To the Northeast Center for Agricultural Health, based in Cooperstown, and partnering organizations on the ROPS Rebate Program. These organizations include the New York Farm Bureau and Farm Family Insurance.
The partners launched a campaign in 2006 to increase the use of Roll-Over Protective Structures, or ROPS, to reduce the number of fatalities caused by tractor overturns. The program, funded through grants, offers to help pay the cost of purchasing and installing ROPS on tractors. The devices usually consist of a roll bar that protects operators in tractor rollover accidents.
Any organization dedicated to protecting the lives of farmers should be praised for its community-minded aims. This program is particularly important because it focuses on protecting owners and workers of small crop and livestock farms, categories under which most farms in the area qualify.
Jeers
To the Upper New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church's Oneonta District Committee of Location and Building's decision to deny the Sidney Center United Methodist Church the opportunity to rebuild on the site of its former building.
The Main Street church was destroyed in an October 2009 fire set by East Meredith residents Donald J. Aitken, 23, and Cody D. Fancher, 18, who have been found guilty in Delaware County Court.
The congregation has been motivated following the devastating fire to rebuild, with fundraisers to gather additional funds. It should not be punished for the crimes of others.
The church should have the chance, with the insurance money and other funds, to rebuild where it sees fit. Despite the church's ability to pay, the conference ruled that "the cost was too high," and it had "serious concern about the potential growth and development" in the area. We believe the Sidney Center community has the necessary support to help this church rise from the ashes, and it would be a shame if the efforts of volunteers to rebuild were in vain.
To Dennis Kropp, the owner of an apartment building at 46 East St. in Oneonta, for allowing his building to reach a state of unsafe conditions.
Even though Kropp said he spoke to the Oneonta Police Department about suspected squatters in his building, he did not make an official report, leaving the city powerless to take action.
He exposed potential renters to unsafe conditions, with trash and belongings from previous tenants still in the building and the garage. He refused to be held accountable for the state of his building, blaming the alleged squatters.
Kropp also owes nearly $11,000 in administrative fees under city building and housing codes.
It's hard enough to find affordable rentals in the city. Landlords such as Kropp make it even more difficult. The potential for Kropp to take advantage of renters is possible, and potential tenants should beware.
