There has been a fair amount of acrimony within Otsego County around the issues of business growth, energy availability and concerns about safeguarding our local environment. And while each of these topics is worth supporting, I don’t believe this presents an either/or binary choice. I feel that this county, and the many communities it holds, can achieve all of those goals at the same time.
Yes, as the president and CEO of the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, I am a business advocate. I feel small, medium-sized and large businesses make communities thrive. They pay property, sales and school taxes, employ thousands of people, create a growing housing market and give us all local places to do business.
I am also concerned about maintaining clean air, clean water, agricultural lands, our abundance of picturesque woodlands and hiking trails, and the ponds, lakes, rivers and streams that have been this region’s calling card for two centuries. My question is, when did these topics become us versus them? When did we decide that you cannot have abundant green spaces, productive farms, clear rivers and businesses coexist in our region? I must have missed the memo. Or, for the rest of America, this apparently did not come across my feed.
I will not rehash the argument over data. It is apparent that this issue has been decided. Not all data businesses are megalithic data centers that suck water from the aquifer and drive up your electric rates by 800%. But, as promised, I will spare you the details. You can find all the info you desire on the internet by using an AI powered search engine.
So, let’s move on to another uncomfortable issue — natural gas. I have seen and heard many arguments against a proposed natural gas pipeline. Some points of view include environmental catastrophe, potential underwater explosions in severe flooding situations, air pollution and the proliferation of fossil fuels. OK, I hear that. I also know a friend who grew up with a natural gas pipeline in her back yard. Since she is still here, no Armageddon occurred. At least not yet, but there is still time.
Conversely, access to natural gas could very well lead a business to build and operate a manufacturing facility in Otsego County that could provide 400 people with stable employment, good wages and benefits. Those folks could look to their dream of owning a home, educating their children and giving to local charities. Those families would theoretically increase the rolls at local schools, houses of worship and service organizations. They would shop at local businesses and eat in local establishments throughout Otsego County. Would that not be a huge benefit to us?
Which brings us to the topic of risk. Life is nothing but an assessment of risk and reward. If you spent $25 per week on lottery tickets over a 10-year span, that would equal $13,000. Would you rather risk that money over that time to potentially win $250 million, or would you prefer to invest that money and potentially grow it into $30,000? Well, that’s up to you. Each person is different. I’m not saying that either option is “evil,” “stupid” or “greedy.” I’m saying they are different. Some folks might choose to spend $5 per week on lottery tickets and invest the rest. That seems somewhat reasonable. And that is my point.
I am not a fan of “all or nothing” or “my way or the highway.” Are you? If you feel that someone trying to put a data center on every corner is not right, I agree. If you think that a natural gas pipeline in our county would be catastrophic for the environment, there may be differing opinions. Of one thing I am fairly certain. A region without businesses is an area without jobs. No jobs equal no income. That equals no home ownership, no taxes, declining school enrollment and mass migration of potential entrepreneurs and future civic leaders. They will find areas that are thriving, growing and succeeding. Is that what you want? If not, we can move forward together by utilizing a single word.
That word is compromise. Can we sit together at tables in this county as fellow citizens and partners for a better tomorrow or must we divide ourselves into enemies? As Abraham Lincoln famously said on the campaign trail in 1858, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” On this 250th anniversary of our nation, can we not learn our lessons of our collective past? We are on the same team.