Readers' Column for the week of March 7, 2010

You may call the Owego Pennysaver Readers' Column at 687-2378 24-hours a day, or e-mail comments toreaderscolumn@owegopennysaver.com. We reserve the right to revise or reject any message.

I would like to thank the Mayor, Ed Arrington, for always caring about the ambulance service, the fire department and the people of the village. I have always felt I could talk to him about any need I had in the village. He really cares about the senior citizens also.

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To the people who took in the black female lab and tri-colored beagle on or about Jan. 25, 2010 - we have been searching for them. You have them. Thank you for befriending them, but we want our canine family back. The children are heartbroken, as well as the rest of the family and friends. We have put up posters, handed out flyers, and now there is a $100 reward. It is against the law to keep dogs in your possession and not inform the authorities that you have found them. You haven't done anything to alert the owners that you have found them. PLEASE call us and return them. We want our "kids" home, where they belong. Call (570) 395-3497 or (570) 395-3713.

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In response to the person looking for someone to do a concrete driveway - I would recommend Ray Magliocca. He's about the best in the area. You can reach him by calling 725-6391.

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www.stbaldricks.org website which explains an event that will take place at Candor American Legion on the March 14. It really sounds like it will be a wonderful event, and it's all to help the children who have endured cancer. If you get a moment, visit that site and check it out. I think I'm going to join the folks in Candor and go to that.

OK: Coolest Little Town in America: Nice Try but no cigar. Why? Anyone who dials in from OUT of town, reads the relentless rants on the Fire Department and the local government, and still thinks we're "cool" is likely to have an IQ of somewhere around 9 - and they'll figure out that we're actually NOT the coolest little town to bring a business to or even to consider moving here. End the foolishness and put on the boxing gloves - last firefighter standing wins. Gas Drilling; we aren't stupid people, but we are greedy people. Why are we letting them endanger your life, your children’s lives and the lives of generations to come? THEY don't live here, they can go home after they devastate Tioga County. You, quite likely, won't have a safe home to go back to. DO YOUR homework. And finally, yhe mysterious deer and coyote killers! Each week we get to hear from you, some confused and misinformed guy who can't wait to get out and kill something so he tries to fire up his friends and blame SOMEONE for the fact that he's annoyed and unhappy with life. I live with deer AND with coyotes and they get along just fine, exactly as Mother Nature/God intended. Do we not do enough to screw up the world around us without blaming our problems on critters you feel compelled to kill? Next Week - DEC , Alien Cougars and the FEAR Mongers FROM FOX. Owego, Get a better life - it's really NOT that difficult.

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I just can't hold back any longer. I must confess to being a READERS COLUMN ADDICT. It's hilarious; sad, but hilarious. I'd like to propose that we put together a GREATEST HITS Edition at some point and I'd like to nominate the following: Remember the search for "Good and Plenty" that went on for weeks? That was, far and away, THE BEST! In the #2 slot is the "Disappearing Ice Cream Stands during the months when it's 12 below zero". Number three are the complaints about the Riverwalk. Anyone who knows ANYTHING about water rounding a bend knows that the very best thing we could do to keep the entire Southern Side of Front Street from being washed away was to put a concrete wall between the rushing water and the flood-weary and weakened foundations. The mud that's left behind will wash away when it rains.

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Somebody is playing loose with the facts when it comes to charging the current village administration with a 20 percent tax increase. It just isn't so! Even one of the candidates of the opposition party seems to have gotten caught up with this 20 percent myth. But facts are facts! A review of my actual tax bills (i.e. what I have paid to the village) shows the present administration can be charged with a 5.3 percent tax increase - a very reasonable increase over two years. It is unreasonable and unfair to charge the present administration for the fiscal irresponsibility of other administrations.

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Barbara and Keith Terwilliger, the owners of Country Cafe in Candor, would like to express our gratitude to all the firefighters from Candor, Owego and Weltonville who responded to our call on the morning of Feb. 25. They were all so helpful. We would also like to thank the man who delivers our newspaper who woke us and called the fire in, we don't know his name but thank you none the less! Last, but certainly not least, we want to thank the community for all their support through this ordeal and for all their support before this happened. You have all become family to us and we will miss you dearly.

