Online Farmers Market Adds More Sites in Schoharie County

Cobleskill NY – (July 9, 2014)- Since 2011, Schoharie Fresh has served Schoharie County as an online farmers’ market through which over 30 area producers offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and specialty items. Over two thousand residents have registered as customers on the market’s website, www.schohariefresh.com, and product sales have increased dramatically each year since its launch. 

Developed with grant funding from the NYS Department of Health’s Creating Healthy Places initiative, Schoharie Fresh has operated on SUNY Cobleskill’s campus since 2012 and is currently staffed by the college’s students. Each week, customers place orders through the site by midnight, Wednesday and pick up their orders at the campus market location (Hodder Garage, located directly off of Route 7 on the farm-side of campus) on Fridays between 3:30 and 5:30. 

Recently, faculty and staff at SUNY Cobleskill were awarded funds from The United Way of the Greater Capital Region to expand Schoharie Fresh and to enhance the market’s convenience for county residents. Specifically, grant dollars will be used to establish two new customer pick-up sites—one at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Central Bridge and the other at Schoharie United Presbyterian Church in Schoharie. Customers from outside of the immediate Cobleskill vicinity will now be able to realize the benefits and convenience of the online farmers’ market with the availability of pick-up sites closer to their homes. It is anticipated that the two new pick-up sites will be up-and-running by the end of July, 2014. 

Schoharie Fresh coordinators will also use a portion of the United Way award dollars to develop and offer “Better Food, Better Budgets” workshops starting in May, 2015 that will be open to the general public and focused on achieving healthy family food budgets using nutritious local ingredients available through Schoharie Fresh. The College will partner with the Schoharie County Community Action Program (SCCAP) to offer these workshops. 

For more information about Schoharie Fresh and the launch of its new pick-up points in the county, contact Maureen Blanchard at blanchma@cobleskill.edu or Jason Evans at evansjr@cobleskill.edu

Road Crews Patch Up Clauverwie

Although it is only a temporary fix to a larger problem, county work crews began "skim coating" the worst parts of Middleburgh's porous Clauverwie Road on Tuesday morning. Residents have long complained about the road's poor condition. 

Photo by Sheila Donegan

Middleburgh Supervisor Jim Buzon told citizens at June's annual joint Town/Village board meeting that the proper repairs could not be made until after the stream bank project is concluded, which pushes possible construction to fall at the earliest time. 

Ethington Trial Begins: Day One

Schoharie County's long awaited disciplinary trial/hearings on the fate of suspended Personnel Director Cassandra Ethington kicked off Tuesday night, setting the tone for what might be a rather lengthy and inquisitive exchange between the prosecution and defense attorney.

County Attorney Michael West initiated the proceedings by explaining the parameters, before recusing himself. Joanne Darcy Crum was named as special counsel in Mr. West's place, while Michael McDermott stood for the prosecution and Ron Dunn represented Ms. Ethington. 

Seven Supervisors were included on the witness list, excluding them from hearing additional testimony or casting a final vote on the embattled Personal Director's fate, leaving the remaining nine as jury of the case. 

Among those excluded were Mr. Barbic of Seward, Mr. Bradt of Carlisle, Mr. Lape of Richmondville, Ms. Manko of Sharon, Mr. Milone of Schoharie, Mr. Skowfoe of Fulton, and Mr. Vroman of Seward. All six freshmen legislators in addition to Mr. Buzon, Mr. VanGlad and Mr. VanWormer remained. 

The prosecution opened Tuesday's hearing by calling Schoharie County Labor Attorney Mary Roach to testify on Ms. Ethington's conduct during two lawsuits brought by Eva Gigandet and Penny Grimes in April of 2012. Mr. Jordan was barred from speaking, due to a similar suit he filed at the same time. 

Both lawsuits had contended that Ms. Ethington assumed control of the County Public Health Department in the aftermath of the previous director's resignation, allegations that Ms. Roach testified were denied in response to Ms. Gigandet's and Grimes lawsuits, as directed by the Personnel Director. 

Mr. McDermott then presented Ms. Roach with a series of documents, emails, and portions of the Fitzmaurice Report, in which Ms. Ethington was either referred to or credited herself as the interim department head of Public Health. Ms. Roach would later state the information had been withheld from her.

