Issue 25 - Fall (October - December) 2007
IN THIS ISSUE:
- TOWN OF PLYMOUTH FALL ELECTION
- Bus service to/from Plymouth
- Medical Corner: Notice to readers
- Board Activities
- First Reader Survey
- Letters to the Editor
- INTERVIEW WITH A PLYMOUTH BUSINESS: Notice to readers
- LOCAL DONATION OPPORTUNITIES
- MEETING PLACES
- CALENDAR OF EVENTS
- Business Directories
TOWN OF PLYMOUTH FALL ELECTION : The following people are on this fall’s ballot for the Town of Plymouth:
1. Jerry Kreiner, Supervisor, 2 year term, incumbent
2. Marie N. Whaley, Clerk/Tax Collector, 4 year term, incumbent
3. Peter D. Marshall, Superintendent of Highways, 2 year term, incumbent
4. Paul O’Connor, Town Justice, 4 year term
Council (you will vote for two) in alphabetical order:
5. Ricky L. Alger
6. Gerald E. Cushman
7. Gary Simpson
8. Lewis W. Somers, 4 year term, incumbent
All candidates received the list of questions from the taxpayers prior to the submission deadline, except Ricky L. Alger and Gerald E. Cushman. The Board of Elections notified me of their candidacy on September 24, unfortunately too late for them to receive and return. Following are the responses received.
I will not be able to print the ballot this year, so keep track of election news in the Evening Sun. Following are the questionnaires received. At the time of this publication, the newsletter staff is unaware of any other candidates for Plymouth offices.
TOWN OF PLYMOUTH CANDIDATE FOR TOWN CLERK – Marie N. Whaley
1. What office are you running for? Town Clerk/Tax Collector.
2. If you currently hold this position, how many town board meetings did you miss during your last term? None.
3. If you do not currently hold this position, have you ever served in this capacity before? Give details. (If you currently hold this position, you can give details about what you have accomplished during your term(s) in office that have benefited the town.) I have applied for and received 2 grants, one for record’s inventory and records management. This was to obtain all records from past and current town officials and to put them into a fireproof and waterproof container, which I have done. Per State Archives and Records Administration (SARA), any records over a year old should be given to me to put into a safe place, however, this has not been done.
4. What skills and experiences do you have that would help you succeed in this position if you are elected? Been in office 10 years.
5. What is the town doing now that you would like to change and how? Not sure how to answer this one.
6. What is the town not doing now that you would like to see done? I feel the town is behind times, need to get offices for all town officials as operating out of the homes is not a good idea and should be rectified.
7. A healthy community is one that is involved with its government. If you are elected, how would you get your constituents involved in the Town of Plymouth? I feel that the residents of the Town of Plymouth should attend meetings so that they will know what is going on and offer input to better the town, not just come there to gripe over something they don’t like through hearsay, especially if they have never attended a meeting. I have tried to tell people they should be attending meetings, but not much luck.
8. What do you feel is the most important issue that the Town of Plymouth is facing in the upcoming year and what is your plan to address it? As in question 6, I feel it’s very necessary to get a municipal building. If I should fall ill and unable to work, I don’t think too many people are going to want to move all this material into their homes. I’m going to continue to push for offices. I would like to appoint a full time deputy clerk to help more and I will not do this as long as I am in my home. Another very important issue is that this town is a junk pile and needs cleaning up. A law should be passed to address the situation.
9. What town services would be better utilized if merged or consolidated with that of either county or state government? No comment.
10. What type of commercial growth would you like to attract to the Town of Plymouth to help stabilize its tax base? Stores, restaurant, tourist attractions, most anything other than a factory.
11. What do you think about developments which could negatively affect our community, specifically: the proposed widening of Route 12 into an interstate highway, more “Big-Box” retailers moving into the area, and loss of farmland to development? Are you willing to help fight against these forces to preserve our rural lifestyle? I would vote against loss of farmland to big businesses, however not sure about the widening of Route 12 as parts of it are not too good.
12. In 25 words or less (and I will count them and delete words #26 and above) what would you like to say to the taxpayers of Plymouth? Get involved. Attend Meetings. Keep your town beautiful. Take pride in it. The Town’s reputation as being one big junk pile needs to be changed.
TOWN OF PLYMOUTH CANDIDATE FOR TOWN JUSTICE – Paul O’Connor
1. What office are you running for? Town Justice, a four year term.
2. If you currently hold this position, how many town board meetings did you miss during your last term? [Not applicable].
