Copake Has a History That goes Back to the 1600's

Copake has a history that goes back to the 1600's and no one seems to think it is important.  There is no marker for the Grist Mill Unity that ground flour for troops during the Revolution and no marker for the part played in the Anti-Rent Movement. Nothing about being part of Livingston Manor or the boundary dispute that started the Anti Rent Movement. The iron works offers an excellent opportunity for development of the  tourist industry.


If you want to appeal to the better healed you need a  historic  building  where they can experience fine dinning.  Copake needs young people to take over and new housing, such as town houses, that might help attract  them.  I note Copake has a faction that is opposed to any change  and especially new housing.


To bad they are not on board.


Grant Langdon

“Ethics Reform, Albany Style”

To the Editor:

“Ethics Reform, Albany Style” (editorial, June 7) is a sad example of half a loaf of stale bread possibly being better than none.

The Democrats in Albany, copying their timid colleagues in Washington, have allowed the Republicans (with the Joint Commission on Public Ethics) to ensure that any bill that passes is, at best, only half effective.

By crippling the enforcement parts of the bill, our “representatives” in Albany have voted for business as usual with a very thin coat of ethics. This thin coat is less than a “good first step.” It is another illustration that using ethics and Albany in the same sentence remains an oxymoron.

THEODORE S. VOELKER
Copake, June 7, 2011 

Dear Mr. Wheeler - What about The Elephant in the Room

Dear Mr. Wheeler, supervisors, other,

Thank you Mr. Wheeler for the explanation about the resolutions (below). The typo seems to refer to the wrong town in a resolution, a section of road, 7A I believe. I offered the case of the typo as an example of why the resolutions should be online, which they now are and I think it's a positive step forward. Next time, the community, who knows who, might catch something more important.

Anyway, the resolutions are not online now, so I guess they won't be on the website before the vote on the resolutions. I just assumed the purpose of putting the resolutions online in advance would be to give the public a chance to look them over, find typos, mistakes and see what's coming down the pike, to organize resistance to bad measures and come out to support things they like.

You never know what kind of expertise and knowledge there is out there in the world and keeping things open seems like the best way to tap into our talented community. Just putting the resolutions online 3 weeks before the vote and letting folks have at them will probably save the county money. Putting them online AFTER the vote is better than nothing at all but not as effective as putting them online well in advance, I would think.

At least consider putting the resolutions online in advance... and thanks for getting back to me. I appreciate the response.

On another note, since it is the elephant in the room, folks, I do have a standing request for an ethics hearing to remove Valerie Bertram from the county ethics board. No one ever said peep about it so far. I didn't say remove her. I never said resign. I said let's have a hearing. I never heard why that might not be a good idea to clear the air or stop unethical behavior, depending on what we find.

In federal court this summer, I hope to make an argument that there is systematic break down in local ethics enforcement in New York and Columbia County. I would hope we start to change that systematic failure by court order if not voluntarily.

Where is Columbia County in the morass of ethical failure we call New York? Not leading. Right now, i would submit I don't see any reason for anyone to have any faith in your ethics board. Your ethics policy is posted on the website. Aren't you also supposed to actually use it?

Again, I say I was issued a false criminal violation charge followed by the illegal hiring of a special prosecutor to pursue said charge. A citation based on pre-arranged, coordinated false charge which Valerie Bertram was likely aware of in advance was filed in retaliation for bringing an ethics violation to the attention of the chair of the ethics board days prior to the issue of the court appearance. If true, as I have just alleged, this would not be how the chair of the ethics board should react to such an allegation that someone acted unethically, or at least appeared to act in such a way.

I never said that Tal Rappleyea's possible violation was criminal. I said there was the strong appearance of a violation and asked that it be looked into. it was not. Instead, I was targeted.

If the county is unable to police itself, then the courts are the only remedy.

It is clearly a county issue. Ms. Bertram is your chair of your ethics board. She is your chair of your public safety committee. She is your (some of you) deputy majority leader.

