You may call the Owego Pennysaver Readers’ Column at (607) 687-2378 24-hours a day, or e-mail comments to readerscolumn@stny.rr.com. We reserve the right to revise or reject any message.
Cell phones are great for emergencies or to check in with family members, but constantly texting on them is ridiculous. Has it ever occurred to you when you text someone and say something about another, that is a written record. Whereas if you actually talk to someone and say something about someone else it is your word against theirs. Those who drive with one attached to your ear like it is glued there are morons. You are not only putting your life in danger but anyone who is in your vehicle or in another car. Use some common sense and pull off the road if you feel the need to be connected to someone all the time. Personally, I want my privacy plus I enjoy talking to people and connecting that way. I feel sorry for those of you can’t communicate with talking.
~
Drivers take notice. There are centerlines in every road whether they are marked or not. How about staying on your own side of the road. There is nothing more terrifying cresting a hill/knoll or rounding a curve and finding a vehicle halfway or totally in your lane. Just remember, you are not driving a tank like the vehicles were in the past. You are driving a tin can, which can be crushed with very little effort.
~
Today is Sept. 16 in the evening. Hey, NYSEG, just because you are having a problem in Broome County why are the people in Tioga County having outages?
All customers should realize when there is an outage and the lights come back on there is a power surge hitting your electric box, which makes it zip around faster than you can spit. Think about how high your electric bills have been lately.
~
The caller from Southside last week who is concerned for their safety is not alone. Southside, Lincolnshire Development, 17C corridor including Lockheed Martin and many other areas are dangerously unprotected by emergency services now. Maybe the town supervisor should quit picking on the highway superintendent and look into the questionable things going on with the town fire district.
~
Has anyone else noted that most of the “immigrants” invading Western Europe appear to be military age males? If they are fleeing poverty, war, etc., how come they appear to be fairly well clothed? Why is it that these military age males aren’t in their homeland fighting that which they say they are fleeing? I’m thinking there’s a different agenda at work here.
~
I live on Glann Road in Tioga Terrace. It is dangerous how quickly cars drive up and down this road. I do not feel safe letting my children play in our paved driveway with chalk, or ride bikes, and we have a longer driveway. Cars race down the hill at about 40 mph, and race up just as fast! I find it astonishing considering this development is home to so many families with children, or grandchildren of their own. My children live at the bottom of Glann Road and I ask that my neighbors please extend the same caution for their safety that I so happily extend to children on your streets when I am driving within the development. I was always taught 20 mph is a necessary speed for safety in residential areas like ours, it won’t add more than one minute to your drive home once you are in our development. Please be considerate!
~
The Friends of Rawley Park in Richford would like to thank each and every one of our community members that turned out for our first annual community movie night and dish to pass. It was a fantastic event and would not be possible without the dedication of several community businesses and members. Thank you to the Tastee Treat for providing super-yummy treats for the kids of our town, thank you to the Richford Volunteer Fire Department members for keeping us all safe, and thank you to Steve Holcomb for providing us with a wonderful movie and especially to the town for allowing us to use the park for providing the venue for this event.
~
The Richford Board of Commissioners would like to thank each and every one of our Fire department members for their hard work, tireless dedication and countless hours of volunteer work. We recognize that each and every one of you has families, jobs, and lives outside of your role within the department, and you willingly give of your time and volunteer to your community. We recognize that because of these outside commitments, you are not always able to attend every community function, even though you may want to. We would welcome any community member to join our fire department! There are just not enough members to go around, and we would welcome any additional help. If you are interested in joining, please feel free to contact any department or district member, whose contact information could be located on the town website.
~
I read John Price’s article and since inmates feel that they are getting substandard medical treatment, I have an idea. Get a job, stop breaking laws and stay out of jail. I do not understand how when someone is receiving something for free, that they feel they have to right to complain. Tioga County lost their bus service because people receiving free transportation and free medical complained because they had to wait a while to get a bus back home. Working people have to pay for all of that, and for you.
~
Who speaks for working people? Someone must. Wages aren’t keeping up with rising prices. Workers’ productivity is increasing but the resulting profits aren’t trickling down to their paychecks. People are being asked to work longer hours, or are being forced into part-time or temp jobs. You can’t support a full-time family on a part-time paycheck. No one who works a 40-hour workweek should live in poverty or have to seek assistance at public expense. Paying a livable wage keeps people off government assistance. Some employers prefer to rely on public money to pay the costs of private employment.