3. If you do not currently hold this position, have you ever served in this capacity before? Give details. (If you currently hold this position, you can give details about what you have accomplished during your term(s) in office that have benefited the town.) No, this is the first time that I am seeking public office.
4. What skills and experiences do you have that would help you succeed in this position if you are elected? I am currently retired having been a Police Officer for twenty years. During my tenure, I had the occasion to appear in many courts on the town, county, state, and federal level where I testified as a prosecution and defense witness. These experiences have allowed me to gain valuable knowledge enabling me to apply the procedures necessary to operate a fair and efficient justice court.
5. What is the town doing now that you would like to change and how? The town currently does not have a centralized location for its justices to use. I would like to see the town designate a location for the court.
6. What is the town not doing now that you would like to see done? [No response].
7. A healthy community is one that is involved with its government. If you are elected, how would you get your constituents involved in the Town of Plymouth? [No response].
8. What do you feel is the most important issue that the Town of Plymouth is facing in the upcoming year and what is your plan to address it? Currently, town offices and officials are scattered throughout Plymouth. The residents deserve better; therefore, the most important issue today is the acquisition of land and construction of a town hall. If elected, I would investigate, seek, and do my best to acquire as many grants as possible from our elected officials in Albany. I would like to see the town build a center that we would all be proud of.
9. What town services would be better utilized if merged or consolidated with that of either county or state government? [No response].
10. What type of commercial growth would you like to attract to the Town of Plymouth to help stabilize its tax base? [No response].
11. What do you think about developments which could negatively affect our community, specifically: the proposed widening of Route 12 into an interstate highway, more “Big-Box” retailers moving into the area, and loss of farmland to development? Are you willing to help fight against these forces to preserve our rural lifestyle? [No response].
12. In 25 words or less (and I will count them and delete words #26 and above) what would you like to say to the taxpayers of Plymouth? Does it matter to you who presides as Plymouth Judge? Yes it does! My experience and integrity will bring progressive change to our community.
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BUS SERVICE TO/FROM PLYMOUTH
I was unable to obtain their new schedule in time for this issue. The bus service is listed in the yellow pages under “Bus Lines”. It is listed in the white pages as “Chenango County Public Transit” at 334-7433. Their answering machine says you have reached “First Transit”. They are open 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and are happy to give you scheduling information over the phone. We’ll try to include the Plymouth schedule in the next newsletter.
* * *
MEDICAL CORNER: Notice to Readers
No reader response. If the reader’s show no interest in this feature, it will be discontinued.
Newsletter Staff
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BOARD ACTIVITIES (additional comments in FROM THE EDITOR following)
You, the community, have been asked on several occasions to provide the newsletter with a volunteer to cover and report on the town board meetings and activities. To date no volunteers have stepped forward. In my opinion, too much important information is discussed at town board meetings for the taxpayers to remain in ignorance. Although I believe there are many, many more qualified people out there who would do a much better job, a poor job may in this case be better than no job.
On August 13, during the monthly board meeting, a public hearing (duly announced in the official publication for our town – The Evening Sun – according to law) was held on a proposed junk law. Only a few people attended this public hearing, and most of the people attending regularly attend board meetings anyway. The supervisor, three times, addressed the gathering inviting comments on the proposed law – either positive or negative. All three times there was absolute silence. After the public hearing was closed, a board member stated he had many conversations with residents prior to the public meeting indicating support for this law. When it came time for the board to vote two members voted for the law, one member voted against the law, and one member was absent. The supervisor then stated that because the public made no comments one way or the other during the public hearing, he did not have enough input from the community to comfortably vote for the law, so he cast a vote against. The tie (2 for, 2 against, 1 absent) postponed the vote for the next board meeting on September 10.
The public, at the August board meeting but after the vote, then started to express many opinions about the proposed law, most in support of the law, one against. The most notable reaction from the public both during the meeting (and informally after the meeting) was confusion about the whole process. When it was suggested that a survey for town opinion could be conducted through the newsletter in order to obtain the opinions of the taxpayers prior to a public hearing, there was no response from the board or the public present.
I missed the September 10, 2007, board meeting, and therefore must rely on 3rd party information (which may or may not be totally accurate). I understand that the room was packed (verbal report of about 60 people, Evening Sun reported 40 people). The supervisor reported that another public hearing must take place before the board votes again. That public hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2007, which is after this newsletter is delivered to the printer and most likely before you have it in your hands.
