Broadband access critical to economy
I support Stephen Cobb's letter regarding broadband access in Otsego County. Not only are property values declining, but the revenue/resources are as well. I have contacted Sen. James Seward, the Otsego County Board of Representatives, and Ms. Carolyn Lewis (Office of Economic Development) regarding lack of access in the town of Roseboom. The proposed broadband loop excluded Roseboom completely. I never received acknowledgement or reply from any of those individuals.
I am employed as a medical transcriptionist, outsourced from a local medical facility to a firm in Tennessee, which has recently declared bankruptcy, and I do not know what my future holds. I do know that the lack of Internet access locally is a growing problem that cannot be ignored. I pay $50 monthly for a second phone line and Internet service provider, only to get a whopping connection speed of 24.0 Kbps. I, too, must work through a VPN, which I am told is not satellite-compatible. Jobs are being outsourced to India because of the technological abilities and cost savings "" shame on us! We are not only competing for jobs locally, but worldwide. Clerical jobs are exiting the U.S. to support India "" U.S. federal income tax, call centers and medical transcription, billing and coding. India has acquired a wealth of our private information and U.S. dollars. Apparently the wages are less, but I am working for "pennies" as far as income lost related to time spent working.
I am frustrated trying to accomplish my job efficiently, my weekends are gobbled up by helping my son apply to colleges, financial aid forms, making payments "" all via the Internet. The U.S. Government and educational/financial institutions are going "paperless." Now is the time to address this critical need, it cannot be ignored!
Christine Z. Mott
Cherry Valley
Don't believe sales pitch on drilling
In a recent letter, Dave Parker argues that we're all missing out on a big opportunity, "for fear there might be an environmental impact, accident, 'quality of life' impact etc., etc." from gas drilling.
Parker says we should move ahead with drilling in spite of the risks that he acknowledges. He wants to convince readers that "the vast majority" who vote are on his side and the only ones opposed are "vocal activists."
What Parker doesn't say is that he and business partner Richard Downey are the heads of two local landowner coalitions, in which they both participate personally. Moreover, we must assume that they are negotiating leases with clauses that protect coalition members from financial liability if drilling results in contamination of neighbors' drinking wells.
The truth is that they have everything to gain from having gas drilling proceed as quickly as possible, while the rest of us have everything to lose. Parker admits the risk, but doesn't tell you that he and his clients are the ones creating it and at the same time making sure they won't have to pay for the damage. It's not just a few vocal activists who will get stuck with the cleanup bills and worthless homes, but everyone who hasn't made a killing and gone off to vacation in the Caribbean.
Don't be fooled by the sales pitch. It's Parker and Downey, the gas conglomerates and the Wall Street banks that fund them, the lawyers and the politicians who've publicly aligned themselves with the gas industry and a few large landowners versus everyone else. Make no mistake about it. They're out to exploit us. And they're all mistaken about the bright future that awaits us all. But, yes, Parker's right about one thing. We do vote.
Bob Rosen
East Meredith
Pledge to make car 'no phone zone'
Have you taken the pledge? I have! And if you don't know what the pledge is, tune in to the last few minutes of "Oprah" every day.
About a month ago I got a phone message from someone dear to me who said you have to watch "Oprah "today _ very important _ but didn't tell me why. I was not home and did drive home and started taping the show because she was so emphatic that I watch this. And when I did watch it later, I was overwhelmed as I watched two women talk about how their husbands were killed because a young man who was texting on his cell phone ran into them. The young man also was on _ it had happened three years before. There were other stories and the audience was filled with people who had lost someone because the driver was talking on a cell phone or texting. Yes, I used to talk on a cell and drive, too. No longer! However, every day I see people on their cell phones _ isn't there a law in New York state?
Oprah has asked everyone to make "their car a NO phone zone." Yet, I don't hear anyone being as affected as my family to taking this very seriously. Will it take a local fatal accident to make people wake up and stop talking and texting while driving.
Listen to an "Oprah" show, every day the last few minutes. Go to her website ... be as deeply affected as I was. What could be so important it couldn't wait until you stop your car before you use your cell phone?
Nancy Garrison
Oneonta
Couple should be applauded for jump
We would just like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to Jamie and Brenda Waters and their crew at the 2010 Polar Bear Jump. Often times in the past we have chosen to observe from behind the scenes.
In the past we have known people who have been supported by this great event ... but this year hit a little closer to home. We have had members of our immediate family battle cancer, but when a beautiful 16-year-old girl is afflicted by this aggressive disease, once again it reminds us that no one is immune to its effects.
We've known Jamie and his family for many years. The quiet, humble way in which he and his wife, as well as their family and friends, put this event on is to be commended. From one year to the next, especially from two months out, they allow us to disrupt their lives with phone calls, questions and requests. In speaking with Jamie on Friday evening before the event, after 10 p.m he was still registering those who were eager to participate. No one was going to be left out. I'm not sure that everyone understands or can appreciate the amount of preparation that goes into this kind of event.
We know that Jamie and Brenda will probably receive this praise and admiration with reluctance and humility. But we would just like to share with the community our admiration, respect and continued support for this awesome event. May the Lord bless them, as well as the many volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time and efforts each year.
Ron Losie
Oneonta
