Middleburgh's Heroes Present to Elementary School

The Middleburgh Fire Department has been the rock of the community for over 125 years now and have been teaching citizenship to the young people of the area. This was on display this week as the volunteers came to the Middleburgh Elementary School. Photos from the FD's Facebook page. They were also assisted by the Tri-Village and Schoharie FDs.

Taken Down Awning Reveals Original Signage

Middleburgh's Good Earth was a central part of the local economy until it moved out of town around 2002. Since the flood the former location has been in rough shape. Recently the 20-year old awning has been removed, revealing Good Earth's original signage in front of the building.

Opinion: Avoid the Same Mistakes at the County Level

This year's fourteen Town Supervisor races seem to hold an even greater importance than even two years ago. The 2011 elections in the aftermath of Irene appeared to be the ones to remake the County-- and in a way they have.

Divided government is not the way to go.

Most of the members of the Board of Supervisors-- whether we endorse them or not-- are honorable people of both parties. Almost all of them have brought good ideas forward and have been able to attempt to rebuild damage from the flood.

However, for much of the term, this hasn't worked.

Personality and politics-- both electoral and office-- seem to have gotten in the way for much of the progress needed. The continual reshuffling of the Board of Supervisors, coupled with the poisonous rhetoric of some (paging Mr. Singletary) have severely reduced the effectiveness of our public servants.

Fortunately, we have seen advances-- much coming from the Treasurer's, District Attorney's, and County Clerk's offices respectively-- almost picking up the pieces of policies that needed to be pursued by the Board Committees themselves.

However, with the balance of the Board of Supervisors in the balance in less than a month we must learn from the lessons of the last two years. Cliques are no longer acceptable. There is a need for the Supervisors that are often united by political party or personal relationships to work together even when electioneering rhetoric could cause problems.

Another divided Board and a constant game of musical chairs is simply unacceptable. If this happens again, the question will shift from how to make the members work together to how to throw the bums out.

Fortunately, we're not there yet. We have honorable people already in office and some newcomers that would be up to the job. Let's learn from our own actions and use this brainpower for the common good.

Questions Rise Over NY-19 Candidate's Experience

Two-term Congressman Chris Gibson appears to have his toughest challenge yet in a 27 year old named Sean Eldridge. Gibson won twice under difficult circumstances in 2010 and 2012. In 2010 he was filling a void left by the Democratic incumbent Scott Murphy. In 2012 his district was radically altered-- leaving him in NY-19, which voted Democratic on the presidential level.

Now Gibson is facing Sean Eldridge, a multi-millionaire married to a co-founder of Facebook. Mr. Eldridge is running his first campaign and recently moved into the district-- which includes Schoharie County and parts of the Hudson Valley and Catskills. Eldridge sees himself as a contender-- as does Gibson's campaign. Still, the two differ greatly on the issue of experience.

Mr. Gibson is an Army Colonel and professor at West Point. He is a decorated combat veteran of three conflicts and now has three years in Congress under his belt. He won NY-19 53-47% in 2012.

Sean Eldridge believes that he has the experience to carry the district and be an effective member of Congress. Profiled in July by the New York Times he shows confidence: 

In an interview, he dismissed any suggestion that his move to the 19th District was motivated by politics. “The Hudson Valley is my home,” he said. “It’s where I work. It’s where I got married.”

However, this is not translating into immediate backing in the area. Mr. Eldridge is running in the difficult 2014 cycle that is likely to depress Democratic Party turnout. His New York City financial planning background may not lend itself to this largely rural, economically depressed district.

While this background may be a bit alien to the residents of the 19th District, Mr. Eldridge has little of the resume of the incumbent. Three years in the House and military experience seem to outweigh no direct involvement in the area that Mr. Eldridge lives today.

Setting Our Sights on Cobleskill's Mayoral Race

Following the success of our interview series with this fall's sheriff candidates, we have decided to reach out to the candidates in the county's second most important race: Cobleskill's mayoral race between incumbent Mark Galasso and Village Trustee Linda Holmes.

 

Although often over-shadowed in significance by its town counterpart, the Village of Cobleskill is both the economic and political hub of Schoharie County - its decisions on pivotal issues such as Guilford Mills, economic development, dissolution and police enforcement - set the standard for an area lacking effective leadership.

 

Which is why this fall's election between Mr. Galasso and Mrs. Holmes will have such a significant impact on not only residents of Cobleskill, but the county's political realm as a whole. And thus our interest in discovering more about these two vastly different candidates.

 

We have already reached out and interviewed Mrs. Holmes and have not yet received a response from an email sent to Mr. Galasso's account, but we hope to hear back soon and have a conversation with him as well.