Doesn't it bother anyone that I found a problem, $10,000 missing, brought the issue to the attention of the person who is supposed to look into this stuff, and ended up in court against a special prosecutor with me as the defendant as my thanks?

It bothers me. I think it stinks. You guys are supposed to do something about it and you're not. That stinks too.

it is illegal to report financial mismanagement in Columbia County? All of you supervisors think this is fine?

Sorry, but I'm just not pleased about it. There is no way this is supposed to happen. You seem to hope I will just go away.

You know, I pay you guys a lot of taxes. You are not supposed to stand there and watch me get abused by the chair of the ethics board. Its totally outrageous and I'm pretty disgusted.

Is this all okay with you guys? Police harassment, like that business with Martin Roby? Lying to police that you have budgetary control over? False criminal charges? Special prosecutor? Pressuring cops to lean on political opponents? No accountability? What country is this?

Do you ever draw the line with one of your own?

Are you going to make me sue the county in Federal Court? Don't make me. Do something about this.

Open government, accountability, seriousness in ethics, honest invoices: seems like this stuff should be rather clear. But do get back to me and let me know where I may have missed something. Or let me know when my hearing will occur.

Thanks again for putting the resolutions online. Thanks for putting the ethics policy online.

A couple of positive steps...

Best,

Will Pflaum

Copake is a Connected Community Again

Bob:

Thank you so much for the Copake Chronicle. Thank you for saying such wonderful things about Elinor Mettler and thank you for your tireless efforts to help the town get back on track. It is a wonderful place and with a communication tool like the Chronicle it feels like a connected community again. It is great to know what is going on in our town. 

Joan Miller

Somebody Has to Say Something

Mr. Sacks:

If it wasn’t so serous I would have laughed out loud when I read Supervisor Crowley’s letter in the Chronicle. Here is a man that shows no understanding of government, and has the audacity to use the L word in a letter to the editor. That he would mention the word lie, borders on unbelievable to me. The same man, who lied to get into office telling the town about a totally fake tax increase, his misleading the town with his total lack of keeping office hours as a supervisor, and now he totally misses the opportunity to inform the public about the new bridge project and public safety questions. Now he wishes to act wounded, when you suggested he didn’t communicate well to the public about an important town situation. It is just amazing. My real hope is that it will be fixed in the next election cycle.  I work at night but I hope to get the time off to come to town hall and speak my mind. Somebody has to say something about this. 

John Vezzo 

A Luddite-Type Letter Advocating No Change in Copake Whatsoever

Dear Mr Rosenzweig

It is rather ironic that just before the Planning Committee presents their take on the future of Copake, you write a Luddite-type letter advocating no change whatsoever. While apparently written in the context of the cell tower, it was expanded to cover and express satisfaction with every element of our currently deteriorated Copake Hamlet. I cannot agree that our problems are caused by the current economic slump. Over the past 25 years, I have watched our Hamlet center decay almost to the point of no return. In their current condition these empty buildings will never fill: A former General Store with a deteriorated roof and recently rat infested. A former bar with a suspended liquor license. The yellow submarine aka Tyvex Palace with Health citation for a leaking septic and non-code wiring  plastered all over the second storey exterior. A junk yard on the towns southern exit. And more.

If these are the elements of rural charm that you insist on preserving, you are welcome to them. However many of us hope for a revival of Copake led by the efforts of our Planning Committee.

Leonard Ladin

Request From The United Way of Columbia and Greene Counties

Do you know why people contribute to the United Way of Columbia and Greene Counties?

It is because they share the “core values” of the UWCG with their own values:

1.            Helping children and youth succeed

2.            Strengthening and supporting families

3.            Building vital and safe neighborhoods

4.            Supporting health, independence and vital services for seniors

So  people who donate are contributing to their own values.

In 2011 the UWCG funded 37 programs in 35 agencies that met these impact areas .

The UWCG has a fund raising event planned each month in 2011: a Catfish Derby, a Motorcycle Run,

and “Hands Connecting Lives” connecting Greene County to Columbia County with 1000+ people across the bridge!