There were people present at the September meeting both for and against the junk law. It was reported to me that about 5 people requested the public be kept informed through the newsletter. Minutes state: “Jerry – Can’t guarantee that the newsletter will be out in time”.
* * *
FROM THE EDITOR
“JUNK LAW” ETC: After the August board meeting, many were under the impression that no comments during the public hearing were another way of expressing support for the “Junk Law”. A few members of the public stated they had several conversations with the supervisor prior to the meeting in support of the law and believed that to be sufficient. And still others stated they didn’t even know that the meeting was opened up for public comment!!! (Acoustics in that room are horrible – we need a town hall!!!!) It is sad to report that our citizens (me included) don’t have a firm grasp on our political process. According to the public notice published in the paper and posted at the post office, if someone cannot attend the public hearing, they may submit comments in writing. If we don’t, elected officials may get the impression that we don’t care and subsequently vote against the law. Let’s also use the newsletter to keep people informed. For this to happen, elected officials have to take the initiative to write informative articles for the newsletter.
Perhaps they don’t believe enough taxpayers read the newsletter. Let’s find out. Following is the first survey by this newsletter to poll the residents of our town. You may reply by e-mail or by regular mail. Please do not call since I need hard copy for filing in the clerk’s office. The results of the survey will appear in the next newsletter. Deadline to respond will be the deadline for the newsletter as it appears in the calendar of events in this issue.
* * *
INFORMATIONAL SURVEY REGARDING COMMUNICATION OF PLYMOUTH ISSUES Fall 2007
1. Are you a taxpayer in the town of Plymouth? ___ yes
___ no
2. Are you a resident of the town of Plymouth? ___ yes
___ no
3. Do you regularly read the legal notices in The Evening Sun? ___ yes
___ no
4. Do you regularly read the notices posted at the post office? ___ yes
___ no
5. a. If you DID know about the 8/13/07 public hearing on the junk law, had you already expressed your opinion to an elected official(s)? ___ yes
___ no
___ n/a
b. If so, did you believe you met your obligation and did not need to attend the public hearing? ___ yes
___ no
___ n/a
6. Did you attend the public hearing on 8/13/07? ___ yes
___ no
a. If so, why didn’t you give your opinion at the appointed time? (check all that apply):
___ thought silence was assent ___ didn’t know supervisor was opening up question to public
___ not comfortable speaking in public ___ already expressed my opinion to an elected official
___ other: (please specify)
b. If not, why not? _____________________________________________
7. Would you have attended had you known about the public hearing? ___ yes
___ no
___ dk, n/a
8. Do you want the activities of the board to be reported in the newsletter? ___ yes
___ no
___ no opinion
9. If so, who do you think should do the reporting (check as many as you wish):
___ supervisor ___ board member
___ non-elected volunteer
___ other (please specify):_________________________
10. What is your reaction to the poor response from the candidates regarding the taxpayers’ questions (check all that apply and add additional comments):
___ outrage ___ candidates should be responsive to the public
___ disappointment ___ if concerned about making someone mad, reconsider public office
___ amusement ___ I want a taxpayer questionnaire for candidates every election
___ unresponsive candidates should write a letter to the editor explaining failure to respond
* * *
If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.
James Madison
* * *
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear [Editor]: You are doing a great job as volunteer editor of the newsletter. It truly does make me feel that I am part of a community. Enclosed is another donation which I hope helps with expenses. . .
I am finally moving back to the area full time. My wife and I are very excited. Please change my mailing address. . .
David Steinbach
Dear [editor]: I look forward to the newsletter. The information provided sparks community interest. It is nice to see so many good people doing so many good things. Please accept the enclosed check to support your efforts. Howie Sullivan
Greetings: [My wife], Lois is from Norwich 80 years ago and I was born on the big farm in South Plymouth 74 years ago. I am Lawrence Hiram Adams.
When we read that Councilman Robert Brown voted Nay on the clean property (junk) proposal we were disappointed that an elected official would let a personal opinion cloud his judgment. Personal opinions have no place in the political process. When a person is elected to serve All of the people it must be without bias.
An elected official has a sworn duty to be fair-minded and completely objective to those he is elected to represent. I know I have been here on many occasions while serving on boards and commissions in Phoenix and the State of Arizona.
I would like to suggest to Mr. Brown that [with] owning property and paying taxes go certain duties and obligations. How a property is maintained is but one of many. Another is a matter of conscience, respect for one’s neighbors. . . .
