{ title: 'Press-Republican. (Plattsburgh, N.Y.) 1966-current, November 27, 1995, Page 4, Image 4', download_links: [ { link: 'http://www.loc.gov/rss/ndnp/ndnp.xml', label: 'application/rss+xml', meta: 'News about NYS Historic Newspapers - RSS Feed', }, { link: '/lccn/sn88074101/1995-11-27/ed-1/seq-4/png/', label: 'image/png', meta: '', }, { link: '/lccn/sn88074101/1995-11-27/ed-1/seq-4.pdf', label: 'application/pdf', meta: '', }, { link: '/lccn/sn88074101/1995-11-27/ed-1/seq-4/ocr.xml', label: 'application/xml', meta: '', }, { link: '/lccn/sn88074101/1995-11-27/ed-1/seq-4/ocr.txt', label: 'text/plain', meta: '', }, ] }
Image provided by: Northern NY Library Network
*> r- Shelve residency reqpiifiilflts Now that the Essex County Board of Supervisors has ^waived the residency requirement for its new county man- ager, we wonder how long it's going to take for the politicians to remove it for all employees, or those who would like to be. The board hired former Franklin County Legislator Clifford Donaldson Jr. the other day to become its third county manager since 1991. Donaldson will pull down $53,500 a year when he comes on board on the first of the year. Two things, though, make the ap- pointment a bit unusual. First, Donaldson's a Democrat. Essex County's a Republican strong- hold. In fact, some pundits are of the mind that in a couple of geographical areas of the county almost anyone could win election if he or she were to run on the Republican line. Second, the soon-to-be-county- manager lives just over the Essex County line in the Town of Har- rietstown, Franklin County. The coun- ty has a residency requirement in place and the supervisors chose to waive that mandate for Donaldson. Arguably, Donaldson is a good man for the task. His experience is vast and we've known him to be a conscientious and responsible public servant in local-government circles. We believe he'll make a wonderful county acU ministrator, even though •— like his successors — he'll be working at the behest of the politician^. However, how's the Board' of Super- visors going to address the residency requirement? Okay, so Donaldson lives just over the county line. And he lives in the bi-county Saranac Lake Central School District and has a Saranac Lake mailing address. But for other county employees who have been compelled to move within county boundaries to secure work, Donaldson could live in Malone for all they care. Much has been said about residency requirements in this space over the years. Some municipalities have su$n requisites and strictly enforce them; some do and don't. But from where we sit, there's got to be a consistency. What's good for one is — or should be — good for all. Our experience has been that a residency requirement always sounds like a good idea, until someone wants to make a hire outside the muncipality. Then it doesn't look as appealing. Residency requisites should be shelved. They serve a needless purpose and aren't enforced. Especially Essex County. ;> yv '%,$' INCLUPING WrTH A. LITTLE HELP FROM MY NURSE •ALL YOU NEEPIS AUM&fY • MAGICAL »l_. .... CARNIVAL SK/W1TH CRUISE P/?02AC LETTERS TO THE EDITOR in Public Journal What of out-of-the clubhouse candidates? It was just about two years ago that New York State's Republican barons were said to be looking outside the incestuous lit- tle world of professional politicians for a '94 oppo- nent for Democrat Gov. . Mario Cuomo. After all, over the last decade such non-political New York luminaries as * developer Donald Trump, retired Army general and West Point all-American Pete Dawkins and American Stock Exchange Chairman Arthur Levitt Jr. have been either mentioned or seriously considered for high elective office. As things turned out, the Republicans did not stray off the political reservation when they picked State Sen. George Pataki as their '94 gubernatorial candidate. And Pataki, of course, won the '94 gubenatorial race primarily because New Yorkers couldn't reckon with the notion of four more years of Cuomo, who had already served three terms. The Pataki victory, however, has scarcely quieted voters' mutterings for fresh, non-political leaders. Although they view the idea like some un- diagnosed disease, New York's major party leaders may soon have to look beyond the clubhouse for candidates in this age of Ross Perot and Colin Powell. Just as many folks in an art gallery become puzzled