Your Voice
Here is your place to speak out! You can comment on anything you would like.
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e-mail: boise@boisemarketing.net
July 20
OPEN FARM DAY - Visit Our BROOKFIELD Farms!
This SATURDAY, July 24th (10am – 4PM) is OPEN FARM DAY in Madison County. This is a “FREE” OPEN HOUSE of 37 Madison County farms which will be open to the public. No charge. This is a great weekend idea for the family….! BEST OF ALL…OUR TOWN has FOUR BROOKFIELD farms participating. Here is a chance to check out:
ENDLESS TRAILS (Pam & Dave Williams -Larkin Rd. Hubbardsville) – B&B/ grass fed beef; free samples and a wagon ride….
TRIPLE CREEK FARM (Mary Lou Thall - Davis Rd., off Rt. 8) – Connemera horses; miniature ponies;
THE OLDE FARM HOMESTEAD (DJ & Mindy Laymon – Hollow Road, Brookfield) Miniature Teddy Bear Sheep – sheep to pet, chickens to feed, crafts;
WILD WEST ELK RANCH (Cody, Cindy & Jerrad Mikalunas- Button Rd., Brookfield) will be selling elk and buffalo meat at their gift shop! Give it a try and check out the animals!
Here is the chance to learn about the different agricultural farms in Madison County from miniature donkeys to bee keeping, organic farms, horse farms… great day of family entertainment and education. ..and it’s FREE !!!
A do-it-yourself tour, map and farm details on all 37 are available at the links provided below. Also, maps and information will be dropped off at the Town Hall and Beaver Den later this week. Maps will also be available at each farm…..or just do it NOW and download your PASSPORT, MAPS & BROCHURE at this link.
June 29th
Below is a frightening article which appeared on the WSYR site (link provided) with my comments (couldn't help it!)....this is an example of the "head in the sand" attitude of the gas industry and our own local and state-run agencies that see the fast dollars to feed their coffers and are willing to sacrifice our welfare. This is an underground BP waiting to happen. It's time the state, county, town and residents stop looking the other other way and pay attention to what is going on in this area. While I certainly agree, we all have private rights to our property ....but YOUR rights stop at MY property line!!! ..and this issue goes beyond property lines! It's time for the TOWN and COUNTY to step up to the plate and look out for us before it's TOO LATE!!.... IF gas drilling is coming -- then we need to be PREPARED...and our local governments are doing a lousy job! Just my opinion.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Compounds associated with neurological problems, cancer and other serious health effects are among the chemicals being used to drill natural gas wells in Pennsylvania, although state and industry officials said Monday the practice is not polluting drinking water. [hwb COMMENT: a bold face lie - they do NOT know this as fact, nor have they any studies to support this statement!! ..and they are trying to stop any studies that would reveal the contamination!!! ]
The Associated Press obtained the list from the state Department of Environmental Protection, which assembled what is believed to be the first complete catalog of gas drilling chemicals being used in Pennsylvania. It hopes to post it online soon. The department counts more than 80 chemicals being used by the rapidly growing drilling industry in a process called hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," as it pursues the rich Marcellus Shale reserve.Many of the compounds are also present in consumer products, such as salt, cosmetics, gasoline, pesticides, solvents, glues, paints and tobacco smoke.
Environmental advocates worry the chemicals are poisoning underground drinking water sources. However, environmental officials say they know of no examples in Pennsylvania or elsewhere. "If we thought there was any frack fluid getting into fresh drinking water ... I think we'd have to have a very serious conversation about prohibiting the activity completely," said Scott Perry, the director of the department's Bureau of Oil and Gas Management. [hwb COMMENT: I think our health and safety is worth more than a "thought" and a "conversation" - this statement is indicative of the attitude toward the local communities!!}
Conrad Volz, who directs the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, said state and federal agencies haven't done enough research to come to that conclusion. The Department of Environmental Protection assembled the list from information the industry is required to disclose. Industry officials say the chemicals pose no threat because they are handled safely and are heavily diluted when they are injected under heavy pressure with water and sand into a well. Industry officials say the chemicals account for less than 1 percent of the fluid that is blasted underground.
The mixture breaks up the shale some 5,000 to 8,000 feet down and props open the cracks to allow the gas trapped inside to flow up the well to the surface. Approximately 1,500 Marcellus Shale wells have been drilled in Pennsylvania in the past three years, and many thousands more are expected in the coming years. Hydraulic fracturing has been heavily used in Texas, Louisiana, Colorado and Wyoming in the past decade.
The chemicals are used to reduce friction, kill algae and break down mineral deposits in the well. Various well services firms make different proprietary blends of the solutions and supply them to the drilling companies, which blend them with water at the well site before pumping them underground.
In recent years, the makers of the solutions have sought to replace toxic ingredients with "green" or food-based additives. One compound, naphthalene, is classified by the federal Environmental Protection Agency as a possible human carcinogen. The EPA said central nervous system depression has been reported in people who get high levels of toluene by deliberately inhaling paint or glue. In its online guidelines on xylene, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration cites an industrial hygiene and toxicology text that says chronic exposure to xylene may cause central nervous system depression, anemia, liver damage and more.
http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Potentially-harmful-chemicals-used-in/PEPXcfGEnkW508jOsZF9YQ.cspx
June 22nd.
EPA Announces a Schedule of Public Meetings on Hydraulic Fracturing Research Study
August 12 Meeting to be Held in Binghamton, N.Y.
Contact: Elias Rodriguez, (212) 637-3664, rodriguez.elias@epa.gov
(New York, N.Y. – June 18, 2010) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting four public information meetings on the proposed study of the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and its potential impacts on drinking water. Hydraulic fracturing is a process that drills vertical and horizontal cracks underground that help withdraw gas or oil from coalbeds, shale and other geological formations. By pumping fracturing fluids (water and chemical additives) and sands into rock formations, fractures are created in the formation from which natural gas or oil can be more easily extracted. The meetings will provide public information about the proposed study scope and design. EPA will solicit public comments on the draft study plan.
The public meetings will be held on:
· July 8 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. CDT at the Hilton Fort Worth in Fort Worth, Texas
· July 13 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. MDT at the Marriot Tech Center’s Rocky Mountain Events Center in Denver, Colo.
· July 22 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT at the Hilton Garden Inn in Canonsburg, Pa.
· August 12 at the Anderson Performing Arts Center at Binghamton University in Binghamton, N.Y. for 3 sessions - 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT
Natural gas plays a key role in our nation’s clean energy future and hydraulic fracturing is one way of accessing this vital resource. However, serious concerns have been raised about hydraulic fracturing’s potential impact on drinking water, human health and the environment. To address these concerns, EPA announced in March that it will study the potential adverse impact that hydraulic fracturing may have on drinking water.
To support the initial planning phase and guide the development of the study plan, the agency sought suggestions and comments from the EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB)—an independent, external federal advisory committee. The agency will use this advice and extensive stakeholder input to guide the design of the study.
Stakeholders are requested to pre-register for the meetings at least 72 hours before each meetin g.
More information on the meetings: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_hydrofrac.html
June 21st.
Gasland: Fracking on HBO June 21
June 20th
On “Speakitfree”. John Salka wrote that he called the Town’s Insurance carrier to see if The Town of Brookfield is covered or not for allowing alcohol consumption at the Town Parks. Hopefully we will have that information soon.
J. Mineo
June 15th
At last night's TOWN BOARD MEETING we learned that ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED in the Brookfield Town Parks…. Also, certificates of insurance are NOT required for any private parties hosted in Town Parks.When the question of Town liability was raised, Councilman DeWitt Head, in defense of the alcohol policy, noted that there was a prohibition against serving anyone underage and the North Brookfield Park sign clearly states that people use the park "at their own risk". It had been my understanding that there were rules put in place by each of the Town Park committees governing use of the parks for both public, school & community events; and "assumed" alcohol was prohibited and find it unusual that certificates of insurance are not required.Perhaps there are park committee members or party givers that could give us some pros/cons…. Particularly with respect to the Town's liability issues. Maybe the Fair should move the Beer Tent to the Town Park and have a shuttle service…? Would be interested in hearing input from all sides ….PLEASE USE THE "SPEAK IT FREE "Forum" to provide your input! Thanks. Honna Bowen
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Ladies & Gentlemen: According to a recent Waterville Times article, Brookfield Central approved a 3.5% increase for each of the three RETROACTIVE to JULY 2009.. However, the article lacked critical details that I hope this FOIL request will clarify. I would like to know the $ impact these increases will have on both SALARY and BENEFITS for the respective years; and assume this information would have to be projected for budget and negotiation purposes. In addition to salary, please include the benefits impact (retirement/health premium projections) estimates used for budgetary purposes.
Lastly, it appears there is only one more year left on this three year agreement that was only approved this month.
NOTE: .........11% increase is a result of compounding a 3.5% increase over 3 years....they are getting a 3.5% increase each year for three years, so their 2011-12 salary will be 11% increase over their current 2008-09 salary and benefits.
Please confirm. If you have any questions or require clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Very truly yours,
Honna Whelley-Bowen
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Glad to see Brookfield School administration is making money when rest of the state is in real trouble
Ultimately 11% raise (retroactive???) Can anyone explain this?
Next board meeting June 23rd. Lets show up......
June 14th
The tag “unfunded mandate” is so undeserved of that assembly bill that it is laughable!
BILL NUMBER:A9911
TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the public officers law, in relation to requiring certain records which are the subject of a discussion conducted at an open meeting be made available to the public
PURPOSE: To make certain records, which are scheduled to be the subject of discussion at an open meeting, available to the public on, the agency website at least twenty-four hours prior to such meeting and a reason able number of Copies of such records available prior to or at the meet ing.
What's so unreasonable about that?
So, if a Town or County Board has plans to vote on and pass a resolution or new law that will affect the people of that Town or County, they should actually have to give a whole 24 hrs “heads-up” notification to the public they serve!
The Agendas are already made up, so if a municipality has a website, that’s a minute or less of actual time to get it sent to the site. (O.K. maybe two minutes if I were the one doing it…) Knowing how many people show up at Town or County meetings here in Madison Co. there won’t be a lot of copies to have to make available. (Anyone of our Board members can make those copies before the meeting and I will personally donate the paper!)
Town and County governments all over the State are voting against supporting this bill for one reason,,.,they don’t want to give out any more information than they have to any sooner than they have to.
Jackie Mineo
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Jackie,
There will be a public meeting regarding the incentive bonuses on the 13th. My position will not change, I will not vote for it. Although this is payment for an agreement for work that was done in 2009 and was in the budget, I still feel that it sends a message that is wrong. The economic situation is changing almost daily, and we have to take into account that we are looking at a financial picture that is getting worse more than getting better.
