Port Jervis expo a success

ANYA TIKKA
Posted 5/31/17

PORT JERVIS, NY — Residents, visitors and council members all agreed that the New York State Rifle and Sports Expo that took place on Saturday May 20 was a great success, bringing to Port …

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Port Jervis expo a success

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PORT JERVIS, NY — Residents, visitors and council members all agreed that the New York State Rifle and Sports Expo that took place on Saturday May 20 was a great success, bringing to Port Jervis many visitors who would never have found it otherwise.

Raymond Cooper, a frequent visitor to the city, praised Maria Mann, the owner of The Gun Lady shop on Front Street, as having been instrumental in bringing the show to the city. “You brought so many people here that would never come here; you spearheaded it and made it a fantastic event,” he said. His comments were greeted by applause around the chamber.

He added, “It’s become very fashionable to bash politicians, I’d like to take a different tack.”

He went on to says that a diverse group of people came together to construct a program that “transcended turf wars,” including law enforcement agencies, town government and private citizens, “all those, who every day, have to work together for safety and security for all.”

Mayor Kelly Decker read a letter about the event from Mann. It stated, “I was a constant observer and volunteer. It was a pleasure to work and interact with all those who made it a glowing success. It’s become fashionable to bash every municipal event. I had the opportunity to watch every organization… at no time did any of those involved sit or stand still. They were quietly mingling with the public while traffic flowed and the premises were cleaned. A monumental effort was made on behalf of the community, with new opportunities for citizens and newcomers. It was a perfect example for cooperation.”

In other business, the much debated sewer-use law was passed unanimously, with comments from council members Sarah Hendry and Stan Siegel, who have spoken critically about the law in the past.

Siegel explained the council was advised there had to be a sewer law to comply with state requirements, but the fees are a separate issue. He said, “I’m not happy with sewer-use law, but it has to be done.”

Hendry said the council has the authority to set the fees, and urged residents to let the council know if they had a problem with it.

“Make it known you want a higher percentage of that fee to be allocated to the pipes, or other costs… it’s our home-rule right. The reasons of how money is spent and how much is collected are the right of the council, so vote. It’s important. Speak up,” she said, adding she’s not happy with how money was spent in the past.

Another local law allowing the council to override the tax limit was passed unanimously, again causing Hendry and Siegel to comment.

Hendry said she would like to vote against it but “we’re late to this game. We do have a bond; we’re going to get a bridge and a promenade. I’d like to say ‘no,’ but I have to say ‘yes.’”

Siegel’s view was the council’s argument has to be with the state. He said, “I would like to say no. Two percent makes absolutely no sense. People don’t have much to give.”

Belcher added that the state “wants to look like good guys with these tax caps, but then impose these regulations that cost money.”

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