People's will not respected
As a resident of the town of Oneonta, I strongly favor smart growth and know that consolidation with the city could open possibilities, such as increased funding for redoing the former Bresee's or even the "crazy" idea of a pedestrian plaza downtown, similar to Ithaca Commons.
What distresses me, however, is recent political one-upmanship of the town board.
After our Democratic Supervisor Robert Wood took over, he recommended Andrea Lister for replacement of a resigning board member. This individual was eminently qualified and cared for our town and was very familiar with the issues.
However, certain individuals decided against the will of the people and elected a connected business individual who was not even on the ballot, was not voted for by anybody, but who just happened to live in a certain part of town hoping to be recaptured in the future by the other political party. This egregious conduct is not reported, because it is not widely known and people are too concerned about gas prices, the economy, etc.
By electing individuals with dual relationships, you invite lawsuits against the town by having potential conflicts of interests, which would once again be borne by the town.
Another question citizens of the town should ask before being incorporated into the city is how recent taxpayer money in the city has been spent: i.e., the Main Street repaving job, brownfield redevelopment, haphazard developments, grant awards for new hybrid buses and flood mitigation grant funds, affordable housing grants, student housing provisions.
Distrust in government is well-founded, based on the exemplary role model of King George.
I favor strong growth, but the will of the people must be respected, and, based on the treasurer fiasco last year, accountability must be enforced, and our local government actions must be transparent and benefit all people.
Jason Smith
Oneonta
Elections far from 'silly'
In a March 31 story on Democrat Don Barber kicking off his campaign for state Senate, Sen. James Seward, in responding to Barber's campaign start, said, "While some are starting the political silly season early ...,"
If Sen. Seward feels that our democratic process is "silly" then it follows that he is either disdainful or contemptuous of democratic elections.
Barber has entered this race for the 51st Senate District seat because of confidence in himself, in the voters and elections.
No one has a right to a seat in the state Senate; it must be earned every two years.
Leon Kalmus
Oneonta
Kalmus is a state Democratic State Committee member.
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