There was comment made about the resolution that passed showing opposition for increasing access to public information that is coming out of Albany. I am sure that there is not a supervisor on the board that does not endorse increasing people’s ability monitor to what government is doing, but this is a classic unfunded mandate from our state legislators that will place even greater burden on the municipalities when we need it the least. I have always been a proponent of greater accountability but I feel that there is probably a better way to do this than to increase paperwork and public employee time.
Thanks, John
June 13th...
Jackie,
As far as I know, there will be a public hearing on the incentive program. I cannot help but think that the public, if anyone does speak, will not be in favor of these incentives as the timing just is not right. I am not sure it will ever be.
As far as the resolution that was voted down regarding greater access to public information, I don't believe that there is a supervisor on the board that does not feel that the public should be entitled to any and all information that government involves itself in. The problem with this proposed law is that it is essentially another unfunded mandate that the state is willing to apply to the local municipalities but refuses to help with the additional costs associated with implimenting them. To comply with the law will place a burden on the locals that could not come at a worse time. They pass the laws, we pay for them.
Thanks, John
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John,
Thank you for that clarification.
The way the minutes are written for June 3rds meeting, it made it seem that there was to be a public hearing on July 13th for those incentive payments. Will there be?
Or was that for something else?
Jackie Mineo
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I would like to clarify that the resolution that was supposed to come before the board on June 8th about "bonuses" for management was pulled, although it will be brought up at the next meeting. I am not sure as to why it was taken off the agenda, as sometimes, much to my irritation, resolutions are pulled by decision of a committee at the last minute without the rest of the board being informed.
When this resolution does come up again, I have stated that I will vote against it. Although I have much respect for our management at the county, I feel that it sends a message to those that are struggling to make ends meet that people are being rewarded for just doing their jobs, something that over 15% of the people in country do not even have now.
I will vote against any increase in salaries for any county worker right now. I voted against the contract that came before us several months ago, and will do so again if need be.For years the supervisors snuck in raises for themselves when they voted for the budget, and I feel that this was unacceptable; just like life time health insurance after just ten years of service. Government has to join the real world.
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As far as the editorial in the Times, it was what it was. She expressed an opinion and has the right to. My regret is that the people in our town will not have as much of an opportunity to do the same now because of the decision by the board to pull the guest book. If you are a public official doing the work that you were either elected or appointed to do, you better prepare to take some heat if you do something that people do not agree with or have a question about. Can't stand the heat, it probably is a kitchen you should not be in...
Thanks, John
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2009 COUNTY EMPLOYEE "PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE" BONUS
I would like to know why the County is paying $54,500 in "bonuses" to over 50 employees who have simply "contributed to the betterment of Madison County". Isn't that their job?...... I am referring to MADISON COUNTY RESOLUTION #8 from their June 8 meeting which includes a list of the positions and 2009 "bonuses" ranging from $500-$1,500. …Honna Bowen
June 12th
This is the same editorialist who insulted those of us who showed up to express our anger and dismay at the huge assessment increases we got. “Uh, did anyone not see this coming” is how she started her editorial. No, we did not!
Maybe it’s time for a new “official” paper that can give a balanced view.
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I was deeply disturbed by the recent editorial in the Waterville Times titled "Wise Web Decision". Quite shocking that a newspaper would support violating our First Amendment right to Freedom of Speech! This country is in serious trouble when the press, of all thing, supports censorship of it's citizens. Our Founding Fathers must be rolling over in their graves.
I leave you with 2 quotes to ponder.
Karen
"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter."
- George Washington
"A people which is able to say everything becomes able to do everything."
- Napoleon Bonaparte
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WARNING: GAS DRILLING LEASES - Hidden Financial Dangers Talk about environmental dangers!!.... How about the FINANCIAL DANGERS !!! Do you -- or your neighbor -- have a gas lease on your property? You may be in for a rude awakening if you go to sell your property or take out a home equity loan. Not only are more banks refusing to lend against these properties, but insurance companies are declining coverage or increasing premiums on properties located on or near well sites. That's right - just "near" - within 300 feet of the PROPERTY LINE from an active or "planned" drilling site….not 300' from the well ….but 300' from the PROPERTY LINE! So your neighbor's lease could render your property unmortgageable or uninsurable….! Attorney Randy Marcus notes that a number of insurance companies will not insure leased properties, or else substantially raised their premiums. And leases may remain operative way beyond the terms in the lease agreement (“held by production”). The bigger question is this...will Fannie MAe, Freddie MAc or Ginnie Mae buy loans of this description. Bank & Lenders refusing leases: Bank of America FHA Fidelity First Liberty FNCB HUD Wells Fargo Check out this link for more details: Click Here
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June 11th
Recently I witnessed a violent attack on a women by her boyfriend. I stepped in to stop this along with a couple of others.
Any man who attacks a women is so completely weak! This person certainly needs help!
Please call the domestic violence hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 1.800.787.3224 (TTY) Anonymous & Confidential Help 24/7
Visit http://www.ndvh.org
T.J.
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Public Officers Law, section 106
1. Minutes shall be taken at all open meetings of a public body which shall consist of a record or summary of all motions, proposals, resolutions and any other matter formally voted upon and the vote thereon.
2. Minutes shall be taken at executive sessions of any action that is taken by formal vote which shall consist of a record or summary of the final determination of such action, and the date and vote thereon; provided, however, that such summary need not include any matter which is not required to be made public by the freedom of information law as added by article six of this chapter.
3. Minutes of meetings of all public bodies shall be available to the public in accordance with the provisions of the freedom of information law within two weeks from the date of such meeting except that minutes taken pursuant to subdivision two hereof shall be available to the public within one week from the date of the executive session
Where are the minutes?
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I really do not have much to say. I will say there was a lot more good than bad about the forum. People were upset and they spoke out. I think most of what they said was actually true. the personal attacks were over the top but as in most cases was made a much bigger deal than it really was. Thanks to that paper, Our hits went up a bit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aaron
June 10th
Editorial in local paper
Called "Wise Web Decision"
It is obvious that the Editor of this article was mis informed (I know who informed this editor and they are nothing more than another trouble maker).
They should have considered the facts and not hearsay....
I would like to hear from you Mr. Webmaster on your take of this.....
June 4th
Jackie,
Thanks for responding. It feels pretty good to start the dialogue up again. Hope there is more to follow. To address your concerns about the budget. We will be sitting down very soon to start to crunch the numbers and figures that we will need to get an idea on what next year’s budget will be looking like. There are a number of factors here that need explanation. One is that we will be needing the numbers from the various concerns like the local and county assessors and the state to know what we are looking at on the revenue side. These numbers should be coming sometime in July, sometimes as late as August. So we really do not know what we have to work with until then.
As far as the expenditure side, this is a little clearer. There are contractual obligations that we have, and those are pretty well known. I am hoping to be able to cut certain lines again but we have reduced spending by at least 3% on many lines over the last three years, and I am not sure how much more we can do. This is where sitting down and brainstorming with the board and with our highway superintendent comes into play. I will definitely keep the public informed as to the process. If anyone has any ideas, I have always welcomed them.
I do agree that a supervisors report is important, and I have slipped a little behind in that. Am I busy, of course. Between what is happening at the county, the town and my full time job, it seems a little stretched at times, but that is no excuse for not making sure that my town is well informed and provided for. I will be issuing a report ASAP. There is much to report.
I too would like to see the minutes posted on the website and I will work with our town clerk to try to get that as a regular posting. We are making progress slow but sure and there is always room for improvement.
Thank you, John
June 3rd.
A monthly Supervisors Report would give residents some information about what is going on so that they might give their feedback. So would some disclosure about what is in store for the Budget. Surely there has been some “work” done on that by now. Where are the Budget “workshops” that were spoken about?
What about our tax rate? Any hints as to what that will be? How about the Town posting its legal notices on this site? What about posting the minutes of the Town Board…and other committees,… that’s been talked about since the site started! There used to be notes from Comprehensive Planning Committee, now nothing.
If the Town wants to keep a vibrant and alive site with lots of participation on Town issues, it’s going to have to be a lot more open and giving of information...otherwise it will be just a few of us digging for information and using FOI’s. It’s not up to Aaron to provide this info.
John, I know you’re a very busy person, but if you truly want participation, you’re going have to direct the Town to provide more information.
Respectfully
Jackie Mineo
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This is one member of the town government who is equally disappointed that there has been such little activity on the voice. The forum gave our citizens an opportunity to speak their minds, put forward ideas, and to feel like they are part of the process. I know that Aaron has been tossing around some ideas about how we can “reinvigorate” this very public part of Brookfieldny.com, and I would support any viable means of jumpstarting this important part of our town.
I know that there are issues out there that people want to voice their opinion on, that is what Brookfield is all about.
Lets not give in to the old guard and lets get rolling again on what has been one of the most impressive accomplishments of our town in a long time.
John Salka
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It has been disappointingly quiet on “your voice” since the shakedown. Maybe that makes the council happy, but I personally think it’s a shame.
Rob Norris
May 21st.
At the May 11th Madison County Supervisors meeting, Resolution 148-10 was passed requesting the State legislature to allow Madison County to INCREASE the surcharge on wireless and land line phones.
Approved by all except Supervisor Salka
J.M.
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May 18th
Brookfield School Budget passed with no machine voting.........
Unadilla Valley Central School District has also proposed to decrease their budget by 3.15%
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May 16th
National Ag Secretary in Bedford County
 USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke to about 100 people from all walks of farm life May 7 at Singing Brook Farm in Imler, Pa. His focus at the town hall-like event was on problems facing today’s rural America. Accompanied by Russell Redding, Pennsylvania secretary of agriculture, Vilsack said farming is the toughest job in America.
“At most jobs, if you work hard you are rewarded,” Vilsack said. “But, with farming, it seems to be the opposite.”
He said that every farmer in this country feeds his own family plus an additional 155 people. He expressed alarm over the aging of rural America, noting that 58 percent of the farmers are over the age of 60.
Vilsack said there are only a few full-time farmers with the rest relying heavily on off-farm income earned by one or both spouses.
Noting the importance of rural America, Vilsack said that it composes just one-sixth of the total population but 45 percent of the military.
“The government realizes the importance of improving the standard of living for farmers,” he said. “We need to grow our own food. Because America has such good and successful farmers, Americans spend 10 to 14 percent of their take-home pay on food. This compares with 25 to 30 percent in other countries.
