Quoted Text

Rotterdam, county should encourage historic preservation

    I read with admiration Gary Guido’s Oct. 15 letter [“Shortsighted city offi cials shouldn’t have let diner fall”] regarding Ruby’s Silver Diner. I couldn’t agree with him more that it is sad we have lost many of our historic buildings. We still have many such structures around Schenectady County and it would be a shame to lose more.
    In Rotterdam some, but not all, are identified in the comprehensive plan. Consequently, I and other members of the Rotterdam Conservation Advisory Council have drafted a landmark and historic preservation ordinance that is currently being reviewed by the building inspector’s office. Not wanting to create many layers of bureaucracy and regulation, the ordinance we drafted provides property owners an opportunity to request a historic designation on their property, whether it be a structure or a significant landmark. We did not want to put a burden on a property owner unless they were willing to comply with the requirements of such a designation.
    By reaching out to local and state experts in the field, we were able to draft an ordinance that streamlines the process by which a homeowner can alter their home without excessive local government review and still keep the historic designation intact.
    The ordinance also will serve to create a Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission that will provide the building inspector with expertise in rehabilitation projects to ensure that the historic features are not lost through remodeling and construction.
    I would like to see this commission assembled from a body of local experts and serve as a countywide resource for historic preservation projects. We already have many experts in our community serving as historians and members of conservation advisory councils. They could provide the much-needed oversight and guidance to ensure that these treasures are not compromised. A commission on a countywide basis would also provide for a broader view on the creation of historic districts, with a common goal of linking them together as part of a tourism program for the county.
    Restoration and preservation of these properties is quite costly. As stated in the Oct. 18 Daily Gazette editorial [“Sch’dy should push historic tax credit”], Schenectady County should push the new historic preservation tax credit program. This program fosters civic pride in the accomplishments of our heritage and an economic incentive to make it more affordable.
Saving these structures and old neighborhoods is a worthwhile endeavor and may also provide an economic boost to our communities.

MARY O’ROURKE BARRIE
Rotterdam
The writer is a candidate for Schenectady County Legislature, District 4.

http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r00903&AppName=1

As nice as she may be, and has a passion for the environment, I see many more important issues facing this county. Although, I commend both her and M.V. for attending.

BT ~ Thank God someone prepared Mike's comments ~ oooph!  

GO MARY, GO MARY, GO MARY, MARY BARRIE!  GO MARY, GO MARY, GO MARY BARRIE!  

MM ~ she sounded more like a liberal environmentalist Dem last night than a Republican.

Toss in the GOP for EMS Tax District and you have a whole happy party of liberals.

Then again ~ I can TOTALLY appreciate your decision to chant her name ~ after all, it appears she might be your best chance at a GOP win.

Quoted from marymagdelene1234

GO MARY, GO MARY, GO MARY, MARY BARRIE!  GO MARY, GO MARY, GO MARY BARRIE!  

Does Mary check her 'greenhouse science'?

Thanks for the compliment Bumble.  Thanks for the cheer Mary!

However, I believe it is always the right time for an environmentalist to be in office.  I would point to the fact that I work in an agency committed to preserving and protecting the environment.  I also want to point out that the Schenectady County Legislature has a committee also dedicated to environmental conservation and planning. There are two words in the name for a good reason and they are tied to planning.  Conservation of resources is a big part of what I believe in.  Not being wasteful whether it be my personal money or the taxpayers is equally of great importance to me. Smart growth has not just been a few words to toss around in Rotterdam. We have taken strides to apply the principles, not just talk about them, ie. Land Conservation zoning.

I have attached an article about water quality that was in the Daily Gazette.  SI Group is sitting on top of our aquifer.  If it weren't for environmental regulations, where do you think our water quality numbers would be?  Those pollutants impact our health and quality of life.  Take a look at the health-related issues in areas where some of our factories used to billow and spew contaminants.  A biggie while not named in the article being cancer-causing dioxins.  Those contaminants are in our air and our water. Health care costs are out of control in this country.  There is a definite correlation between these exposures and our health.  

Some may remember that SI Group requested and was granted a reduction in taxes through PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes).  Before the IDA granted their request, I and other members of the RCAC asked for an environmental benefit project.  SI Group did not have a stellar environmental compliance record.  Consequently, we asked that if they had yet another failure to comply with NYS DEC regulations, that they give something back to the community.  SI Group agreed.  Simply put, there could be a sidewalk in Rotterdam Junction with their name on it if they violate regulations again. We didn't want to drive this company away.  We need them here for jobs and taxes. We also need them to be a good neighbor.

Where would this community get its water from if the Great Flats aquifer were destroyed?  Many surrounding communities pay a great deal of money for something mother nature gave us for free.  We didn't have to build reservoirs and we don't have to maintain them. Our plentiful and quality water supply is a gift we need to treasure.  Not only do 150,000 residents rely on this for a potable water supply, our economy is based on it as well.  Think of the businesses and stores that also rely on this water source.  