Upon the prosecution's rest, Mr. Dunn arose and queried Ms. Roach on the code of conduct lawyers are sworn to abide on, including the acknowledgment of submitting false information over the course of a trial, which Ms. Roach testified she did not do in regards to either the Gigandet or Grimes cases. 

Mr. Dunn would later query Ms. Roach on an email exchange between herself, Ms. Ethington, Mr. West, and then Personnel Committee Chairman Dan Singletary, in which she offered the comments that Ethington should, "hang in there," because, "this is a piece of garbage lawsuit." The hearing would then be adjourned. 

Proceedings will resume Wednesday night, 6:00 p.m. at the Schoharie County Courthouse. 

Cobleskill Police Blotter (July 8th, 2014)

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

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

At 12:35 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Stefan Haag, 19, of Richmondville, NY, on an Arrest Warrant for Burglary in the Second Degree. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. He is return to Cobleskill Town Court on July 8th at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

At 4:00 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Charles Robinson, 38, of Cobleskill, NY, for Trespassing. He was issued an appearance ticket and released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on July 29th at 5:00 p.m. 

Friday, July 4, 2014

At 12:45 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Kathleen Noone, 21, of Middleburgh, NY, on a Bench Warrant from Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for failing to pay a fine. She was turned over to Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for further action.

Saturday, July 5, 2014

At 4:30 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Matthew E. Duncan, 26, of Medusa, NY, for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on July 15th at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 6, 2014

At 1:34 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested John J. Silva, Jr., 24, of Freehold, NY, for Petit Larceny. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on July 15th at 5:00 p.m.

Opinion: Time to Can Ethington

The time for justice has come. 

Over eight months have passed since the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors voted to suspend Personnel Director Cassandra Ethington indefinitely with pay for her role in fostering intimidation and mis-conduct in the county workplace, as revealed by the controversial Fitzmaurice Report. 

Several Supervisors would soon after lose their seats on the county board for their role in the scandal.

Now, with three evenings of hearings scheduled to decide Mrs. Ethington's fate starting tonight at the Schoharie County Court House, it is time for the embattled Personnel Director to follow her Conservative Party cohorts out the door, and pursue gainful employment off of the taxpayers dime. 

We are sure to see the familiar evidence presented by both sides for Supervisors (who are serving as the jury in these hearings) to consider in reaching their final decision, but the facts are documented and well known for all to see, whether it be the dismissal of public employees or her takeover of the Health Department. 

Mrs. Ethington's actions are beyond redemption and her acceptance back into the Personnel Office would only destroy what progress has been made in restoring the confidence and faith of the county work force in their public employment. Faith that was so badly scarred and brutalized under her "reign of terror." 

However, this isn't just about the morale of county employees, but rather the integrity of county government in not only moving past the heartache caused by its Personnel Director, as great as it was, but in its commitment to cleansing our government of corruption, illegality, and destructive personal agendas.

None of which can be accomplished until the champion of all the above is found guilty of her crimes, and in a sense of cruel irony, rightfully terminated by the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors at the conclusion of this week's trial, where she will finally taste a spoonful of her own medicine as she sees her way out. 

The choice is simple: it's time to can Ethington

County Board Approves Clerk of the Works

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors, in a special legislative session Monday, voted eleven to three to select Lamont Engineers as the county's Clerk of the Works on the $23 million stream bank project, which AECOM has commenced work on this past week according to County Attorney Mike West. 

Lamont Engineers was selected over another bid on recommendation of DPW Chief Dan Crandall and Treasurer Bill Cherry, who both lauded Lamont's experience in several recovery related projects conducted by Schoharie County post-Irene and Lee. The firm was contracted for eight months at $75,000.00.

In other action, the county board voted unexpectedly to reverse its June decision to strip department heads of compensation and flextime, following complaints that the current system was being abused. Monday's motion was offered by Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone, but was not well received by several members. 

Fulton Supervisor Phil Skowfoe spoke in opposition, arguing that department heads had ignored inquiries from the county board for over a year and that no decision should be made without the full board present. He moved to table the issue, but was narrowly defeated by a single vote. 