The future, he said, look bright with rural help in renewable, clean energy. The 2012 Farm Bill will include the USDA’s new Regional Innovation Initiative. This regional and collaborative approach will center on five pillars promoted by the Administration and assisting rural America. Major emphasis will be placed on broadband, renewable energy and biofuels, regional food systems and supply chains, forest restoration and private land conservation, and ecosystem market incentives.
In a question and answer session, Bob Johnson of Fayette County noted that most of today’s consumers are disconnected from the source of their food. He asked about an agricultural loan program for planting specialty crops.
“If farmers could make more money on the farm, it would open the job market for others,” Johnson said.
Some suggestions tossed out by Vilsack included the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food program. This could involve asking folks who purchase in bulk if they know that the food might be available locally.
He noted that many small towns or inner cities do not have a full grocery store. Therefore, the people end up buying convenience food at a convenience store.
“It is not wholesome, nutritious food,” Vilsack said. “We need an alternative, competitive, nutritious market.”
A dairy question regarding the price of milk was quickly forthcoming. Vilsack said he realizes there is a serious problem for the dairy farmer. He said 2008 was a great year, but in 2009, the price of milk tanked. It went from $20 a hundred to $12. He cited supply and demand as part of the solution and a consistent approach from across the nation is needed to fix the problem.
“Right now,” he said, “We get one suggestion from Pennsylvania, another from New Mexico, something else from Wisconsin.”
He said the government should help dairy farmers with a bridge to a better year. “Perhaps something like risk management insurance,” he suggested, “similar to crop insurance.” He also hoped for exporting to begin again.
“And we need to increase domestic consumption. Run advertising campaigns on low-fat dairy products such as skim or low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt.”
He said the government is working with banks to avoid foreclosures on farm families during the down times.
A Somerset County farmer said he felt farmers weren’t getting a fair shake.
“Of that 10 percent to 15 percent that Americans spend on food, most of it stays with the middle man. When the price of milk goes up in the store, it does not go up to the farmer. The general public doesn’t have a clue this is how it works.”
Vilsack said he is aware of this discrepancy between the farmer and the middleman. Some suggestions were direct sales and farm markets. He said he feels we don’t need to save only the large farms in this country, but the middle-sized and small farms as well.
“We need an alliance to let the people in the city know about the source of their food,” Vilsack said.
Greta Snider said she had looked on Foodsafety.gov and not a word is mentioned about the work that goes into providing safe food to the public. Vilsack said that problem would be fixed.
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May 13th
Click on this link for instructions on how to appeal to the BAR
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I would like to know if there is anyone that knows exactly how to fill out the grievance form and who would be willing to help us fill out ours. It was said that if they are not filled out exactly the correct way they will not even be reviewed. If anyone is willing to help we could get together any time and where ever you want, just let us know. I remember there was someone that mentioned helping people before, but I don't remember who it was. You can email me at ndlawson@frontiernet.net thank you. Nadine Lawson
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May 9th
I just wanted to give everyone an update on the proposal to introduce a new format on the town website that will allow those who wish to comment to do so without directly submitting their name. Aaron presented this to the town board last month, and it seemed that eveyone there was comfortable with it. It has a great potential for other postings like a swap sheet, classified section or a host of other topics.
Because there was a concern about the town's liability, I felt it was important to check with our town attorney to make sure that is was OK to go ahead. I am still waiting for his contact who specializes in internet communication to get back to us.
In the meantime, we welcome any and all comments on the site. I must admit that I do miss the old format as it allowed for more free expression of ideas and comments. It is too bad that it had to be ruined by just a few inappropriate submissions. Maybe we should consider a blog or something that is not quite so directly connected to the town. Any ideas?
Thanks, John Salka
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May 7th
Karen-
Thank you for your vigilance on the food and ag industries!
Rob Norris
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The USDA is proposing to regionalize Brazil for Foot-and-Mouth Disease and several other highly contagious diseases so we can accept animals and meat from the state of Santa Catarina in Brazil.
As citizens of this country, it is our Right to post our opinion on the Federal Register about proposed rules. If people do not comment, this WILL go through and could have devastating effects on our area – the Big Five Meat Packers will once again be able to undercut our farmers on the price of beef and pork by importing cheap meat from another country. In addition, the risk of the highly contagious FMD (Foot-and-Mouth Disease) gaining entry into this country is hair raising to say the least. The last outbreak of FMD in this country was in 1929! For those not familiar with FMD, it is highly contagious, being carried from one farm t o another on truck tires, human’s shoes, etc. The current world-wide accepted “containment” practice is to slaughter ALL cloven-hooved animals (i.e.: cattle, pigs, sheep, goats) in a 6 mile radius surrounding each infected farm. Horses do not contract the disease but may carry it so all movement of even non-affected livestock is immediately halted.
I urge everyone to submit a comment on the Federal Register against this hair-raising scheme. Even if you do not own livestock, do have to eat. Imagine the price of food if this country was literally brought to its knees due to an outbreak of FMD, as the United Kingdom was in 2001.
Here are the directions for finding the document and submitting a comment.
Type in APHIS-2009-0034-0001 in the box titled "enter keyword or ID" above search.
The first listing is the USDA's proposed rule. Click on the document to read the USDA’s proposed rule. Immediately below that are the public comments already submitted. You may click on each one to read them if you wish.
To comment, click on "Submit a comment" on the same line as the USDA's proposed rule.
The comment I submitted is below. Remember - it takes a couple of days for your comment to appear on this site. I suggest sending your comment to your elected officials as well. I did.
Karen Nowak
APHIS-2009-0034-0001
According to the OIE website, Santa Catarina is the ONLY state in Brazil listed as free of FMD and vaccinations. Therefore, Brazil is NOT listed as a country free from FMD, according to the provisions of Chapter 2.2.10 of the Terrestrial Code.
To “amend the regulations governing the importation of certain animals and animal products by adding the Brazilian State of Santa Catarina to the list of regions we recognize as free of foot-and- mouth disease, rinderpest, swine vesicular disease, classical swine fever, and African swine fever” is not only foolish, it is playing Russian Roulette with the health of the livestock in the USA!
You state: “In the risk evaluation, we concluded that Santa Catarina is free of FMD, ASF, CSF, and SVD and has adequate veterinary infrastructures in place to prevent, control, and manage outbreaks of these diseases if they were to occur.” You came to the exact same conclusion about South Korea in December of 2009 and what happened? SIXTEEN outbreaks of FMD not one month later!!
To allow animals and animal products from Santa Catarina into this country may very well set us up for the disaster that happened in the United Kingdom in 2001. As a reminder of what happened in the 2001 UK outbreak, 6 million animals were slaughtered as a result of FMD (4.9 million sheep, 0.7 million cattle and 0.4 million pigs). It cost the UK's Ag industry and food system 3.1 billion pounds ($4.7 billion US D). Per the 2007 USDA Ag Census, we have 96.4 million cattle, 67.8 million hogs, 5.8 million sheep and 5.6 million goats in any given year that would be put at risk. As you well know, large numbers of livestock are shipped from one end of this country to the other every single day. As a result, FMD could spread across the entire country in a single day, effectively shutting down every aspect of the livestock industry, including horses, which do not contract but may carry the disease. There are almost 1 million racehorses and 2.7 million show horses, which generate billions of dollars into the economy of this country and almost a million jobs. An outbreak of FMD would shut these events down, just as it did in the UK in 2001. The economic impact would be staggering for many parts of this country, to say nothing of the billions of dollars and millions of jobs that would be lost from the food livestock industry. If for no other reason than simple economics, this proposal should be scrapped.
One by one you lower the standards for importation, all in the name of “free trade agreements” while putting the livestock of this country at risk. Most recently this has happened with bovine TB in cattle from Mexico; CEM and Piroplasmosis in horses. Your focus should be on preventing these diseases from gaining entry into this country, not putting our livestock at risk so another country can export cheap meat and undercut our own farmers and ranchers. I therefore vehemently oppose this ruling.
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May 3rd.
Thought some of you might find this interesting since this study was actually done in NY. In fact it comes from the county I used to live in when they began facing the loss of farms. Most of the towns ignored this report, the development happened anyway and the taxes kept rising and rising and rising as a result. Note the date: 1991 The town of Amenia was identical to Brookfield at the time this study was done.
Thomas, Holly L. February 1991. "The Economic Benefits of Land Conservation", Technical Memo of the Dutchess County Planning Department, Dutchess County, New York.
"Land conservation is often less expensive for local governments than suburban-style development."
"The old adage that cows do not send their children to school expresses a documented fact-- that farms and other types of open land, far from being a drain on local taxes, actually subsidize local government by generating far more in property taxes than they demand in services. The opposite is true of most suburban forms of residential development. In other words, maintaining a substantial open space system is one important was of controlling the costs of government."
"A 1990 study of revenues and expenditures for various types of land uses in Red Hook, Fishkill, and Amenia, by Scenic Hudson, Inc. found that residential land required $1.11 to $1.23 in services for every dollar it contributed in revenue, while open land required only $0.17 in services in Amenia, $0.22 in Red Hook, and $0.74 in Fishkill for each one dollar contribution."
Karen Nowak
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April29th
I have provided a guide to accessing the County Supervisor meetings at the end of my last post…so everyone can get “the accurate picture of what’s going on”
A quote from the resolution imposing this mortgage tax…” Whereas, financial support for this project from New York State sources has not materialized due to the dire State financial situation nor has Federal funding support materialized….” I think that’s a much more brief and clear explanation.
As for the request that we research “whole issues” that our legislators vote on, I just hope they do. That’s not a “shot from the hip” that’s a real hope.
Jackie Mineo
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"Cultivators of the Earth are the most valuble citizens."
-Thomas Jefferson
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Jackie,
As with any issue, there needs to be an explanation in order to get the accurate picture of what is really going on. I admit that it is easy to “shoot from the hip’ and make out that all action by government is bad for the people, but this just in not so. We have managed to form one of the most powerful and just societies in history by doing something right once in a while.
The issue of the mortgage tax is as follows: Madison County was mandated by the state quite some time ago to update our communication system so that our ability to communicate to our fire, police and public works departments may be able to operate more efficiently. The system that has been in place is cumbersome, lacks continuity with other locals, and may not hold up well in the event of a disaster. There certainly was much debate over a considerable length of time about this project. The vote to go ahead with this project was scrutinized by many committees and much discussion and negotiations with various contractors has taken place. This certainly was a project that was well researched.
