To the Editor:

(DeRuyter, NY – Feb. 2013) Be aware Madison County residents of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I recently attended a meeting in Cazenovia put on by the Cazenovia Chamber of Commerce. It was an excellent overview of what’s happening in Cazenovia – where it wants to go, how to get there and, in some cases, leave well enough alone (with planning) in order to preserve the small country setting and tranquility of which they cherish. Money is an issue as we all know. They need more business and people to live in their community.

The issue of hydrofracking was brought up by one of the panelists, which generated a couple of questions from the audience with responses from the panel. I didn’t comment but I’m glad some did. One question in particular was directed at the Nelson Supervisor which was “What effect will hydrofracking have on tourism in the area?” The wolf, I mean the Nelson supervisor, talked for three to four minutes and finally said, “I didn’t answer your questions, did I?”

Someone from the audience said “Well, no.” The supervisor said “there will be more trucks on the road.”

That’s it.

(Clue 1.) He also strongly elaborated that there will be no drilling in Cazenovia village and some others. He never mentioned anything about drilling outside the villages of Cazenovia and Nelson.

(Clue 2.) He made a statement that he’s neutral regarding hydrofracking. Well, in hydrofracking terms, that’s code for ‘Drill Baby Drill.’

(Clue 3.) A sixth-grader listening to these three responses would come to the same conclusion of what many of us know about the Nelson supervisor all along. In my opinion, he’s pro-gas. My point to Cazenovia and other towns that are attempting to put stop-gaps in place against the heavy industry of hydrofracking need to be aware about adjoining towns where supervisors are pushing for gas with little regard of the overall negative consequences of hydrofracking.

If Nelson and DeRuyter allow drilling, you can be absolutely assured surrounding towns will be impacted, whether you like it or not. Housing, land and water in the area will be highly desirable for the process of hydrofracking of which has many more negatives than positives.

If you have any doubt about hydrofracking, go to Pennsylvania on your own (as I have done) off the beaten path. No gas-sponsored tours as many politicians have done. See for yourself, take pictures, get out, knock on doors, talk to residents and business owners of these small towns and the countryside of Pennsylvania. You will find some winners – no question.

It’s like the lottery. The winner is sensationalized through the state and country of where, who and how much. A fact not given too often. There were millions, millions and millions of losers. High correlation with gas, tobacco and other areas of corporate greed with most people being compromised negatively for the benefit of the few.

I believe that Cazenovia is going in the right direction compared to some towns (that have nothing) with road use regulations that would stop hydrofracking. I feel a moratorium would be a better approach because it gives a town two-and-a-half years to develop laws and rules to have a vaccine against hydrofracking if it becomes allowable in New York State.

Joe Yankowski, DeRuyter

 

By martha

One thought on “Calls Nelson Supervisor ‘Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing’”
  1. Wonderful article and so true! The Town Supervisors appointed by John Becker to the Madison County Natural Gas Group are in the most part pro fracking and some cases even have leases on their property. They have smooth answers to questions asked,and earn the “Wolf in Sheeps clothing” title.
    Miriam Barrows

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.