Opinion: If you do not speak up, then it is only you who have silenced your voice

Dear Editor,

As I have often noted, that if elected to office, we, the Village Board, would listen to all voices of concern that feel they are marginalized or not treated the same as those who curry favor with entities of power over them. During the campaign we heard those concerns and have been trying to address and resolve them as requested, but ultimately it is you the voter, taxpayer, resident that makes sure your voice is heard. The only one that can silence your voice is you! 

During the campaign it was stressed to us the displeasure of having to pay for dysfunctional or for duplicated services and that we should do something about them. We listened, heard and followed through on our promises to try and correct those issues. The correction efforts were not successful but we kept our promises to bring it before the people for their decision. I have since had folks ask me why such common sense corrections to those” dysfunctional or repetitive payment services” would fail. But when I ask did you vote? I often hear “no!” To which I reply, “you silenced your own voice!”

Well we are now at another time when we need to openly hear your voices on an issue that was stressed to us during campaign; has been raised before the Board and is now being weighed. Actually this issue is also one that I have heard now through three administrations both on the street and at Village Board meetings. The issue is of OHPC (Owego Historic Preservation Commission), and their perceived biases.

I readily admit that until very recently I have been reticent about making structural changes to OHPC as I have believed, and continue to, the intent of the commission as originally formed was for the right reasons. No one of us wants to give up our pride in our historic heritage regardless of the posturing you read. But nor do we want buildings and properties to fall further in disrepair or neglect because of rigid bureaucratic interpretations that dissuades doing it. I have reluctantly come to suspect that the issue is not so much with the intent or the legal positioning of the OHPC legislation but rather with the management of it. I know that statement will raise the ire of some but it is an observation that has been forced onto me.

In an effort to reach a compromise on the issue, the Village Board has drafted a Local Law that may relieve some of the pressure on all. But like all compromises there are wins and losses on both sides of the issue.

On one side of the compromise you, the owners, get more freedom to do as you want with your property and buildings. This is a perceived win for some. On the other side of the issue is you surrender beneficial perks and perceived ensured district purity. 

By moving OHPC to the proposed compromise you can still: a) File for tax credits and grants – but may not get as quick attention; b) neither NYSHPO or local agency will have any control over your property – unless you are taking Federal or State Preservation money, at which time they are partners in your property and like any lending agency they want to protect their investments.

If we keep our OHPC as currently structured we keep our CLG (Certified Local Government) status, which has value in helping speed up the grants and tax credits process, but you surrender a large portion of control over your property. 

I hear the arguments from people that not all people in a Historic District are filing for grants! All they want to be able to do is maintenance or enhancements to their property without having to go before a tribunal for every little thing, only to have it nit-picked apart or dictated as to how they the owner will do it regardless of cost to the owner. I hear you, but that is the trade off when you have Certified Local Government, such as OHPC. But again, CLG’s also brings perks with it.

Maybe the question is more of a personnel management issue than with OHPC as legislated at this time? Or do you the taxpayers, voters, and residents prefer to move to the proposed compromise with the pros and cons it brings? 

Come to the Board meeting on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. and let us hear from you whether in favor of or against the proposed compromise. All will be heard and seriously considered. If you do not speak up, then it is only you who have silenced your voice.

Respectfully yours,

Earl Hartman

Trustee Ward 2