Letter to the Editor: County Government in Crisis

Over the last several months much has been written  with regard to the administration and leadership of Schoharie County Government. And with good reason, based on the recent history of personnel scandals, fiscal mismanagement, and a general inability to work in a concerted effort. Our County appears to be in dire straights.

This past years lengthy and expensive investigation into possibly corruption coming from the Office of Personnel was enlightening if for nothing else than revealing just how dysfunctional our present government has become. As is typical in these matters, what we know as the general public is only the tip of the county government iceberg.

I foolishly thought that based on the election results of last fall with several incumbents not being re-elected and others winning by the narrowest of margins, the Board of Supervisors had been given a mandate to seriously consider how to provide better representation to the electorate. Alas, it was not to happen as at the eleventh hour a parliamentary move put an apparent end of what appeared to be a balanced study of alternative forms of government.

In a letter to the editor in the Times-Journal Supervisor Gene Milone made a very candid remark. Mr. Malone stated that on occasion he does not have the time to acquaint himself fully with all the issues which come before the Board for a vote. And from where I sit, I can fully relate with him. Supervisors, particularly those who are also committee chairs at the county level and represent relatively populated towns, have an incredible work burden in addition to their regular jobs they may hold. It is not an exaggeration to state that they have meetings four of five evenings a week in addition to their monthly marathon, the Full Board meeting.

Is it any wonder that the Board's effectiveness has waned in our highly over regulated State. It is interesting to note that of the fifty-seven counties outside of NYC, thirty-one use the appointed administrator/manager form of government, seventeen have and elected County Executive. While only nine counties continue to be managed by a legislative Board. Simply put, it's not the seventies any longer. Committees regardless of how effectively they are structured can not meet timely enough for today's fast paced and highly complicated decision making.

If this is our past and present, then what might be our future? Many ideas have been advanced over the years. One being a county legislature made up of any number of local districts. Surprisingly this system is used not only by the largest Counties within the State but some of the more moderately sized, with a significant amount agricultural base. We have also seen some local movement regarding the appointed County Administrator and to a lesser extent the elected County Manager forms of government. All have their respective pluses and minuses. Yet unfortunately due to the recent action or better said inaction of the Board of Supervisors we may never know what might best fit Schoharie County.

From a practical standpoint I don't envision the County Legislature concept ever moving forward as the Board lacks the political courage to essentially end their current way of life. While the elected County Executive is less of a blow as the Board remains intact, it means there would be a publicly elected official whom some may perceive as having greater authority (translation = power) than the Supervisors themselves. Again, a somewhat unlikely scenario.

This leaves an appointed County Administrator or Manager as the only viable political option. True, appointed by the Board, yet able to act independently in part by the protection afforded by his/her employment contract. This could allow the County to hire a fresh face, unscarred by local combat. Someone with a Master's Degree in Public Administration and having enough real world experience to lead a multi-million dollar service oriented company of some four-hundred plus employees, which is Schoharie  County.

Hopefully and perhaps ideally, gone would be the seemingly never ending sagas of questionable management practices at the great expense of tax payers hard earned dollars. I am hopeful that the County Board of Supervisors, particularly those taking office the result of the last election cycle, can convince their colleagues to reopen their study on alternatives forms of local government. And eventually exercise the political courage and visionary leadership skills the voters know you are capable of producing.

Brian DeFeo

Huntersland

Mr. DeFeo serves on the Middleburgh Town Board.

Blenheim Raises Funds for Felter's Widow

The small community of Blenheim's breakfast to benefit the late Highway Superintendent Gerald "Jerry" Felter's wife attracted over eighty people and raised close to $2,000 on Saturday, once more revealing the caring and loving nature of Schoharie County's smallest township.

Carver Sand and Gravel and Gerry Scelzo each gave $500 to support the widow in her time of need, while Gilboa Town Supervisor and County Board Chairman Tony Vanglad donated two gallons of maple syrup to the breakfast spread. 

Blenheim Town Supervisor Shawn Smith praised the event, thanking his sister Yvette Smith and Sandy Mattice, "because they did all the cooking and organizing for it." Mr. Smith would go on to add, "we could not had had it without their help." 