~
To the person making the comment about wiping a computer clean means using a cloth – that was our presidential wannabe Hillary Clinton who made the original statement at a news conference. I almost think she was trying to be funny. She said, ‘”What do you mean? Wipe a computer clean. Like wiping or dusting it with a cloth?” Apparently she was trying to reinforce the issue that she didn’t know how to delete emails or wipe a computer. And we want this as president? I sure hope not.
~
What a hoot! Hillary gets caught, again, involving illegalities and she tries to ignore it. What she has to realize, the public REMEMBERS all the previous illegalities that she never paid the price for, like: White Water, “Cattlegate”, Vince Foster, her silly attempt at “Hillary Care”, etc. No one is interested in giving her any room to wiggle in. She needs to be in jail, along with Nobama! The only thing Hillary is truly sorry about is getting caught.
~
Once again, the low information / pop culture audience was the target of Nobama’s recent Alaska jaunt pushing climate change. He showed pictures of glaciers melting – which has been going on since the beginning of time. Glacier Bay for example, has five glaciers entering it. Three of these are melting, as they have been for eons. Two are not melting, BUT, the part left out, there are three new glaciers forming, as they have been for centuries. If you don’t believe it, do your own homework, find out for yourself. Why ANYONE would believe the “walking disaster” that stated 33 times on record, “If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor”, you know the rest. Lie after lie, after lie, all to further an agenda!
~
The thought becomes the word, the word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into the habit. Habit hardens into character. Character gives birth to destiny so watch your thoughts with care and let them spring from love born out of respect for all beings.
~
Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission – to be of service to them whenever they require it. -Francis of Assisi
~
On behalf of the Cruty family, I would like to thank the Owego Pennysaver for printing information about the inaugurating the Irene J Cruty Memorial at The Apalachin Library on Sept. 1. Funds provided under this memorial help the Apalachin Library implement additional programs that benefit our community which are not covered by public funding. This year’s donation of $7,000 will provide much needed school supplies to children throughout Tioga County, build upon the Library’s large-print reading collection for the visually impaired and help build a community reading garden for all to enjoy. This is just the beginning. It’s our hope and goal to build upon the initial programs that we have started – and you can help. If you’re not a member of The Apalachin Library, come join – it’s free. If you would like to support the current and future programs of the Library, consider donating to our program. Please send your contribution to The Apalachin Library, 719 Main Street, Apalachin, N.Y. 13732 c/o The Irene J Cruty Memorial or online at www.gofundme.com. Search APALACHIN LIBRARY. All funds go directly to The Apalachin Library in support of your community.
~
What will it take to get the Tioga Highway Department to do their job? Their section of Evelien Hill road is so bad that you can’t dodge the potholes anymore. Repeated calls to the highway supervisor have fallen on deaf ears. Will the 17 percent tax increase cover repair expenses to my vehicle? How about it highway department? Would you please fix this road before the snow starts falling?
~
Why are taxpayers paying salary with benefits for employees who devote specific work time to do the business of their association bargaining units? Local public school district contracts allow doing this, as do local and county governments for their employees. The entitlement of paid time off away from the job, and payment for temporary replacement is not a reimbursable taxpayer expense from the bargaining union treasury. The paid for work is for representation to their local and state association units. The expense needs to be considered a gift if the work they are performing benefits their association or unit and should be paid for by the union, not the taxpayers. For the most part, the majority of the money goes directly to the state chapter in Albany and then passed on to
Washington, D.C., which accounts for why the politics of courting Unions is so skewed against those who vote. In turn, the taxpayers wind up paying higher taxes while receiving lower standards and fewer services. It’s only objectionable if the taxpayer points this out. Some taxpayers are doing just that, just not in New York, yet. Taking their county and school districts to court for gifting taxpayer dollars. NEW YORK STATE CONSITITUTION – ARTICLE VIII – SEC. 1 – LOCAL FINANCES [Gift or loan of property or credit of local subdivisions prohibited; exceptions for enumerated purposes*] No county, city, town, village or school district shall GIVE or loan any money or property to or in aid of any individual or private corporation or association, or private undertaking, or become directly or indirectly the owner of stock in, or bonds of, any private corporation or association; nor shall any county, city, town, village or school district give or loan its credit to or in aid of any individual, or public or private corporation or association, or private undertaking, except that two or more such units may join together pursuant to law in providing any municipal facility, service, activity or undertaking which each of such units has the power to provide separately, (*enumerated purposes; i.e. Shared Service agreements).