To volunteer or participate call Brad Poster, Director at 943-1813.

Brad Poster, Executive Director

United Way of Columbia and Greene Counties

P.O. Box 52

Hudson, NY 12034

518-828-4200 Office

518-755-2155 Cell

www.uwcg.org

The Safety of our Children on our Roads

Bob;

A quick note of thanks for the Copake Chronicle. It is an extraordinary publication that I look forward to each week. The news, the humor and the insights that go into the political process of our town is wonderfully put together. Where do you find the time? 

I strongly agree with your editorial of last week. The citizens group lead by Ms. Dipiri have legitimate questions about the safety of our children on our roads and especially on the bridge. I agree that just because they might have a shoulder doesn’t mean that they are safe for the community to use. What will the speed limit be? We still don’t know about the signs and the markings on the road itself.  Without the Chronicle I would know nothing about this project?   Thanks again and please continue to fight for our safety.

Janet Hanson  

Inaccurate and False Accusations

Well Bob, once again I am forced to respond to your inaccurate and false accusations. In your May 12th issue of the Chronicle you wrote that the new Brown's dam bridge did not have accommodations for bikers or pedestrians. When I pointed out to you that the plans for the project had been in the Clerk's office for almost a year you started your play on words. Yes, I did tell everyone that the "study" was there for everyone's inspection. Let me ask you this, when an engineering firm does a study, don't you think they would at least need something to study, such as construction plans? Several other people, including Planning Board and ZBA members, understood this and came in to look at the plans (study). Last year you were the one who brought up the issue of the effects of the construction on the integrity of the dam. Did you bother to look at the plans (study) to answer your questions then? NO. Had you taken the time you would have seen the the incorporation of the wider shoulders to accommodate bikers & pedestrians.

    I'm by no means a trained journalist but I do remember my junior high school english classes where I was taught that before you write something you need to verify all your information. When you heard rumors that there was no accommodations for bikers or pedestrians did you verify the information? NO.Did you look at the plans(study)? NO. Did you contact me to ask about it? NO. Did you contact anyone at County DOT? NO. Did you contact anyone at Clough Harbor? NO. You simply wrote your article based on false and unverified information.

    Now let's tell the rest of the story. You attended the May 11th Board of Supervisors meeting in Hudson. At that time I shared with you a copy of a letter that I had just received that the Chairman had sent to our EAB chairman. You read the entire letter. In that letter Chairman Brown pointed out the accommodations made for bikers and pedestrians. Yet when you published your article the next day you made no mention of this information that was shared with you. Why? You did not even, at the very least, include a post script to your article that you had received additional information the evening before.

    On May 14th you sent, via email, a copy of your article to Chairman Brown with the comment to him that it was published before his letter came to your attention.

 That Bob was an absolute lie. You had knowledge of the Chairman's letter prior to the start of the May 11th BOS meeting yet your article was published the next day, May 12th. If and when you ever become Supervisor, is that how you plan to conduct yourself, lying to the Chairman?

    You are correct when you say there was a lack of communication in this matter. It happened when you published another article that was based on rumors, misleading, inaccurate and unverified information. You have once again done a great disservice to your readers.

Reggie Crowley

Supervisor

Some Thoughts about Elinor Mettler's Passing

The news of Elinor Mettler’s untimely death came to me as a shock –– and with an aftershock when I realized that we had been acquaintances and colleagues for some thirty-five years!   Our earliest connection began in the ‘70’s with the Roe Jan Historical Society.  A highlight was the historic church tour marking the Nation’s Bicentennial, and with that the creation of the Roe Jan Community Choir under the baton of Newell Jenkins.  

 

Despite my relocating to California, we stayed in contact and, in fact, had been in active correspondence only a few weeks ago.   Elinor had a profound influence on me and on my late wife, Marion, who had a significnt professional relationship with the Dr. John Mettler.  All who knew Elinor owe her deep gratitude for the multitude and abiding contributions she made to the community.   She was, indeed, the ‘great lady of Copake’.