Board Chairman Tony VanGlad sounded a conciliatory tone by stating last month's vote had, "built ill will between the Board of Supervisors and department heads," while County Treasurer Bill Cherry lauded his colleagues for committing, "more time and more effort than their required." 

Milone's motion, which called for the old compensation and flextime system to be reinstated while new policies to define use and abuse are crafted, was carried nine to four - with Supervisors Barbic of Seward, Jordan of Jefferson, Manko of Sharon, and Skowfoe of Futon in opposition. 

Coby Police Arrest Two for Sale of Heroin

The Cobleskill Police Department has announced that, in conjunction with the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), they have arrested two adults for the alleged sale of heroin in the Village of Cobleskill. 

At approximately 4:35 pm on Tuesday July 1st, Cobleskil Police arrested and charged twenty-year old Leland W. Pitt and twenty-five year old Jeana I. Motler, both of Seward, with 1 count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a class B Felony. 

During an on-going joint investigation, it was learned that the suspects were allegedly involved in the sale and possession of heroin. The information was developed and led to a purchase of the drug being made from Pitt and Motler during a joint "buy/bust" operation with CNET. 

Both suspects were arraigned in the Town of Cobleskill Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility on $25,000.00 cash bail or $75,000.00 bond. Both are to return to Town of Cobleskill Court on July 7th at 11:00 am for further action.

This is the latest in a series of drug related arrests made by the Cobleskill Police and CNET team, most of which have involved the criminal sale and possession of heroin and other illegal narcotics. 

Anyone with further information regarding this incident, or with any information on drug activity in the Cobleskill community, is urged to contact Chief Rich Bialkowski at 518-234-2923. Any information provided will be kept confidential.   

Opinion: Yes to Casino, No to Malik

If Howe Caverns is awarded the Capital District's casino site by the New York State Gaming Commission, millions of dollars and hundreds of decent jobs will be created in Schoharie County. Local tax revenues will increase and county tourism is likely to see a significant boost from new patrons. 

These are all reasons why we stand 100% behind the creation and development of a casino in Schoharie County. We may not like the negative societal impacts that will tag along with estimated $450 million project, but the financial advantages are just too great to ignore at this point in time. 

However, we do not stand behind the casino's recently announced owner and operator, Michael J. Malik Sr., who exemplifies everything wrong with the gaming industry today and makes the Howe Caverns bid look just that much unappealing to already queasy residents opposed to the project. 

As we reported last week, Mr. Malik has a laundry list of disturbing actions from his past ranging from child abuse to election fraud and fiscal mismanagement to personal involvement in ponzi schemes. Additionally, he was once disqualified from holding a gaming license in his own state of Michigan in the 1990's. 

Besides our worries over the competency of the Howe Caverns team in selecting Mr. Malik to serve as the public face of the proposed casino, we believe that the morally challenged magnate's further involvement in the bid will ultimately cause it to fail from either lack of local public support or the Gaming Commission's distaste for characters of his nature.  

There is no reason to mince words on this subject, Mr. Malik's involvement in the project will cause it to fail if he remains the proposed owner and operator of the Howe Caverns Resort and Casino. The remedy is apparent for project managers: replace Malik with someone reputable, or be prepared for millions of dollars and hundreds of man hours to be wasted in a futile bid to the state. 

Poll: Plurality Views McAllister Favorably

A plurality of Schoharie News readers view Cobleskill Town Supervisor Leo McAllister in favorable terms, this according to a recent survey that was open from Wednesday morning until late Sunday evening. Roughly one hundred and twenty-five residents participated. 

What is your opinion of Cobleskill Supervisor Leo McAllister?

Favorable - 48%

Unfavorable - 27%

No opinion - 26%

Mr. McAllister is by far the most influential member on the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors, due to his enviable sixteen percent share of the weighted vote and his calculated business wherewithal on financial matters. He is currently half-way through his first year. 

The poll was open for five days and was located on the right-hand sidebar of the website.  

Long Week Ahead for County Board

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors will earn their paychecks this coming week, as legislators are scheduled to meet every evening for the next four nights.

Their marathon session will kick off today at 4:00 p.m. with a special county board meeting to name a Clerk of the Works to monitor the AECOM stream bank project as it moves forward into the construction phase. No official agenda has been published on the county website. 

