The idea of, and now the reality of an intermodal transportation center has been bandied around Cooperstown and the Town of Otsego for about two years.

Major federal funding of $4.2 million has come through and now the usual powers that be are deciding what to do with it. They've just forgotten to let the rest of us (the Voters, Taxpayers and Residents) in on the process.

The intermodal concept is a grand one, progressive and potentially beneficial to residents, the commuting labor force, and thousands of visitors.

Successful intermodal transportation centers are economically supportive, environmentally friendly and shining examples of efficiency. The right type built in our area could alleviate some of the nagging parking and transportation headaches we contend with daily and positively influence our quality of life.

The best intermodal centers can incorporate pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths and sheds, bus stops, trolley loops, rail exchanges, parking, and connections to larger transportation arteries and systems. While it needs careful forethought and professional planning, it is not rocket science. The concept is certainly within the grasp of Average Citizens, some who might offer a valuable opinion or two.

The trouble is, unless he happens to be part of a very tight loop, for the last two years John Q. Public has had no idea if the proposed center will be any of those good things, or if his money will just pay for a great big parking lot for Bassett Healthcare and new digs for the Chamber of Commerce.

Left in the dark, and in the wake of a private luncheon held for public officials where a public project using public funds was discussed without the required notice of public invitation, what should we surmise? Perhaps nothing improper transpired, but that's certainly not the appearance.

The democratic process can be so darned inconvenient. It takes time and patience, many opinions are aired, and all that for good reason.

The mills may grind slowly, but they grind exceeding small. This transportation center gives all of us a golden opportunity to make a substantial difference in our community and we must make the most of it. It is too important to be left only to those with single agendas.

As special as they are, Cooperstown and the Town of Otsego are still subject to the same rules of order and laws that govern any village in the State of New York. We expect our elected officials and those non-elected players to abide by them, for the good of all the citizens.

Brenda Berstler is the founder of the Walking Example Group (WE-GO) a non-profit organization encouraging walking and walkable communities. Visit their website at www.we-go.org.