and impatient when a \new age\ artist sketches a lampshade upside down to represent a soul in torment, many voters are becoming sullen, if not mutinous, over the unreal, doublespeak and data-doctoring world of the professional candidates and politicians. In brief, the pols are becoming a bore and an irrelevance. They involve themselves in campaign after campaign, visiting union halls, picnics, TV studios, politically-oriented law firms, Holiday Inns and editorial offices. As the prizes become more precious, the campaign promises become a tad more expansive. Long distance runs for political office are not a politically ennobling experience. And once the goal is achieved and the hard, cruel price of power is paid, the next election cycle or the next higher of- fice must be pondered by the professional can- didate. And new lap-dog allegiences must be forged with the activists-and special interests. In a movie called \The Candidate\ several years ago, Senate candidate Robert Redford won the election after a year of being programmed to com- promise, hedge, cheat and grovel. As the election- night arithmetic certified his victory, he turned to his campaign manager and asked: \Now what do I do?\ Such is the lot of many professional can- didates in New York where electon victories are regarded as ends in themselves. Beware of the sly boots who want to make elected public service \a career.\ The modern age of the outside-the-clubhouse candidate in New York may well have started 13 years ago when millionaire businessman Lew Lehrman began considering a run for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. It came as a less than exhilarating experience for the moderate GOP state establishment in 1982. Making rash promises to God, the turf-conscious establishment pols prayed that the conservative Lehrman wouldn't take the plunge because Lehrman, like Nelson Rockefeller a generation earlier, would be one of those well-heeled, strong- willed guys the pols couln't control. However, all those entrenched and dubious political swamis who opposed a Lehrman candidacy in '82 are the same folks who feel that politics should be left to the up- through-the-ranks politicians, the same stand- patters whose tap dancing produced for New York the highest per capita combined state and local taxes in the nation, the second worst credit rating among the 50 states and the mountains of gov- ernmental regulations that choked the life out of New York commerce. With no help form the party leaders — they scof- .fed at Lehrmah's pledge for a phased-in 40 percent reduction in state income taxes — Lehrman won the GOP nomination against an establishment candidate and went on to lose the election by 3.3 percentage points to Democrat Mario Cuomo. However, new political tides are washing away the old political contours. There will surely be more Lehrmans in our future. Herman li an award-winning political writer and columnist. Your voices in government -In Washington- R«p. John McHugh 24th Congressional District Room 416 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone:(202)225-4611 (518) 563-1406 S«n. Danltl P. Moynlhan Room SR-464 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-4451 Rap. Gerald Solomon 22nd Congressional District 2265 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5614 (518) 477-2703 San. Alfonsa D'Amoto 520 Hart Senate Office-Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-6542 In Albany San. Ronald Stafford 45th Senatorial District Room 502, Capitol Albany, N.Y. 12247 Phone: (518) 455-2811 (518) 561-2430 Assemblyman Chris Ortloff 110th Assembly District Room 450 Legislative Office Building Albany, N.Y. 12248 Phone: (518) 455-5943 (518) 562-1986 (518) 483-9930 Loser cites supporters To th« Editor: I would like to cite all the voters in Peru who demonstrated their confidence in me on Election Day. We gave it a good shot, we tried, but you can't win them all. Sure appreciate the support. Congratulations to the win- ners, Frank Mousseau and Alan Brault. It was a good campaign. See you in a couple of years. Bob Conf oy Peru Independent audit request To the Editor: Late in October we requested the State Comp- troller audit Franklin County's budgetary and financial practices for the years 1993, 1994 and 1995. This request was precipi- tated because of the 46 percent tax increase for the years 1993, 1994 and 1995, the need to bor- row $2.5 million in the first fiscal quarter of 1995 and a review of Franklin County's independent audits.for the years ending 1993 and 1994. The State Comptroller's Office has acknowledged that they are in receipt of our request and that they will be taking the. informa- tion provided into consideration in determining if an,examination should or will be conducted this year.