~
Common Core: We know the origin. Gov. Association, Initiative of the Year, task force including executives; purpose to improve math and science education and the workforce; offered, modified, adjusted adopted by the N.Y.S. Board of Regents. Pearson PLC contracted $38 million through June 2016 for testing, evaluation, modification and program development. Very little information is available regarding structure, content and evaluation of testing material. A Press and Sun Bulletin editorial board article and previous letter to the editor offer results from the first contract. Question Assessment Apple Valley MN replaces Pearson LLC. Contract awaits approval by N.Y.S. Attorney General and Comptroller. Why? Question regarding approval to the Attorney General office received. Your question must be presented in writing allowing an answer to be structured in such a way as to avoid misinterpretation. Has the contract been approved? Yes or No misinterpretation? $44 million for five years? The N.Y.S. board of Regents has the responsibility for the general supervision of all educational activities. Business executives on the task force managing the pre-college educational process is a $TRILLION business. Who needs the Common Core? You, your family, friends, relatives, acquaintances, employment peers, others? Could we invest $8.8 million per year in a Regents type program similar to the past regimen, with greater success. Who needs Common Core? Why?
~
Speaking as a taxpaying property owner living in the Tioga Central School District, I just received my school tax bill in the mail. I am stunned. Up $600 from last year. There needs to be a new administration and school board that can manage. You can’t blame all financial problems on the State of New York. I don’t receive a senior citizens exemption. There should be no exemptions, period. Property owners should pay their fair share.
~
Who speaks for working people? Someone must. Wages aren’t keeping up with rising prices. Workers’ productivity is increasing but the resulting profits aren’t trickling down to their paychecks. People are being asked to work longer hours, or are being forced into part-time or temp jobs. You can’t support a full-time family on a part-time paycheck. No one who works a 40-hour workweek should live in poverty or have to seek assistance at public expense. Paying a livable wage keeps people off government assistance. Some employers prefer to rely on public money to pay the costs of private employment.
~
When did this happen? An I.T. guru is now the Owego Apalachin Assistant Superintendent. Seriously? When Bernie Dolan retired from the position of assistant superintended, it took two people – a businessperson and a H.R. Person, in which some of these were transferred from Broome/Tioga BOCES in order to handle his position. These two salaries equal more than when Mr. Dolan had retired. A stipulation of the present superintendent hired was to be a resident of Tioga County after 10 years, which hasn’t happened. Now there are less employees and less students than when Dr. Russell was hired and the school board sees fit to hire an I.T. guy as a superintendent? At the tune of how much? So where does one go to learn the salaries of these four administrative employees? Just love how the school board thinks the Owego/Apalachin district is full of endless funds. Probably why there are so many empty homes for sale. After all, Russell is under the delusion, “build it and they will come”. Not if they can’t afford the taxes for your museum school.
~
I am disappointed that the Owego Pennysaver has not published any further comments regarding the antics of Planned Parenthood in the United States. My friends and me have been unsuccessful in having our comments appear in the weekly publication. I’ll try again. In recent undercover videos released by the Center of Medical Progress, it was revealed that the illegal procedures by Planned Parenthood, which is funded by the United States government at $5 million per year, shows that the babies are still alive and having their various parts gutted from them and sold to places for “medical research”. This is insane, illegal and downright acts of murder. What can we do? We can’t just sit around and ignore these antics. Speak out fellow Americans by contacting your Senators, Representatives or anyone else in charge to defend the support of Planned Parenthood. In addition, Obamacare still grants Planned Parenthood money each year. You can check out these findings at the website of centerformedicalprogress.org.
~
I hope the smart voters remember the democrats but supported the nobama/Iran capitulation treaty with its secret protocols, which nobama will not make public. Nobama will now give hundreds of billions of dollars frozen in U.S. Accounts back to the Iranian leaders. Guess how those billions will be used against us. Wake up America!
~
Small town living is the best. Where else can you forget your wallet, need a stamp to mail your granddaughter’s birthday card and go to your local barber for him to come to your rescue. Thank you Andy!