The total cost will be close to 20 million dollars, and most will be paid for by bonds. The rest will have to be made up from various sources, the mortgage tax being one of them. We will generate $500,000.00 from this tax that will be applied directly to the project. Do I enjoy the thought of instituting another tax; of course not. Unfortunately the minutes do not reflect my comments about how disappointed I was at the prospect of another tax in our county. I made the comment that if we could settle the Oneida claim issue; we certainly would not have to apply another tax to our citizens. In fact if that issue was settled we could lower our tax rate by 20%.
I should mention also that one of the towers proposed for the project will be in North Brookfield, on the site of our existing communication tower for the town, which is in bad need of repair from years of neglect. I negotiated with the company installing the tower to give us space for our equipment in the temperature controlled room that they will need for their equipment along with space on the tower thus saving the town up to $20,000.00. I guess you can say that this tax will, in fact, help to save the taxpayers of Brookfield money that we would have to spend updating our facility.
I appreciate that people are monitoring the county minutes. I only hope that when there is something that we vote on that may affect our local taxpayers that the whole issue is researched. My work as chairman of the committee overseeing Public Health has already saved the county taxpayers over $300,000.00. Of course I will be more than happy to discuss our votes on the county board with anyone who may want to do so.
Thank you, John
John J. Salka
Brookfield Town Supervisor
jsalka@cmhhamilton.com
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April 28th
The Planning Board will be having a “hearing” to discuss a proposed subdivision on a 233 acre parcel on both sides of Beaver Creek Rd. described as a Dairy Farm
The meeting will be at 7pm Thursday, May 6 at Town Hall
Jackie Mineo
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At the last Madison County Supervisors meeting on April 13, Resolution 136-10 was passed approving an additional .25 per $100 mortgage tax. The vote was unanimous.
You can read all the County Supervisor meeting minutes at www.madisoncounty.org. Click on “supervisors” , meeting minutes are on the right.
Jackie Mineo
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April 26th
INFORMAL "POLL" on REASSESSMENTS - Results of Informal Discussions with Assessor.
Letters are out indicating the results on the informal conversations held with the town assessor regarding the 2010 assessments. Just wanted to take a "poll" of those who have gotten reductions, those who have not, and those who intend to take their assessment to GRIEVANCE Day....thanks. Honna Bowen honna@frontiernet.net
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April 25th
I am a member of the Sons of the American Legion and have been involved with the concept of hosting a beer area at this years Madison County Fair since the idea came about. Those who are interested in obtaining the facts regarding how the event will be organized, monitored, or operated are invited to contact us with their questions. A few of the comments in Ms. Conway's article (quoted below) are purely the opinion of those being interviewed and may be somewhat misleading to some readers. We can and will provide factual information to those who wish to have it.
Please feel free to contact us.
Email:
Sons of the American Legion: sal1492@gmail.com
Kevin Marsh: kcm.atm@gmail.com
We will get back to you with the answers to any questions you may have. Any and all feedback is sincerely appreciated!
Thank you,
Kevin Marsh
-------------------------
In a recent article "Shake-up on Fair Board"
By Martha E. Conway
My question is Who pays the extra insurance and any and all additional fundings from the sale of beer.
Who is the inital party to be sued if something happens
Both women said they aren’t anti-alcohol but stood firm the Fair wasn’t the place for it. Thall and Tanney also concurred that hosting a beer tent would actually cost the Fair more money in insurance premiums and security to police the operation.
Thall said the Fair lost $21,000 last year and volunteers were working hard to bring vendors and attractions that boost revenue. She said some ideas were to have an educational exhibit for the historic hops growing culture of the past or to recruit restaurant-style vendors who could offer adults alcoholic beverages with dinner and allow parents and children to stay together.
The beer tent would not allow people to leave the area with alcohol, Tanney said, but children wouldn’t be allowed in, either, leaving them to their own devices on the fairgrounds.
“I think the people who advocated so hard for the beer tent remember ‘the good old days’ as a time when mom and dad sat at the beer tent getting loaded and kept giving them money to go on the rides,” Tanney agreed.
And the liability of unsupervised children was only one concern the women raised. Research Thall did on other events serving alcohol showed spikes in drunken-driving incidents and violent episodes.
Thall said some youth groups have charters or bylaws that prevent them from being able to participate in events where alcohol is dispensed.
County Administrator Paul Miller said he had heard of one such organization, and also has heard that the Sons of the American Legion has offered to suspend beer sales for Youth Day.
Click here to read the whole story
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Residents `Grieve' to Town Board
Some property assessments triple after revaluation
Margo Frink
(Nelson - March 11, 2010) Rising assessments mean higher taxes and several Nelson residents let the town board know they were concerned, many with the five minute grievance time they were given by town Assessor Rhonda Weigand.
The day after the regular board meeting Weigand was in meetings all day but she left this message with the Madison County Courier.
“Obviously I need to see a lot of people this time of year in a very short amount of time, so we try to accommodate everyone. They are welcome to request other appointments at other times, other than obviously when everyone wants to see you at once. Today went well. People were prepared and the short time limit was well adequate.”
At the meeting, resident Robert Curtis read state jobless rates and other facts he prepared from a statement and said if these types of practices continue New York will be unable to compete with states such as Virginia.
“Some of us are looking at 80, 90 and 100 percent increases,” Curtis said. “This goes above and beyond cost of living expenses.” Curtis asked the board to start looking at sharing equipment or other services with neighboring towns.
“If we don't start at this level, we are in trouble,” Curtis said.
Bradstreet said he appreciated their concerns but their arguments were with the assessor and not the town.
“I'm not the assessor,” Bradstreet said. “Ours has 13 years experience. I've got three months.”
The town does share services, Bradstreet said; one is the assessor.
According to Brookfield Supervisor John Salka, in 2006 Nelson entered into an agreement with the towns of Smithfield, Brookfield and Fenner to form the Coordinated Assessment Program (CAP). All four towns share equalization rates, revaluation schedules and the assessor.
In 2009, the equalization rate dropped from 89 percent to 80 percent. A lower equalization rate means less money for governments to operate. It was decided that a 100 revaluation would be done. Unfortunately, the timing was bad.
“The bottom line here is that the state is playing an integral part in encouraging municipalities to form these CAPs to bring property values up to fair and equitable status, and given that, it may, in fact, be good practice,” Salka wrote in a letter to the editor to the Madison County Courier. “It's just that the timing could not be worse. Times are tough, and by applying pressure to towns to revaluate, some might say it is simply an effort to prop up a dismal state budget, cover for irresponsible spending, and is a refusal to be realistic with taxpayer's funds.”
Eatonbrook resident Dale Mulcahy said the market value on his home has increase to $145,000 or a 67 percent tax increase.
“I want to let you know we're concerned,” Mulcahy said.
“She said I had three garages,” said Dave Pushler. “I don't have one. She's taking vacant lots and adding 30 or 40 percent on top of this.”
Judith Bailey, who owns property on Hatch Lake Road, said she has unbuildable waterfront property. Bailey was concerned that the assessor wouldn't understand her situation.
“She tripled my assessment,” Bailey said. “She's going to listen to this and understand? We have two separate deeds. We are paying school taxes on waterfront property that we can't build on.”
Bradstreet told residents that during the grievance period the first step was to make an appointment with Weigand and she would make any adjustments. There will also be a four or five hour window of time set up for people to be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. The next step would be contacting the town's grievance committee and it would state the individual's case to the assessor.
To contact the town assessor, call 655-8582. Ext. 4 or 668-9931.
Margo Frink is managing editor of M3P Media, LLC. She can be reached at Margo@m3pmedia.com or 315-363-4254 or 315-481-8732.
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April 24th
To Erin (and any other interested parties,)
Thank you for the recommendation. I have known for a long time that our food system was totally messed up, but I just got around to watching(about ½ so far,) the Food,Inc. movie. Wendell Berry spoke in the 70’s about the FDA, etc. concentrating the meat industry in the name of sanitation, and of course, we’ve come a long way since then. Another point that really hit home is how our food is driving the immigration issue. Corporate Ag wants cheap labor, and since these corporations own the government, policy will bend, (and has bent,) to their will. We are under assault in so many ways. It’s no wonder so many people are so angry(me included.) Our government and its’ owners have lied to, cheated, and stolen so much from us, our forefathers, and especially our posterity, that it is nearly impossible to conceive of. If folks had any real idea, they’d have been in the streets a long time ago. You know, the hippie generation was very lost, but in some ways they were on to something. They began to see the conspiratorial nature of our corporate/government America. That is, until they became a part of it, and made it worse. It would be enough to drive me into despair, were it not for the fact that there is a God in heaven, and a higher judgement to come. It says in the Bible that He gave this world over to the devil, and it is very evidently true. But, we must press on; take care of our corner, and move out where we can.
Rob Norris
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To Dewitt
Thanks for clarifying that I stand corrected on that issue.
Aaron - boise@boisemarketing.net
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Dear Aaron,
In response to your writing on voices of the town of Brookfield web site, I would like to make clear my statements at the 4-20-10 Board Meeting. You said you would like to set up a site to allow local towns people to sell items such as cars, motorcycles, Etc. I asked how much this would cost to someone. Your answer was "nothing". My suggestion was to collect a small fee, such as Ebay(www.Ebay.com) does. Give that money to the town, which could be used to help pay for the cost of the web that you so graciously run for the towns people, not what would you or John do with the money. Again, I am not against the web site. I think when used correctly, with out mud slinging, it is a great addition for the towns people.
Respectfully,
Dewitt Head
-------------------------
Please post to the town website;
Well, we have before us yet another issue that has many in the town willing to contribute their opinions and comments. That is the town website and it's guest book that has been recently removed from the site due to concerns of liability, inappropriate comments, and downright hostility. This has occurred in a very small percentage of the postings, as a majority have been civil and respectful. But there have been enough, in some peoples' opinions, to require the town board to ask our web manager to devise a different forum for public comment.
As it comes to no surprise, there has been a fairly large group that have expressed concerns that this may very well be a violation of their First Amendment rights to free speech. They feel that anonymity allows for those who may fear some kind of retribution to speak their minds. From what I understand there may be a basis to these concerns given has happened in our community in the past. I would hope that all citizens of our town would be able to speak out without these concerns, but the real world dictates this may not always be so. To call these people cowards is somewhat disingenuous, and those who use such an extreme term may need to address what their true intentions are when making such forceful accusations. Whether or not someone comments behind a veil of anonymity, much, but not all, has been based in truth.
Along with the many changes that we have seen in our town over the past two years, this issue of the guest book is just another that seems to have no real good solution. Allow the right to comment without identity, and you draw the wrath of those who are the recipients of the comments, or individuals that are just uncomfortable with being in the limelight for the first time. Some just cannot handle the scrutiny that comes with public service.
