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5-31-2007 Kevin Hodne, of Oneonta, is the only one of the 14 incumbents who has decided not run. Martha Stayton and Ralph Laguna, both also of Oneonta, expect to announce their plans soon. Residents in three of the districts have already announced their plan to oppose incumbent representatives and we see that as a very good sign. We are hoping that many more challengers step forward to seek a seat on the county board. This has not been the kind of year to make residents feel good about county government. Topping the list, of course, is the fiasco over the budget that increased the tax levy by more than 20 percent. Members of the board of representatives and new county treasurer Myrna Thayne have taken turns pointing fingers at each other and bickering over who is to blame. Now the board has to decide if it will go through with a tax refund program that to our way of thinking is expensive and largely symbolic. We believe most taxpayers would rather see representatives’ attention focused on learning more about the budget process and putting in place procedures to prevent a similar occurrence in the future. There has been a serious problem with the Otsego Manor administrator and now, it looks possible the county won’t send enough trash to MOSA to meet its annual quota. The county is on track to miss its target by about 1,400 tons, according to Rep. Greg Relic, who chairs the county’s Solid Waste Committee. That shortfall could cost county taxpayers almost $140,000. Not all the problems can be blamed on the representatives, but they are the ones who must answer for them. Residents are not happy with the way things are going and hopefully it will stimulate more people to seek office. Far too often representatives run unopposed, but this year that may change. Contested elections lead to a healthy discussion and debate of the issues facing the county and make it easier for voters to winnow out the best candidates. There is still ample opportunity to get your name on the ballot, and we encourage anyone who believes they have the attributes to be a good representative to step forward and run for office. |
Copyright 2007, Cooperstown Crier, Cooperstown, NY All rights reserved