     

Howard Ennes

Copake is a Destination for Cyclists

To:
Roy Brown, Chairman of the Board, Columbia County, NY
Bob Fitzsimmons, County Attorney, Columbia County, NY
Bart Delany, Chair of Public Works, Columbia County, NY
Dean Knox, Engineering Division Director, Columbia County, NY

Dear Sirs,
The Copake Economic Advisory Board unanimously supports the combined Brown's Dam/County Route 7a rehabilitation projects (PIN#s 8757.17 & 8757.21) to have GreenLITES certification.

Copake is a destination for cyclists and we think all communities should encourage access for walking and biking; it is therefore important that this project have GreenLITES certification.

There are numerous concerns that have been raised over this impending project. One of the biggest concerns is the absence of a pedestrian/bike path over the bridge. The second concern is the lack of public input. The last time there was an opportunity for public input was seven years ago, and that is a very long time ago.
We would like our voices to be heard before construction commences. We would also request that GreenLITES certification be included to make this process possible.

Sincerely,
Leslie Wood
Chair
Copake Economic Advisory Board

Community Day is June 18th!

Dear Neighbor,

Community Day is June 18th!   This fun filled daylong celebration attracts thousands of people from Copake and the surrounding neighborhoods.  Please don't miss your chance to help support this great event, now in its 22nd year!

Please show your support by taking a vendor table, or becoming a sponsor of one of the many activities.  As you may know, Copake Community Day is a free event for everyone to enjoy.  We do this with the help of so many of our sponsors and supporters.  Please join us to help make June 18th a huge success!

Here is how you can participate!

·         Share your story!  Non profits can host a table at no cost, however, tables need to be confirmed using the form attached.

·         Showcase your business by taking a table.  Plants, antiques, crafts or jewelry vendors are needed.   

·         Sponsors can support community day and receive recognition in many ways including mention in flyers and posters all around town.   Many sponsorships are still available.  

·         Individual donations are gladly accepted and go a long way toward ensuring Community Day can be fun filled and kept completely free to attend.

General questions regarding Community Day, please email:  karendiperi@gmail.com

Vendor questions contact Bill Newcomb at 518-329-1234 or 325-5932

Sponsor questions call Chris Quinby at 518-755-9642.

Best,

Karen DiPeri

Community Day Committee

In response “Do We Need A Cell Tower?”

 In response to Mr. Rosenzweig’s letter “Do We Need A Cell Tower?” the answer is a resounding YES! 


He does make some good arguments as to the area’s charm, but there are many other uses of a cell tower.  Would the argument be the same when a loved one is having a cardiac event and the paramedics cannot get adequate service to speak with a physician or send telemetry? 


Would the argument be the same if a tanker carrying hazardous materials crashes on Rt. 22 and the Fire Department cannot pull up the latest weather and wind directions from the trucks to set up an evacuation area?  Would the argument be the same if a police officer cannot get the latest information on suspect via their MDT (Mobile Data Terminals).  And yes, there are plenty of areas in the county where the emergency services radios have difficulty transmitting and receiving.  


So before we as a town say no to a cell tower as a convenience, please consider the essential public safety uses they provide.


Michael LaForge

Do we really need a cell tower?

I get pretty consistent cell service with my Verizon phone.
If I happen to be stuck in a ditch in one of the few spots that doesn't get reception, I
am willing to take that chance.

This "rural" community is starting to seem more and more like it is pushing the envelope and
yearning to be something it is not, or should ever be.

We want the perks, but we also want to keep it the same.
I hear an awful lot of contradiction and hypocrisy with what some people
have to say about what they want and don't want to change here.
Downtown Copake  is an "eyesore"?

I think it's just a small town that is in an economic slump, pretty much like everywhere else,
yet it still has held on to the basic needs and services anyone should want out of their small town.

Two banks
A diner
A deli
A gas station
A few mechanics
A pharmacy
A laundromat
Dairy farmers
Doctors
lawyers
Realtors
A library
And plenty more

Yes, there are some empty storefronts.
They will be occupied again, in time.

