Republican model simply doesn't work
Recent events have proven, beyond doubt, that the Republican Party model of government doesn't work.
The world's economy is at risk because of rigid adherence to the Republican mantra of "small government." Just get the government out of the way and let business do what it needs to do, is what they tell us. For goodness sake, even while Sarah Palin was advocating increased regulation of the banking industry, she said more than once during her debate with Joe Biden that government just has "to get out of the way."
Well, I think it's time for the government to get back in the way. The government has been standing on the sidelines too long. Let's get government back in the way of disastrous lending practices, dangerous speculation and fictitious monetary instruments.
Let's also get government in the way of the health insurance industry. Too many Americans are suffering needlessly because of the Republican small-government model. In New York state, this problem is compounded by the close ties between Republican Jim Seward and the insurance industry.
Recent news indicates that the problems suffered by big business on Wall Street are hitting New York state especially hard and, more recently, Republican Jim Powers, chairman of the Otsego County Board of Representatives, has warned that the state's woes are likely to flow down to Otsego County. I guess that's what the Republicans mean by "trickle-down economics."
This November, we have an opportunity to take the country in a different direction, away from the Republican Party ideology that has failed our country and our state. Vote for smart government, not small (or big) government. Vote for government that looks after all of its citizens, not just the wealthy. Vote Democratic.
Edward T. Lentz
New Lisbon
Lentz is chairman of the Otsego County Democratic Committee.
Poor decision made on Delhi apartments
A thoughtful Delhi Village Planning Board would have never approved 12 apartments that will house between 24 and 88 people, 12-plus dogs, and 22 cars on just 1.2 acres. Dozens of us pointed out flaws for months: increased traffic on a dangerous road; potential increased flooding; excessive exhaust and noise; a violation to proper use of a side yard (if a car is parked on it, it's no longer a side yard, which must be "unoccupied") with not enough space for emergency trucks to get around the structure; and poor screening.
Letters were delivered, so many voiced objections. We asked that it be reduced to eight apartments. The board allowed the architect to tinker with the plans and come back with no size reduction.
Six copies of a flooding video were delivered to the board chairman to be watched by members, but none watched it as asked, not even the chairman.
The developer was allowed to speak after public comment was closed at July's meeting, in violation of the rules of order. The minutes of Sept. 2 omit mention of the letter I and one other resident delivered that morning and asked to have read aloud prior to voting.
Board members who were activist in the past when development was near their businesses suddenly lost their activist edge when the mess wasn't in their backyard.
The written code is a guide, but humans are supposed to interpret it well. Just because an elephant can squeeze a toe into a high-heel shoe doesn't mean it fits him. Why not construct the Fox health clinic at 37 Meredith? This would bring jobs, health care and would not create problems.
It is unfortunate what a poor, undemocratic decision was made here. Let's see if there is a way to change the outcome.
Diane Pagen
Delhi
Seward a supporter of law enforcement
Every time an election year rolls around, we hear candidates espousing their support for law and order. There is one candidate who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk: Sen. Jim Seward.
During his entire 20-plus-year tenure in the New York State Senate, representing our area, he has been a strong advocate for law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel. He has worked tirelessly toward making our jobs safer, by supporting bills to toughen the laws for work-zone violators, stronger sentences for child sexual predators, the death penalty for cop killers, and my personal favorite, his support for our local law enforcement training center. With his support, we have established the Otsego County Law Enforcement Academy as one of the best law enforcement training sites in New York state. Having a local law enforcement training academy saves the taxpayers a lot of money. We can obtain professional, low-cost training for police and security personnel right in Oneonta.
Look closely at his record and you will see that Sen. Seward deserves to be re-elected. He works hard for this area. Ask a local police officer who he or she is voting for in the 51st Senatorial District race. The answer will surely be Sen. Jim Seward.
James H. Small
Meredith
Small is director of the Delaware County Law Enforcement Academy and is former director of the Otsego County Law Enforcement Academy.
Support Lambert for Otsego judge
I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you, the voters, why I support John Lambert for Otsego County judge in the upcoming election.
John lives in the village of Cooperstown with his wife and three children; his family-oriented, conservative values make him the perfect fit for this position.
John is the only candidate with experience in all three county courts. As chief assistant district attorney, John has prosecuted many violent and white-collar crime cases. As a lifelong resident of Otsego County, he is keenly familiar with the needs of our community, which will ensure that we maintain and improve upon our quality of life. His unbiased decisions on the bench will benefit all residents of our county.
John is not just another politician running for office. He is involved in several community activities, and in his down-to-earth, personable manner, while walking to work, he can be found stopping often to answer questions and just speaking with residents of our community.
Don't just take my word for it, please take the time to look up John's record, and I'm sure on Election Day you will join me in supporting John Lambert for Otsego County judge.
Richard D. Abbate
Cooperstown
Bailout won't help American people
About the $700 billion financial-saver: As I see it, the money will be going to the financial corporations' CEOs, i.e., the rich, so they keep their million-dollar salaries that put the American people in this mess. The people would still owe the banks: A win-win for the corporations and people who run them.
Wouldn't it make more sense, and be more for the American people, to put this $700 billion toward the people who are in danger of losing their homes to pay off or at least lower their payments? Oh wait, the rich wouldn't be getting richer, and you know the rest of that saying.
As I see it, the ones who have caused this whole mess are benefiting again, not the people who need the help. Again, the American people are Bush-whacked.
Wayne Wyckoff
Grand Gorge
Barber entered race because of confidence
On March 31, The Daily Star reported: "Responding to (Don) Barber's campaign start, Seward 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 disdainful or contemptuous of democratic elections.
No one has a right to a seat in the state Senate, it must be earned every two years.
Don Barber has entered this race for the 51st Senate District seat because of confidence in himself, in the voters and in elections.
Leon Kalmus
Oneonta
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