Gerry, as he was known to close friends, served as the small town's department of public works head for nearly two decades until his unexpected passing in mid-May. Since then, Blenheim has taken several steps to recognize his service and to provide for his loving wife. 

Red Cross Shelter Training at Summit Fire House

The Schoharie County Office of Emergency Services will be hosting a Red Cross Shelter Training seminar tonight, Tuesday June 24, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 pm at the Summit Fire Department located at 2912 State Route 10, Summit, New York. 

Training will focus on instructing local residents on opening and operating an emergency shelter in case of catastrophe. Those interested in taking the course should email the Office of Emergency Services at emo@co.schoharie.ny.us or call 295-2276 to register. 

There is no cost to attend.

Youth Released From Albany Med Following Car Vs. Bicycle Accident in Carlisle

Two days after a motorist struck a teenage bicyclist in the Town of Carlisle, causing the youth to be transported to Albany Medical Center for injuries sustained from the accident, the fifteen year old has been released and no charges will be filed against the driver according to Sheriff Desmond. 

Furthermore, a passenger in the car was also transported to and released from Albany Medical Center with a wrist injury. 

The accident occurred Wednesday afternoon at approximately 2:00 p.m. when the bicyclist rode out of his driveway in front of his driveway and was hit by the vehicle. Members of the Carlisle Fire Department and Rescue Squad were on scene along with the Cobleskill Rescue Squad. 

Sheriff Desmond told the Schoharie News this morning that, "As schools let out for summer vacation the Sheriff's Office would like to remind everyone to be safe while engaged in warm weather activities."

Lawmakers Offer Bills Seeking "Peace Officer" Status for Schoharie Tac-Force Members

ALBANY, 06/16/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I- Oneonta) announced earlier this week senate approval of a bill he sponsors granting peace officer status to officers and members of the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Tactical and Rescue Force.  Senator Seward’s bill (S.7720) was the result of a dialogue  between the Schoharie County Sheriff, the Tac-Force, and Schoharie County’s legislative team.

“The Schoharie County Tac-Force is a critical component of the sheriff’s department, filling voids and providing support in a host of situations,” said Senator Seward.  “The men and women who make up this specialized unit are highly trained and help meet emergency preparedness needs.”

Currently, Schoharie County Tac-Force members are only officially defined as “peace officers” when preparing for or responding to an emergency situation.  Senator Seward’s legislation will provide them with peace officer status while working at public festivities, parades, fairs, and other similar events, “pursuant to their special duties.”

“The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Department relies on the Tac-Force to provide essential services, and to keep taxpayer costs in check.  Elevating Tac-Force members to full peace officer status is an appropriate action and fits with the duties and responsibilities these men and women already perform on a regular basis,”  Senator Seward added.

The Schoharie County Sheriff’s Tactical and Rescue Force (Tac-Force) is a volunteer component of the sheriff’s department which provides security during public events, crowd control, search and rescue, traffic control, and assistance to road patrol deputies when needed.

Senator Seward has been a consistent supporter of the Schoharie County Tac-Force, securing a $25,000 state grant for the unit in 2013 to help purchase communications equipment, bullet proof vests, and uniforms. 

Companion legislation (A.9842A) sponsored by Assemblyman Pete Lopez has been introduced in the state assembly.

County Board to Meet Friday (June 20, 2014)

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors will be convening Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. for its regularly scheduled June county board meeting. Legislators had previously met last Wednesday in a special legislative session to approve a series of grant requests to the state. 

No official agenda has been published on the county website, but Supervisors are expected to hear updates on the AECOM stream bank project and the Mandate Relief Committee's recent trip to the State Assembly, which occurred earlier this week.

Although discussion has quieted on the issue, it will be interesting to see whether Supervisors bring up a county administrator for further debate, or if the contentious topic will be sidelined for the June meeting. This, along with how board members interact with one another, could be telling of future action.  

Old Stone Fort Set for Busy Weekend

Schoharie County's historic Old Stone Fort is set for a busy weekend beginning this Friday, when the museum will introduce its latest exhibit featuring the founders of the Schoharie County Historical Society with a free public reception from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m that evening.

The historical society, which has been in existence for one hundred and twenty five years now, was founded by thirty-seven mostly ordinary citizens in 1889. They included a State Assemblyman from Conesville, a Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, and a highly regarded educator in Schoharie. 