Here in Phoenix we have a City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Unit which is mandated to help keep the city clean. . . . [T]hey recently responded to a blight in my neighborhood which has been addressed to the perpetrator and the issue has been completely [?resolved?].
My point is such a town unit and such an ordinance works and it’s everyone’s moral and social responsibility to maintain order when it comes to this and other types of issues that affect the public good.
Lois and I want to commend … other members of the council for their pro-active thinking and service to those who reside in the Town of Plymouth. And, yes, Mr. Brown, it is the public’s business; that’s why we all pay taxes which accords you and any of us the right and privilege to own property.
[Respectfully] submitted this 15th day of August, 2007.
* * *
INTERVIEW WITH A PLYMOUTH BUSINESS: Notice to Readers
Perhaps I’m beginning to burn out already. I did not have time to interview another business for this issue. Below you will find the template of questions for a business. If you are a business, please fill out this form and mail it to Plymouth Newsletter, 213 Pierce Road, Plymouth, NY 13832. If you wish to be a volunteer reporter, take this form to a Plymouth business and do the interview. Sandy Bonell Pierce, very, very tired volunteer editor.
Business address:
Name(s) of Owners:
Phone: Fax: E-mail:
How long have you been in this business?
How long have you been a Plymouth taxpayer?
What is the major product/service you provide?
What are your hours/days of operation?
Why did you choose this location for your business?
Do you have any future plans for the business such as expansion?
* * *
LOCAL DONATION OPPORTUNITIES: Would you like to donate to a Town of Plymouth organization/cause? Below is a list of opportunities for you to support. If you would like your Town of Plymouth organization/cause to be listed here, please send information to the Town of Plymouth Newsletter, 213 Pierce Road, Plymouth, NY 13832, or e-mail to plymouthnewsletter@frontiernet.net.
Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department
“Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department”
Plymouth Fire Department
P. O. Box 112
Plymouth, NY 13832
Plymouth Emergency Squad
“Plymouth Emergency Squad”
Plymouth Fire Department
P. O. Box 112
Plymouth, NY 13832
Plymouth Historical Society
“Plymouth Historical Society”
Plymouth Historical Society
c/o Betty Bates
516 County Road 29
Norwich, NY 13815
Plymouth Newsletter
“Town of Plymouth Newsletter”
Town of Plymouth Newsletter
213 Pierce Road
Plymouth, NY 13832
* Town of Plymouth Canasawacta Creek Watershed
“Town of Plymouth Watershed”
Town of Plymouth Watershed
P. O. Box 30
South Plymouth, NY 13844
Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno’t mtaetr in what oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is that the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it whotuit a pboerlm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Azanmig huh?
CALENDAR OF SPECIAL EVENTS
Thursday
Oct 4
7:30 p.m.
Plymouth Historical Society meeting and White Elephant Sale at the Depot in Plymouth
Monday
Oct 8 (tentative)
7:00 p.m.
Town of Plymouth Board meeting – public encouraged to attend – at the fire house
Monday
Oct 8
7:15 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED TOWN “JUNK LAW”
Wednesday
Oct 10
4:30 p.m.
Chicken and Biscuit Dinner at Plymouth United Methodist Church in Plymouth, NY
Saturday
Oct 13
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Breakfast by Plymouth Watershed Committee (Hunter’s welcome!!) sponsored by the PVFD at the fire house
Friday-Saturday
Oct 19 & 20
tba
Rogers Haunted House
???
sometime in Oct?
???
Rabies Clinic – keep watch in the Evening Sun or on the County’s web site
Thursday
Nov 1
7:00 p.m.
Plymouth Historical Society Harvest supper and meeting at Carole Beckwith’s Home, Election of Officers
Tuesday
Nov 6
6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
ELECTION DAY!!!! Get out and vote!
Monday
Nov 12
(tentative)
7:00 p.m.
Town of Plymouth Board meeting – public encouraged to attend – at the fire house
Wednesday
Nov 14
4:30 p.m.
Turkey and Trimmings Dinner at Plymouth United Methodist Church in Plymouth, NY
Saturday
Nov 17
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hunter’s Breakfast by Plymouth Watershed Committee (Public welcome!!) sponsored by the PVFD at the fire house
Friday
Dec 7
8:00 p.m.
DEADLINE for submissions to this newsletter; get your articles & events in before this date (ASAP) if you can.
Monday
Dec 10
(tentative)
7:00 p.m.
