Ban burning

To the editor:

I want to congratulate The River Reporter and reporter Sandy Long for the recent very informative articles on the subject of backyard burning.

This issue is often overlooked, or just accepted by the residents on both sides of the river. To me, and increasingly to more and more people, the extremely negative impact of this practice on health and the environment is becoming all too real. It’s really another “inconvenient truth.”

Anyone can pick up a free three-month permit that allows you to burn “legally.” On the back there is a list of restrictions and it is left up to the individual to adhere to it. Lets face it, where there is no enforcement, it is basically a free for all. I speak from experience. Also, to report a neighbor to the DEC could, on the extreme side, provoke potential violent retaliations or just create an atmosphere of ill will, which would be incredibly unpleasant to live around.

So what do you do? Plead, offer money for the dump, try to educate, guilt trip, move or just hold your breath and bear it. It’s a tough choice.

I feel a total ban on burning is the only way. Also, financial assistance to those who cannot afford the (recently raised) cost at the dump. Recycling is still free; there is no excuse there.

This “hidden” source of toxic pollution must be dealt with. We all must push for a total ban on backyard burning.

Callicoon, NY

The electorate speaks on NYRI

To the editor:

To the officials elected on Tuesday, November 7: congratulations on your election victory. We heard your campaign messages; now hear a message from the people who elected you.

Our most important local issue is stopping the NYRI power lines. Some of you were bold enough to campaign saying, “Vote for me, I’ll fight NYRI.” We hired you and will now hold you to your promise.

When we succeed in stopping NYRI, every elected official will claim credit. The victory will appear on every political resume as a badge of honor. Likewise, if we fail, every elected leader must take responsibility. Those horrendous towers will serve as a badge of disgrace on your record.

We, the people, will not forget your failure. No excuses will be acceptable. Don’t try to blame the other party or the other branch of government. As our elected leaders, we expect you to fight for us and we expect results. If you fail there will be consequences. We understand that some very powerful interests support the NYRI project, but don’t ever forget that you work for us. Don’t fail us. We will hold you responsible.

I’m Glenn Stein, and I approve this message.

Democracy wins

To the editor:

Last year, I wrote this newspaper alerting voters in Northeastern Pennsylvania to the disturbing and irresponsible behavior of our Congressman, Representative Don Sherwood. I was pleased to see that voters on Tuesday decided we deserved better than Mr. Sherwood.

I believe we can chalk this up as a small and significant victory for democracy and responsible governance.

Monster bridge

To the editor:

A monster bridge is in a planning stage and is to be built for Bon Secours hospital.

It is to be a connection between the hospital and a new medical arts building across East Main Street.

Imagine a giant 150-foot bridge spanning Port Jervis’s busy entrance to the city, spoiling the rural look forever.

There is a positive alternative: build a tunnel. It’s feasible, practical and preferred by an important city agency. It would cost about $46 dollars a day more than a bridge would cost. Bon Secours can have their new medical building become a reality.

Hundreds of young children will pass under a major distraction. Motor traffic increases yearly; snow and ice falling can’t help.

The railroad bridge came long before we were born. And we don’t like that bridge either.

Tunnel or bridge? Please think about it.

No one is against the hospital’s new medical arts building, just the lack of vision on how to access it.