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Any time a person applies for a job, they submit a resume which outlines their work experience, schooling and qualifications. I'd like to see both Mayoral candidates post their resumes on-line or maybe the Pennysaver could print them prior to the election.

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Just visited seethroughny.com. I can't believe what these teachers make for a 180 day year.

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Not to diminish the need for additional space or the fine job done by the members over the years, the objection to this renovation project is the price tag associated with its implementation. Voters should vote down this proposal and force a reconsideration and further evaluation of the $4.5 million burden to the taxpayers. Increased tax burden is the very last thing most households can afford in today’s economy. A large number of station members and families will certainly be in force to vote yes on this issue. It is important that large numbers of voters in opposition also show up to cast their vote. As a further note, all money used for this project should be mandated to be spent locally for labor and materials.

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S-VE Project Graduation would like to say THANK YOU to the following people for their generous donations: Park Station Boarding Kennel, Jack Wiiki, Spencer Auto Supply, Raymond-Hadley Corp., Haefele TV Inc., VEFD and Tioga State Bank. If you would like to support S-VE Project Graduation, please call 793-3598 for more info.

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I'm glad we have a good, honest man like Jim Legursky running for office. Mr. Legursky put in my furnace back in the 1980’s and it is still going strong! Good luck to him and his ticket.

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I am looking for a person with extensive experience with Quickbooks setup. I am trying to setup the books for a small business and want to make sure I am doing this correctly. I can afford to pay a small fee for this service, so please leave a name and phone number in this column.

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Once again, I headed down to the Town Hall in Newark Valley where the clerk is supposed to be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday thru Friday during this time of year and once again, NO CLERK! There was a sign posted on the door that the office is going to open late on this particular day. I took time off of work to take care of business with the clerk, and now I am going to have to use what little vacation time I have left to accommodate the clerk’s hours. Once again, Newark Valley needs to have the clerk available at least one Saturday per month, or night hours once a week or even once per month.

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Are you kidding me, blaming a company for not taking enough federal taxes out of your check? You can raise or lower how much taxes come out of your check at any time, this is your fault not the company’s fault. This is what is wrong with America, everything is always someone else's fault, take some responsibility for yourself and your finances.

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I'm very angry at the proposed increase in taxes on soda and cigarettes. I recognize that neither are good for you, but it is not the government's business to stick its nose in my business. I'm really tired of self-righteous health zealots trying to force me into their mold. I don't smoke. I don't like smoking and I encourage anyone who smokes to stop, but placing more taxes on it isn't the way. Soda is one of the few affordable pleasures that people can have. Now the government wants to take that away. Enough, already! Hands off!

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This past weekend I was in an automobile accident in Town of Newark Valley. Fortunately I was not hurt, but I did get an opportunity to see our finest at work. Being somewhat new to the Town this was my first experience with our emergency squads. I was lucky enough to have the Newark Valley Fire Department and Berkshire Emergency Squad at the scene to assist me and another motorist. These great men and women were real professionals. Their courteousness and friendliness was very comforting. In addition, I need to thank the Town of Newark Valley Highway Department for promptly coming out to salt and sand the roads. Thanks again and keep up the good work.

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For everyone that is curious, the Swiss National Day is August 1. It is inspired by the mention of "early August" in the Federal Charter of 1291. It was first celebrated in Berne in 1891, marking the 600th anniversary of the charter. It displaced the formerly more prominent traditional date of the Rutlischwur, 8 November 1307. Based on that date, in 1907, the 600th anniversary was celebrated in Altdorf. In 1941, the 650th anniversary was celebrated. Following a public vote on 26 September 1993, it was made an official national holiday in 1994. It is celebrated each year on 1 August with town-wide paper lantern parades, bonfires, hanging strings of Swiss flags and fireworks. Switzerland celebrates its 719th anniversary on 1 August 2010. The year 1291 refers to the creation of the country, although its independence was not held until 1648. It is celebrated in Tioga County with a gathering at the Hickories every year that is not referred to as "hiatus". This year is not hiatus so the gathering will again take place. Hope to see you all there. The festivities start around noon.

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I had a GPS system but I lost it in the Walmart parking lot. That place is huge.