Deny the option to be able to comment without acknowledging who you are, and we tread into some very unknown territory that this marvel called the Internet has given us the opportunity to do. There are many cases being brought to litigation that address this very subject. By our involvement in this debate, we are simply becoming part of the changes we are rapidly seeing occur in many communities across the country, and probably the world. Looks like Brookfield has finally been hit with the 21st century, like it or not. It isn't going away.
I look at it this way. We have had issues over the past two years that have shaken up a lot of people in our town. It has been no easy ride for many of us. I hope that, with the exception of a few that simply refuse to accept the changes that have occurred, we can get past what can very well be holding our town back from becoming what it truly has the potential to be- even a greater place to live. In the twenty years that I have been here, it has proven itself over and over again to be just that, a great place to raise a family, to be able wave to your neighbor even if you do not know him that well, and to feel like its just good to be home. Believe me, I have lived in places where that just does not happen.
Just keep in mind, a little more than two years ago, there was no information coming out of our town government. Decisions were made without proper public input. Now we have a website that allows for all to contribute to their community in one way or another. We will work this out. We have a web designer that has shown an incredible amount of dedication to his town, and despite those who may use the site for political attacks and gain, overall we have a great forum for Brookfield. I am convinced that we will find the best way for all to contribute, and be convinced that this is really their site, their government, and their town.
Thanks a lot, John Salka
----------------------
I just wanted to reccommend another great book. This is to Rob, Karen and anyone else interested in local/sustainable agriculture issues. It's called The Town that Food Saved, by Ben Hewitt. It is about a small town in Vermont( a lot like our own town here), that is trying to produce local food and become less dependent on industrial agriculture. Very interesting, and worth reading.
-Erin Earl Salka
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April 23rd.
Maybe this official record will keep some people informed.
click on public access and Brookfield. It's very interesting to see who owns what and how crazy their assessments went up. Thanks
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Whilst I agree with Kevin that people should include their names, I also agree that this cannot and should not be forced. For official purposes, such as complaints to the codes department, anonymity of complaint should be completely ignored. Speech, however, should be protected. I think the cited court cases are fascinating in their relevance to our issue here.
If people are offended by what they see on the website, they don’t have to read. Just like the TV-you have the choice to turn it off.
Whatever the outcome, I believe this medium is too important and empowering to the citizens to be shelved. In a perfect world, people would identify themselves, but, alas, this is not a perfect world. And I also believe this works better without the long delay between writing and posting-as happens now on “Your Voice.”
Rob Norris
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http://jcmc.indiana.edu/vol2/issue1/anon.html check out #21
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First Amendment to the United States Constitution
Anonymous speech: Federal court protects identities of posters on news website
March 9, 2010 by donal brown
A Pennsylvania federal court will not allow a man suing in an employment discrimination case to discover the identities of those making posts on a new website. The man wanted the identities to discredit the testimony of those who fired him. -db
March 8, 2010
By Sam Bayard
Thomas O’Toole at TechLaw points us to an anonymous speech decision issued last week by a federal court in Pennsylvania. In McVicker v. King, William McVicker subpoenaed Trib Total Media, publisher of the South Hills Record and YourSouthHills.com, for “information that would disclose the true identities” of the users of seven identified screen names. McVicker, the plaintiff in an employment discrimination case, sought the identities of the posters in order to impeach the testimony of city council members who made the decision to fire him. The United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania denied McVicker’s motion to compel the newspaper to turn over identifying information.
The case presents a different posture from most cases dealing with the First Amendment right to anonymous speech because McVicker wanted to unmask the posters in order to make them witnesses in his case, not to make them defendants (e.g.s, the Liskula Cohen saga,Swartz v. Does, Solers, Inc. v. Doe, and Independent Newspapers, Inc. v. Brodie). Given this posture, the ordinary test for unmasking a commenter—whether the plaintiff has made “a substantial legal and factual showing that the claims have merit”—is not appropriate.
The McVicker court’s basic premise makes a lot of sense: “it is clear that a party seeking disclosure must clear a higher hurdle where the anonymous poster is a non-party.” McVicker, slip op. at 7. This makes sense because the speaker is an innocent third party, not alleged to have violated the plaintiff’s rights or engaged in unprotected speech in any way, so it seems fair to demand a stronger showing to overcome the speaker’s choice of anonymity.
But, despite this starting point, the court ultimately adopted a test that doesn’t look a whole lot more rigorous than the Doe-defendant standard. If anything, it looks weaker. The court asks:
whether (1) the subpoena seeking the information was issued in good faith and not for any improper purpose, (2) the information sought relates to a core claim or defense, (3) the identifying information is directly and materially relevant to that claim or defense, and (4) information sufficient to establish or to disprove that claim or defense is unavailable from any other source.
McVicker, slip op. at 10. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not necessarily faulting the court. The only real precedent out there adopts the same test. See Doe v. 2TheMart.com, 140 F.Supp.2d 1088 (W.D. Was. 2001), and Enterline v. Pocono Medical Ctr., 2008 WL 5192386 (M.D. Pa. Dec. 11, 2008). And the2TheMart.com court that crafted the test drew from reporters’ privilege cases, an entirely rational source of inspiration given some of the parallels.
But there’s no denying that this test looks rather permissive in comparison to the Doe v. Cahill or Dendrite International v. Doe standards we now commonly see adopted in Doe-defendant cases. Plus note how it only considers the plaintiff’s needs, not the defendant’s interest in remaining anonymous, which is more compelling in these Doe-witness cases. I don’t have an alternative test at my fingertips, but it seems like something worth pondering.
Maybe the answer is that the courts should just be stringent in policing the requirements of the test. That’s what the court did here, finding that the identities of the commenters and information in their possession were not necessary for McVicker to impeach the city council members effectively and that the same or similar information might be obtained through “normal, anticipated forms of discovery.”McVicker, slip op. at 11.
O’Toole’s post mentions some additional points about the case that are worth noting:
First, the court held that YourSouthHills.com had standing to assert the First Amendment rights of its commenters, following the Enterline case. This is not a huge surprise but it’s potentially significant from a procedural perspective as more and more news sites see it in their interest to protect the vitality of their online communities by asserting the rights of users.
Second, the court engaged in a bit of a lark, discussing how the YourSouthHills.com’s privacy policy might have impacted the commenters’ expectations of privacy, without really making clear how this affects the First Amendment analysis. O’Toole chides the court and another recent case for “plant[ing] the notion — as they did — that online intermediaries can expand or diminish via website terms the First Amendment right to engage in anonymous speech.” Well said, though to be fair the court appears to have addressed this issue more to dispense with one of McVicker’s arguments than to suggest it was independently relevant to the First Amendment analysis.
For this and more information please visit www.firstamendmentcoalition.org
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Anonymous speech:
In Talley v. California, 362 U.S. 60 (1960), the Court struck down a Los Angeles city ordinance that made it a crime to distribute anonymous pamphlets. In McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Commission, 514 U.S. 334 (1995), the Court struck down an Ohio statute that made it a crime to distribute anonymous campaign literature.
THIS IS UPHOLDING THE 1ST AMENDMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO NO NO NAMER
-------------------------------------
It’s interesting that the idea of even “controlled” anonymity is so strongly opposed. I believe it comes from a deep fear of criticism.
Right to no name
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This is my opinion:
There should be a certain degree of accountability to comments made for public review. If one doesn't believe in their own comment enough to stand behind it then this comment is not worthy of the readers.
Anonymous posts should be ignored.
I agree with the fact that real names should be used. If you have the guts to say something then you should have the guts to back it up!!!
Cowards, be advised!!!
Kevin Marsh
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April 21nd.
I want to say thanks for all your e-mails, phone calls and stop In's today. This keeps me going. I spoke to John and he has the same kind of thing going on. He understands that this is a serious issue and I am so glad all of you have expressed yourselves!
Late breaking news coming soon or I hope!
Aaron - boise@boisemarketing.net
Aaron-
Thank you again for your service and advocacy. I am sorry I was not there to help you defend the idea of free speech, which apparently needs defending these days. And here I thought it was only under assault at the state and federal levels. I’m not sure what it is that they think you are trying to turn Brookfield into. Since I first set foot in this town around 1990, I was always under the impression that Brookfield was a bastion of freedom and individuality: a microcosm of folks who would thumb their noses, and perhaps someday bear arms if necessary to defend freedom and their neighbors from an oppressive government hand. I never thought it would be the kind of place with delicate sensitivities regarding the impression folks have of it. I still think the people here reflect the aforementioned freedom, but perhaps those who govern us are feeling a certain loss of prestige brought on by the free expression of the citizenry. What are the priorities of this town board? Are they only watching dollars, or are they concerned with freedom and the Constitution? Do they not swear an oath to protect and defend that Constitution?
In all fairness, John Salka has been very vocal and consistently answered questions brought forth here. I expect he will again, but I would also like to hear some more from the other members of the town board. This is a time for truth, not political answers aimed at not offending anyone. Aim for honesty, and let us know who you really are and what you really believe, lest we draw our own conclusions.
This forum of the website allows for a great deal of discussion on many issues. Once a month at a town meeting, where the citizens don’t really have the time and freedom to say much, is not enough. By being able to post thoughts, many can share and grow with the ideas.
To think that there is so much financially at stake with the website is to(to quote Christ,) “Strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.”
One possible camel in this case, is the assessor’s salary, which, ( from what I’ve heard,) no one on the board understands the whys and wherefores. Perhaps this free expression of ideas and dissent is discomforting to the town board. I think I’ve said enough for now. Thank you.
Rob Norris
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Town Web Forum, I have issues!
In our meeting last night I presented the board with a new forum.
This forum would allow us to register with a valid e-mail but would allow each user to choose a screen name.
Members of the board and some residents didn't like that you could enter something other than your real name.
So unless I can configure the forum to allow only real names this forum will not go live.
I am sad to say that we will not be able to configure this forum to perform that task.
It's a shame really as this forum would have allowed what a few were asking for.
It's would have allowed us to list classifieds, post topics of interest for instance which would be much easier to follow. Post just about anything. I have looked at a few other forum based applications and they yield the same result.
We can create a face book page that will allow us to communicate and we can link that to our site. This way the real names will be there
I am mixed emotions when it comes to having to post real names.
I know there are plenty of folks who would like to post something but feel that if they use a real name they fear that something might come back on them due to hatred or something like that.
Isn't it sad that people have to fear that?
Me? I could care less and say here is my name, this is what I think and if you feel the need to attack then I say bring it on! For those of you who fear reprisal but decide to state your name I say go ahead, I for one will have your back even if I disagree with what you say…..