Opinion: County Budget on Target

With the next proposed budget almost ready for a vote, let's take a look at the efforts of the current County Board of Supervisors and Treasurer Bill Cherry's efforts to deal with the current issues.

With rapidly declining property values in flood-damaged areas and the national recession, the natural increase of home prices continues to lag, putting severe pressure on the bottom line. Couple this with unfunded mandates and shifts in aid from New York State and the situation should seem dire.

Fortunately, we've had a man like Bill Cherry guarding the purse strings or we would be in trouble.

The fact that the County remains without debt and has effectively managed its budget during prosperity, recession, and the aftermath of the flood shows the acumen that Cherry has lent to the taxpayers of the County.

This is reflected in the current budget.

It is not perfect, but a work in progress crafted by someone that has spent countless hours on task. Yes-- there was a 2.62% levy increase but this still came in under the tax cap and during such trying circumstances. On top of this, there was an increase in revenue sharing with the individual municipalities of the County-- in and of itself quite an accomplishment.

Considering all of the increased stream remediation costs and other herculean efforts, every taxpayer has a certain thanks for the Board's decision-- but especially Mr. Cherry. After all, wouldn't you rather pay a debt of gratitude than the County debt the Treasurer erased?

Cobleskill Race a Sharp Contrast Between Styles

For current Cobleskill Supervisor Tom Murray, his blunt attitude is an asset. His actions in office are still ongoing and in his own words continuing.

In 2009, Murray beat Town Councilwoman Linda Angell by the barest of margins-- a 50.3%-49.7% squeaker. In 2011, the margin increased against Councilman Ken Hotopp 56.5-43.5%.

Murray's second term has been a mixed bag with a smaller amount of controversy than the first. Mr. Murray's efforts to extend the Village of Cobleskill's water district along the Route 7 corridor has been a success, even as public opinion was not unanimous. However, another economic development plan pushed by the incumbent failed despite him having the most weighted votes on the County Board of Supervisors. Despite a plea from Mayor Mark Galasso and Mr. Murray the Butternuts Brewery second mortgage plan died after a narrow vote.

Murray's role in the contentious issues on the County Board of Supervisors have also left many confused. Mr. Murray currently caucuses with most of the Republicans in the chamber despite being a Democrat and has been involved in the see-sawing of committee appointments and seating changes. His de facto alliance with Jefferson Supervisor Dan Singletary on the issue of the $300,000 human resources report has drawn eyebrows but as of today no negative (or positive, for that matter) consequences.

Mr. Murray's economic development plan is similar to his past promises-- which have seen Cobleskill in similar economic shape as when he first took office after the 2009 elections. From his campaign site:

The former Guilford Building has remained vacant too long; the unemployment rate of Schoharie County is one of the highest in the State of New York. The Mayor and I along with our respective boards and County Planning Director Alicia Terry have made it our priority to getting the lights back on and bringing new life to the building, and badly needed employment to our community and all of Schoharie County.

Murray faces another local business owner, Leo McAllister. Mr. McAllister has much of the name recognition that is necessary for a race such as this, such as Mr. Murray has.

Even from the start, the demeanor shift is stark. Mr. McAllister cuts a much more quiet profile, thought preceding every measured word. His time on the Cobleskill-Richmondville School Board, Rotary, and Cobleskill's Planning Board have built an impressive resume, similar to the incumbent's.

Mr. McAllister's platform is similar to Murray's, as well. He hopes to take his professional expertise in accounting and use it on the Town of Cobleskill's budget. McAllister hopes to prevent tax increases, allowing a more business-friendly environment.

Personal animus is not a major factor in this race, either as the two have a remarkably friendly disposition towards each other. The two differ in how they have reacted to the race. Mr. McAllister seems like the community spirit of old-- his Rotary experience leading to a folksy, includive message. Meanwhile Mr. Murray's seriousness show a sense of political skill and a different era of retail politics.

Come November, only one will be Cobleskill's executive for the next two years.

Rapid Shift in Sheriff's Polling

The Schoharie News has run the only poll of this election season, seeing the unscientific poll receiving much opinion and over 200 comments. With less than a week left to go in the lifespan of the poll, fortunes have changed dramatically.

Date	Desmond	Travis	Ethington
30-Sep	37	21	43
1-Oct	40	20	40
7-Oct	42	21	37
10-Oct	48	23	29

While our poll is not absolute, it does have 695 votes and shows a large amount of interest in the largest race in the County.

Travis Picks up SUNY Cobleskill University Police Support

Cobleskill Police Chief Larry Travis, the Democratic nominee in this fall's Sheriff race in Schoharie County, has had a busy week thus far: announcing/releasing a new design for his yard signs that are dotting county roadsides and the endorsement of his campaign by the University Police Department of SUNY Cobleskill:

With election day just 26 more days away, Chief Travis and his opponents still have a lot of work to come out on top of the polls, but one this is for sure - all three of them are energized and heading towards the final stretch at full speed.

