Propose WTC license plate

ALBANY — The Governor’s office is proposing legislation to create a World Trade Center, distinctive license plate to commemorate the horrific events of September 11th.

The plate would cost $25, in addition to regular registration fees, and sale of plates would benefit the state’s World Trade Center Relief Fund.

The Department of Motor Vehicles currently offers several other plates from which proceeds benefit a particular cause or organization.  For more information, please visit www.dmv.state.ny.us.

PA passes ‘no call’ telemarketer law

HARRISBURG — A bill passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly last week would prohibits telemarketers from contacting consumers who have enrolled their names and telephone numbers on a “do not call” registry.

Enrollment on the list would last for five years and the law would require to telemarketers to update their ‘do not call’ lists quarterly.

The law also prohibits telemarketers from intentionally blocking their names and phone numbers from caller identification devices. The new legislation now awaits Governor Schweiker’s signature.

County to repair Luxton Lake bridge

TUSTEN — The Sullivan County Division of Public Works (DPW) will temporarily close County Bridge 454 on Lake Ridge Road (Town Highway 71) over the outlet of Luxton Lake in Tusten.

The bridge is located approximately 100 feet northeast of Luxton Lake Road. This section of Lake Ridge Road will be closed beginning April 8 and remain closed for approximately three weeks.

For more information contact DPW at 845/794-3000, ext. 5002.

Empire zone coordinator chosen

MONTICELLO — Sullivan County has hired an experienced Empire Zone (EZ) administrator to oversee the new economic growth program.

George P. Bucci Jr. was Supervisor of the Town of Newburgh in Orange County for six years and was instrumental in creating and coordinating the EZ for Newburgh-Stewart Airport.

Bucci holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Manhattan College and was formerly a member of the New Jersey Nets professional basketball team.

Bidding problems in Pike

MILFORD — The Pike County Commissioners have tabled bids received for repainting the water tower at the county complex in Blooming Grove, and have rejected all bids for renovations to the district court.

The tower painting bids were tabled for a review of some issues, including warranties. The bids covered a wide range. The lowest was $96,000. The other three bids ranged from about $260,000 to $395,000. The disparity in bid amounts is attributed to draining the tower into temporary holding tanks, during the repainting.

This will be the third painting of the five-year-old tower. The first two paint jobs were defective.

NY funds fishing access expansion

ALBANY — Governor George Pataki picked opening day of trout season to announce $1.25 million for a five-year initiative that will expand fishing opportunities across the state.

The initiative would provide funding from the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) over five years to acquire additional public fishing rights and easements along popular rivers and streams in the state.

The funding extends the Public Fishing Rights (PFR) program, overseen by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), which was established in 1935. It will fund up to 25 new miles of public fishing rights easements and develop ten new parking areas. The state already owns more than 1,230 miles of easements, purchased along some of New York’s best fishing streams, in addition to nearly 400 related parking areas.

Local legislators get passing grades
on health votes

SYRACUSE — Sullivan County’s Legislators got passing grades but the state Legislature in general has been found wanting in its support of affordable health care coverage, according to a recent “report card.”

“Legislators are continuing to hamper New York’s ability to purchase affordable health care coverage,” according to statement accompanying results of the Employer Alliance for Affordable Health Care’s 2001 Legislative Report Card.

Sullivan County Assemblyman Jacob E. Gunther (D-C 98) scored a “B-” on the report, while Senator John Bonacic (R-40) was rated a “C+” voter on health issues.