Follow in opposing the "home rule"
Are you aware that a "home rule" bill is in the state Senate that would give your locality control over oil and gas drilling? Think that's a good thing? Dryden and Oneonta are in the same state Senate district.
Think again. Consider that local governments have no separate legislature and executive, no checks and balances. An unbridled, activist majority can do as it pleases with home rule. Today as you like, tomorrow not so much.
Your only recourse is an expensive lawsuit or moving out.
Gas drilling, like air traffic and broadcasting, is not a proper subject for home rule. Local officials have little technical knowledge of a complex subject.
If you value limited government, oppose the "home rule" bill, or your neighbors may soon come for all you own.
Henry S. Kramer
Town of Dryden
Moratoriums will affect our towns' futures
Each and every resident of townships throughout our county and state must consider what a moratorium on heavy industry will do to the towns and villages. What is the future for our towns? What will be the results when a "domino effect" is factored in? The short-term effects are easily recognized, and there will be no drilling for natural gas. The long-term effects are yet to be seen. Some issues to consider are:
"¢ What is the exact definition of heavy industry and what else might be under that umbrella term?
"¢ There is no incentive for people and businesses to move into the area.
"¢ Current residents may have to move away, therefore loss of tax base.
"¢ An increase in land taxes for those who stay.
"¢ An increase in school taxes for landowners.
"¢ Over time local businesses, churches and schools will close. The towns and villages as they are today will disappear.
"¢ Ugly abandoned buildings and overgrown fields will cover what is now our picturesque landscape.
"¢ A loss of volunteer emergency services, which at the present time do save lives and property.
Town officials are elected to do what is best for all the town residents. Their job is to encourage growth and viability of a town as well as protect it with laws and regulations.
At the present time, it seems many have a one-item agenda.
Barbara Lilley
Otego