\ Recently, the Malone Telegram conducted an interview with Joy Gokey, the Franklin County manager and spokesman for the Board of Legislators re- garding the request of a state audit. Her overall response in- dicated that the county feels that a state audit is just a duplication of the independent audit per- formed annually by R.A. Mercer. However, an independent audit is performed for the benefit of the management of Franklin County. It's main objective is to ensure that the financial statements prepared by Franklin County, management are free of material misstatements. Whereas, a state audit's objective is to determine and report on the financial condi- tion, fiscal operation of the coun- ty and to provide an opinion re- garding compliance with the laws and regulations of New York State. The question has been asked if this request for the state audit was politically motivated. In the fall of 1994, prior to the November elections, the six Republican legislators on the board passed the 1995 budget, which they balanced with non- existing and non-available funds. Was this political to ensure their re-election? Was this request for the audit political or was it just the right thing to do to prevent the four legislators who won re- election from continuing to, in my opinion, mismanage our fi- nances creating the need to bor- row again next year? Carol Perry Malone The Press-Republican wel- comes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed (except e-mail) and include the address and telephone number of the author. Letters must not contain more than 300 words. They should be typewritten. Those letters not meeting the criteria will not be published and will be returned. The Press-Repub- lican reserves the right not to publish letters it judges to be inappropriate. By mail: Letters to the Editor Press-Republican P.O. Box 459 Pittsburgh, N.Y. 12901 By e-mail: PRepub@aol.com By fax: 561-3362 A dream realized To the Editor There have been the sounds of many things in the crisp, chill autumn air. The honking of geese going to southern warmth, the shouts of happy individuals on soccer and football fields, the sound of determined raindrops pelting down from the skies suddenly turning to silent snowflakes are but a few of the sounds familiar to us right now. The quaint, little hamlet of Brainartisville has a new sound filling the air of hearth and home of its residents and passersby. The Bells of St. Jude presently fill the autumn firmament to the delight of all who have the privi- lege of hearing them, at different intervals throughout the day. The Bells of St. Jude — in 1988, they startd out as a little boy's dream; this young parish- ioner was concerned because \big\ St. Patrick's in Chateaugay had bells, why couldn't his little church of St. Jude have the same? To a small child of James Secore's age, it didn't seem right! An understanding, compas- sionate pastor, Rev. Fay Ager, did not take his small parishio- ner's request and concern lightly, although Father did mention to Jim that bells were mighty ex- pensive. Seven years later, through the generosity of memorial donations by parishioners of both St. Jude and St. Patrick, on Oct. 29, the Bells of St. Jude became a reality at the 9 a.m. Sunday liturgy! James, now a senior at Chateaugay Central, experienced the fulfillment of his dream. A special blessing was bestowed upon the new bells by Father Ager and James had the distinct privilege of turning on those marvelous bells for the very first time' Now those bells will never toll their wonderful message, especi- ally to the ones who were present at that special liturgy, without recalling memories of a young boy's dream and a dedicated pastor's love and concern for a special little parishioner's re- quest! And it just goes to show if we don't dare to dream, how can dreams ever come true? May St. Jude, patron saint of that special little mission church of Brainardsville, smile especially on that parish and its people and may the bells of St. Jude toll clearly