What's the hurry?
If you want a fancy cappuccino, or a $50 meal, you know where you can go.
You want culture, you want a NY Times, you want free Wifi. It's already here. Maybe you have to drive a little.
You all made a choice to live here.

This town is just fine the way it is.
It will have a livelier downtown in due time, then it will slow up again, and so on. It's been like that for many, many generations.

In the meantime, get a cellphone through Verizon, buy a delicious, inexpensive breakfast or lunch
at the deli, and if your car breaks down, we are lucky enough to have one of the most dependable, honest, and professional auto body shops anyone could ever need.

This town is not broken, so stop trying to fix it.
If you try to have it both ways, you'll get it, and things will never be the same.
Take a nice deep breath of clean, sweet air, stop worrying about your cellphones, stop complaining about the cow manure,
look around, get outside of yourself and love this bucolic slice of heaven for what it is and what it used to be, and not what it "could be".

-Steve Rosenzweig

A Lovely Evocation of Rip Van Winkle

Hi Bob:   
Last November I wrote with anguish and apprehension on the construction of the entrance building to the Ore Pit Park. I’ve watched it grow and evolve into what I expect to be a lovely evocation of Rip Van Winkle, fully laden with ready-to-remember corners, crannies, wrinkles, the hat, and all save a smoking pipe.

Congratulations to everyone, including the building crew, who have had a hand in this very delicate treatment of, after all, a very sensitive spot: the point of entry and the last visible point on exit.
Thank you all. 

Bob Wood

The Backbone of our Local Society

Bob:

I want to thank you for bringing the emergency services into such clear and necessary focus. Our town is indeed blessed by an extraordinary volunteer corps of men and woman who without pay risk their lives and their valuable time to protect the public. Your editorials have made me realize just how special they are.  I have a different perspective on the subject now. They are indeed the backbone of our local society. My gratitude to them all. 

John M. Graves

Understanding Social Security

Understanding Social Security

     A mailing received from a group that calls itself American Federation of Senior Citizens declares that “Obama and the liberals continue to use something that they call the Social Security Trust Fund—draining that fund to pay for needless pork projects and massive government spending.  The fact of the matter is that there is no Trust Fund.”  In addition to crediting the President with draining a fund that doesn’t exist, this mailing projects a willful or grossly ignorant distortion of the Social Security system. I interrupt this sophomoric attempt to mislead seniors to interject elements of truth that I think can be helpful.

     Social Security retirement and disability payments have been paid for by the 6.2% payroll tax of gross worker income paid by both employer and employee (12.4% total.)  To this date, income from payroll taxes has exceeded payments to recipients.  The surplus income has gone into the Social Security Trust Fund.  By law, this fund can be used only to preserve the capacity of the Social Security system to pay benefits. It cannot be used for any other purpose.  Funds in the Trust Fund have been invested in U.S. government securities.

     That said, there is a real Social Security financial problem on the horizon.  For demographic reasons, the Baby Boom population bulge now beginning to move into retirement and the decline in number of workers relative to payment recipients, benefit payments will, not later than 2014, exceed income from payroll taxes.  Until 2022, the gap will be filled by two other sources of income, interest on government securities in the Trust Fund and payments into the Trust Fund from income taxes paid on a portion of Social Security benefits.  At that time, the Trust Fund will have to begin redeeming its government securities.  In 2010, these securities were projected to last, if there were no changes in the funding of Social Security, to 2037.  Thereafter, with the Trust Fund fully depleted, Social Security payments, relying entirely on payroll taxes, would drop to 78% of the expected amount.

     There are two reasons to develop additional funding for the Social Security system on which nearly all of us rely.  First, when the Trust Fund begins cashing in its securities, that addition to the expense side of the federal budget will add to pressure elsewhere in the federal budget.  It is likely that current budgetary debates in Washington will repeat:  should the budget be balanced by cutting military expenditures and tax credits for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, or by cutting health, educational, and other programs that serve the middle class and the working poor?  Second, failure to prevent a 22% reduction in Social Security payments will thrust additional millions of elderly Americans into poverty.

