Readers’ Column for the week of Aug. 6, 2017

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.

I have some windows that I got for my house but they don’t fit. For anyone that would like windows they can call me. I have a dresser that the Mission would not take because it didn’t have all the knobs. Please call 972-8011.

~

I’d like to know why does the village clean off drains and then pushes all of the junk in the drainpipes so someone else has to come along and clean them out?

~

Here is the latest phone scam making the rounds. A phone caller threatens to shut down our computer windows system unless you call a certain 800 number. Do not call it back. This scam seems to be targeting senior citizens and somehow has access to even unlisted phone numbers. Beware!

~

I asked this question in the last issue and got no response so I’ll try it once more. Are there any regular farm equipment auctions around? And where can I exchange Canadian money back into United States money? 

~

It’s August 1st, better get ready for the Christmas music in the stores!
~

If I have a tractor and I’m not farming and just want to take a leisurely drive on a road on a nice day. Can I take my tractor on the road and just drive around? Nothing against farmers, I love the farmers but if you have a tractor could you be pulled over and be asked if you have a license, inspection and registration? If I want to take my little car out, I pay for insurance, inspection and registration, and have a front plate and a rear plate with working blinkers and headlights and everything else that goes along with that. I guess going back to my question, if I have a farm tractor and I just want to go for a leisurely drive on the road, I’ll just put the little orange triangle on the back, but some of these tractors can obviously do some pretty good speeds. Would I ever get pulled over and get asked what am I doing, and never have to be licensed and inspected?

~

Picture the plight of the American Indian. They lived here thousands of years before the white man came and were one with the land. The concept of owning land is unknown to the Indian. Then white man comes and shoots up the place, takes their land, which they had for generations, and inevitably break the treaties that were made. As a descendant of the European people, I’d like to apologize deeply to the descendants of the American Indian. They are great people who were terribly mistreated and I am very sorry for that.

~

To all you people out there who want to vote for this new highway supervisor candidate – I wish you would rethink this. Mark Clark has years and years of experience at his position. He does not have an open well to pull from; there is a limit. I’m sure he wishes he could take care of all the needs of the people. That’s just not possible with limited funding. As to this new candidate who I believe is about 65 years old with zero experience, why would he be running for this position? Would it be to retire in a few years with government benefits? Ask yourself why. It doesn’t add up. Ask yourself why.

~

What on earth does the phrase “at the end of the day” mean? Does it mean when you quit you leave your job at 4 p.m.? Does it mean when you turn in at night, you quit at midnight? What does this phrase mean?

~

A few years ago a friend counted 20 islands that had grown up in the river from Binghamton to Owego since last dredging and those had trees on them. At the same time the experts claim dredging would make no difference. Ever put stones into a glass full of water? Where does the water go? It over flows! Just basic physics folks. Apparently some people, when they get too educated, forget the simple basics. It’s not the total solution but it sure could help some.

~

Aren’t you tired of calling some big banks only to reach a call center, listen to numerous ads while waiting only to find your number 18, 15 or 12 on the waiting list when your cell phone wait time is costing you money? Suggestion. Get another bank with quicker service.

~

Whatever possesses the Department of Environmental Conservation to consider a little stream that goes dry every summer a trout stream? Excuse me, there’s no fish in a dry bed.

~

Thank you to all the people, Sonya and the ambulance crew that came to my aid on July 18 when I had my bicycle accident on Glenmary Drive. God bless!

~

I was wondering if there was anybody who could tell me whether or not there is an ordinance in the Town of Owego that prevents folks from blowing their lawn clippings into the street and then down in front of everybody else’s homes so theirs looks okay and their neighbors looks terrible. When it rains a lot it plugs up the sewer drains and floods the end of the road. He doesn’t have to deal with it because he doesn’t live next to the storm sewer. If anybody could shed some light on this it would be greatly appreciated so this person can be informed.

~

I can totally understand why someone is running against Mr. Riggs in the Town of Candor. The roadwork that is being done in Candor, or lack of it, has to be a real contributing fact as to why someone would want to run against him. When they mow, they do a terrible job, nothing but potholes and a half minded attempt at patching some of these holes is ridiculous!

~

I was wondering if anyone has a VCR that is in good condition. If you would like to get rid of it or sell it, please call 349-5603.

~

Is it too much to ask that people send thank you cards or am I just plain too old fashioned? A distinct example comes to mind when I did something nice for someone and not one thank you card came to me! One example was even a wedding! What gives? Do any of you have similar experiences?

~

I enjoy this column, but I’d like to suggest limiting the comments to a reasonable few sentences. There was an extremely long comment last week that was just too wordy.

~

I was delighted to see Patty Reichert is running for the Candor Town Board position. The board needs a woman with a strong financial background.

~

Thank you to the honest person who turned in a wallet that was found at the Owego McDonalds on July 29. We are thankful for your honesty!

~

If you are having a bat problem, consider a Healthy Neighborhoods visit through Tioga County Public Health. Also, if you have any interaction with bats there is a concern for possible rabies exposure and you would also call the Health Department at 687-8600. 

~

The Town of Owego Highway Superintendent is only responsible for town roads in the Town of Owego. Not for any of the other eight towns in Tioga County. Not for any village streets. Not for Tioga County roads. Not for New York State roads. So when you make comments it is meaningless to lead with “If you live in Tioga County.” And before you comment make sure you are referring to a Town of Owego road.

~

I saw an ad asking people to vote for an Owego Police Chief. Since when is it an elected office?

~

I believe a blade of grass is no less than the journeywork of the stars. – Walt Whitman

~

By allowing MEGA to go out to bid for residents’ electricity supply, the Owego Town Board is spinning a roulette wheel on determining whether we incentivize natural gas or renewable energy. Unfortunately physics doesn’t negotiate and our future should be planned, not gambled upon.