Tonight's meeting will be followed by three days of special hearings on suspended Personnel Director Cassandra Ethington at the Schoharie County Court House. Each affair will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will last as long as necessary; Supervisors will serve as the trial's jury. 

Additionally, several townships (Blenheim and Middleburgh, to name a few) will be holding its monthly board meeting over the coming week, leaving those Supervisors with even more responsibilities to contend with on top of their already steep countywide obligations.

5th Annual Summer Festival at Mine Kill State Park

Join park patrons from throughout New York State for a day of fun in the sun at Mine Kill State Park! The park is hosting its 5th annual Summer Festival on Saturday, July 19, 2014 from 10AM to 4PM at the Mine Kill pool complex.  This year’s activity lineup will feature amazing presenters, summertime games, environmental education programs and so much more! Admission to Summer Festival is just $3 for the vehicle entrance fee to the park.  

Summer Fest 2014 will boast dozens of activities and presenters for the entire family.  Volunteers can sign up for a tremendous opportunity to experience life as a New York State Forest Ranger when DEC Ranger Bill Henry conducts a Mock Search and Rescue (SAR) Operation at the park! Explore the Incident Command Post used by the DEC during a real SAR and learn the procedures to successfully find a lost hiker.  Take a walk inside the Mine Kill Nature Tent to learn all about invasive species that may be in your own backyard with the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP).  Learn more about the life and times of famous local naturalist, John Burroughs, with Diane Galusha from the Woodchuck Lodge.  Then enjoy a guided eagle hike with a park ranger along Mine Kill’s 8 miles of hiking trails including the nationally recognized Long Path.  Don’t forget to check out the brand new, permanent disc golf course at the park located just outside the pool complex.  Park staff will conduct a ribbon cutting and unveil the new 18-hole course the morning of Summer Fest.  Also, the entire family will love watching Ziggy and Razz the miniature horses perform unbelievable tricks.  

Kids will have an opportunity to jump in the Bounce House or take a shot at “The Flusher” for some prizes. 

There will also be plenty of arts and crafts, face painting, pie throwing and the 2nd annual Summer Fest Regatta across the Mine Kill pool.  Have you ever been geocaching? Meet Greg, a geocache expert, and learn all about this modern day treasure hunt using GPS units. Then participate in the amazingly popular 2014 Saratoga Region Geocache Challenge for a chance to win some incredible gear.    There will also be a kayak rescue demonstration performed by American Canoe Association certified instructors.  Kayak courses are now being offered on the Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir on many occasions throughout the summer.  Check out the Mine Kill Facebook page for upcoming course dates and times.    

The Mine Kill State Park Summer Festival is proud to have several sponsors supporting this year’s event, including Stewart’s Shops which will be providing four different flavors of ice cream for free sundaes!!! Thank you Stewart’s! Creekside Sports of Schoharie, NY will be hosting a fantastic fly-tying workshop, so get ready to test your skills at fly-casting on the Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoir or Mine Kill Creek.  Bring your own rod and reel or borrow one from the park to sample a new lure at the park (valid NY State Fishing License required for everyone 16 and older).  

Great music will be provided throughout the day courtesy of Mr. Music DJ Services of Middleburgh.  Of course, take advantage of Mine Kill’s Olympic-size pool and dive tank to beat the heat in between Summer Fest activities.  Enjoy a sandwich, salad or other refreshments at the pool’s concessionaire.  Entrance fees for Summer Festival are just $3 per vehicle.  To jump in one of the three in-ground pools, the cost is only $2 for adults (13+) and $1 for seniors (62+) and children 6 to 12.  Kids 5 and under swim for free!      

Also before, during and after Mine Kill’s Summer Festival, don’t forget to stop by the Environmental Education Nature Tent located inside the pool complex.  The Nature Tent is geared toward kids of all ages and adults and will feature a different environmental theme each week in July, Tuesday through Friday, 11AM-3PM.  Beginning on July 8th-11th, learn all about many of the local inhabitants of the forest like the black bear, bald eagle, bats, bobcats and much more during Wildlife Week.    Beetle Buster week is from July 15th-18th and is sponsored by CRISP with lots of information about “unwanted guests” that may be in your own backyard.  Join Schoharie Area Wild and other presenters during Healthy Living Week from July 22nd-25th and finish up the Nature Tent series from July 29th-August 1st with Earth Week at the Mine Kill tent.  Please call the Mine Kill park office at (518) 827-8690 for more information about the 2014 Nature Tent.    