Landis Featured in NYS DEC Publication

Schoharie County's own Landis Arboretum has been recognized for its great views of nature and the spirit of the area. In this month's Outdoor Discovery newsletter, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation profiled just a part of what Landis Arboretum offers. It notes that "The arboretum is home to dozens of species of birds and other wildlife."

From the DEC's website

Desmond Picks Up Schoharie County Deputies' Support

Sheriff Tony Desmond has announced through his campaign's Facebook page that he has the support of the majority of the deputies in the Sheriff's Department. The Schoharie County Road Patrol Association has decided that the incumbent is worth keeping as their boss.

It reads in part that the union believes that the Sheriff "proves leadership and experience have the agency on a path for continued success."

SALT Hosting Surf and Turf Dinner

SALT's first Surf and Turf Dinner was so successful, they have decided to hold another one. This one will be held at the Schoharie Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 1 from 4-7pm.. The meal sounds delicious:

The dinners will feature delicious fresh lobster, steak, shrimp, clams and seasonal sweet corn. Pre-sale tickets are $25, and regular tickets are $30. The dinners may be eaten on site or taken to go.

More info on the event page.

Desmond Picks Up NRA's NY Branch Endorsement

Sheriff Tony Desmond has made it a point to explain that he believes his stance on the Second Amendment is the best. The Sheriff has joined with others in Upstate New York in stating that they will not enforce the SAFE Act and posed for a campaign photo with an AR-15. The Air Force veteran has now reaped the benefits.

The National Rifle Association's local affiliate, the New York Rifle and Pistol Association has chosen the incumbent for his stances regarding gun rights.

Our endorsement is based upon his public opposition to the so-called SAFE Act and willingness to speak out against Governor Cuomo's assault upon 2nd Amendment rights. 

NYSRPA encourages all gun owners and concerned citizens to support Sheriff Desmond in the November general election.

The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later Set for SUNY Cobleskill Presentation

 

The Theater Project of Schoharie County and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally Union of SUNY Cobleskill are presenting "The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later" on campus Thursday evening to remember the tragic murder of Matthew Shepard on October 6, 1998 in Laramie, Wyoming.

 

According to their press release:

On October 6, 1998, gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard left the Fireside Bar with Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson. The following day he was discovered on a prairie at the edge of town, tried to a fence, brutally beaten, and close to death. Six days later Matthew Shepard died at Poudre Valley Hospital in Ft. Collins, Colorado. On November 14, 1998, ten members Tectonic Theatre Project traveled to Laramie, Wyoming and conducted interviews with the people of the town. Over the next year, the company returned to Laramie six times and conducted over 200 interviews. These texts became the basis for the play ‘The Laramie Project." 

Ten years later on September 12, 2008, five members of Tectonic returned to Laramie to try to understand the long-term effect of the murder. They found a town wrestling with its legacy and its place in history. In addition to revisiting the folks whose words riveted us in the original play, this time around, the company also spoke with the two murderers, McKinney and Henderson, as well as Matthew’s mother, Judy Shepard. "The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later" asks the question, ‘How does society write its own history?’

 After presenting the first of the two-play series at Teen Town in Golding Park on Friday evening, "The Laramie Project," the groups will be concluding with "The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later" on Thursday night, 7:30 pm at Bouck Hall on SUNY Cobleskill's campus - thus completing the "Laramie Cycle" to achieve a better understanding of what occurred fifteen years ago in that sleepy western town and how that evening has effected everyone involved.

 

 

 

 



Opinion: A Clear Choice in Jefferson

We've heard enough here at the Schoharie News to make up our minds on another pivotal election. Yes, Jefferson may only control about 1-2% of the weighted votes on the County Board, but it has become one of the most important-- and contested races in the whole County.

It all started with the machinations of current Supervisor Dan Singletary. His boisterous, condescending attitude on the Board helped sharpen the fissures already affecting the body. The current term of the County Board may have had the most trouble of any in the last several decades and much of it had to do with the stonewalling and bizarre tactics of one Supervisor in particular.

In a race like this, an editorial is supposed to list at least a few positive accomplishments of the candidate we do not endorse. I'm sure that Mr. Singletary has accomplished something positive on the County level during his time in office, but we can't find anything of note. Perhaps it would be better just to leave that box unchecked as his antics have caused more harm than good.

Surely County Treasurer Bill Cherry made the right call in aiding Singletary's ouster from the GOP ticket but our decision is based on more than that.

The residents of Jefferson-- and the entire County-- need someone that will be able to work with the people around him-- both in politics and outside. His outbursts are unacceptable and are holding back some important efforts.

Now, we could not endorse if there wasn't a better candidate. Fortunately, there is.