I sincerely understand the need for bringing jobs and cutting costs to the taxpayer.  I know people are hurting in our community.

I also feel very strongly that you have to be reasonable and balance the environment and the economy. They are tied together whether we like it or not.  I bring my record of accomplishments with me and my visions for the future as a candidate for District 4.

Politically, I am a moderate, progressive Republican.  Maybe we need a few more in the party like me to lean toward the middle of the political aisle and get government moving forward instead of stuck to the side of political posturing.


CAPITAL REGION
Industrial river dumping has N.Y. in nation’s top 20
BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter

Reach Gazette reporter Michael Lamendola at 395-3114 or lamend@dailygazette.com.

   New York ranked in the top 20 states in the nation for the amount of chemicals linked to diseases and disorders that its industries released into local waterways in 2007, according to report issued by an environmental group Wednesday.
   The report by Environment New York said New York-based industries released 6.4 million pounds of harmful chemicals into waterways, earning a rank of 13th in the nation.
   The state ranked 12th in the amount of chemicals linked to cancer released into waterways, 41,000 pounds; ranked 18th in the nation in the amount of chemicals linked to developmental disorders, 5,000 pounds; and ranked 20th in the amount of chemicals linked to reproductive problems, 3,000 pounds, according to the group.
   Finch Paper in Glens Falls is listed as discharging the sixth largest amount of cancer-causing chemicals, 26,541 pounds, in the United States into waterways. The paper producing company releases the chemicals, mostly nitrates, into the Hudson River.
   Finch Paper produces 250,000 tons per year of uncoated printing papers for corporate marketing materials, direct mail, book publishing and business office use.
   In response to the report, Finch Paper spokesman John Brodt said “the company’s treated wastewater discharges have very strict limits placed upon them by our government permits. These limits are established by the federal government based on an analysis of what is required to protect the health and safety of the river, its wildlife and the people who live near it.”
   He said the report was an inventory “of the total volume of chemicals released, not a report on the actual risks associated with those releases.” He said the company over the past 10 years has voluntarily reduced its chemical releases to water by more than 80 percent.
RANKING THE HUDSON
   Also in the report, the Hudson River is ranked 12th in the nation for receiving chemicals linked to cancer, some 28,000 pounds, and 47th in the nation in total discharges of harmful chemicals, 1 million pounds.
   SI Group, which operates a chemical and manufacturing company in Rotterdam Junction, is listed as eighth in the state for releasing chemicals linked to cancer into the Mohawk River, approximately 655 pounds.
   The Rotterdam Junction plant makes performance resins, wire enamels, insulating varnishes and alkylphenols used by manufacturers to produce brake disks, bandages, perfumes, vitamins and more. More than 90 percent of all tires in the United States contain the company’s resin.
   More than 30 years ago, the plant was permitted to dump 10,000 pounds of phenol each day into the river, according to company officials. The company has since invested $50 million in upgrading the waste-water treatment plant, and now discharges less than a pound of phenol into the river each day.
   A spokesperson from the company was not available for comment on Wednesday.
   Caitlin Seeley of Environmental New York said the report is based on information the companies themselves disclose to federal authorities.
   She said any amount of chemicals released into local waterways is “detrimental to us and our ecosystem.”
   Industrial facilities are required to release information about their discharges of a limited number of specific toxic chemicals, called the Toxic Release Inventory. The chemicals include nitrate compounds, manganese, methanol, ammonia, sodium nitrates, metals and metal compounds.
   The most recent information is from 2007, according to the environmental group.
   Seeley said the Hudson River, which was designated a Superfund site in 1983, has had chemicals released into it since the 1940s.
   “Despite initial efforts to clean up the river, the Hudson is still home to some of the highest levels of dangerous toxins in the country. The fact that toxins are still being discharged into the Hudson is unacceptable and steps must be taken to reign in polluters,” Seeley said.
   Environmental New York is calling for stricter enforcement of the federal Clean Water Act.

Mary, in all do respect here, you have taken part in keeping the environment safe. You can continue to do the same and perhaps even more OUT of the political arena. You clearly do not need a political platform for your cause. You not only have obvious knowledge of the environment but you WORK in that area. You ARE an environmentalist.....that's what you do. And it appears you do it well.

My point here Mary, is that NYS already has a department, exclusively for environmental issues. And you work for and in it. As important as you believe it is...and it is....there are many many many other issues facing this county that you have not touched on yet. For example and just to name a very few....the ever increasing county budget, your plan to cut spending, the fraud in the dss dept., the consolidation of the police forces, the increased crime, infrastructure, Little league fields, the proposed sheriff sub station in duanesburg, your stand on the metroplex.....and the list goes on.