Mine Kill State Park is located in the scenic Schoharie Valley overlooking the Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project.  The reservoir provides excellent fishing and boating opportunities. The eight miles of trails, including trails from the Park to the NYPA Visitor Center such as the nationally designated Long Path, are great for hiking, biking and birding.  Cascading 80 feet through a narrow gorge is the picturesque Mine Kill Falls for which the Park is named.  

For those who would like to extend their visit, nearby Max V. Shaul State Park is a small, quiet camping area with 30 wooded tent and trailer sites, picnic grounds, a state of the art playground and boat access along the Schoharie Creek.  In addition to the Max V. Shaul trails and fishing opportunities, campers have free access to Mine Kill State Park and receive discounts at a variety of local tourist attractions and businesses.  

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

Old Stone Fort Presents, Debates History on Fourth

Decorated with American flags and ribbons, Schoharie's Old Stone Fort hosted dozens of area residents Friday morning into the afternoon as re-enactors presented history buffs, both young and old, with readings of the founding documents that led to American Independence and debates over their actions in 1776 that still effect us to this day. 

Re-Enactors listen to one of many questions
brought forth over the afternoon

With members of the Tyron County Militia and other volunteers dressed in period clothing, the stage was set for light hearted yet serious debate with attendees over a wide array of issues, including the makeup of America as a Democratic-Republic and the status of the arcane Electoral College, which has been challenged in recent years. 

Additionally, the Old Stone Fort welcomed visitors to take a tour of its outside exhibits, including the recently introduced Founders Exhibit that offered residents an in-depth look at the men who founded the Schoharie County Historical Society, and who worked to preserve the museum we have today that once served as a church and encampment. 

Gallupville to Host 4th Annual Community Day

The Gallupville Fire Department will be holding their Fourth Annual Community Day on this upcoming Saturday, July 12th. Festivities will be kicked off by the Bill Fagan 5K Memorial Run, which registration will open for at 7 a.m., with the race itself beginning at 8 a.m. 

Additionally, there will be a pancake breakfast (by donation) available from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m., followed by bed races starting at 11, and a car show gearing up at noon. Registration will be open for the show all morning and it will run through 4 p.m. that afternoon, with ice cream being awarded to all participants. 

There will be kids games and events for the entire family at the firehouse, and the department is encouraging residents in the hamlet to set up their own yard sales in addition to hosting vendors on the fire department's lawn to sell their goods free of charge. Residents with any questions should call 518-657-9569.

To cap the afternoon off, a chicken barbecue (provided by BBQ Delights) will be cooking from 1 p.m. until they are all sold out. Patrons can purchase a full dinner for $10.00 or pay $6.00 for half.

Governor Signs Bill Memorializing Highway After Fallen Soldier

A portion of New York State Highway 44/55 in Ulster County will be renamed in honor of United States Army Sergeant Shawn Michael Farrell II under legislation signed into law Thursday.  The legislation (S.7824) was sponsored by Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) and pays tribute to the young soldier killed on April 28th in Afghanistan.

“Every man and woman who dons a United States military uniform sacrifices for our nation and our way of life,” said Senator Seward.  “Sergeant Shawn Michael Farrell II made the ultimate sacrifice and we owe it to him and his family to keep his memory alive.  I appreciate Governor Cuomo joining in swiftly signing this legislation to honor Sergeant Farrell’s bravery, courage, and unwavering allegiance to his country and his fellow soldiers.” 

Sgt. Shawn M. Farrell II, 24, of Accord, New York, died April 28, in Nejrab District, Kapisa province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, New York.

Senator Seward’s bill designates the portion of New York State Route 44/55 from the intersection of New York State Route 209 in Wawarsing to the intersection of New York State Route 299 in Gardiner as the “Sergeant Shawn Farrell II Memorial Highway”.