Town of Plymouth Board meeting – public encouraged to attend – at the fire house
- TOWN OF PLYMOUTH FALL ELECTION
- Bus service to/from Plymouth
- Medical Corner: Notice to readers
- Board Activities
- First Reader Survey
- Letters to the Editor
- INTERVIEW WITH A PLYMOUTH BUSINESS: Notice to readers
- LOCAL DONATION OPPORTUNITIES
- MEETING PLACES
- CALENDAR OF EVENTS
- Business Directories
TOWN OF PLYMOUTH FALL ELECTION : The following people are on this fall’s ballot for the Town of Plymouth:
1. Jerry Kreiner, Supervisor, 2 year term, incumbent
2. Marie N. Whaley, Clerk/Tax Collector, 4 year term, incumbent
3. Peter D. Marshall, Superintendent of Highways, 2 year term, incumbent
4. Paul O’Connor, Town Justice, 4 year term
Council (you will vote for two) in alphabetical order:
5. Ricky L. Alger
6. Gerald E. Cushman
7. Gary Simpson
8. Lewis W. Somers, 4 year term, incumbent
All candidates received the list of questions from the taxpayers prior to the submission deadline, except Ricky L. Alger and Gerald E. Cushman. The Board of Elections notified me of their candidacy on September 24, unfortunately too late for them to receive and return. Following are the responses received.
I will not be able to print the ballot this year, so keep track of election news in the Evening Sun. Following are the questionnaires received. At the time of this publication, the newsletter staff is unaware of any other candidates for Plymouth offices.
TOWN OF PLYMOUTH CANDIDATE FOR TOWN CLERK – Marie N. Whaley
1. What office are you running for? Town Clerk/Tax Collector.
2. If you currently hold this position, how many town board meetings did you miss during your last term? None.
3. If you do not currently hold this position, have you ever served in this capacity before? Give details. (If you currently hold this position, you can give details about what you have accomplished during your term(s) in office that have benefited the town.) I have applied for and received 2 grants, one for record’s inventory and records management. This was to obtain all records from past and current town officials and to put them into a fireproof and waterproof container, which I have done. Per State Archives and Records Administration (SARA), any records over a year old should be given to me to put into a safe place, however, this has not been done.
4. What skills and experiences do you have that would help you succeed in this position if you are elected? Been in office 10 years.
5. What is the town doing now that you would like to change and how? Not sure how to answer this one.
6. What is the town not doing now that you would like to see done? I feel the town is behind times, need to get offices for all town officials as operating out of the homes is not a good idea and should be rectified.
7. A healthy community is one that is involved with its government. If you are elected, how would you get your constituents involved in the Town of Plymouth? I feel that the residents of the Town of Plymouth should attend meetings so that they will know what is going on and offer input to better the town, not just come there to gripe over something they don’t like through hearsay, especially if they have never attended a meeting. I have tried to tell people they should be attending meetings, but not much luck.
8. What do you feel is the most important issue that the Town of Plymouth is facing in the upcoming year and what is your plan to address it? As in question 6, I feel it’s very necessary to get a municipal building. If I should fall ill and unable to work, I don’t think too many people are going to want to move all this material into their homes. I’m going to continue to push for offices. I would like to appoint a full time deputy clerk to help more and I will not do this as long as I am in my home. Another very important issue is that this town is a junk pile and needs cleaning up. A law should be passed to address the situation.
9. What town services would be better utilized if merged or consolidated with that of either county or state government? No comment.
10. What type of commercial growth would you like to attract to the Town of Plymouth to help stabilize its tax base? Stores, restaurant, tourist attractions, most anything other than a factory.
11. What do you think about developments which could negatively affect our community, specifically: the proposed widening of Route 12 into an interstate highway, more “Big-Box” retailers moving into the area, and loss of farmland to development? Are you willing to help fight against these forces to preserve our rural lifestyle? I would vote against loss of farmland to big businesses, however not sure about the widening of Route 12 as parts of it are not too good.
12. In 25 words or less (and I will count them and delete words #26 and above) what would you like to say to the taxpayers of Plymouth? Get involved. Attend Meetings. Keep your town beautiful. Take pride in it. The Town’s reputation as being one big junk pile needs to be changed.
TOWN OF PLYMOUTH CANDIDATE FOR TOWN JUSTICE – Paul O’Connor
1. What office are you running for? Town Justice, a four year term.
2. If you currently hold this position, how many town board meetings did you miss during your last term? [Not applicable].