and lovingly for many, many years to come. Sharon LaFlesh Chateaugay Perseverence recognized To the Editor: The Department of Environmental Conservation is making a major policy change with respect to how certain state lands are to be used in the future and it is going largely unnoticed. Due in large part to the efforts of one man, most of the state trails and roads that have previously been closed to vehicu- lar/motorized traffic will now be opened to those unable because of physical limitations to have access to our forest lands. This is not just in the Adirondacks but on all state-owned lands. For 10 years Warrensburg Supervisor Maynard Baker has fought to re-open these trails to the disabled veterans and others among us with physical limita- tions. It has been a difficult undertaking for Maynard. The DEC has not been a willing par- ticipant, having to be dragged, more or less, kicking and screaming to the table. The hammer, however, that is now available is called the Americans with Disabilities Act. The DEC has no choice but to make these once accessible lands once again accessible. More im- portantly, this is not just for the severely handicapped. It is for all who, for whatever reason, are \mobility impaired.\ The re- quirement is that one obtain a doctor's certificate that he or she is impaired and a permit will be issued for that individual to have access to a trail or trails with an ATV, snowmobile, etc. There are also provisions for a companion to accompany the permitted individual. There are many more provisions and the policies are currently being drafted. The ramifications of this new policy are significant and yet to be fully determined. Mobility impaired can mean anyone from a pregnant woman to someone with breathing difficulty or a cardiac condition. Needless to say, those that would have our forests shut down for only the fit- test are fit to be tfed. A sincere debt of .gratitude is owed to Maynard Baker for his concern and perseverance. Dale French Crown Point Press-Republican 170 Margaret SL, PUtuburgh, N.Y. 12901 (USPS 443-240) MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27,1995 The Republican 1811, The Preaa 1894, The Proa-Republican 1942 Breftda 1. Taltaan PubUaner Daniel B. Swill, Genera] Manager • Jamet D. Dynlto, Edilot Robot J. Gtady, Managjni Editor Lob M. acrmont, Newi Editor Brace Rowland, Btulneaa Editor John Dowmt, Delia Edilot Robot O. Goeu. SporU Edilot David PKU*. Photo Editor Damian Faselli, Suxby Editor Seall T.. McNamara,, Marketing-Sals** Huanr L O. Bi ClCaa MtisJntManagti a Sea T McNamara Marketing-Sals Lyman O B«io, ClaswC Mvsrt G Rk Rtil AdddM yman O. B«io, ClaswCa MvsrtisJntM Gaorg. Rock, Rstail AdvuddogMuagw Chris Christian, Circulation Mananr tt£S2SS22 PublUhtd d. Telephone 561 tsch tnorntnf •\ Smd dw Danisl L. Thaysr, Production Manapr Jaraw O. Frnya, Distribution Supervisor hoUdsyt at fro Marnnt StntL Plattaburth, N.Y. at Platttburgh, N.Y. 12901.1Ti» PnM-Rspuhucan is Division ofotuway Nswspspsn, Inc. sikVoMJ^cto&W SuhscriptioB ratss by U».MaU $196.00 on. ywr; $107.90 ail months; $68.95 thrss months. (Mail aas&gga^s: zg&r** w notor <wiv% *- ) •— ta M •*- •* d « DOONESBURY Garry Trudeau UM...9JFS.. riLeer RI6HT0N wwm rmex- UJANT A STRONG WBPRBSeNCB IT5MB. WHAfcA (VEN5BPA WEBSITE! K>YOUA ZIUJON WMBS! ByJOEl Asspcio ALBANY ( New Yotk s favorite, pro undergoes s< iihjs wfek % highest court, The Cour decide on tl legislative 1 sometimes h thegovernor veto after the both the st Senate. The judgi arguments h they retur: November se cases on the week include removal of heiress Dorii plus will anc KINGSTC resumed the day for the Palmer, wl body was foi in a house t the man ace year-old girl, The week first public deaths of Palmer and connected, dismembere Wednesday in the base house once Whitehurst. Whitehur degree mur kidnap, rap Tok By Assot NEWYO clerk clung burns on firebomb e> Brooklyn to replay of \Money Tre suspects wl have been 1 bery attem] Stunni and anger b y w h £ Mayo Rudolp Giuliani a ed \a horn dous crim o f f i c i a p o s t e r e w a r < t o t a 11 i i $21,000 : the pair v set off an flammable dow slot • frighten tl the door. The bias at the II station, \ booth api sioner Wil news con; type of fir been estab \The p devote eve to this ca are appea need help. He sai( come forv the rews number o platform\ Investif break if sought m juries. The cle 50, was New Yo Medical C
