Restore family values to stop city violence

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Restore family values to stop city violence

It was interesting to read about the rally against the recent street violence in Schenectady.

You want to reduce the street violence in Schenectady? Then the parents of these adolescents involved need to step up to the plate and take responsibility for their children. Why are teenagers on the street in the middle of the night, with guns no less?

Family values need to return to Schenectady before the violence can cease.

Gerald DeAngelus

Schenectady

Reconsider removal of historic Sunoco sign

Dick Tullock’s Aug. 1 letter regarding the forced removal of his former vintage revolving Sunoco gas sign by the Schenectady Planning Board was spot on, and I would hope the Planning Board members and their influencers can see their way to reconsidering, not just for his benefit, but for the benefit of the many area residents who revere such things.

Signage from the heyday of America’s prolific gas station days is amongst the most valuable and sought-after memorabilia in America these days; it’s considered “art” within the collectors’ realm. Even small signs can bring prices in the thousands of dollars. As the owner of a chain of stations recently informed me, “Soon, there won’t be a company-sponsored service station in America, as the big oil companies are all getting out of retail” — these signs are a ‘limited-item.’”

In poll after poll these days, Americans are viewing our recent past decades as America’s finest, longing for the robust economies and what they brought to America, the region and its people. Indeed, the Schenectady Metroplex has been spending millions of dollars attempting to create a future and restore the city, while acknowledging the symbols of our cherished past. I applaud their efforts and accomplishments, but why is this long-established sign inconsistent? What is the over-arching need for its removal?

The members of the Planning Board are supposed to represent the interests of the community. And in the area of historic symbols, I suggest the “community” includes more than just the city limits. It includes all of us in the area that both prosper from and contribute to its well-being. Please reconsider.

John Kelch

Rexford

Time to get serious about air pollution

On Aug. 4, The Gazette stated that many Republican-led states will not comply with power plant emission limits set forth by President Obama and plan a legal challenge. [Obama heralds power plant limits].

Unbelievable.

Power plant emissions from other states have already poisoned many of our lakes in the Adirondacks, killing the fish and making the lakes barren. These same pollutants are poisoning the air we breathe, causing lung ailments and other related illnesses.

Greedy corporations and their Republican allies don’t seem to care who or what they harm for the almighty buck.

We have the technology to clean up the power plant emissions, so let’s do it. How many years has the fight over smokestack emissions been going on? While some progress has been made, common sense dictates that it’s time to get the job done.

Walter Morlock

Schenectady

Important for Public Safety to be by village

While the controversy over the location of the new Public Safety facility continues, I wish, once again, to give an overview on the importance of the facility remaining as close as possible to the village of Schoharie and the county seat.

First, it is extremely important for everyone to try to understand that the village is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Irene. It has been an extremely difficult rebuilding process for both residents and the business district.

The village has lost many structures, some being involved in flood mitigation that will never be rebuilt again. All dwellings lost constitute a loss in property taxes, as well as a loss of income to the water and sewer district. The village water and sewer district receives approximately $38,000 per year for providing water and sewer to the Public Safety facility on Depot Lane. If the district were to lose that income, it would have to be made up by the remaining users in the village.

It is no secret that the businesses on Main Street continue to struggle, some just making ends meet. If the Public Safety facility was moved farther away from the village, it would create the loss of patronization by the workforce who, on a daily basis, are supporting local business.

We must also be mindful that there would be a loss of sales tax to both the village and the town by the facility no longer being a part of our total tax base as far as its assessment is concerned. Taking those important issues into consideration, I have maintained support for the facility to remain in the town of Schoharie, as well as it being constructed as close to the village proper as possible.

The financial stability of the village is extremely important, not only to me but to many others. As an elected representative, there will be times that I will not be capable of being all things to all people and that is unfortunate. Issues of this nature can fragment a community.

That is unfortunate as well. I have and will continue to promote a peaceful coexistence among our residents. It has never been my intention to cause disruption of any kind. I know wholeheartedly that if you are willing to understand the financial instability that exists in our community, you will certainly understand my not being willing to take any risk that would cause government, as well as residents, to experience another major setback.

I applaud the residents of our village and town for their willingness to rebuild and make our community whole again. I also wish to thank, once again, all the business owners for their willingness to reinvest in the rebuilding effort. Collectively we have overcome. We must remain united and continue to move forward.

Gene Milone

Schoharie

The writer is the town supervisor.

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Categories: Letters to the Editor