3. If you do not currently hold this position, have you ever served in this capacity before? Give details. (If you currently hold this position, you can give details about what you have accomplished during your term(s) in office that have benefited the town.) No, this is the first time that I am seeking public office.
4. What skills and experiences do you have that would help you succeed in this position if you are elected? I am currently retired having been a Police Officer for twenty years. During my tenure, I had the occasion to appear in many courts on the town, county, state, and federal level where I testified as a prosecution and defense witness. These experiences have allowed me to gain valuable knowledge enabling me to apply the procedures necessary to operate a fair and efficient justice court.
5. What is the town doing now that you would like to change and how? The town currently does not have a centralized location for its justices to use. I would like to see the town designate a location for the court.
6. What is the town not doing now that you would like to see done? [No response].
7. A healthy community is one that is involved with its government. If you are elected, how would you get your constituents involved in the Town of Plymouth? [No response].
8. What do you feel is the most important issue that the Town of Plymouth is facing in the upcoming year and what is your plan to address it? Currently, town offices and officials are scattered throughout Plymouth. The residents deserve better; therefore, the most important issue today is the acquisition of land and construction of a town hall. If elected, I would investigate, seek, and do my best to acquire as many grants as possible from our elected officials in Albany. I would like to see the town build a center that we would all be proud of.
9. What town services would be better utilized if merged or consolidated with that of either county or state government? [No response].
10. What type of commercial growth would you like to attract to the Town of Plymouth to help stabilize its tax base? [No response].
11. What do you think about developments which could negatively affect our community, specifically: the proposed widening of Route 12 into an interstate highway, more “Big-Box” retailers moving into the area, and loss of farmland to development? Are you willing to help fight against these forces to preserve our rural lifestyle? [No response].
12. In 25 words or less (and I will count them and delete words #26 and above) what would you like to say to the taxpayers of Plymouth? Does it matter to you who presides as Plymouth Judge? Yes it does! My experience and integrity will bring progressive change to our community.
* * *
BUS SERVICE TO/FROM PLYMOUTH
I was unable to obtain their new schedule in time for this issue. The bus service is listed in the yellow pages under “Bus Lines”. It is listed in the white pages as “Chenango County Public Transit” at 334-7433. Their answering machine says you have reached “First Transit”. They are open 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and are happy to give you scheduling information over the phone. We’ll try to include the Plymouth schedule in the next newsletter.
* * *
MEDICAL CORNER: Notice to Readers
No reader response. If the reader’s show no interest in this feature, it will be discontinued.
Newsletter Staff
* * *
BOARD ACTIVITIES (additional comments in FROM THE EDITOR following)
You, the community, have been asked on several occasions to provide the newsletter with a volunteer to cover and report on the town board meetings and activities. To date no volunteers have stepped forward. In my opinion, too much important information is discussed at town board meetings for the taxpayers to remain in ignorance. Although I believe there are many, many more qualified people out there who would do a much better job, a poor job may in this case be better than no job.
On August 13, during the monthly board meeting, a public hearing (duly announced in the official publication for our town – The Evening Sun – according to law) was held on a proposed junk law. Only a few people attended this public hearing, and most of the people attending regularly attend board meetings anyway. The supervisor, three times, addressed the gathering inviting comments on the proposed law – either positive or negative. All three times there was absolute silence. After the public hearing was closed, a board member stated he had many conversations with residents prior to the public meeting indicating support for this law. When it came time for the board to vote two members voted for the law, one member voted against the law, and one member was absent. The supervisor then stated that because the public made no comments one way or the other during the public hearing, he did not have enough input from the community to comfortably vote for the law, so he cast a vote against. The tie (2 for, 2 against, 1 absent) postponed the vote for the next board meeting on September 10.
The public, at the August board meeting but after the vote, then started to express many opinions about the proposed law, most in support of the law, one against. The most notable reaction from the public both during the meeting (and informally after the meeting) was confusion about the whole process. When it was suggested that a survey for town opinion could be conducted through the newsletter in order to obtain the opinions of the taxpayers prior to a public hearing, there was no response from the board or the public present.
I missed the September 10, 2007, board meeting, and therefore must rely on 3rd party information (which may or may not be totally accurate). I understand that the room was packed (verbal report of about 60 people, Evening Sun reported 40 people). The supervisor reported that another public hearing must take place before the board votes again. That public hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2007, which is after this newsletter is delivered to the printer and most likely before you have it in your hands.