The comment was made that you can not send anything into the paper without attaching your name. While this may be true, even papers online have forums that you can register without a real name.
here is one: http://www.madisoncountycourier.com/forum/ Here is another: http://www.oneidadispatch.com/opinion/
And yet one more from WKTV
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Here is the link: http://www.wktv.com/news/local/60047032.html
The discussion continued as Mr. Head felt I was trying to make Brookfield into something it's not. He referenced Facebook. I am not trying to make Brookfield something it's not. I am giving the residents what they asked for. I am not interested in trying to get someone from another country or state even to come to our site. I am trying to make a site for our communities. If someone comes in from another country or state then I say WELCOME! We do not have gates at our town lines. We do not require a local passport in order to drive into Brookfield.
I can see that it would benefit folks who use to live here and those who are traveling. They are able to keep up to date by stopping in here. That exact comment was made by Mr. Smith last night as he was explaining that while in Florida he was able to come to our site.
Now, Concerning the Classified section I presented.
Councilman Dewitt Head asks me how much it was going to cost. He also commented on money being paid for this. I responded rather confused; “What money? Who's writing checks? and to whom?” He replied, “For you or John or who ever”. He continued; “Somebody's gotta be makin money”.
I explained to Mr. Head that I do not make money for this site and that I do it for the residents of the Brookfield area. I continued by mentioning that I do the Beaver Valley Rod and Gun Club's site for nothing.
Why are there people in this world that feel it's all about the money?
Not everything is about money. I have no motive other than providing our town a site for which they can stay connected and provide business's a place to leave a calling card.
Here is a known fact; $1.01 per day…. That's how much the town pays me to maintain this site after the cost of domain and server fees
I would love to come up with ways that this town can generate revenues from this site but because this is a town site we can not at this point.
So why do I do this site? what's in it for me? When someone e-mails or approaches me and thanks me for the site and how much they like it. That means a lot to me. I had someone thank me to the helping families section. they said there was something on there that helped them... That's what I get out of it.....
Aaron Boise boise@boisemarketing.net
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April 20th
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING, BUDGET AND ELECTION BROOKFIELD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF BROOKFIELD, COUNTY OF MADISON,
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, - a public hearing of the qualified voters of the Brookfield Central School' District, Madison County,· Brookfield, New York will be held in the school cafeteria of Brookfield Central School in said District on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time, for the presentation of the budget.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a special meeting of the qualified voters of the Brookfield Central School District will be held in the OT/ PT room of the Brookfield School on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 between the hours of Noon and 9:00 P.M. prevailing time at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting machine upon the following items.
1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2010-2011 and to authorize requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.
2. To elect one (1) member of the Board - for a five- (5) year term commencing July 1, 2010 expiring on June 30, 2015.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required to fund the School. District's budget for 2010-2011, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any resident of the District during business hours beginning May 4, 2010 at the Brookfield Central School District Office. In addition, a copy of the tax exemption report, showing how much of the total assessed value of the final assessment role used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation may also be obtained at the District Office.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the Clerk of said School district at her office in the Brookfield Central School, not later than Monday, April 19, 2010 between 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM. Each petition shall be directed to the Clerk of the District and shall be signed by at least 25 voters of the District, must state the name and residence of the candidate and shall describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots will be obtainable between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, except holidays, from the District Clerk. Absentee ballot applications may be requested by letter received by the clerk not earlier than March 24, 2010 and no later than May 11, 2010. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 4:00 PM prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 18, 2010.
A list of persons to whom absentee ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office -of the District Clerk on and after May 13, 2010 between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM on weekdays prior to the date set for the annual election and said list will be posted at the polling place at the election. Any qualified voter present in the polling place may object to the voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds for making his/her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the qualified voters of the School District shall be entitled to vote at said annual vote and election. A qualified voter is one who is (1) a citizen of the United States of America, (2) eighteen years of age or older, and (3) resident within the School District for a period of thirty (30) days next preceding the annual vote and election. The School District may require all- persons offering to vote at the budget vote and election to provide one form of proof of residency pursuant to Education Law §2018-c. Such form may include a driver's license, a non-driver identification card, a utility bill, or a voter registration card. Upon offer of proof of residency, the school district may also require all persons offering to vote to provide their signature, printed name and address.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board in accordance with §§2035 and §2008 of the Education Law, any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the Brookfield Central School Board of Education at the Brookfield Central School on or before April 19, 2010 at 4:00 PM prevailing time; must be typed or printed in English, must be directed to the Clerk of the School district and signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the district; and must state the name and residence of each signer. However, the School Board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters and proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine or any proposition, which fails to include a specific appropriation. where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition.
Board of Education Brookfield Central School District
Brookfield, New York .
Judith E. Van Duren, District Clerk
Dated: 3/22/10
31/14/28/12
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April 17th
Here is an interesting article from last year on the NYSEG rate hikes:
Schumer succeeded in this request so they have done just what they were told to do - resubmit the request in one year except this time they hiked the rates even higher.
Note that NYSEG, RG&E, Central Hudson, ConEd plus some in VT, CT, MA and
ME were purchased by a company from Spain in late 2008. You would think
the states would see this as a national security issue! What if we had
a political problem with Spain - would they shut the power off?
Karen Nowak
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I urge people to make public comments on the proposed NYSEG increases. These government agencies (both state and federal) count on we, The People, not responding on their obscure websites that few are aware of so they can claim "public notice given with no opposition".
You can comment by going here (electric):
and here:
The link for comments on natural gas is here: http://documents.dps.state.ny.us/public/MatterManagement/CaseMaster.aspx?MatterCaseNo=09-E-0715
You can read the comments of others. When ready to post yours, click on the "post comments" button on the bottom right of the page. Your comments will not appear right away as they get sent to whichever government agency is responsible for overseeing them first. If you submit yours on a weekend, it usually will not appear until Monday or Tuesday.
Karen Nowak
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For those who cannot download the links for whatever reason, NYSEG is asking for a 32% increase in electric rates, and they are also asking for a 38% increase in gas rates.
There will be hearings with the PSC, but, of course they will not be local. I will be getting more info on this if you need it.
How much more?
John Salka
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NYSEG RATES
If any of you are in the NYSEG service Area, you may want to look into this. The documents should be available at the PSC website at this link.
For natural gas http://www3.dps.state.ny.us/W/PSCWeb.nsf/All/263EA0198E20981385257687006F3903?OpenDocument
For electric http://www3.dps.state.ny.us/W/PSCWeb.nsf/All/B9EF3150F991B61485257687006F3888?OpenDocument
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From Kevin Marsh:
The Madison County fair board voted Thursday, April 15th on the proposal by the Sons of the American Legion Post 1492 to host a beer area at this years Madison County Fair. It has been 20+ years since one has had the opportunity to enjoy a cold beer while socializing with friends at the fair. I am very happy to announce that the vote was passed by the board and, assuming we are not faced with unsurmountable challenges, there will be beer available at the fair this year!!!
Thank you to everyone who supported us in our successful attempt and please, stop by and join us in enjoying the return of an American tradition to the 171st Madison County Fair!
Sons of the American Legion Post 1492
Brookfield, NY
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"We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future." George Bernard Shaw
submitted by Erin Earl Salka
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April 16th
Here is a fascinating article about Congressman Maurice Hinchey, who is fighting for the environmentalists against the gas drilling, and his wife, who is a lobbyist for the landmen out getting people to sign bad deals. Yet another example of corrupt politicians, who should not only be voted out, but should be investigated and imprisoned for their corruption and thievery! Amazing
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Thanks John.
Actually, after I wrote my previous, I received an email from Aaron, and checked out the new forum, which is much like many others that I've seen. I believe it will be a fair compromise. It will be better with less delay. My sentiments changed some after I sent that one, but it didn't appear on the website until much later. I believe, for example, that the change was not intended to impede the recent "uprising.," but it was one of those times when I didn't follow my own advice to think more about it before sending it. I would still stand by the general sentiment; free speech should be encouraged, and anonymous complaints, etc., do a disservice to us all.
I do believe Aaron is doing a good job.
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April 15th
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Rob,
I regret having to decide to pull the guestbook just as much, if not more, than anyone who felt it was a strong medium for communication for our town. I was proud that in a short expanse of time we, as a community, went from zero communication with the people our town, to a totally open government, showing accountability, and decisions that are made with all who care to be involved part of the process. I have fought most of my life for people to be able to express themselves freely, never had anything to hide, and have shown over and over again my commitment to the fact that this government belongs to the people. In the past I have fought for neighborhood rights in the Cornhill section of Utica were I grew up, represented our citizens on the board of directors for the Community Action Partnership, spent countless hours on the school board, advocated for those with disabilities, and have been a strong advocate for our town on the board in Wampsville.
It is a popular thing now to criticize all those in government for being corrupt, dishonest and/or self serving. We are a low flying target now, and probably rightfully so in a lot of respects. It seems that if one groups all who have an interest in serving the public into one category of scoundrels and cheats, it is easy to find a common enemy that people can criticize, vent their frustrations, and feel like they have done something to try to change the system. If it were only that easy.
It goes without saying that this is a system that is in dire straights, needs much in the way of change, and we need to stay ever vigilant in our pursuit of better government. I still believe that this can happen. By pulling the guestbook, we did inhibit some of the spontaneity that we had with a simple click of the mouse. But we never intended for the website to be a forum for nastiness, vindictiveness and outright disrespect. I understand that people are angry; these are tough times that we are seeing. But we need to keep a certain amount of civility, something that we are not seeing on the state and federal level of governments. Over time I have taken the brunt of many of the comments that have been made on the guestbook and always tried to respond in a respectful manner. This was not always so for some who posted. It is truly unfortunate that there are some that feel that they need to use the forum to play politics, insult people, and abuse what is a very public form of communication. When people start getting hurt by it, by listing names of those whom neither gave their permission, or would have endorsed what they were being pulled into, or hits on families, this is just not befitting of us as a community.
Aaron is working hard on a new format, and I would hope that when everyone gets used to it, we will have an even stronger means of communicating amongst ourselves, and hope that we can work together as a community to solve some of the problems we are facing now and in the future. I truly thank you for your comments.
Respectfully, John Salka
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Subject: Public service announcement: NYS Comptroller Unclaimed Property Office
NYS Comptroller Unclaimed Property Office web site can be checked to discover if citizens have money or property they can recover. The above individuals were checked at random and property waiting to be claimed. This is just one example of Brookfield citizens who can recover property by simply going to the web site above and following the directions.
Sincerely yours, Karl Langman...
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It is most unfortunate that this website change has had to take place. The guest book worked well, minus the anonymous attacks, and unsolicited publicity for one.