To learn more about all of these men and their lasting mission, the Founders Exhibit is located in the Badgley Museum Annex, across the street from the Old Stone Fort itself, and will run through the end of October. Additionally, a Founders Day picnic and concert is scheduled for July 2nd.

Furthermore, on Saturday and Sunday the Fort will be hosting an encampment and interactive program on the post-Civil War Fenian Raids, which was a series of attacks by Irish-American militants on Canada in hopes of sparking greater conflict against the British Empire to free Ireland from English rule. 

Living historians will be dressed in period uniforms, and will partake in various activities (drilling, playing music, etc.) to recreate the sense of the little known Fenian Brotherhood at the Old Stone Fort, which will be open 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 12:00 to 5:00 Sunday at normal pricing.

Middleburgh Brewery to be Featured in National Ad Campaign

The Schoharie News met with Green Wolf Brewery Co. Owner Justin Behan earlier this month and filed this report on the small businessman's journey from history major to micro-brewer.

MIDDLEBURGH – Newly opened Green Wolf Brewing Co. will be photographed June 26 for the Brew Central national print ad campaign.

Launched in 2013, the Brew Central campaign brings together the stories, traditions and tastes behind craft beer, hard cider and spirits in Central New York via a website and ad placement in some of the nation’s premier beer magazines including Beer Advocate, Beer Connoisseur and All About Beer.

Green Wolf Brewing represents the newest partner in the initiative, a collaboration of six Central New York Vacation Region counties that includes Schoharie. 

One of the first to take advantage of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Farm Brewery License program, Green Wolf Brewing sources as many ingredients as possible from the Capital Region and New York state. A case study by the Carey Institute for Global Good recently recognized the brewery for the positive economic impact it will have on Middleburgh’s Main Street and the region.

Richmondville Man Arrested for Possession of Heroin

New York State Police have announced the arrest of twenty year old Leland W. Pitt of Richmondville, New York for possession of heroin after he was pulled over on I-88 for unrelated reasons on Thursday, June 12th. 

Troopers stopped the suspect in Duanesburg for an equipment violation at approximately three thirty that afternoon, when the officer on scene observed Mr. Pitt attempting to hide something on his person. A search of the driver and vehicle revealed the suspect was in possession of three decks of heroin.

Mr. Pitt was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a misdemeanor, and was subsequently released on tickets. He is scheduled to appear in Town of Duanesburg Court on Monday, July 7th at 7:00 p.m. 

Cobleskill Police Blotter (June 17, 2014)

The Cobleskill Police Department submitted the following press release concerning recent arrests by their officers in the Village of Cobleskill: 

Monday, June 9, 2014

At 1:10 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Mark Thompson, 20, of Cobleskill, NY, for Harassment in the Second Degree. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on June 10th at 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

At 6:00 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Marsha Graham, 33, of Summit, NY, for Petit Larceny. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on June 10th at 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

At 9:45 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Patricia Ware, 30, of Cobleskill, NY, for Conspiracy in the Sixth Degree. She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on June 24th at 5:00 p.m.

At 9:45 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Kimberly Arnold, 23, of Cobleskill, NY, for Petit Larceny. She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. She is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on June 24th at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

At 7:11 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Tyler J. Briggs, 18, of Cobleskill, NY, for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana and Open Container. He was issued a summons for Possession of Alcohol by a person under the age of 21. He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on July 8th at 5:00 p.m.

Town of Middleburgh Introduces Official Website

Following in the footsteps of neighboring municipalities that have created their own websites separate from county hosting, the Town of Middleburgh officially launched its webpage Monday afternoon in an effort to better inform and communicate with its citizenry. 

The website, which was spearheaded by Town Councilman Brian DeFeo in early spring, offers a wide array of information for public consumption from the various departments hours of operation to thorough explanations of said agencies role and functions. 

Additionally, it includes specialized sections featuring monthly articles of interest, listings of essential local services, and a unique contact platform by which town officials can publicly respond to their constituents comments and concerns.

Middleburgh's new website can be viewed here. 

Vote in Our New Poll: Do You Approve of Alicia Terry's Job Performance?

On the sidebar is our new question: Do you approve of the job performance of County Planning Director Alicia Terry? Why or why not?

