The Daily Star, Oneonta, NY - Otsego, Delaware, Chenango and Schoharie County News, Sports and Opinion

Public needs input on drilling regs
The state Department of Environment Conservation recently pushed back the public comment period on proposed regulations for natural-gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale region of New York state.
Close races show every vote counts
Now that the electioneering has come to an end, now that the tumult and the shouting have ceased, there is something we believe Republican, Democratic and independent voters can all agree upon.
Don't panic over H1N1
There was this classic 1960 episode of Rod Serling's wonderful television series, "The Twilight Zone," called "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street."
Cheers
... To the Cooperstown Board of Trustees, for restoring funding to the police department. The board voted unanimously to restore $2,000 per month to the police budget, enabling the department to provide 24-hour coverage for the village.
Local elections matter most
Election Day is Tuesday . Some may consider that pretty inconsequential, as there isn't a national race this year, much less a match-up that had the fervor of the last. But if there ever was year to get out and vote locally, this would be it.
No easy answer to budget woes
"If we don't cut our workforce, I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that eventually we could bankrupt the county.'' _ Otsego County Rep. Donald Lindberg
Crowell has much to offer voters
Otsego County is fortunate to have two qualified, talented individuals running for county treasurer. Republican Ed Keator has 30 years of experience crunching numbers and balancing budgets for businesses, nonprofits and the county government.
Millers had strong campaign
The three-man race for mayor of the city of Oneonta essentially comes down to a choice between the two men named Miller. Former Hartwick College President Richard "Dick" Miller and Third Ward Alderman Erik Miller have both distinguished themselves in this long campaign and are worthy of consideration for the city's highest office.
Schwerd was out of line
"Crazy people are going to be crazy no matter what you do." These are the words of Rep. Betty Anne Schwerd, the Republican incumbent representing District 10 on the Otsego County Board. Schwerd made the outrageous comment in reference to the 2010 budget. While some county services, such as road maintenance, are essential, Schwerd reasoned, others such as mental-health services are less so. Then Schwerd stated her unfortunate opinion.
Cheers
... To the nearly $1 million flood-prevention project on Oneonta Creek that city officials recently indicated is proceeding nicely. The project's focus is taking out existing concrete and molding a new streambed where the creek flows under Center Street and the Mill Race along the edge of Neahwa Park.
Pony Farm Bridge delay frustrating
We were disappointed to hear of yet another hindrance on the Pony Farm Bridge repair project. Hopes were raised in August when state Sen. James Seward, R-Milford, announced in a media release that funding was in place and work would begin shortly. However, Oneonta Town Supervisor Robert Wood recently announced that higher-than-expected bids have stalled repairs on the structure, which was closed by the state in January 2008.
Budgeting is inexact science
It seems to be feast or famine for area taxpayers lately. The city of Oneonta was recently warned by an auditor that it should wean itself off its reserve funds to balance its budget.
Senate is no place for abuser
There is no excuse for abuse. Yet, according to The Domestic Violence Awareness Project, the numbers show that abuse in the home affects a staggering number of Americans.
Justice is blind for a reason
Sometimes, it makes perfect sense for the image of Lady Justice to be wearing a blindfold. The concept goes back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, even if a blindfold was sometimes optional.
NYSEG, give us a break
NYSEG says it wants to raise our electric rates by 18.6 percent. Here’s what the state Public Service Commission ought to say in response: Fergeddaboudit! Local business owners and other residents have to ask themselves when was the last time they got an 18.6 percent raise in their salaries.
Cheers
... To the Delhi Fuel Bank for offering emergency heating assistance to residents of the Delhi area. The bank was formed in 2008 in response to the escalating cost of home heating fuel, Committee Chairman Al Davino said.
Don't miss the debates
"I wish I could give you a lot of advice, based on my experience of winning political debates. But I don't have that experience. My only experience is at losing them." - Richard M. Nixon
Mayor can help shape city "brand"
A recent study by OpinionWorks indicated that Oneonta has something of an identity crisis. Speaking to area business owners and local officials recently, Steve Raabe of OpinionWorks said the city lacks a distinct brand or identity, despite its assets.
Police need outside inquiry
There must be an investigation of the city of Oneonta Police Department by an independent agency. No ifs, no ands and no buts. Whatever difficulties there might be with union contracts or hurt feelings or finding an appropriate investigator, it must be done.