County Watch
by George Penney 

Early in February, I attended a meeting at which a county legislative committee discussed the future use of the property on Route 434. At that time, the six legislators present agreed, even without discussion, that the county must maintain control of that property even though there is no county need for the property in the foreseeable future. Only brief mention was made concerning the fact that any use of the property is already controlled by town and village ordinances.

 Then I took a second look at the county expenditures for January. Among the larger payments were those to Saratoga Associates for very detailed plans for the Route 434 site. Among other things, these plans call for a detached clock tower supported on four very tall pillars! As a one-time Owego merchant, I can't imagine someone buying that property and accepting those plans.

 This is among the activities that your legislature considers "essential services." They would rather blame the state Medicaid program for high county taxes than consider their own spendthrift habits.

 I wonder about the group of people once calling themselves Preserve Owego Downtown. They once complained about moving county employees across the river. What do they think about the county's financing direct competition?

 Again, may I suggest that you call your county legislator. If you don't know who that is, call the board of elections at 687-8261. They will be happy to tell you.