Seward Announces Grant Funds for Local Libraries

ONEONTA, 06/13/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) announced last week that community libraries throughout the 51st senatorial district have been awarded a total of over $685,000 in public library construction grant funds. 

The Community Library in Cobleskill received $40,462 in funding to replace roofing on the western half of the building and to add a ramp and door for improved accessibility. It was the only public library in Schoharie County to receive funds this fiscal year. 

"Our libraries are community hubs, hosting countless activities that enrich lives young and old," Seward said.“Libraries are also some of the most historic landmarks we have and they are often in need of costly technological and accessibility upgrades that must be accomplished while still maintaining their traditional character.”

Public library construction grants help local libraries and library systems to build new libraries, create additions, update electrical wiring to accommodate computer technology, meet standards of energy efficiency, renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities, and provide meeting rooms to accommodate community needs.  New furniture, shelving, and equipment, including computer equipment, can be purchased for new or newly reconfigured or renovated space.

“Electronic lending has skyrocketed and many people utilize the Internet at their local library to job search or catch up on news from around the globe.  It is vital that libraries are able to keep up with changing needs,” Seward added.

New York’s public libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading.  More than 48 percent of the over 1,000 public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Another 30 percent are more than three decades old.

Senator Seward is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries and a consistent advocate for libraries.  He has routinely received high marks from the New Yorkers for Better Libraries for his support of libraries.

“Assisting libraries with state funds takes the burden off local taxpayers, while preserving and improving these valuable resources for generations to come,” Seward concluded.

The grants are from $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2013 state budget.

Poll: Readers Overwhelmingly Disapprove of Cuomo

Schoharie News readers overwhelmingly disapproved of Governor Andrew Cuomo's job performance in a recent poll conducted over the past week. Mr. Cuomo has faced a wave of bipartisan resentment over his widely unpopular gun control law, the "SAFE Act," particularly across Upstate New York. 

With slightly less than two hundred votes cast only 16% of readers approved of the first term executive's performance in Albany, while 80% view the rumored White House hopeful negatively. The remaining 4% were undecided.

This is in stark contrast with statewide polls that show Mr. Cuomo's approval ratings in the high fifties to low sixties as he prepares to take on Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino in the fall. Schoharie County is expected to go strongly for Astorino after barely backing Paladino in 2010. 

Opinion: Taxation Without Proper Representation

We like to beat up on the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors here at the Schoharie News, often on matters of ideological or philosophical differences, but lately we've become more set in our opinion that many of the board's faults can be attributed more to the system of government itself rather than those administering it.

Take for example last month's contentious decision to move forward on the controversial stream bank project. Nine of sixteen Supervisors voted against county taxpayers shouldering the burden of approximately $2.6 million in additional non-budgeted costs, but due to the board's antiquated weighted vote system, it passed nonetheless. 

In fact, when you take into consideration that Cobleskill Supervisor Leo McAlister's one vote in favor of resuming the project was worth more than almost five of his colleagues votes in opposition, it's a wonder that legislators from Blenheim, Conesville, or any of the small towns continue to participate in this farce of democracy at all. 

If tomorrow morning residents of Schoharie County were informed that their votes would no longer be counted equally in countywide elections, but that it would be distributed based on their town's respective share of the county's overall population, immediate lawsuits and protests would (rightfully) flood the state's legal system. 

With that in mind, why doesn't the same hold true of our representatives in county government? Because, "legally," the weighted vote system is 100% constitutional and okay, even though its origins emerged out of a landmark Supreme Court decision that found non-proportional representation to violate the concept of "one man, one vote."

But rather than adopt a system where one man or one woman had just one vote, dozens of counties statewide adopted legislative forms of government where one man could have more than five or six men's votes on any given issue, which has had the effect of creating a situation where the solution is far worse than the original sin. 

A sin Schoharie County lawmakers have ignored for far too long. 

We don't pretend to know what the right course of action is on this disconcerting state of unequal representation on the county board, although we have our own ideas, but we do believe that if the Board of Supervisors is willing to examine the status of county government through a workshop committee or charter commission, that no harm can come out of working for the public's interests. 

