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August 5, 2010

Your Opinion: August 5, 2010

— This is what he was elected to do

Kudos to Mayor Joe Booan for his article, ``The Mayor Reports’’ which appeared in the July 29 issue of the Freeman’s Journal and as a letter to the Editor in the July 29 issue of the Cooperstown Crier, which he wrote to let the citizens of Cooperstown know what is going on in their government. However, I take exception to the fact that it is written as though all of these things were instituted four months ago when Mr. Booan became mayor.

Everything that he mentions has been in the works during the previous administrations and I am glad to see that he will continue to address these and other problems as they arise. That is what he was elected to do. There is really nothing new in what he suggests.

Although not on a regular basis, there have even been Town Hall Meetings in the Court House to give anyone interested, a chance to speak out on certain issues. Actually, when I was a Trustee, I had already begun researching the feasibility of clearing snow off the sidewalks in the Village.

That had been done years  ago, when I was new to Cooperstownand it seemed the time had come to reinstate this benefit to the taxpayer. As an older citizen who finds it difficult to keep my sidewalk cleared of snow, this would be most welcome.

It was also during my tenure that the parameters were set for vending on Main Street. Many hours were spent working out the fairest way to do this for the benefit of the merchants and the rest of the Village.

Merchants are limited to a certain number and size of tables and racks to display their merchandise so that Main Street will retain a dignified look and not become overloaded with outdoor displays that could lead to a shoddy, honky-tonk look and, at times, compromise public safety with the crowded conditions they present.

Merchants are entitled to use privately-owned property for their displays, but not Village property. I did not see the wisdom of ceding over public property for private use when this law was instituted, and I still do not. If a precedent is set in this instance, where will it stop?

We like to boast that Cooperstown is the ``Perfect Village,’’ but will more tables and racks of all kinds of merchandise along Main Street be in keeping with that assessment? One of the merchants who is asking for free access to public property to showcase his wares, is quoted in the newspaper as saying, ``The outside display of merchandise is only negative as far as locals are concerned.’’

HUH? As a local resident and taxpayer, I am concerned and I have every right to be ... do I not? As do all of you who live here throughout the year and enjoy and support the charm of our Village.

Grace Kull

Cooperstown

Hawkeyes say thanks

As you know, the Cooperstown Hawkeyes’ inaugural season has just ended. I would to thank the members of the Cooperstown community who made such a critical contribution to the success of our team. The baseball experience for those who attended our games was described as nothing less than excellent. A genuine sense of community developed at Doubleday Field and the children of Cooperstown loved the experience.

Hawkeyes’ players made a significant contribution to our community as well. For example, they conducted free baseball skills clinics that were very well-attended by our children and helped with the annual library book sale. In a very real sense, the Hawkeyes became Cooperstown’s team this year and were embraced warmly even by people who were originally skeptical of our efforts to bring baseball to the Village.

I would especially like to thank our host families who ``adopted’’ our players this season.

It was heartwarming to hear the players describe their hosts as ``my summer mom and dad,’’ and the children of these families as ``my little brother and sister.’’ Additionally, many community members expended significant time, effort, and money to provide our players with excellent post-game meals.

Their efforts to make our players feel at home in Cooperstown were very generous.

During the last few days when host families were saying goodbye to their players, it became clear that in a number of cases relationships have been established that will last for a lifetime.

I would also like to thank our many community members who participated as Cooperstown Hawkeyes sponsors this year and who helped to make our initial season a successful one.

Your commitment to the Cooperstown community as well as the Hawkeyes is greatly appreciated.

On August 10, at 10 a.m., the Doubleday Field Committee will meet in the Village Conference Room. A discussion of the Hawkeyes’ first season is on the agenda. If you found the baseball experience provided by the Cooperstown Hawkeyes to be a positive one, please try to attend this meeting to show  your support.

Tom Hickey

President,

Cooperstown Hawkeyes

Goodbye to the community

After living in Springfield Center for over 20 years, it is time to say ``goodbye’’ to everyone.

My wife Barbara and I both agree that it has been the most wonderful years of our 67 years of marriage. But how do you say goodbye to a place that you love dearly?

How do you say goodbye to our many good neighbors and dear friends from Cooperstown, Springfield and others in a 50-mile radius from here? It is most difficult to leave behind all the things that we have been enjoying: our community center, our library, our walking path, our senior group, our exercise classes, the historical society, the Independence Day celebration.

What a grand place to live! I suppose that it is part of life that all good things must come to an end and now, not by our choice, we must leave everything and everyone behind, so simply ``goodbye’’ to all.

We truly love you forever.

George Rutler

Barbara ``Wink’’ Rutler

Springfield Center

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