     Possible ways to keep the Trust Fund solvent indefinitely include repealing the tax cuts for the super-wealthy and raising, to the extent necessary, the current $102,000 ceiling on Social Security payroll taxes. Over time, of course, national priorities that determine the federal budget should be continually reexamined from both fiscal and moral perspectives.

     Now then, what were you saying?

Clark M. Simms

Copake Falls

(518) 325-4376

Copake Lights the Way

The lead article in the March 24th edition of the Columbia Paper highlighted the steps being taken by the Town of Copake to move into the 21st Century by installing solar panels on its public buildings.

 

Thanks to the strong efforts by Councilwoman Linda Gabaccia (D), who is always looking out for the best interests of the Town and its citizens, and Councilman DannyTompkins (R), who has been the voice of reason and intelligence on the Republican controlled Board, not only will the Town do its part to conserve fossil energy, but it will save and even make money to help its budget for the next forty years.

 

They worked together to obtain grants to pay for all but $30,000 of the costs and are to be congratulated.  Thanks to both of you.

 

Morris Ordover

Copake, NY

Thoughts on Social Security

I am a senior citizen, 81 years old. In my mail on 3/19/11came a letter in large, black, easy-to-read type, a form letter from the American Federation of Senior Citizens proclaiming the looming death of Social Security by"Obama and the liberals (who) continue to use the Social Security Trust Fund -- draining that fund to pay for needless pork projects and massive government spending", when in reality Social Security is doing FINE right now!

Reality: Income from Social Security is earned when people work. Automatically a designated percent (6.2%) of the earner's wage is deposited in the Social Security Trust Fund  by both the employer and the employee. A record is kept of this transaction is kept so that all the monies collected this way by that worker over his or her life until age 65 will begin to be returned to him or her in monthly payments until death.

NO MONEY from this Trust Fund is used for any government expense other than dispensing  monthly portions to the retired person who earned them. That's the law.

I feel that is malicious and unfair for the Federation of Senior Citizens to LIE to Seniors that the government  is  "stealing"  their hard-earned life's savings.

There has always been a surplus in the Social Security Trust Fund. At this moment that surplus is thinner because of the recession and subsequent joblessness of this time .  As the "baby boomers" begin to retire, real stress will be added to the S.S.Trust Fund, which will have to use  up the fund, and by 2045 it will disappear.

BUT there is one action that the Government can make which will prevent such a disaster:  TAKING AWAY THE TAX RELIEF FOR THE VERY WEALTHY 2% people. 

Chase Crosley

Copake Falls

Our local NYSEG guys did a heroic job... BUT

Dear Bob (hope you're feeling better)

During the last snow storm we were out of power for almost 5 days...many households were out equally as long in last one as well. Our local NYSEG guys did a heroic job  , as usual, but the problem is, we now have very few local workers. NYSEG was purchased several years ago by a Spanish Company called Iberdrola.They have done what a lot of companies have been doing and that is slashing services as cost cutting measures. They also purchased Rochester Gas and from what I understand the situation is the same in that community. Iberdrola, I have heard, has cut over 60% of the  local service and has set up a complicated corporate structure not located in Columbia County for emergency response. Instead of locals who know where everything is and can fix a pole or power line on the spot...the response time has slowed to days...not hours. I don't know about you, but with all of this cost cutting, my utility prices have not been reduced...how about yours? Are we outsourcing important emergency responsiveness? A friend in Rochester suggested we make sure to purchase a generator as this is just the beginning.

Iberdrola is a Spanish utility company. The company is engaged primarily in the generation, transmission, distribution, and marketing of electricity and natural gas. 
Iberdrola acquired international energy company Scottish Power in November 2006, giving access to new markets and augmenting its generation capability along with other benefits. The combined entity operates in Spain, the UK, the US, Mexico, Brazil, Greece, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Guatemala, Bolivia, and Chile.