Middleburgh Library to Host Legendary Performer Thursday

The Middleburgh Library's "The Not so Quiet Concert Series" will be featuring legendary songwriter, actor, concert performer and social activist Josh White Jr., on this upcoming Thursday, June 19th at 7:00 p.m. 

Mr. White got his start at the age of four when he performed one evening with his father at the famed "Cafe Society", which is renowned for being New York's first integrated night club. He would land his first Broadway role at just nine and never looked back in a incredible career spanning seven decades. 

Tickets will be available at the door to hear the famous concert artist, who has had the honor of performing on the world's greatest stages across four different continents. A donation of $10.00 is suggested. 

Middleburgh's Heritage Day a Hit

Cars, ribbon cuttings, and so much more describe the fun filled atmosphere of Middleburgh's second annual Heritage Day, featuring Middleburgh Central School's Technopolooza on the high school lawn. 

Despite the rainy weather, area residents packed the historic village for a myriad of events ranging from the Rotary's Sloughter 5K in the morning to a scavenger hunt sponsored by the local business association and the official opening of Fish Tales & Fur on Main Street. 

Stealing the spotlight was the immensely popular Technopolooza, which showcased dozens of classic and modified cars for spectators enjoyment and displayed shop projects produced by local students inside the school.

Middleburgh resident Sheila Donegan captured the sights of Heritage Day and submitted the following photographs for publication. Enjoy!

Middeburgh Mayor Matt Avitabile and Village Trustee Bill Morton
 present mural artist Patti Brancoforte with the village's thanks

The Scavenger Hunt brought participants to Four Star Reality

The Middleburgh Business Association's table

After a year of planning, Middleburgh welcomes a pet store

Technopolooza from Main Street

Cobleskill FD 150th a Blast

Cobleskill residents celebrated the 150th anniversary of the community's beloved Fire Department.

Photo credit: Cobleskill FD Facebook Page

"Vroman's Gnomes" Unveiled in Middleburgh

Hosted by the Artisan's Gallery, a new exhibit is electrifying Middleburgh. Vroman's Gnomes, the brainchild of local artist Mike Galli, has become a sensation. The event Friday night introducing the gnomes was a hit for adult and child alike.

Trading cards printed by Race Printing were also available.

Photo credit: Artisan's Gallery Fan Page

Letter to the Editor: Residents Need to Remain Vigilant on Pipeline

Dear Editor:

For almost two years residents of Schoharie County have faced the possibility that a large, high-pressure natural gas pipeline would cut through the heart of the County while landowners in its path would face the seizure of their property under eminent domain or be forced to settle for a small one-time payment in exchange for giving up control of their property to Constitution Pipeline Company forever. At the same time many read news stories about the terrible safety record of the very companies proposing to build the pipeline, with almost monthly reports of fires and explosions, all to facilitate the export of fracked gas to Canada and ultimately overseas.

To their credit, many area residents organized and resisted bullying by the pipeline company, while simultaneously, the NY State DEC and other agencies called the pipeline company’s proposal inadequate and potentially harmful to the environment.  As a result, the Constitution Pipeline approval process has been significantly delayed and the project may never be built.

But before beleaguered landowners could breathe a sigh of relief they now have a second pipeline proposal slashing through many of the same properties. It is clear Schoharie County is a target for exploitation by gas companies who think they can do what they want to rural communities and ultimately, build an infrastructure that will help them frack our farms, fields and backyards.

The only way to stop them is to refuse to allow them to survey, to refuse to sign your rights away. Constitution is in trouble because the residents of our region have said “no” in large numbers. So far Schoharie County has been stronger than the drillers and the pipeline companies. We need to continue to be strong and not allow the dangerous industrialization of our rural communities.

If you receive a letter from a pipeline company return it to them with a registered letter denying them permission to come on your property.  If they knock on your door, send them away without permission to survey. If, at any time, you are harassed, threatened, intimidated or trespassed upon by pipeline representatives call the Center for Sustainable Rural Communities toll-free Landowner Response Line at 1-800-795-1467 and we will stand with you and help you protect your rights.

For additional information visit the Stop the Pipeline web site: www.stopthepipeline.org and consider attending the Stop the Pipeline meetings held monthly in Oneonta.

Bob Nied

Board of Directors

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities