has 600 signs out. Sheriff Desmond has slightly fewer and the first Larry Travis signs are sprouting up across the County.

But the whole campaign started with a sign. The first one was a re-used 2009 Desmond sign placed on the corner of Route 145 and Schoolhouse Road. The surprising placement of the sign in May was not due to the Desmond campaign but instead a stalwart supporter. This caused hundreds of Ethington signs to pop up around the area.

Then came June, when a campaign sign briefly became the center of the campaign. Town Supervisor James Buzon lifted several Todd Ethington signs from lawns in Middleburgh, citing a Town law prohibiting signs 90 days before an election. Buzon's actions were not denied and he left a note explaining why he moved them off the lawn and to the doors of the residents. Still, the story became big news in the rumor mills across the County and even made the Albany news.

Now the Desmond and Ethington camp have taken part in a sign war. Ethington fired the loudest shot, placing eleven large "Sheriff Todd" signs across the County-- with particularly visible ones in Blenheim, Middleburgh, and Schoharie.

Sheriff Desmond's campaign has a similar push in Schoharie. In a photo posted to his campaign page , the Sheriff showed off a sign placed at J. Lacy's Salon in Schoharie.

Clearly the escalation has just begun. It's just another sign of campaign season.

Recent Desmond Campaign Moves Show Honed Skill

This year's Sheriff's race has taken many turns, with a month and a half of surprises still in store. Recent movements have solidified earlier trends: Sheriff Desmond the seeming frontrunner looking to shore up the support that elected him in 2009, Deputy Ethington's frenetic pace criss-crossing the County, and Chief Travis building momentum after a late start.

Still, one candidate seems to be making several right decisions in a row.

Sheriff Anthony Desmond's re-election bid appeared to have a stuttered start as both political parties had reservations about nominating him. Early rumors that his second Sheriff's bid was to be re-elected then resign his post for Undersheriff Ron Stevens have quieted. His bid to carry both major party lines fell apart but left him with the most coveted one: GOP backing. Desmond's corralling of resources at the Republican caucus in June gave him a surprise victory over his opponents Todd Ethington and Duane Tillapaugh. This came after former Sheriff Bates' candidate committee strongly backed Deputy Tillapaugh. An impassioned plea from County Treasurer Bill Cherry set the ball in motion-- leading Desmond to win over two-thirds of the weighted votes.

Meanwhile, the Sheriff's recent moves have highlighted his nascent crackdown on crime. More speed patrols can be seen across the County. Desmond hailed a large marijuana bust this month. His stance on the SAFE Act made national news. Meanwhile the candidate has aligned himself with the majority of Schoharie County voters with his pro-gun stance and his family's impressive military service record.

Desmond is the one candidate in the race that has run a campaign before-- and it shows. His multiple victories in the Town of Sharon created a seasoned politician able to organize the vote and gin up support. His successful Sheriff's bid was a masterstroke in local politics and an event not likely to be emulated any time soon.

The Sheriff's skill was in the backdrop of today's Republican picnic. While Desmond spoke briefly, the cavalcade of GOP office holders praising his work softened any risk that the scars of 2009 still remained. Desmond spoke of his positive relationships with many of the Town Supervisors that he had worked with. The Sheriff's personal and professional touch with his former colleagues played a cinching role in the last Sheriff's race and appear to be very helpful this time out. District Attorney James Sacket called Desmond a critical arm of law enforcement and Cherry reminded the crowd of the difficulties the Sheriff's Department has had to tackle during this term.

While the outcome of the race is still to be determined, there are definite advantages the incumbent has been using to-- at the very least appear-- remain in the lead.