There were people present at the September meeting both for and against the junk law. It was reported to me that about 5 people requested the public be kept informed through the newsletter. Minutes state: “Jerry – Can’t guarantee that the newsletter will be out in time”.
* * *
FROM THE EDITOR
“JUNK LAW” ETC: After the August board meeting, many were under the impression that no comments during the public hearing were another way of expressing support for the “Junk Law”. A few members of the public stated they had several conversations with the supervisor prior to the meeting in support of the law and believed that to be sufficient. And still others stated they didn’t even know that the meeting was opened up for public comment!!! (Acoustics in that room are horrible – we need a town hall!!!!) It is sad to report that our citizens (me included) don’t have a firm grasp on our political process. According to the public notice published in the paper and posted at the post office, if someone cannot attend the public hearing, they may submit comments in writing. If we don’t, elected officials may get the impression that we don’t care and subsequently vote against the law. Let’s also use the newsletter to keep people informed. For this to happen, elected officials have to take the initiative to write informative articles for the newsletter.
Perhaps they don’t believe enough taxpayers read the newsletter. Let’s find out. Following is the first survey by this newsletter to poll the residents of our town. You may reply by e-mail or by regular mail. Please do not call since I need hard copy for filing in the clerk’s office. The results of the survey will appear in the next newsletter. Deadline to respond will be the deadline for the newsletter as it appears in the calendar of events in this issue.
* * *
INFORMATIONAL SURVEY REGARDING COMMUNICATION OF PLYMOUTH ISSUES Fall 2007
1. Are you a taxpayer in the town of Plymouth? ___ yes
___ no
2. Are you a resident of the town of Plymouth? ___ yes
___ no
3. Do you regularly read the legal notices in The Evening Sun? ___ yes
___ no
4. Do you regularly read the notices posted at the post office? ___ yes
___ no
5. a. If you DID know about the 8/13/07 public hearing on the junk law, had you already expressed your opinion to an elected official(s)? ___ yes
___ no
___ n/a
b. If so, did you believe you met your obligation and did not need to attend the public hearing? ___ yes
___ no
___ n/a
6. Did you attend the public hearing on 8/13/07? ___ yes
___ no
a. If so, why didn’t you give your opinion at the appointed time? (check all that apply):
___ thought silence was assent ___ didn’t know supervisor was opening up question to public
___ not comfortable speaking in public ___ already expressed my opinion to an elected official
___ other: (please specify)
b. If not, why not? _____________________________________________
7. Would you have attended had you known about the public hearing? ___ yes
___ no
___ dk, n/a
8. Do you want the activities of the board to be reported in the newsletter? ___ yes
___ no
___ no opinion
9. If so, who do you think should do the reporting (check as many as you wish):
___ supervisor ___ board member
___ non-elected volunteer
___ other (please specify):_________________________
10. What is your reaction to the poor response from the candidates regarding the taxpayers’ questions (check all that apply and add additional comments):
___ outrage ___ candidates should be responsive to the public
___ disappointment ___ if concerned about making someone mad, reconsider public office
___ amusement ___ I want a taxpayer questionnaire for candidates every election
___ unresponsive candidates should write a letter to the editor explaining failure to respond
* * *
If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.
James Madison
* * *
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear [Editor]: You are doing a great job as volunteer editor of the newsletter. It truly does make me feel that I am part of a community. Enclosed is another donation which I hope helps with expenses. . .
I am finally moving back to the area full time. My wife and I are very excited. Please change my mailing address. . .
David Steinbach
Dear [editor]: I look forward to the newsletter. The information provided sparks community interest. It is nice to see so many good people doing so many good things. Please accept the enclosed check to support your efforts. Howie Sullivan
Greetings: [My wife], Lois is from Norwich 80 years ago and I was born on the big farm in South Plymouth 74 years ago. I am Lawrence Hiram Adams.
When we read that Councilman Robert Brown voted Nay on the clean property (junk) proposal we were disappointed that an elected official would let a personal opinion cloud his judgment. Personal opinions have no place in the political process. When a person is elected to serve All of the people it must be without bias.
An elected official has a sworn duty to be fair-minded and completely objective to those he is elected to represent. I know I have been here on many occasions while serving on boards and commissions in Phoenix and the State of Arizona.
I would like to suggest to Mr. Brown that [with] owning property and paying taxes go certain duties and obligations. How a property is maintained is but one of many. Another is a matter of conscience, respect for one’s neighbors. . . .