~
I just got my Tioga Center school taxes and last spring when they were having their vote we were told it was not going to affect the people who have STAR. Well, I just got my taxes and it has just gone up $156 from what it was last year and the property I have that doesn’t have STAR only went up $100. Can anybody explain that?
~
Dick Cheney, who brought us the Iraq war, wants to gut the Iran deal so he can bring us an Iran war. In history you can be sure that Dick Cheney will go down.
~
Sarah Palin and The Donald have big plans for Washington if The Donald gets into the White House. You can be sure there will be a new big sign out in front making it look like a casino. What, another Trump Tower?
~
Well, Labor Day is over with so I wonder when the gaming committee is going to let us know if Tioga Downs is going to get the gaming license. It would be pretty sad if they don’t get it. Apparently somebody has a vendetta against the owner of Tioga Downs. That’s why he isn’t getting. It’s pretty sad because it will bring income into the area, more jobs and it’s a better setting than having it in Binghamton or whatever.
~
Governor Cuomo, step up and give the license to Tioga Downs. They are already established; they are the only ones that put in a license. Make that board give it to them. You can do it Governor Cuomo; you’ve got the power!
~
How can a county legislator and a town board member live out of state and still serve on the board?
~
Browns Lane in Owego, situated near the Senior Citizens Housing and the schools is a public road. The village has maintained this road for decades. Taxpayers in this area have received certified letters from the village stating this. Why can someone tell people using this road, and the children walking this area that they aren’t allowed to do so? An end has to be put to this ridiculous behavior. We want to be able to use this road peacefully, as we always have.
~
I was wondering if anybody could help me understand what is going on with the Apalachin Fire Department; why aren’t they taking care of the building anymore and what can be done about it?
~
The last night at Bike Night I met a real nice lady walking her dog. We stood talking about the bikes and stuff like that and she took her dog home and came back. I couldn’t stay because I was on break. I’m wondering if this lady’s not spoken for, if she would like to meet me for coffee at Dunkin Donuts. If she is interested she could leave something in this column.
~
Follow the news: When you think about voting for any of these republican buffoons in the clown car for President of the United States, think of the Republicans in Congress who are working night and day to still kill healthcare for millions and millions of Americans. The war on women is non-stop and now they’re going into budget battles that may lead to a shutdown. They will do anything to stop people from getting healthcare. What is the matter with those damn fools? Think before you vote republican.
~
Get some glasses. Your comment on the 3-foot high grass and brush on the median on route 17 was printed the other week; so don’t blast anyone because you missed it the first time.
~
I’m looking for a picture that Home Interior used to sell. It’s oblong with a blue frame and a little boy dressed in a fireman’s uniform with a fire truck in front, an angel at his side, and he is giving a Dalmatian dog a drink with a hose. If you can help me, please call 659-3871.
~
I was terribly saddened to hear about the Army Vet who died. I was originally for the Iraq war but now I say leave it to the Arabs and Israelites to settle. If Isis or anyone else attacks us I support the obliteration of any enemy. Big oil lobbyists control both political parties. Obama’s intransigence to use all of America’s oil and make us independent is proof of that problem. American industrial and farming interests supersede our interest for real borders. Legal immigration is good. Illegal immigration is a disgrace which supports cheap labor to increase profits for the king pins. I support neither the democrats nor the republicans. We need a total change of leadership in 2016. Let’s hope we get it!
~
To the person that needed a repairman for appliances. There is a fellow whose name is Ralph Moses. He used to be on Front Street in Owego and now he is on Thorn Hollow Road. He is excellent; he’s usually there very quickly and his fee is very reasonable.
~
Many thanks to the Newark Valley ladies. They made every Friday night visit to the Depot a delightful evening. These volunteers did a buffet each night with home cooked food and many wonderful desserts. I look forward to another summer of these programs.
~
I’m wondering if anyone knows of someone that has or could make a lighthouse. I would like one in my yard. Please respond to this column.
~
I’m afraid those folks against Planned Parenthood are also against sex education in our schools. They haven’t thought the problem through. If you are against abortion, how can you be against Planned Parenthood and sex education? These programs are the best way to prevent unplanned pregnancies and abortion. It’s been shown simply by banning abortion is not the answer. Sex education and contraception is the way to fight abortion. Sorry Francis.
~
I believe most people that like Long John Silver, we should have one in
Waverly, Sayre or Athens.