Though we can still email our thoughts here, it is not the same. The dynamic has diminished with the delay. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who are too cowardly to attach their names, and also to the town board for their knee jerk reaction. I think that it is more likely that they don?t want a bad name than it is that Brookfield would be sued for comments in cyberspace. Or perhaps this may be one method of slowing down the Brookfield uprising. As I understand it, Obama has plans to control the internet as well. Can?t have such free and easy communication. As Honna said, chock one up for censorship.
Rob Norris
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I know there are many of you who have let me know how upset you are that the guestbook is no longer available. I am working on another forum that looks to be a much better upgrade from the old g-book. This new forum is being tested and will be shown to the board very soon.
Aaron
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April 13, 2010
I am offering publicly to help others fill out the forms, get up to date pictures of their property onto disks to stand up to the reval to grieve their assessment. I realize there are many who didn't have the drastic change that some did, but in the interest of our town we need to all band together. The divide and conquer technique is the only way the government has power. While you may not have been hit this time, you may be next. We have the largest population of the CAP that we are in. While we may not be able to financially get out of the current CAP we can let our Town officials know that we do not want to be included in a CAP that places us carrying the load for other towns who are no where near comparable to our town. And we can make sure that a new assessor is found to be fair and equitable for all involved. My understanding at the meeting was that the board financially may not be able to do what we are asking at this time, but is not opposed to fixing the problem as soon as possible. Possibly as soon as January when the CAP comes up for renewal. While that doesn't fix the current reval we are in, it will be able to look at preventing such a mess from happening again. In the mean time we need to all work together to make sure that this happens when it is possible. I would like to organize a resident group to help with this issue as well as others that may arise. Instead of waiting for the problems to be out of hand we can try to work together and manage them. I think it would beneficial to all of our residents. As far as the guestbook issue that was decided last night. It would seem to me that the town could have a disclaimer in place to make the poster responsible for their comments rather than the town. It is sad that a few ignorant comments ruin freedom of speech for everyone. Total anonymity is impossible, the IP address is traceable to where the post originates from, law enforcement can track that. News Channel 2 in Utica has a similar posting board as to ours, ignorant people speak on there all the time, but they are accountable for their own comments. Making Aaron have to personally read each e-mail is allot to ask of him, and unreasonable. It also says much for the intelligence of others who let the words of one or two stand for many. Those of us who use our name to comment are willing to answer for our opinions, we can allow anonymous posting and clearly notify anyone who does that the authorities can and will access any comments that are inappropriate or threatening towards anyone. Last night I feel was just a rash decision to solve a problem. The board should look at this from an adult perspective and find a reasonable solution that does not entail having one individual have personally sort through to pull out the trash.
Michele Bridge
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Great job last night. Honna and Jackie, thanks for all your research efforts. I think the bottom line on all of this is as you said Honna-it's all so the state and county can borrow more money and piss it away. This problem is much bigger than Brookfield. The questions I wanted to ask, which wouldn't have been able to be answered,are: What is the liklihood; How hard would it be; to get other townships from across the state to take a stand against the state. The state has seemingly infinite resources(since they steal it from us,) and would no doubt crush any little town, but a coalition of several towns and villages might stand a chance. These other town supervisors might not be turning back their assessments, but that doesn't mean the people are happy with it. These unreasonable assessment increases have been happening across the state and country. Many of the villages, etc. also are using it for borrowing. But the people, by and large, are probably fed up, yet feel powerless. If they are not fed up, it's because they might buy the idea that their equity is increasing-(Yay!)
It seems to me, that what is being created here is another housing bubble, though the inflations appear to be based on "open land" value. It's just one more burden thrust upon us by our lovely governments, at a time when the burdens are plentiful. We are by default, their beasts of burden.
Robert Norris
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It was a sad evening for Brookfield. The Constitution took TWO good hits this evening?. All dealt by our LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS.
STRIKE ONE: Taxation WITHOUT REPRESENTATION!. The Board caved as was generally expected. Albany and the Town Assessor call the shots in Brookfield. The Town Board has no authority. It's the Assessor?s decision whether or not to postpone the revaluation and she refuses to change it. It's up to us, the TAXPAYERS to ?use the system?. Frankly, it?s the system USING US and our Town Board is standing back to let it happen. What ever happened to NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION.
STRIKE TWO: There goes ?FREE SPEECH" Say GOOD-BY to the "GUEST BOOK". Councilman Dewitt Head complained that he was hearing negative things about recent comments made on the site and presented a resolution to shut down the GUEST BOOK. Now, all comments must go to "YOUR VOICE" and will be monitored by Aaron Boise.
A VERY Sad evening indeed.
Honna Bowen - Brookfield
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April 9th
I hope that providing this information all in one place will get more of you to contact the representatives to back up what we have started with the protest and the board meetings. Get neighbors and others who may not look at the site to write or call as well. It takes a town.
The contact for emails are available on each representatives site and are form style.
Phone numbers are:
Bill Owens- Congress Rep: Canastota Office- 315-697-2063, Washington- 202-225-4611.
Hon. David Valesky- State Senate: Albany- 518-455-2838, Syracuse- 315-478-8745
Hon. Bill Magee- Assembly: Albany- 518-455-4807, Oneida- 361-315-4125
Hon. Charles Schumer- US Senate: Washington- 202-224-6542, Syracuse- 315-423-5471
Whitehouse Comments line- (You speak to a human) - 202-456-1111, They can not answer but can ensure you are heard.
Fax#- 202-456-2461, I will fax for anyone who wishes to send a letter that way to the white house for free.
Email the Whitehouse through white house dot gov.
The more people who write, call, email the better our chances of getting a response. It only takes a few minutes for each one.
Michele Bridge
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April 5th
If only it were a witch hunt . And if only stopping the talking would stop the threat. When you have been witness to this mans indecent and abusive behavior it is much more difficult to hope that somewhere along the way he has gotten the therapy and whatever assistance he appears to need to overcome his times of tirade. Personally I have seen him in his drunken state screaming obscenities . I have seen him walking within full view of others including children completely nude. I have seen him throw a woman to the ground from behind and pin her face down, and know of others who witnessed the same. And I have spoken with authorities each time - I am certain they keep records. And I have been involved with assisting the same woman in calling authorities when he threatened her with a knife to her throat. 911 should have that record of the phone call made just after the assault and before he ran into the woods to escape the police. I was among those who was informed to secure my home, garage, barn, cars etc. because he was on the loose and would most likely be seeking cover at some point. ALL OF THIS BEING SAID, I do not wish anyone to go unrehabilitated either. We are entirely fallible human beings and need second and third and fourth etc chances. Another thought - had this individual simply led a peaceful life here I do not believe all of his past would have even come to light, be that good and/or bad. He has visited so very much upon himself. My concern is that what I have been witness to is not the end of the list. In fact I know of other threats and thefts he has visited upon others. At what point does there need to not only be said this individual needs help but that he also needs to be in an environment where, while he gets the help he desperately needs, he will not fall into his past behavior of victimizing others.
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March 31st.
I suggest that we as a town stop the hysteria, and end the witch hunt. I have no problem with monitoring the whereabouts of sex offenders, but demonizing a man and posting unsubstantiated allegations is libel. Yes, sexual abuse is a serious matter. Yes, individuals who commit sexual crimes should be punished, but it is not within our means, constitutional, or reasonable to lock up all sex offenders all of the time. One of the greatest challenges to rehabilitation is that offenders are so feared that, when they are ready to be reintroduced into society, no community will accept them. Can you imagine trying to find a job when on each and every application you are required to disclose your criminal history? If you can't afford to feed yourself legally, what choice is left other than crime? If you have no friends, whom would you choose to turn to for companionship, maybe a few cats? Look, as a parent I UNDERDSTAND your fear. The reality is that, despite the popular perception to the contrary, recidivism rates for sexual offenders are among the lowest of any class of criminals. What's more, 90% of sexual offenses are committed by people known to their victim, such as family members or trusted members of the community. Unquestionably, we must do all we can as parents to protect our children from "predators," but a witch hunt is not the answer. There are many sources on-line for tips on ways to keep our children safe. Being aware, informed, and most importantly educating and communicating with our children is the key to maintaining their safety.
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March 23rd
TAXED TO DEATH?
Join the BROOKFIELD PROPERTY TAX PROTEST
Saturday, March 27 9:00 AM in front of the Brookfield Town Hall
Petition Available
Requesting Cancellation of the
Recent Property Tax Revaluation
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March 21st 2010
click here for photo and info
Fellow Brookfielders,
Regarding Joseph E. Koskowitz of 1945 Beaver Creek Road, Town of Brookfield, NY. This small fraction of a human being had been a lifetime registrant of the State of Connecticut's Sex Offender Registry for the offense of Criminal Assault in the Second Degree. In Connecticut this means sexually assaulting a female between the ages of 13 and 16. He moved to the listed address roughly July 1, 2007. At that time he was an absconder from Connecticut's Sex Offender Registry since November 2006. There was a warrant for his arrest issued by the State of Connecticut for this. There was also a warrant for his arrest issued by Connecticut for a probation violation. This was for violating a two year probation in lieu of a one year state prison sentence for a violent but non-sexual offense. He was a resident at the above mentioned address from roughly July 1, 2007 until Feb. 2008 perhaps into March 2008. He was then absent for roughly another six weeks, with the exception of one weekend. He returned in May 2008 and did not register with New York State until pressured to do so through citizen pressure on Madison County authorities until November of 2008. New York State provides a ten day window for sex offenders who move here from another state to register with the office in Albany. On two separate occasions Mr. Koskowitz has violated that statute. A violation of this statute is a felony upon conviction of which a jail term of one year could be the sentence.
During each of Mr. Koskowitz' tenure here he has had some other difficulty with the law. In no particular order he has assaulted and beaten up and pulled a knife upon a young boy and on another occasion, the woman he lives with. After his arrest fior assaulting the woman he lives with Madison County authorities were given information about his status with Connecticut but released Mr. Koskowitz from the lockup in Wampsville on his own recognizance because Connecticut would not extradite him. He has conducted himself in a drunken and lewd manner at school athletic functions. He has on more than one occasion been observed in vehicles where he didn't belong, contracted to do home improvement work on homes where work was begun, left unfinished and the homes burglarized, had the same young boy, 11 or 12 years old, drive his car, and locked this boy outside their home in the winter such that the boy contracted frostbite and needed to attend school in a wheel chair. When he left in February or March of 2008 there were at his residence at least 20 cats. While he was gone not a cat was to be observed even though they all had been outdoors all the time. He returned in this period for a weekend and upon his leaving there were then eight cats all over the place getting into neighbors valuables etc.. These were captured and removed by the intercession of a Madison County Sheriff's Deputy. He has also been observed walking around his front yard in a state of complete undress. This last incident also led NYS Police to ticket him with marijuana growing. He has been seen going through the garbage at the Town Park, at the General Store and observed looking into people's windows. Perhaps most offensive of all has been his loitering at the school.