Sean Jordan is an excellent example for the people of Jefferson and the wider County. A near-expert in planning and development issues, Mr. Jordan can do tasks that other Supervisors would have to pay for. He could write grants, work with people at the County and State level that he has already been in professional contact with-- and come in with a positive attitude and demeanor that Mr. Singletary never has. He has the drive and the experience to take on the task at both the Town and County level.

Mr. Jordan is an intelligent, thoughtful candidate and the one fit to lead Jefferson for the next two years.

Desmond Endorsed by Bill Cherry

Bill Cherry spoke forcefully in favor of retaining the current Sheriff, Tony Desmond at the Republican Caucus in June. He has lauded Desmond's efforts over the last three years and now has put ink to paper and has one of the largest calls of support in the race so far.

In a letter sent to Sheriff Desmond, Cherry wrote that the Sheriff deserved another four years. In the letter, he stated that "Sheriff Desmond has ensured that every one of these duties and responsibilities was performed in a way that protected the citizens of Schoharie County and followed the law."

Cherry concluded by saying that "he was there when we needed him most."

Desmond Showing Weakness in Schoharie, Middleburgh

Much of the politics of Schoharie County in the last two years have been tied up in how to cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. With so many issues still facing the County, many Supervisor's races and even the Sheriff's race seem to hinge on the event and how to get Schoharie County back on its feet.

There have been a lot of allusions to the horrible events of 2011, largely surrounding current Sheriff Tony Desmond. His supporters state that he has carried a lot of weight under conditions that no one had anticipated. Meanwhile, others have quietly criticized what has been described as a poor response in affected areas.

Only one large-scale effort seems to point to it-- an ad run last week by Deputy Todd Ethington, criticizing aspects of the Sheriff's Department's operations since then. There was a swift and visceral pushback-- with four comments on the article alone.

But how are some of the most affected areas of the County, a trend has developed. Larry Travis' late start has inhibited his support in many areas outside of Cobleskill, but a base can still be seen. Similar can be said about Sheriff Tony Desmond-- who has a larger group of supporters in both Schoharie and Middleburgh.

But the candidate with the most momentum appears to be Ethington. Taking a drive around either community shows more enthusiasm for the Deputy. Along Middleburgh's Main Street, Ethington signs outnumber Desmond by more than two to one. Meanwhile, many of the Ethington signs are placed exactly where Desmond signs sprang up in 2009.

There has been the sharpest criticism of Desmond's handling of the flood in both of these communities. While this does not directly aid either of the other candidates, a clear trend against re-electing the Sheriff is clear. Many officials from the municipalities and the Middleburgh Fire Department have backed away from Desmond. Former Middleburgh Fire Chief Brian Devlin posted on Ethington's Facebook page Sunday:

I must say that there is an overwhelming support for him In this area! I got to listen to residence with their questions and concerns over the current administration! To hear Todd Ethington answer these questions with the upmost professional and knowledgable answers just goes to show who is the right choice for the job!

Devlin's brother Michael also backs Ethington. There have been a lot of discontent among some, but there has also been a pushback-- with some describing Ethington's approach as too aggressive while questioning other aspects of the campaign.

SALT Hosting Artisan Fair October 13th

SALT is hosting the Autumn Artisan's Market this Sunday. The event, which aims to bring in the whole family, will raise money for flood victims. It will take place at the Schoharie County Annex parking low between 10am and 3pm. More from the event's facebook page here.

Video: The Old Stone Fort Days are Coming Up!

Local Firemen Complete NY State Mutual Aid Resource Management Course

26 local volunteer firemen successfully completed the New York State Mutual Aid Resource Management training course on September 18th and 19th at the Schoharie Fire Station, which was taught by Shawn Brimhall of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Fire Prevention and Control. 

The course touches on establishing minimum requirements to track resources sent from one county or region to another, such as we have seen in the past couple of years due to two devastating storms and spring flooding, that ensures resources wont be lost under a uniform method of tracking.

Those attending the course from local fire departments: Frank Nestle and Maria Nestle of Canajoharie; Dick Klingbeil, Tim Herzog, Eric Johnson and Dan Rosecrans of Central Bridge; Andrew Tator, Rick Albert, Howard Burt, Ben Righi of Cobleskill; Tim Deffer, Charlie Stanton, Bob Cater and Kyle Smart of Esperance; Amy Wayman of Livingstonville; Adam Buschynski of Middleburgh; Gary Rightmyer of Richmondville; Marty Piece of Schoharie; Stacy Wojciechowski of Sharon Springs and Matt Brisley, Dale Nunamann, Howard Wayman, Rich Cooper, Scott Johnson, Greg Baxter, Aaron Cooper and Peggy Hait of the Schoharie County Fire Coordinator's Office.