In my opinion, you don't need to be in the political arena to accomplish your environmental goals for yourself or your community.IMHO

The Silver Diner? The Albany Dump? Mary did better than MV at the debate but ain't saying much. Please get onto the big issues Metrograft, pay to play, County cuts and tax savings.

  Here's another one that made a fool out of themselves at the big debate-Judy DAG. She had no clue about the millions SS wasted that was to go solely for economic "stimulus". She chased Brad Littlefield out of the building.

Mary Barrie = Hypocrite.  Where is the outrage on the SI Groups dismal environmental track record?  Keep jobs my arse.  Sold out for the big campaign contribution didya Mary?

Where is the outrage over the illegal dumping being done by Town Employees Mary?  Like I said at the start.....HYPOCRITE

Hmmm....hypocrite...so would you rather we run the company out of town and
> people lose their jobs?  Any idea how much money is going to be spent if
> they leave town and leave a mess?  Then the taxpayer can get stuck for that
> tab.  Much better to keep them here and monitor/fine them heavily if
> necessary.  Meanwhile, people have jobs and they pay taxes and they are on
> the hook for their environmental violations.
>
> I'll leave the investigation of the latest Rotterdam dumping up to the PD
> and DEC staff that are paid to do that.  They'll figure out what happened
> and who is responsible.  I have no complaints about the services by the
> RPD.  On the rare occasion I have needed them, they have been very
> responsive.  Could be a midnight dumper.  Happens a lot on quiet
> roadways. Adopt-a-highway and just see what you find. Could also be
someone did a stupid thing.
>
> All the candidates addressed the Metroplex topic at the LWV forum.
> Metroplex $$ have made a definite positive impact to the City of
> Schenectady.  It's never going to be the thriving metropolis of the 50's.
> The office workers down there are spending money just like I am in downtown
> Albany.  There is activity on the street at night, not just the poverty
> stricken, as in years before MVP and DOT went down there. Villa Italia,
> Apertivo are just a few eateries that seem to be doing well too.  Rotterdam
> has gotten a good share of Metroplex $$.  Judy D. had all the numbers of
who got what.  
I stated I don't like the personal attacks on Ray Gillen.  There were some
> housekeeping and procedural issues in the audit and they need to be addressed and
> corrected. Nothing that screamed graft.
>
> You can check my campaign contributions out on the BOE site.
>
> Be nice Puddycat, have some catnip and take a snooze!
>

Quoted from 397

Hmmm....hypocrite...so would you rather we run the company out of town and
> people lose their jobs?  Any idea how much money is going to be spent if
> they leave town and leave a mess?  Then the taxpayer can get stuck for that
> tab.  Much better to keep them here and monitor/fine them heavily if
> necessary.  Meanwhile, people have jobs and they pay taxes and they are on
> the hook for their environmental violations.
>
> I'll leave the investigation of the latest Rotterdam dumping up to the PD
> and DEC staff that are paid to do that.  They'll figure out what happened
> and who is responsible.  I have no complaints about the services by the
> RPD.  On the rare occasion I have needed them, they have been very
> responsive.  Could be a midnight dumper.  Happens a lot on quiet
> roadways. Adopt-a-highway and just see what you find. Could also be
someone did a stupid thing.
>
> All the candidates addressed the Metroplex topic at the LWV forum.
> Metroplex $$ have made a definite positive impact to the City of
> Schenectady.  It's never going to be the thriving metropolis of the 50's.
> The office workers down there are spending money just like I am in downtown
> Albany.  There is activity on the street at night, not just the poverty
> stricken, as in years before MVP and DOT went down there. Villa Italia,
> Apertivo are just a few eateries that seem to be doing well too.  Rotterdam
> has gotten a good share of Metroplex $$.  Judy D. had all the numbers of
who got what.  
I stated I don't like the personal attacks on Ray Gillen.  There were some
> housekeeping and procedural issues in the audit and they need to be addressed and
> corrected. Nothing that screamed graft.
>
> You can check my campaign contributions out on the BOE site.
>
> Be nice Puddycat, have some catnip and take a snooze!
>

Based on all those >'s ... where'd you copy/paste that from? Someone else writing your replies too?

Does ANYONE write their own content anymore?

EXACTLY MT....I was thinking the same thing. Someone wrote it and emailed it to Ms. Mary. Then she just copied and pasted it.

Well, at least she's making a showing here.

Quoted from bumblethru

Well, at least she's making a showing here.

At least her HANDLERS are making a showing.

Sometimes people write something and e-mail it to themselves and then paste it in. I email stuff from my wife's laptop to my e-mail when we are at a friend's or away from home. I honestly don't think she is having anyone write her material!!! LOL