Put ability first in treasurer race
In this election cycle, we face a particularly challenging economic environment in which our leaders will make difficult decisions. As this campaign progresses, I am sure voters will carefully assess the merits of each individual candidate for office. In my case, in the election for Otsego County treasurer, I look forward to a substantive campaign and wholeheartedly encourage people from across the political spectrum to consider my opponents' qualifications alongside my own.
The office of treasurer is first and foremost about ability, not ideology. Most taxpayers can agree that taxes must be kept as low as necessary to maintain stable and effective government. I believe firmly in this fundamental objective. But achieving it is more than a matter of desire. It depends on the capacity of our leaders to work hard and work smart. The position of treasurer has the potential to have a tremendous positive impact for the people of Otsego County, and demands exactly the types of experiences and abilities I have been fortunate to achieve. That is why I am excited about running for county treasurer and why I would be grateful for your vote.
In the coming weeks, I will do my best to present my qualifications and share my vision for this office and this great county where I have grown up, started a successful business and a wonderful family. We are blessed with a diverse economy, tremendous educational, health and recreational facilities and many vibrant civic organizations. At their foundation, all of these assets are composed of a dynamic range of individuals with whom I look forward to serving.
I am honored to be on the ballot as Otsego County treasurer and look forward to fulfilling the responsibilities of that office, bringing further success and opportunity to you, your family and our community.
Dan Crowell
Roseboom
Democrats should vote for Dick Miller
Next week, Oneonta Democrats have an opportunity to choose their candidate for mayor of Oneonta. I'm supporting Dick Miller. Let me tell you why. Dick's experience makes him an excellent choice to lead the city of Oneonta. My first contact with Dick was when he was the well-respected vice chancellor and chief operating officer of the SUNY system.
Although I was sorry to have him leave SUNY to become president of Hartwick College, I thought he was an excellent choice for Hartwick. In addition to serving Hartwick and SUNY, he brings many years' experience working at the University of Rochester and as trustee at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Prior to starting his long career in the academic world, he was president of Case-Hoyt in Rochester. Dick's successful career in the academic and business worlds honed his ability to bring people together, to organize and to motivate, in short, to lead. He knows how to get things done, to involve stakeholders in decisions and how to use his keen sense of humor to defuse difficult situations.
His experience at Hartwick and SUNY give him a wonderful background to form partnerships with the two colleges in Oneonta. His service to the city as co-chair of the Mayor's Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, as well as leadership roles in many of Oneonta's nonprofit and civic organizations, give him strong insight into our city and its institutions.
I like what Dick says his goals will be as mayor: strengthening the local economy, improving neighborhoods, protecting the environment and working for fiscal stability in the face of diminishing revenues. But words are easy. Dick's time-tested record of achievement gives me confidence that he can, and will, do what he says. I urge Oneonta Democrats to vote for Dick Miller in Tuesday's primary.
Janet Potter
Oneonta
DEC bureau must be fully staffed
Sen. Tom Libous wants the state DEC to "approve safe drilling now" and has launched a website to petition to do just that. He wants upstate New York to realize the economic benefits of drilling. At the same time he understands that "money means nothing if we have to spend it cleaning up the environmental disaster caused by a poorly regulated industry." Senator Libous wants "DEC to issue strong regulations and follow them up with strict enforcement."
The delays in the publication of the draft GEIS, as well as delays in issuance of vertical wells (which continued to be processed through the previously established procedure) can most likely be attributed to the staffing in the Bureau of Oil and Gas Regulation within the DEC's Division of Mineral Resources. At a public meeting on July 17, 2008, DEC reported that 578 wells were permitted in 2007, 540 applications were reviewed in 2008, but only 19 staff were available statewide to conduct inspections. It's likely the DEC central offices that are working on the draft GEIS are also understaffed with respect to the demands put on them. For those whose emphasis is safe drilling, delays are acceptable if they result in better regulation and a safer gas industry.
If the goal is strong regulation, strict enforcement and timely issuance of drilling permits, New York state legislators need to guarantee that the Bureau of Oil and Gas within the DEC's Division of Mineral Resources is adequately funded and staffed. The Bureau of Oil and Gas Regulation should be fully funded by permit fees, both initial application fees and annually applied fees, paid for by the gas industry. The revenues raised by permit fees should be dedicated to the bureau. To push for speedy permit issuance without ensuring adequately staffed DEC is folly.
Psalm Wyckoff
Westford
Thayne best choice for county treasurer
As a committee person for the Otsego County Republican Party, it bothers me when I hear and read the personal attacks on the county treasurer.
I cannot believe they are talking about the same Myrna Thayne I came to know during my tenure as undersheriff and sheriff of Otsego County.
The Myrna Thayne I know worked the front counter in the treasurer's office for many years. I have known her to be honest, knowledgeable and hard-working. She was always willing to help people, whether they were taxpayers, department heads or anyone else who asked for assistance. The dealings I had with Myrna, and there were many, were always positive.
When Myrna was elected treasurer, she made many positive changes within the office. The new computer programs that were installed made the office more efficient.
The people who are discrediting Myrna should take an honest assessment of her work with the county. I am sure they will find she is the most qualified and experienced candidate for the position of treasurer of Otsego County.
Donald R. Mundy
Oneonta
Crowell wise choice in treasurer race
The voters of Otsego County have a rare opportunity to elect a truly qualified candidate for the office of county treasurer this November.
Dan Crowell, a Fulbright Scholar and graduate of the London School of Economics, is running as the Democratic candidate for treasurer. Not only does he possess an exceptional educational background, but his work experience includes expertise in financial software for use in government offices. He is thoroughly familiar with the accounting systems used in our county offices.
We would be wise to vote for Dan Crowell, the candidate with deepest experience in the fundamentals of finance and accounting and the only candidate with experience in economic development.
Linda Wilcox
Oneonta
Vote with confidence for Otsego town clerk
When you go to the town of Otsego primary on Sept. 15, you should know if this person is qualified to do the job. Pam Deane has proven to be qualified-plus. In her polite, confident way she performs the task the customer has asked for.
I did a petition for Pam. There were so many people who said, "She was so nice when we went to have her do a task for us."
We can be certain that she will have everything her job requires done right and on time, as she has done for the past 20 years.
Let us give her our vote so we can go forward knowing there will not be any problems.
Velma F. Armstrong
Pierstown
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