“It is especially fitting that this bill is signed into law as we mark our nation’s Independence Day.  With so many Americans traveling along memorial highways to visit parks and other monuments,  I hope everyone takes note of the names attached to our historic landmarks and says thank you for all our servicemen and women have done to protect our freedoms and way of life,” Seward concluded.

Senator Seward posthumously awarded Sergeant Farrell with the state senate’s Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the New York State Senate, in recognition of his sacrifice and service to his country.  Senator Seward also sponsored a special senate resolution (J.4858) in tribute to Sergeant Farrell.

Sheriff's Office Responds to Richmondville ATV Accident

Schoharie County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of an ATV accident on Cross Hill Road in the Town of Richmondville Friday evening at approximately 8:30 p.m, where the driver sustained injuries - but none severe. 

Joseph Kruithoff, age 64, of Pennsylvania was operating a 2002 Kawasaki on private land toward the tail end of the holiday when he lost control of the vehicle, which caused it to strike a tree. 

He was transported by Richmondville Ambulance to Albany Medical Center for non life threatening injuries, and no tickets were issued. The Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by members of Richmondville Fire and Ambulance squads. 

Bounty of the County Recalls Hard Work, Future Progress

SALT held its second annual Bounty of the County dinner at the Carrot Barn last Saturday, attracting over 100 people for the fundraiser. The feast was set to raise thousands for flood recovery and highlight the hard work of many volunteers over the last three years.

The guests of honor included the Beekman Boys, who recounted that there was something unique to Schoharie County and that flood recovery was close, but not complete.

SALT Executive Director Sarah Goodrich praised the efforts of volunteers putting together Schoharie, Esperance, and Middleburgh. She remarked that the progress seen was beyond anyone's imaginations in 2011.

Overall, attendance was estimated at around 120, including State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who said that he would be coming back shortly with union volunteers to further the volunteer effort.

Letter to the Editor: Cherry Has No Interest in Administrator

Dear Editor,

My name has been mentioned several times in conjunction with the creation of a possible appointed County Administrator position in Schoharie County.  These references have been made in various print news articles, in two separate newspaper editorials over the past few weeks, and in several on-line postings.   Up until now I have remained silent regarding the subject.  It seemed premature for me to take a public stance on the issue, since the position does not presently exist in Schoharie County.  Given the reluctance of the majority of the Board of Supervisors, both past and present, to accept the fact that running a complex organization with an annual operating budget of $72 million requires full-time, day-to-day professional management in order to function properly, many of us have serious doubts about whether the position will ever be created.

However, since my name keeps getting published almost every time the issue gets raised, I guess it’s appropriate for me to clear the air once and for all.  I don’t want the job.  Let me say that again… I will not apply for, nor accept, an administrator position that serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors.  Why would I ever surrender the independence and fiscal authority that the voters of this county have entrusted to me for the past 19 years in order to become an appointee of the Board of Supervisors?  Serving as a county-wide elected official has allowed me to independently manage and safeguard county finances, and to publically criticize the Board when I felt they were making a decision that would adversely impact taxpayer dollars.  If I had been serving at their pleasure, rather than at the pleasure of the 32,000 people of this county, the Board of Supervisors would have fired me long before now.  

I can understand why my name has been associated with the County Administrator position.  It is probably because there have been many times over the years where the Board has tapped me to take on a difficult project, or clean up a challenging situation, outside my role as County Treasurer.  I always felt that it was my duty to say yes, because if left unattended or uncorrected, the problem would likely cost the taxpayers even more money.  My college degree in Public Administration, along with my professional training and job experience qualifies me to hold the position of County Administrator.  But in this case, regarding that particular position, my answer has to be thanks, but no thanks.

In my mind there can be no doubt that Schoharie County government needs professional, day-to-day management.  But whether that goal can be achieved under someone who has to try to stay in the good graces of the Board of Supervisors in order to keep their job is a whole other story.  Perhaps the only way to truly achieve effective leadership at the county level will be to someday move toward the creation of an elected County Executive working side-by-side, and in conjunction with, with a County Legislature.  

Whether the Board eventually creates the position of appointed Administrator, and if so, who they hire to do that job, is as yet unknown.  One thing is certain however…  it won’t be me.  I have absolutely no intention of walking away from the commitment that I have made to serve the people of Schoharie County as their independent, straight-talking, County Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, until such time as they decide that I should do so.