Mr. Koskowitz was arrested in January of 2009 by the NYS Police on fugitive warrants issued by the State of Connecticut through pressure brought to bear upon Connecticut authorities by private citizens here in Brookfield. After extradition Connecticut saw fit to hold Mr. Koskowitz for six months only on the two charges of absconding from their Sex Offender Registry and violating his probation. Upon his third arrival here in Brookfield, in August of 2009, Mr. Koskowitz began again his outrages in this community. He began once again burning all manner of items on his property, including plastics. Once more he was seen loitering at the school, at the Town Park during girls soccer practices and games and became once again a suspect in car break ins which began again in Brookfield. It was also during this period that the State of New York held a hearing to asses Mr. Koskowitz' level of threat to the community. Mr. Koskowitz failed to attend this hearing. He was then taken into custody, in handcuffs, by the Madison County Sheriff's office until he could attend this hearing. At that point he was adjudged by the Sex Offenders Board of Examiners in Albany to be a Level 3 offender, the most dangerous level and given a special endorsement to this of "Violent".
Something over 60 days ago Madison County District Attorney Gabor made assurances that Mr. Koskowitz' failure to register with the New York State Sex Offender Registry would be taken seriously and prosecuted. In fact it was mentioned that a plea deal had been offered to Mr. Koskowitz and that if Mr. Koskowitz pled guilty he would serve some time. If not then he would be brought to trial. Witnesses to Mr. Koskowitz being in residence here for more than ten days prior to his registering are abundant and the District Attorney knows this. Yet now with the warmer weather and the snow melt Mr. Koskowitz has once again begun wandering the roads of the town. It has been during these walk abouts of his that trouble has ensued. Mr. Koskowitz belongs in the custody of the New York State Department of Corrections for the many things he has done here. Connecticut has been negligent in releasing him and Madison County is coming close. Sixty days, at least, of considering a plea deal should be enough. Madison County needs to act very soon. If Mr. Koskowitz gets a few drinks in him his behavior can be potentially deadly, as has been seen already.
For our elected officials to bring pressure to bear upon the District Attorney in a specific case where they personally are not a party would not be right nor ethical. Pressure brought by private citizens IS both right and ethical. In this case the safety of our children and the community in general are at stake. If you have observed Mr. Koskowitz, AKA "The Buttman", to have trespassed on your property, looked into your windows, being in your vehicle or have had any other run in with him that would be considered criminal notify the County Sheriff or the New York State Police and press charges. Burglary and breaking into a car have a fairly long statute of limitations and someone can be charged with these crimes for quite some time after they have occurred. It you wish to act as a witness to the effect that Mr. Koskowitz was a resident here for more than ten days prior to November of 2008 call District Attorney Gabor's office, 315-366-2236, and let him know this.
Once again, Mr. Koskowitz is a clear threat to the community as a whole. It could be our children, considering his history, the elderly, considering his attempts since arriving back here in August 2009, or it could be property theft given his behavior since he first came here, but Mr. Koskowitz repeating any these things he has done since being here is a matter of when, not if. Madison County should take action against this guy now, not wait until he does something else when someone could be seriously hurt.
Concerned Citizen
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Jan 27th
Agricultural Issues
Joel Salatin is a wonderful author and nationally known speaker on farming, farm related issues and proven methods for making a profit on small farms. All of his books are sold through Amazon.com at the best prices you will find anywhere. Go to http://www.amazon.com/ and type in his name. All his books will appear.
There is an article on the current issues/proposed legislation regarding farm labor in this article from a Batavia paper: http://thedailynewsonline.com/articles/2010/01/25/news/6409072.txt
Here is an easy way to write your legislators about the dairy crisis via Willie Nelson’s organization FarmAid: http://tinyurl.com/dzcn9g
I urge consumers and farmers alike to write to our state and federal elected officials about farm and food related issues. I am involved with several natural organizations representing farmers and consumers who periodically have letter writing campaigns to our federal elected officials. It is important to flood them with letters, faxes and phones calls. We succeeded in jamming the phone and fax lines to Congress 3 times last year because tens of thousands responded to our calls for help. Our most successful campaign was getting people to comment on the Federal Register regarding a proposed regulation – 144,000 people commented but unfortunately it takes far more than that to get the feds to listen. The USDA is largely beholden to the multinational Ag corporations and not the small farmer anymore.
What people need to remember is that federal as well as state legislation regarding farming and food affects EVERYONE because we all have to eat! To bring it down to Brookfield, farms provide a whole lot of jobs. Jobs that we cannot afford to lose.
One last thing – if you choose to write to Congress, do NOT send a regular letter. Letters sent via the postal service get bogged down for weeks to months because of the anthrax scare a few years ago.
Fax your letter or e-mail to said elected official via his/her website. I always do BOTH because 2 different legislative aides will then see it. Remember that legislative aides decide which letter gets “seen” and which does not. I learned long ago to keep letters short, sweet and to the point to increase the chance said legislator will actually see it.
Thanks again for your interest and thanks for this website that allows us a place to easily communicate such issues.
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12/15/09
Regarding an earlier posting about Joseph Koskowitz of 1945 Beaver Creek Road in Brookfield. The posted admonishment to be very, very careful in any dealings with this guy has been commented on by the Madison County Sheriff's Sex Offenders Office. Sgt. Sawyer of that office has advised that Mr. Koskowitz, because of the lack of restrictions placed upon him by the Sex Offenders law, can pretty much be anywhere in public that he wishes to be. He is not restricted from coming near the school, where he has been seen on more than one occasion, he can legitimately be at the Town Park observing girls soccer practices, where he has also been seen more than once and he can be almost anywhere.
He cannot be on private property if warned not to, he cannot refuse to leave private property if asked, both are considered to be trespass and he, like anyone else, would be subject to the pains and penalties of the law in this regard. He cannot, as he has been observed doing, look into peoples windows. He cannot enter anyone's vehicle to remove spare change, cigarettes or any of the other small items he has been suspected of, and observed, doing since his arrival here.
The bottom line is this fellow Brookfielders, no longer can Mr. Koskowitz be known as that guy who does these things. The Madison County Sheriff's Office, or the State Police, must be called and the incident reported. Mr. Koskowitz needs to be now known as the guy who was arrested for doing these things. Take photos, videos, use your deer scouting cameras but get something concrete so the actual prosecution this guy deserves will happen.
Concerned Citizen
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12/2/09
Earlier this fall the school district mailed a letter to the parents and guardians of all students and other interested entities within the school district. It was a notice that the State of New York had finally determined the risk level of Mr. Joseph Koskowitz. The State has designated Mr. Koskowitz aas a level 3 offender. The worst level they have. Also, the State of New York determined Mr. Koskowitz should also be classified as a "violent sex offender". Along with this notice from the State the School District sent a photo of Mr. Koskowitz. This was a photo from 1996. Subsequently, and in accordance with the Sex Offender Registry Statute, a new and updated photo of Mr. Koskowitz has been posted on the State's Sex Offender Registry website, www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor . Once at this website click on the "Search Level 2 and 3" link on the upper right hand section of the page and put Mr. Koskowitz' name into the search field.
I write this today because when the letter came out from the school many folks complained that this was not a recent photo and might find it hard to recognize Mr. Koskowitz. This is no longer the case and his photo has been up since November 18th.. As a parent of kids in the school I have not had another letter from the school with the new photo but I do feel everybody in this Town should take a look at this guy. And be very, very careful in any dealings with him.
Concerned Citizen
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11/30/09
SHELL GAMES IN WAMPSVILLE
On December 4, The Madison County Board of Supervisors is getting set to give themselves yet another raise from $12,600 to $20,000.(don't forget to add the additional salaries paid by the Town's on top of this $5,000+) oh, but they're giving back their fully paid health benefits that cost the county up $12,000 each per year. They claim this will be a $45,000 per year savings in the short term, but over the LONG TERM this modification will cost us taxpayers $100,000's.
Bottom line: this switch will allow them to take even more out of the public coffers through the INCREDIBLY GENEROUS New York State Retirement System: http://www.osc.state.ny.us
 they pay NO NYS TAXES on this Pension (and they complain about the Oneida Nation not paying their fair share of taxes!) ; receive Cost of Living Increases (not in most private plans); ability to spike final years earnings to increase their pension; $20,000 of pensions from their other Private Retirement Plans are also not taxable in NYS; ability to retire at 55 vest in 5 year (part timers included) It is precisely these pension benefits that are literally driving this state into bankruptcy. Here is a link to a recent article and footnote, explaining how these public employee benefits are worth up to 6 TIMES that of the private sector jobs as result of the NYSR system perks and benefits. http://www.nyfiscalwatch.com
These are PART TIME JOBS MOST of these Supervisors have full time jobs or spouses that have health care available. They take the county healthcare because it's 'Free' to them. Why is it that the Government 'Ruling Class' is getting better benefits than us TAXPAYERS' Because they make the rules. How many of us get to give ourselves a raise?
I urge our Supervisor, John Salka, to vote NO and take this message to the other Supervisors: this is no time for them to feather their nests while the rest of us make the sacrifices in this economy. These PART TIME jobs with SUPREME BENEFITS have got to stop. If they are there for the salary and benefits, then they are there for the wrong reasons. They need to do the RIGHT THING, forgo the $8,000 raise and pay for a fair portion of their health benefits.
Very truly yours,
Honna Bowen
Brookfield, NY
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11/06/09
These are just a few thoughts on the letter written by Terry Karst, Chairman of the Independence Party here in Madison County. When Terry states that the competion couldn't do the job "half as well" as those endorsed by the IP, there is very little foundation to that statement since Rod Jennison, Sherry Kabana, and Don Brown did not seek and therefore were not interviewed for their endorsement. The IP knows nothing about these fine candidates who chose to run on only one line rather than stack the deck as did the competition for the Clerk and Highway Superintendent positions. Had Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien's fondest wish been realized, they would have had no competition at all. Evidence of this would be Mr. O'Brien's lame attempt to keep Jennison off the ballot. Is this what the Independence Party is all about? Fortunately, local voters who really do know the candidates made better decisions than outsiders who seek to promote and empower their own party without knowing all the candidates. Sincerely, the technologically challenged George Cowen ( I'll eventually catch on)
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