~

Can you believe it! The slop of cow manure from Catatonk Creek Road to Route 96 on Catatonk Hill Road has come back. Cow manure in big piles by Route 96. Does this farmer not get it? Please clean up your act.

~

It is obvious that the police are constantly on the lookout for meth labs in rural Tioga County. We have seen more Sheriff and State Police cars patrolling in our area. This must make the meth cookers very nervous, and hearing any form of siren must make them very worried. They might be inclined to take very aggressive action towards anything or anyone who gets on their nerves. It seems pretty stupid for a youngster to go up and down a couple roads on a bicycle, very loudly imitating a police siren several times a day, using his voice. It sounds quite real. I think this child is possibly in danger, along with other family members on account of doing this. I don’t know if there is any law in the state or county about imitating a police siren, but I think this child should be very careful and the parents should be worried about attracting unwanted attention from certain people who have a lot to hide and are known for having short tempers. We’ve all seen the TV shows about what happens when you mess with druggies.

~

On Sunday, Sept. 3 (Labor Day Weekend), the Owego Hose Team Inc. will be having a benefit (Chris Franz Memorial Hose Race) on the Flats in memory of member Chris Franz. All proceeds will go to the restoration of the Baker Firemen’s Fountain in Chris’s name. There will be hose racing, a chicken barbecue, music and more. Please come and support this event so we can pay Suez Water $500.00 to open the hydrant and the little that is left will go towards the fountain.

National Political Viewpoints

Everyone needs to read the article Forbes magazine has, it’s an expose on the British Socialized Medical System, read it and realize this is what congress is trying to push down our throats. 

~

Finally a president who has our back and cares about the true American people in keeping them safe. So different from the last eight years. Isn’t it wonderful?

~

Do you want to see the end of nightmare called nobamacare? Start by draining the swamp and start by forcing congress to be on nobamacare. You will see a great healthcare plan magically appear and be passed into law. Go Trump!

~

I am old enough to remember the only person on the radio to give a conservative point of view was Paul Harvey News and Comment. Rush Limbaugh is a great American who will celebrate 30 years on the radio on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. Proud to say I have listened to both men. I hope Mr. Trump continues to drain the swamp in Washington.

~

Probably the one and only accomplishment is going to maintain in his presidency, he will get the Democrats and Republicans working together because they both realize what a disaster this man is.

~

Why is it that when any news stories are embarrassing and damaging to the left, the mainstream media does not and will not cover the story? I find that every interesting. How did President Trump see through all this so early on? The man is amazing!

~

Who was the fool that last week’s caller wants impeached?

~ 

Please give to the illiteracy foundation because Chuckles Schumer and Plastic Pelosi could certainly use the help. 

~

John McCain, the darling of the Marxist Democrats until he ran for president, got exactly what he wanted. He stuck President Trump right in the back for what Trump did to him in the presidential race. I wish McCain well in his health battle, but he needs to retire. Nobamacare does not need to be fixed. It needs to be dumped and replaced just like the old guard Republicans.

~

In response, Hillary should have been indicted. Comey was incorrect by not indicting her. She should have been indicted as the result of the email investigation. She skated on some very serious actions because of her last name. She sent and received confidential and extremely sensitive emails over her unsecured server. She used this email server for personal gains. Her pals requested favor after favor via the system. Those were the emails she quickly deleted. She had a pay for play going on, give to my foundation and you will be rewarded. Again, personal gain. I hope this clears up last week’s caller not understanding the hoo-ha about the email scandal.

~

Hey you guys, this is it again. If they’re not going to let immigrants in because they cannot speak fluent English, what about his wife? She doesn’t talk much at all because she can’t talk like we do. Right? 

~

Al Gore’s home uses 34 times more juice than the average household. Can someone explain that to me please? I thought he was all about going green.

~

A few months ago I was envisioning a scenario of Trump finally getting fed up with being President because of mounting scandals, resigning and getting a Presidential pardon from President Pence. Now that Trump is investigating how he might pardon the host of criminal ne’er-do-wells that inhabit his administration, including himself, this reality-show, circus-tent of an administration could go on for many more months.

~

Now I don’t expect that many Republicans to join the Democratic Party but are many of you at least thinking of becoming Independents?

~

How do you reconcile John Kelly, Trump’s new chief of staff, accepting the job in White House when he has a big reputation for not suffering idiots and fools.

~

In case you wonder why something relatively simple like re-working health care appears to be impossible, you might consider just how much the people voting against a re-write are getting from the healthcare industry, insurance companies, etc. It’s obvious, they don’t care about their constituents, but of their own checking account! We as voters need to take note of those on both sides of the aisle who are standing in the way of progress and vote them out in the next election!

~

Coming soon to a bumper sticker near you – “VOTE NO”. Under the banner of New Yorkers Against Corruption, the NYS Teachers Union (NYSUT) shall urge you to vote NO in November’s ballot initiative to convene a Constitutional Convention. Your YES vote is the moral imperative for our children and working taxpayers. It gives us an opportunity to make meaningful reforms. Just having a Constitutional Convention is perceived as a great threat to entrenched and protected special interests.

~

Did fat Donny two scoops consult with Putin before he signed the sanctions bill? He threw quite a public childish tantrum afterwards. The Russian prime minister said that Trump showed total weakness. But he wasn’t angry at Russia for messing with our election. He was angry at congress for overwhelmingly passing a strong sanctions bill. Did one of his aides have to bring him a fresh binky so he could pout in front of his favorite TV show?