Here in Phoenix we have a City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Unit which is mandated to help keep the city clean. . . . [T]hey recently responded to a blight in my neighborhood which has been addressed to the perpetrator and the issue has been completely [?resolved?].
My point is such a town unit and such an ordinance works and it’s everyone’s moral and social responsibility to maintain order when it comes to this and other types of issues that affect the public good.
Lois and I want to commend … other members of the council for their pro-active thinking and service to those who reside in the Town of Plymouth. And, yes, Mr. Brown, it is the public’s business; that’s why we all pay taxes which accords you and any of us the right and privilege to own property.
[Respectfully] submitted this 15th day of August, 2007.
* * *
INTERVIEW WITH A PLYMOUTH BUSINESS: Notice to Readers
Perhaps I’m beginning to burn out already. I did not have time to interview another business for this issue. Below you will find the template of questions for a business. If you are a business, please fill out this form and mail it to Plymouth Newsletter, 213 Pierce Road, Plymouth, NY 13832. If you wish to be a volunteer reporter, take this form to a Plymouth business and do the interview. Sandy Bonell Pierce, very, very tired volunteer editor.
Business address:
Name(s) of Owners:
Phone: Fax: E-mail:
How long have you been in this business?
How long have you been a Plymouth taxpayer?
What is the major product/service you provide?
What are your hours/days of operation?
Why did you choose this location for your business?
Do you have any future plans for the business such as expansion?
* * *
LOCAL DONATION OPPORTUNITIES: Would you like to donate to a Town of Plymouth organization/cause? Below is a list of opportunities for you to support. If you would like your Town of Plymouth organization/cause to be listed here, please send information to the Town of Plymouth Newsletter, 213 Pierce Road, Plymouth, NY 13832, or e-mail to plymouthnewsletter@frontiernet.net.
Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department
“Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department”
Plymouth Fire Department
P. O. Box 112
Plymouth, NY 13832
Plymouth Emergency Squad
“Plymouth Emergency Squad”
Plymouth Fire Department
P. O. Box 112
Plymouth, NY 13832
Plymouth Historical Society
“Plymouth Historical Society”
Plymouth Historical Society
c/o Betty Bates
516 County Road 29
Norwich, NY 13815
Plymouth Newsletter
“Town of Plymouth Newsletter”
Town of Plymouth Newsletter
213 Pierce Road
Plymouth, NY 13832
* Town of Plymouth Canasawacta Creek Watershed
“Town of Plymouth Watershed”
Town of Plymouth Watershed
P. O. Box 30
South Plymouth, NY 13844
Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno’t mtaetr in what oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is that the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it whotuit a pboerlm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Azanmig huh?
CALENDAR OF SPECIAL EVENTS
Thursday
Oct 4
7:30 p.m.
Plymouth Historical Society meeting and White Elephant Sale at the Depot in Plymouth
Monday
Oct 8 (tentative)
7:00 p.m.
Town of Plymouth Board meeting – public encouraged to attend – at the fire house
Monday
Oct 8
7:15 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED TOWN “JUNK LAW”
Wednesday
Oct 10
4:30 p.m.
Chicken and Biscuit Dinner at Plymouth United Methodist Church in Plymouth, NY
Saturday
Oct 13
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Breakfast by Plymouth Watershed Committee (Hunter’s welcome!!) sponsored by the PVFD at the fire house
Friday-Saturday
Oct 19 & 20
tba
Rogers Haunted House
???
sometime in Oct?
???
Rabies Clinic – keep watch in the Evening Sun or on the County’s web site
Thursday
Nov 1
7:00 p.m.
Plymouth Historical Society Harvest supper and meeting at Carole Beckwith’s Home, Election of Officers
Tuesday
Nov 6
6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
ELECTION DAY!!!! Get out and vote!
Monday
Nov 12
(tentative)
7:00 p.m.
Town of Plymouth Board meeting – public encouraged to attend – at the fire house
Wednesday
Nov 14
4:30 p.m.
Turkey and Trimmings Dinner at Plymouth United Methodist Church in Plymouth, NY
Saturday
Nov 17
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hunter’s Breakfast by Plymouth Watershed Committee (Public welcome!!) sponsored by the PVFD at the fire house
Friday
Dec 7
8:00 p.m.
DEADLINE for submissions to this newsletter; get your articles & events in before this date (ASAP) if you can.
Monday
Dec 10
(tentative)
7:00 p.m.
Town of Plymouth Board meeting – public encouraged to attend – at the fire house
posted by Rob & Zoe' Baker @ 2:46 PM
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