Letters to the Editor: Feb. 7, 2010

Matter of life, death
TO THE EDITOR: I am writing regarding cell phone towers in the Adirondacks, a subject that has been dragged through this paper time and again. However, after reading a recent article in another publication, I felt that something more needed to be said.

The residents of Keene Valley are considering placement of a tower which would provide much needed coverage for not only their town, but also sections of the Northway that are currently not covered. According to the article, most of the residents are in favor of the tower, and I applaud them for this. One resident, however, stated that her concern was that "Keene Valley would end up like everywhere else" with regard to cell phone use.

While I understand this person's sentiment about the rustic character of the Adirondacks, I feel that it should be pointed out that cell-phone coverage is not only a matter of modern convenience, but also literally a matter of life or death. No one is going to force you to own a cell phone. Should you choose to do so for the convenience and safety of your family, then you should be able to depend on that lifeline in an emergency. How many preventable deaths will it take for some people and agencies to realize that they have no right to deny the rest of us access to modern convenience and, more importantly, safety?

Mel Freeman

Willsboro

Disdain for pledge
TO THE EDITOR: I have surreptitiously been made aware that this School District and School Board carelessly and without concern for the men and women of our armed forces, endorsed and validated the "optional recital" of the Pledge of Allegiance. If one were to call the principal's office, their cop-out answer "We are simply following a U.S. Supreme Court Ruling." According to Google, this complaint came from parents of one child. This evasion of respect for God, Country, Old Glory and our troops is a travesty.

This is an example of how progressive zealots administer our school district. All weasels. There are choices. Private and home schooling. I regularly pay my school taxes, and I insist that my dollars support our military and the Pledge of Allegiance. Clearly, there is a lack of respect and patriotism amongst those who simply turned their heads, afraid to speak.

As a 30-year disabled veteran of the USAF, I am appalled, angered and disappointed with the district and School Board as well as the administrative staff of Beekmantown School. What a way to respect those Beekmantown students who have served and are currently serving with honor. These brave men and women do not deserve this slap in the face.

If one has difficulty with God, this country, its Stars and Stripes, then leave and leave now. Get out of my country go to a Third World country where the honor and pride we have in these the United States Of America, does not exist.

I hope and pray, the staff of Beekmantown School Board, teachers, principal, advisors and others fearlessly and with determination reverse this disrespectful action. Otherwise you have lost this veteran's respect.

Robert R. St. Maur

Plattsburgh

Chief master sergeant, USAF, retired, disabled veteran

Open for business
TO THE EDITOR: As executive director of the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce, I am writing to warn of the economic dangers to a community when they lose an important part of their transportation infrastructure. Last October, we lost the Lake Champlain Bridge in Crown Point, which was a significant part of our lives.

Since the bridge closed, commutes to Vermont that were once measured in minutes are now measured in hours. At the Chamber of Commerce, we are working twice as hard, in an already challenged economy, to promote tourism and let visitors know that businesses in southeast Essex County are open.

Some businesses have experienced as much as an 80-percent loss in business. However, our restaurants and retail stores are open, our hotels have their welcome mats out, the ice fishermen are readying for the season, and the snowmobilers are tuning up their sleds. Come spring, Fort Ticonderoga, the Crown Point State Historic Site, and our museums will be open. Lake Champlain will again welcome anglers and boaters. There will be concerts, lectures, festivals and parades. Information is available on our Web site or stop by or call for brochures and information.

Without adequate funding for bridge repairs, other communities may be forced into the situation we find ourselves in. I wouldn't wish this crisis on any other community. We have stepped up to the plate and visitors from all over the country, Europe and Canada will have no difficulty making our area their final destination. Come visit us.

Barbara Brassard

Executive director

TACC

Ticonderoga

Keep Cape Air
TO THE EDITOR: I am a frequent flyer recommending that the Clinton County Legislature should keep Cape Air as the Plattsburgh airline serving Boston under the federally subsidized essential air service program. Cape Air has done a magnificent job in the past few years with good schedules, service and affordable fares.

What is the advantage of going with Colgan Air instead of Cape Air? Sure, we'd all prefer to fly on a larger 34-seat aircraft with two pilots. This is also a huge liability; increasing the seating capacity three-fold will not cause a three-fold increase in passengers, but an increase in ticket fares. I flew those very empty USAirways 34-seat planes quite a bit prior to Cape Air taking over the route before the airline quit suddenly despite the federal subsidy and left many of us high and dry. Don't be fooled by Colgan's proposed initial six-month trial of an extra six round trips per week to "stimulate traffic."

Cape Air has more flights, matches the reality of our marketplace, and requires a smaller subsidy than the competing proposals. Do we really want to increase our dependence on federal tax dollars when so many in Washington are eager to kill the essential air service program?

What about airline connections in Boston? Cape Air's partner, Jet Blue, is growing and has more connections than Colgan Air's partner, USAirways, which is shrinking its presence in Boston.

As a Star Alliance Gold member, I can tell you that USAirways' membership in the Star Alliance network won't help with connections on non-USAirways flights out of Boston.

Dominic Eisinger

Keene

Rethink priorities
TO THE EDITOR: I agree with Dean Chartier: the county legislators must choose which airline will provide essential service at the least cost.

Colgan's proposed annual subsidy of $2,117,101 is 3/4-million dollars more than Cape Air's $1,334,262. Yet legislators appear ready in this recession to give away an unessential $782,839 of taxpayers' money to suit personal whims, without seeming to have conducted an objective review of each airline.

It's decision should rely on tangible evidence such as data recording accidents, fatalities, training, maintenance, and performance. For instance, how about proof that each company's pilots have training relevant to and experience flying in winter weather? After Colgan's crash last year in Buffalo, investigators concluded that the pilots' Florida-based training limited to a half-hour video on plane icing was a contributing factor.

Cape Air's record? With pilots trained airborne for Northeast inclement weather, federal officials report no accidents, incidents, or fatalities in five years.

County legislators should rethink their priorities. While an adjacent empty seat and free snacks hold temporary appeal, proven safety records and reduced cost to tax-payers are paramount for awarding the contract.

H.L. Walker

Plattsburgh

Enjoyable experiences
TO THE EDITOR: The Town of Plattsburgh Recreation Department provides activities which enrich our lives. Melanie and Janet are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Lessons or pointers are optional.

We thoroughly enjoyed senior kayaking this past summer and ice skating with our grandchildren during Christmas/holiday vacation at the SUNY Fieldhouse rink. The kayaking was so popular that Mel and Janet added additional sessions. The season culminated with a several-mile paddle on the Saranac River from Picketts Corners to the Cadyville beach. People of all ability levels savored the beauties of nature and delight of kayaking. The trip is included in the town's annual youth kayaking program.

The ice skating brought neighbors and friends together to glide or shuffle. Our grandchildren were intrigued to know they were skating on "the" Cardinal rink! Once again smiles, laughter and fellowship enriched the enjoyment of the activity. Myriad activities are scheduled. All equipment is provided. All activities are free.

With gratitude to Mel, Janet and the Town of Plattsburgh, we look forward to many more enjoyable experiences.

Tom and Betsy Metz

Plattsburgh

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