School members need to work together
For the record, Support Oneonta Schools is the name of the organization, not Save Our School, as The Daily Star has been reporting.
This is important to note because when this group of parents, teachers and concerned community members first began mobilizing in March, we were coming together from across the district to defend and promote all of our schools and programs.
For us, the fight for Center Street School was always about more than just one school.
So I find encouraging that the school budget passed with overwhelming support and that although Proposition 1 failed, more than 700 Oneonta voters _ not just from Center City, but from across the city and town _ were willing to pay forward for our schools and community.
While it is undeniable that all of the families across the district feel strongly about the schools that their children attend, Support Oneonta Schools has been motivated not by sentiment and emotion, but by fact and reason.
The formula for New York state aid to public schools systematically disadvantages rural and small-city districts like ours, and we must stand together for fairness in educational opportunity for our K-12 students.
This becomes even more important as the governor continues to seek “efficiencies” in education, including in school transportation, for next year. I urge school board members and community members to work together to develop rational, thoughtful long-range plans for our future.
Sallie Han
Oneonta
Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor: May 25, 2012
- Letters to the Editor
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Make sure Blodgett project holds water
Many thanks to Dennis Finn and the Planning Commission for allowing unrestricted public comment on the Blodgett Drive housing project at the commission’s May 15 meeting. Most who spoke are residents of the area who know the safety and drainage issues well.
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We need a law against Google Glass
It’s a technological marvel; a product ahead of its time, or at least ahead of the law for the time being, that is.
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No foreign aid until our needs are met
I couldn't agree more with Sal Furnari's letter published in the Weekend edition. I would also like to add that when I was growing up I was taught to "take care of my own first" and then share with others.
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It's sad to see Rich Murphy retire
It was a sad day for Otsego County when Rich Murphy announced his intention to retire from the county board at the end of his current term.
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Liberal media only care about themselves
Sounds like it all depends on 'whose ox is being gored' when it comes to the illegal phone tappings of reporters.
Continued ... - Saturday, May 18, 2013
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Public financing could cure pols' paranoia
Paranoia is an irrational fear of persons, places or events that have no basis in reality.
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Resort proposal is just too big
Belleayre Mountain Ski Center is a New York state taxpayer-owned recreational area. People who have paid for BMSC with their hard-earned dollars should not have to also pay for the infrastructure necessary to assure an enjoyable ski experience for the visitors to a private developer's monster mega-mall/spa resort on a mountaintop.
Continued ... - Friday, May 17, 2013
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Redistributing wealth just isn't fair
Yesterday a dozen of us were eating lunch in the break room where I work, most of us complaining that all we could afford was peanut butter and jelly and bologna ... except for Rob.
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Hoping many will adopt a grave
It's that time of year again; adopt a grave. I am hoping when you buy flowers or a plant for a family member or friend's grave that you will buy some for another grave. I wish everyone would open up their heart and honor someone else by putting flowers on their grave. My hope is that groups, families and youth groups adopt a cemetery or a grave, and at least once a year that person or persons will be remembered. I started out with two and now am up to 14. It doesn't have to be expensive; just what your heart tells you to do.
Continued ... - Thursday, May 16, 2013
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Blame Dems for Social Security woes
In his inaugural address President Kennedy said: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.'
Continued ... - Wednesday, May 15, 2013
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Newman housing would benefit city
I would like to comment on the excellent letter written recently by Alan Cleinman concerning the "Newman Development."
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Paying what you can afford won't work
Our president said:
Continued ... - Tuesday, May 14, 2013
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What will happen when Manor is gone?
I’m writing this letter as I was unable to attend the Otsego County’s board meeting in regards to the sale of the Otsego Manor. My grandmother is 75 and resides at the Otsego Manor; she has for the last three years. The county has a lien on her home to recoup money that they have spent out in regards to Medicaid. My family does not mind this as we are thankful the staff is able to provide the care we cannot.
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We must move ahead to thrive
Recently, we had some compelling letters and opinions on the gas industry and how it can benefit local economies. Marie Lusins' letter explained how the Manor home and its woes could be, or could have been saved with vertical-well gas drilling.
Continued ... - Monday, May 13, 2013
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Public scrutiny crucial to governing
We in Delaware County are often asked by Otsego County residents why there is not a stronger county-wide response to fracking or pipelines or the closing of county homes.
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Pa.'s water troubles may help New York
The biggest concern I hear from my neighbors about New York state developing natural gas has to do with drinking water protection.
Continued ... - Saturday, May 11, 2013
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Passenger trains could ride again
It has been in the news recently about how more and more people are riding on Amtrak trains these days. I wish there were more passenger trains nationwide. Passenger trains have not gone through Oneonta since the early 1960s. At that time, the automobile took over and our new interstate highway system was formed.
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Pipeline won't spell destruction of park
I live in the city of Oneonta. There are sewer lines, gas lines and telephone poles surrounding me. The street my house is on has constant vehicle traffic, joggers and walkers. Even so, I have to treat all of my flowers and shrubs to prevent the deer from eating them. (Even on my front porch and rear deck.) There are lots of birds. There would probably be more if the squirrels did not eat the bird seed. I must be careful not to leave a door ajar or the chipmunks will come into my house. Daily, I see rabbits, raccoons, woodchucks, wild turkeys, skunks and fox. Last year, I think I even saw a coy dog.
Continued ... - Friday, May 10, 2013
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U.S. spending priorities misplaced
Here are some recent headlines that make my stomach turn:
Continued ... - Thursday, May 9, 2013
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Animals' lives are worth saving
People have been complaining about how animal shelters are putting animals down too quickly. Some say animal shelters are to give animals a happy life. Others say it is too much or a waste of money. Some people simply don't care. Most people think animals should be nurtured no matter the cost.
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Make sure Blodgett project holds water