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To the person who is requesting GPS units be installed at Walmart so you can find your vehicle - if you’re not bright enough to locate your own car in a parking lot, what makes you think you could operate the GPS?

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Isn't it amazing that a few people from the great little town of Newark Valley can write or call in about the "Black Cloud" that is now in jail. Are they good Christians? Really? Do you ever look in the mirror and say "I have done something wrong?" What is forgiveness? It is being a true Christian. Not so much in what you do but, what you say everyday of your life. I guess that not one of those people who say that what they say or have EVER done is wrong - well, someday maybe God will see them in the true light that they are really in. We all make mistakes but, why hurt the church that was already hurt? THINK before you say hurtful things. That little church should not go down without a fighting chance, which NO ONE has given them. It is a beautiful landmark in a tiny little town with unfortunately a few people with tiny little minds. Help them survive! Don't give up Newark Valley, would you rather have that wonderful amazing steeple that is seen from every end of this village or an empty lot? Be the small town wonderful people you are and back that little church - "Black Cloud" or no "Black Cloud" there is always a rainbow. And I hope that someday you all will see it!

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I would like to convey to your readers my STRONG opposition to the new fire station in Apalachin. I'm not sure everyone is aware, but the $77 per $100,000 in valuation fee we will all be paying will be added to our tax bills for the next 25 years! This will cost the average taxpayer in our district nearly $3000! With the economy the way it is, jobs in short supply, ridiculous utility rates, and the fact that we are already paying extraordinarily high taxes in our area, I'm sure most will agree that this is an additional monetary burden that we cannot bear. I urge everyone to vote NO on the new fire station.

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Are we forgetting to examine the one element of the reform schema that causes all the problems for insurers and the people needing health care, and that is, why does the medical care cost so much? Why do MRI machines still cost as much or more than the first few? Why does the aspirin cost $23 each at the hospital? What are the actual costs of all that medical equipment and where can these costs be shown to be over priced, and then cut. Surely there is an economic imbalance between this industry and others. We mystify their work in fantasy; and we create impressions of their uniqueness they encourage. But they are way overpriced. Examine that. Examine their marketing and overhead costs. See what their profit margins really are. Why would any hospital go broke? The medical industry handles people like any livestock commodity. Watch them come in and go out, of the 24 hour a day milking parlor, like cattle through the hospitals’ revolving doors. Look at the bills, before making new bills.

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Only three Village Trustees bothered to show up at the Village Board meeting last week. Keep in mind, all the current Village Board Trustees ran with or were appointed by the current Mayor. Is this what we should expect if the incumbents get back in there, no shows at the meetings? Time for change Owego. Vote them out. They don't even come to the meetings now. Why should we put them back in there?

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There has been a lot of comments about the riverwalk in Owego, and what a waste of money it is. One person hit the nail on the head when they noted that the riverwalk was built with STATE funds. New York State will collect your taxes and these taxes are designated for various uses. You may agree or disagree with these uses, but if my tax money is going to Albany to be used for various projects, I would rather see it come back to Owego and be used here rather than be sent to some other community. Maybe you agree or disagree with the riverwalk, but one fact is that it will add stabilization to the riverbank, something that needed to be done, and it was done with your New York State tax money coming back to your community.

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516 days and counting since I wrote our current Mayor, requested a written reply, and still have received nothing. Great and timely service there!

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Seems like a lot of people are pointing to the fact that under Mayor Arrington village taxes have gone up 22 percent. A few have noted that this was 22 percent over FOUR YEARS, or an actual average tax increase of 5.5 percent per year. Let’s tell it like it is and not use the 22 percent to inflame the issue. Be fair. Also, note that in ONE of those years Mayor Arrington was in office the increase was 3 percent, and a 5 percent increase was over TWO YEARS, (or an average of 2.5 percent per year for those 2 years). Under Mayor Arrington there was ONE year with a 14 percent increase, which I suspect was because a previous administration - in an effort to keep taxes down - let required maintenance and projects slide to look good.

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I was in the Newark Valley Community Thrift Store recently. What a great asset to the community in this day and age. Fantastic prices on general merchandise. A huge bag of clothes for $3 a bag. The people that work there are so friendly. It’s also a Donation Center, where you can donate items.