Respectfully,

William Cherry,
Schoharie County Treasurer

Schoharie Braces for More Hot Weather, Thunderstorms

Residents of Schoharie County are bracing for yet another long day of blistering temperatures, through the roof humidity levels, and strong or severe thunderstorms plaguing their pre-holiday afternoon commutes home before Independence Day festivities kick off tomorrow. 

Courtesy of WNYT

Additionally, due to the already saturated ground from yesterday's heavy rainfall, Schoharie County and most of the greater Capital Region have been placed under a flash flood watch from noon today until midnight as heavy thunderstorms could potentially bring even more rain into the fray.

Stay dry Schoharie County, tomorrow should be nicer. 

Iroquois Museum to Host Oneida Dancers July 12

Howes Cave, N.Y. -- The Iroquois Indian Museum will have a Social Dance Saturday on July 12 at the Museum featuring Onota’a:ka (Oneida Nation Dancers), based in the central New York Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) community of Oneida.

Founded by Elder and Wolf Clan Mother Maisie Shenandoah for the purpose of cultural education, the troupe’s original purpose continues to be carried forth by daughter Vicki, granddaughter Tawn:tene (Cindy Schenandoah Stanford) and an extended family with common goals.  For the Schenandoahs, dance is not a separate expression of heritage and thanksgiving, but one that is thoroughly integrated into daily life. Onota’a:ka selects a repertoire that is enjoyable for the crowd and encourages participation. 

Social Dance Saturday and all events at the Museum are free with paid admission. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 12 Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed Monday. Regular admission is $8 for adults, $6.50 for seniors/students and $5 for children ages 5-12. Children under five are free when accompanied by an adult. Special group rates are available by calling the Museum at 518-296-8949. 

For more information, visit www.iroquoismuseum.org.

Howe Caverns Casino Owner: A Past of Child Abuse, Election Fraud, Ponzi Scheme Involvement

The Howe Caverns Resort and Casino announced earlier this week, to much fanfare and media coverage, its formal application filing to the New York State Gaming Commission for consideration of one of the four casino gaming licenses to be awarded this fall in Upstate, New York. 

Additionally, the proposed gaming facility announced that Michael J. Malik Sr. - a nationally known casino developer and founder of MJM Enterprises and Development - will serve as the project's owner and operator in conjunction with Full House Resorts, a development firm. 

However, upon extensive research of Mr. Malik's financial and political background, the Schoharie News has uncovered several disturbing items of note concerning the casino magnate's past dealings; many of which raise serious questions over how he was selected to head the casino project.

Among the more alarming discoveries: 

• The Fifth Third Bank, a Michigan banking corporation, filed an official complaint against Mr. Malik on February 2nd, 2009 for allegedly failing to repay over $990,000 in monies the defendant borrowed through a line of credit in April of 2007. 
• In April, 2009 the Securities and Exchange Commission reached a $170,000.00 settlement with Mr. Malik for his role participating in a $2.1 million 2006 Florida based ponzi scheme by John Upstick's Worldwide Entertainment, Inc.
• California's Fair Political Practices Commission has fined Mr. Malik twice for a total of $10,500 for violating California's political reform laws. The casino magnate reportedly failed to report more than $50,000 in political contributions.

Mr. Malik was also found guilty of firing a weapon too close to occupied residences during a 2007 hunt in Arizona, and he has had thousands returned in political donations he made to New York State officials in the run up to a contentious casino bid on Long Island.

Malik

Perhaps worst of all, Malik was arrested and served a year of probation in 1997 for assaulting his then girlfriend's twelve year old son with a wooden hockey stick. According to The Detroit News, Mr. Malik chased the boy into the street outside the family's home and started beating the child. 

The Michigan Gaming Control Board was at the time investigating Malik and other investors in a local casino project to determine if they had the moral character and business deportment to hold a gaming license. Mr. Malik was later forced to sell his share of the project after the board ruled against him. 

With Howe Caverns $450 million proposal heading to the state for its final decision, it is not known how Mr. Malik's questionable past will affect the casino's odds before the state gaming commission, although it does raise doubts over the project's competency in selecting credible business partners.