With the possible exception of a school board, it's hard to imagine any group subject to more second-guessing and opprobrium than a county board.
That is certainly the case when it comes to the Otsego County Board of Representatives, with which this newspaper and its readers have had many issues through the years.
We still haven't given up on the hiring of a county manager, which we fervently believe would not only pay for itself but bring a much-needed expertise to a multimillion-dollar operation.
On the other hand, the county has made steady progress in freeing its citizens from the very bad deal inflicted upon them by being part of the Montgomery-Otsego-Schoharie Solid Waste Management Authority.
Now, there is a proposal before the county board to double the terms served by the representatives from two to four years.
It looks like a good idea to us, with a couple of caveats.
A resolution awaiting board action would authorize a referendum on Election Day in November, said Rep. Rich Murphy, D-town of Oneonta, the author of the proposal.
A public hearing would be held on the question before it would be put to voters, he said.
"Two years is too short," Murphy said. He said new members of the county board are in office for barely a year before they are pressed to decide whether they are running for re-election.
"Four years is preferable because it gives the elected official time to learn the position," said Murphy, who had previously been a member of the Oneonta Town Board, whose members have four-year terms.
The idea would seem to have some merit. We need look no further than the U.S. House of Representatives to see an example of office-holders having to worry about the next election as soon as they start serving their terms.
Four years would seem ample time to learn the job and get things done without inordinate concern about offending this interest group or that one.
However, if a four-year term is the way to go, we believe all the county board elections should coincide with the presidential plebiscite. Too often in off-year elections a single issue can have a disproportionate effect on the makeup of the board.
An obvious example was the recent election that hinged greatly on drilling for natural gas in our area. It's an important issue, certainly, but the county has many more things it must address.
Tying the four-year terms to a presidential election year would bring far more voters to the polls and lead to a more well-rounded electorate.
We urge the county board to approve the proposal to bring the four-year-term idea to local voters in November.
Opinion
Give Otsego County reps four-year terms
- Opinion
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Make sure you vote in school tax election
School superintendents have it anything but easy in these challenging economic times. In addition to dealing with myriad day-to-day and semester-to-semester issues, they have to have Solomon-like political acumen and management skills.
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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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THIS WEEK'S POLL
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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.
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Street Talk: May 20, 2013
Do you think that recent high school graduates have a harder time finding a job than previous generations?
- Saturday, May 18, 2013
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Casino in our area worth talking about
If Gov. Andrew Cuomo has his way, casinos will be awarded to three upstate locations.
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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.
- Friday, May 17, 2013
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Take precautions to prevent kidnappings
It has been nearly two weeks since the arrest of Ariel Castro in Cleveland on rape and kidnapping charges for acts that should send a chill through the spines of everyone in America.
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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.
- Thursday, May 16, 2013
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IRS, Justice actions violate our trust
After the recent actions of the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Justice Department, belief in the integrity of our government is hanging by a very slender thread.
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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.'
- Wednesday, May 15, 2013
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After 40 years, it was time to get married
This newspaper publishes lots of wedding announcements, but one that appeared prominently in Monday's edition was especially heartwarming.
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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:
- Tuesday, May 14, 2013
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Cheers
To three longtime public servants who recently announced their decisions to leave their posts.
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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.
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Make sure you vote in school tax election