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Dave Boland has done a fair and honest job to the people who appear before him as the Village Justice in Owego. This record, and his backgrouns, qualify him for a vote on March 15. I have yet to see what the qualifications of his opponent might be. In fact, I didn’t know that anyone was running against him until I was told recently.

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To the person that enjoys Marching Band music, I too, am a big fan. I love the rhythmic pounding of the drums and the excitement generated by the wood winds as the formation marches with precision during the procession of a parade. Anyways, I have many olde time Marching Band arrangements from the 1960's and 70's, when Marching Bands were in their heyday. They are all on the original CD's so the sound quality is state of the art. You can call me at 624-0163 and ask for John Phillip.

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I know the economic climate has been rough on everyone, but I am thinking about opening a new store in Greater Tioga County. I believe that in good fiscal times or bad, everyone needs pet supplies and especially pet clothing. I would carry regular pet clothes and designer pet clothes for those that are a little more finicky. I would also have pet toys and a wide selection of pet food, all sanctioned by the American Vet Club and the Kennel Society. I do not have a name for my store yet, but I will soon. My children have made some suggestions, but that did not work out well the last time we named a pet - long story short. So look for my pet clothing and , my store, "coming soon" to Greater Tioga.

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Speaking of the Winter Olympics, my friend and I were having a discussion about Table Tennis. The problem is that he kept referring to it as Ping Pong. I had never heard of Ping Pong before so it took us a while to get on the same page. Why are there so many things that are referred to by so many names? It makes the English language so hard for foreigners to interpret. Another example is Hot Chocolate. Some folks call it Cocoa. I am opposed to this because the "a" is silent. Again very confusing so I choose to call it Hot Chocolate. Believe it or not, I have actually heard people call it Hot Cocoa. Now that is just wrong. Anyways, the Olympics are a lot of fun and I think they should be every year too.

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All three of our national representatives (Hinchey / Gillibrand / Schumer) have just elevated themselves to the status of Nut Job by signing the letter requesting the nuclear option for health care. Against the will of the majority of the people of New York they have signed on to ram that disastrous health care bill through under budget reconciliation rules. Seriously, have they lost their minds? When did they turn their backs on traditional Democrats? Their voting record aligns them better with the Communist Party USA than traditional Democrat values. When did our party get hijacked by the Communists? I’m sorry to say that I will no longer be supporting them in the coming election because they don’t support me.

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I am interested in a 20-55 gallon fish tank. If you have one you'd like to sell, that's in good condition (as it's not going to be used for fish, it can't be damaged) contact Tanya at 972-3993. Leave a message please. Or email me at tanyarj@hotmail.com.

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The public hearing on the Jackson’s Farm Motocross Track had been tentatively scheduled for March 16, but when I called the town today for confirmation, I was told that the town has not received the necessary materials and the meeting has been pushed back to April 2. Residents and neighbors in Campville, Apalachin, or others affected by, or having opinions on, this important decision are encouraged to attend the meeting to voice their concerns and opinions. Please check with the Town of Owego Planning and Zoning Department at 687-0123, extension 6, to verify the date for the meeting. As of today (March 4), the issue is scheduled to be addressed at the meeting on April 2 at 7 p.m. in the Owego Town Hall on Route 434 in Apalachin.

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I'm still looking for yarn if anyone has any that they want to get rid of. Call 972-1714. I make lap blankets and give them away to people.

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As a senator, Obama said you can't have reconciliation or a nuclear option because it would destroy the Republic - which happens to be our form of government. Now Obama has renamed reconciliation as majority rule. Guess what? The majority of U.S. voters don't want government controlled health care. Just fix the 20 percent of the present system that needs fixing, and stop sticking Obama Care down our throats.

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I want to congratulate DOT on the wonderful service they gave us during the recent snowstorm. Route 434 and Pennsylvania Avenue were so easy to travel, and they really worked hard all night. I wonder if the Town of Owego Highway Department was sleeping during this whole storm. Our street never got plowed until the second day of the storm at 2 p.m. I still have about six feet from my driveway, and out into the middle of the road where I keep getting stuck. I can't get any mail either. We had a person come visit us that had a plow on their truck and they ended up having to plow us out to even park. I'm wondering if they forgot about Holmes Avenue and Lolita Drive. Does anyone else feel the same way?

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