FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2013
A-6 HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Fracking Presentation Stirs Debate DEBATE/From A4 there’s no gas in NY, then let us drill. I was at a regional oil and gas summit a few weeks ago, filled with lawyers and fractivist leaders. It was almost unanimous that this road-show is a terrible idea. If I had some free time I’d write a critique, but we have a pipeline to stop. That’s the pipeline that Cooperstown was ready to oppose until Lou Allstadt spoke, saying that the connection between pipelines and fracking is nonsense... • From: rnied@ruralcommunities.org Date: Sun, 8 Dec 2013 11:42:32 -0500
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agree with Anne Marie. This presentation is highly flawed and ignores historical evidence that geo-political instability can dramatically alter oil and gas markets, spike prices and make marginal fossil fuel sources attractive to those wishing to leverage that instability for the sake of short-term profits. It wasn’t that long ago that the idea of shale gas extraction was not considered feasible. I am not comforted or should you by claims that NY State is not a viable target for fracking. It may not be this week but it certainly may be next year or the year after. Fracking is a reckless practice that is a real global threat... Any presentation that claims fracking will never happen in Upstate NY while people are losing land to pipeline companies through eminent domain, or facing late night evacuation orders because of compressor station accidents can only be viewed as myopic and ignorant of any holistic understanding of the gas/land exploitation scheme. Bob Nied • On Dec 8, 2013, at 9:37 PM, Ron Bishop wrote:
any of them suggest that we should relax our vigilance regarding the petroleum industry in any way, and I don’t share that part of your concern about their collective message. They have attempted to describe current realities to the best of their considerable abilities, now to face criticism from you and others who are inclined toward speculation about what could happen if... maybe.... I don’t find fault with anyone who is convinced of petroleum industry operators’ nefarious intent (there is plenty of evidence for that), or those who are troubled by the many unsolved problems with petroleum transportation infrastructure – which, as I recall, Lou mentioned in his presentation as an ongoing threat. I find fault with the idea of boycotting an event dedicated to presenting current facts on the ground because they may be inconvenient truths for your cause. Ron Bishop • On Sunday, December 8, 2013, Carole Marner wrote:
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hank you. This divisive episode has been very troubling and I deeply appreciate your thoughtful and constructive comments. Carole Marner To join the debate, sign up for the listserve at www. sustainableotsego.org.
EDITORIAL: Don’t We Love ‘Birthplaces Of...’ EDITORIAL/From A4 about a “translation” into the vernacular? – but that Daniel Day-Lewis’ 1992 movie is an enduring hit demonstrates its modern-day power. Bruce Shipman of Columbia’s emergence as senior spokesman for the many Natty Bumppo (David Shipman) descendants underscores how “The Birthplace of Natty Bumppo” lives, paradoxically, even in his Toddsville burial site. There’s eternal Glimmerglass; there’s Natty Bumppo’s celebrated cave somewhere on its eastern shore; there’s Sunken Island of “Deerslayer” fame; there’s The Freeman’s Journal,
tourism effort will be privatized under the mantra, “Heads in Beds.” The effort, no doubt, will look to the Internet to fulfill its mission, but there’s work – content, it’s called these days – to be done at home. Otsego County – with the Hall of Fame, Glimmerglass Opera, the NYSHA museums, Hyde Hall, Ommegang, etc., etc. – is already “sticky.” But our historic “birthplace of” headlines – of IBM, of Natty Bumppo, of the Morse Code – would make it even moreso. Dare we mention “The Birthplace of the Fountain Pen”? Decatur, here we come!
Y, City Hall To Collaborate On Recreation YMCA/From A1 in a November interview. “It’s something we already do, and we thought we could help out.” Lawson, operations manager, presented the proposal to four Common Council members on the Community Improvement Committee Monday, Dec. 9. The proposal includes incorporating the Wilber Park pool and Neahwa Park’s summer “drop-in” recreation program. “We have childcare programs,” Russo had explained earlier. We give over 700 swimming lessons every year. We used to run a Y camp in Laurens. We have the experience.” Under the YMCA, the drop-in program would run
five days a week from 9 a.m. to noon, with a new two and a half hour afternoon “Hike and Swim” program offered in Wilbur Park three days a week. Both programs offer a chance for children to engage in supervised play, group activities and arts and crafts. “We’re trying to offer new and innovative programs to fill a community need,” said Lawson. The city would pay $65,000 to cover the cost of staffing and services for 2014. To help with the cost, the YMCA also proposed the possibility of charging non-residents a fee for using the Wilbur Park pool. “We feel like the city’s taxpayers are footing the bill for non-residents to swim,”
AllOTSEGO.homes
said Lawson. City residents would continue to use the pool for free. The city is considering offering the YMCA a one year contract for these services. The Common Council will take up the discussion at their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and may decide to vote on the proposal at that time. “We’re excited that they’re willing to take it to the next stage,” said Lawson.
John Mitchell Real Estate
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riends, I have known Lou Allstadt and Chip Northrup for a while now, and I have yet to see either of them ignore evidence (historical or otherwise) in any discussions or presentations. I haven’t known Jerry Acton as long, but his research approach is solid and his conclusions are appropriately conservative. I have never seen or heard
Hometown Oneonta’s sister founded by Cooper’s father. (Admission free; copies $1.) • The Morse thing is almost completely ignored, (even though he, along with James Fenimore, was featured in David McCullough’s “The Greater Journey: Americans In Paris,” published just two years ago.) Also a noted painter in his day, Morse’s most famous work, “Gallery of the Louvre,” hung first in Hyde Hall. And “The Birthplace of The Morse Code” is just a few miles up the road. With the new year, Otsego County’s
Joe Valette 607-437-5745 John LaDuke 607-547-8551
Major price improvement! Nice 1,288 sq ft ranch in a private location situated on 2.35 acres close to Cherry Valley School. 3 BRs, 2 baths, full basement, 2-car attached garage. Nice starter home or great home if you are down-sizing. Convenient 1-level living! Home needs some updating to your own personal preferences.
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HOUSE FOR RENT Springfield Center
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Since 1947, our personal service has always been there when you need it most. With comprehensive coverage for all your AUTO • HOME • LIFE insurance needs.
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Home of the Week
Exciting Business Opportunity — Well established dessert shop in Cooperstown. Extremely busy, highly visible location only four doors from the Hall of Fame. Specializing in Homemade Ice Cream, Italian Ice, Hand Dipped and Molded Chocolates. Over 10 years doing business in same location. Five year lease in place. High profit margin products. All ice cream and chocolate making equipment included. Owner willing to train. This is your chance to own a thriving business in downtown Cooperstown! Offered Exclusively by Ashley-Connor Realty $210,000.
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Village Family Home—This 2,600+/- sq ft home in the Village of Cooperstown is centrally located and easy walking distance to downtown, schools, sports center, grocery store and hospital. Outside are a large wrap-around front porch, rear deck, oversized yard with goldfish pond, and carriage barn with upstairs storage. Inside are a large LR, DR, den/office, laundry area, full bath and recently remodeled kitchen. Completing the downstairs is a new bonus room addition for the kids or guests. Upstairs are 3-4 BRs, full bath, half bath, and a spacious walk-in closet. All appliances are updated. This is a nice, family-friendly home. offered exclusively by ashley-Connor Realty $199,000 29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown • 607-547-4045 www.ashleyconnorrealty.com