Ethington Campaign Unveils Giant "Sheriff Todd" Yard Signs

Conservative and Independent Party candidate for Sheriff, deputy Todd Ethington, has caused more than one controversy concerning his "Sheriff Todd" yard signs that have dotted the county's roads for months now, but I highly doubt anyone's reactions can compare to when early morning motorists caught a glimpse of his new, gigantic sized, yard sign today:

 

This one is located on Route 30 just before the Dollar General in Middleburgh

I asked Mr. Ethington about the gigantic signs during an hour long discussion we had on the state of the Sheriff's race (the last of three such discussions I've had with each candidate and that will be made into three separate articles in the coming week) and with obvious glee he informed me that eleven of these signs were put up across the county by him and supporters last night before midnight.

 

If people weren't paying attention before, they would have to look hard to miss this campaign statement by Mr. Ethington.

Irene Reversed Most of County Population, Job Growth

As New York State, especially Upstate continued a slow population growth in the 2000s, Schoharie County saw some modest increases. Even as the local birth rate slowed, an influx of retirees and near-retirees more than picked up the slack.

New York State as a whole picked up 2.1% more people between the 2000 and 2010 censuses, representing a lower rate of growth than the U.S. average. Schoharie County meanwhile added a healthy 3.7%. The 2010 population increased to 32,749. Schoharie's growth far exceeded that of rural Counties surrounding it. Otsego only saw an increase of 0.9%, Delaware County dropped 0.1%, Greene County increased 2.2% and Montgomery increased 1.0%. Tiny (population) Hamilton County lost over 10% of its residents during this period.

Between 2010 and the middle of 2012, New York added an additional 1% to the population, bringing the state up to 19,570,261 people. Meanwhile, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee played havoc on the struggling people of the County. The population of the County dropped 2% to 32,099. Most of this decline came in the Village of Schoharie. Still, Esperance and Middleburgh saw a statistically significant fall in residents.

Meanwhile the demographic issues dovetailed with economic problems. By the end of 2011, Schoharie County had lost 1.9% of its total jobs as dozens of businesses closed their doors due to the recession and flooding.

Opinion: Keep Politics Out of Drug Enforcement Policy

Sheriff Tony Desmond, speaking to WNYT in early September, offered this comment concerning a joint operation between his deputies and members of the New York Army National Guard in a pot-eradication mission that led to the destruction of hundreds of marijuana plants: "I would dare say that marijuana is the biggest thing in the county as far as illegal substances."

As an outside observer looking into Schoharie County's struggles with illegal drug use and our various law enforcement agency's efforts to combat it, I see merits to both Sheriff Desmond's hard stand against marijuana and Cobleskill Police Chief Larry Travis' equally rigid crackdown on heroin use in his jurisdiction.

Chief Travis' force, according to a February article published by the Cobleskill paper, have arrested six individuals for possession of heroin, which has only recently spread to our rural confines, and another four for intent to sell since mid-2012, making it a high priority for the Cobleskill police.

However, in recent weeks, I have noticed a more political tone in drug enforcement debates by the supporters of both Sheriff Desmond and Chief Travis, who are running against each other in this fall's sheriff election, either praising one for their particular crackdown, or criticizing the other for lack of.

And it is really starting to aggravate me.

Both men are law enforcement professionals with decades of experience under their belt and both have successfully targeted a particular illegal substance within their jurisdiction: Sheriff Desmond - marijuana; Chief Travis - heroin, essentially one department is complimenting the other. And while I'm sure there is more work to be done by both forces in combating illegal drugs in this county, there is no doubt that one mission is no more important than the other and that both are vital to upholding the law and protecting our citizenry.

With that said, could we focus on a productive law enforcement plan that involves both departments - with their particular specialties in two of the worst illegal substances we as a county face - along with the stationed State Troopers not only sharing intelligence and working together to fight the influx of harmful drug use, but also in merging their separate missions to form one potent, highly competent law enforcement apparatus to tackle the scourge of all drug use in our beautiful county.

This is an issue where law enforcement and citizen alike should unite behind a broad drug enforcement policy of containing the spread of marijuana, such as in operations conducted by the Sheriff's department, and nipping the dangerous threat of heroin infesting our community like Chief Travis' force has so effectively done, and put aside the political rancor that neither the electorate nor a position as honorable as the sheriff's office deserves.