American politics has been plagued by the divisive and destructive force of impeachment. From Andrew Johnson to the present, presidents have faced accusations and investigations, often leading to bitter partisan battles. So that, every political cycle becomes a turning point, characterized by the legislative and executive branches litigating the past when what we need is for them to legislate the future. It’s time to ask ourselves: is this the kind of political climate we want for our nation, our state, our city?
Since Watergate, impeachment has become the political equivalent of a schoolyard fight. We deserve better.
We deserve leaders who prioritize the wellbeing of the country over petty political squabbles. We deserve leaders who are held to the highest ethical standards, not just for themselves but for their families as well.
Locally, we face similar challenges and deal with turning points of a different sort. The decline of downtown businesses and the loss of young families are serious issues that require thoughtful solutions. Instead of pointing fingers and wasting precious resources, let’s focus on collaboration and innovation.
Downtown has been threatened numerous times by regional shopping venues and more recently by internet retailers. These were turning points, but downtown merchants with the aid and encouragement of the city and chamber of commerce rallied and prospered. Now, as the city works through implementing the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, let’s focus on cooperation. The garage is gone! Stop litigating the past, and develop activities and events, including promotions, that will attract locals and tourists. What ever happened to the plan to turn Main Street, on weekends, into a communal dining room served by all the downtown restaurants? People from Albany, Binghamton and farther would visit for that experience.
Our city experienced a turning point of a different sort a few years ago when Center Street School closed. That closing signaled the decline of young families in the city of Oneonta. The loss of a centrally located elementary school discourages young families from moving here. It’s possible to attract young families, but it will take an investment.
Stay with me as I describe the commonality that ties our region together. Oneonta is located in the Catskill region of the Appalachian Mountains. Our geology is characterized by sedimentary rock formations that primarily date back to the Devonian period (about 419 to 359 million years ago). This area provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient environments and geological processes.
Greater Oneonta is divided into the municipalities of the city of Oneonta and the town of Oneonta. This political division provides an even more fascinating glimpse into early American environments and political processes that continue to influence our daily life.
Beyond Greater Oneonta we occupy a space that we share with our county seat, the Cooperstown Corridor. The geology of the Cooperstown Corridor has played a significant role in shaping its historical development. The area’s geological features have influenced settlement patterns, agricultural practices, transportation routes and resource utilization.
The corridor is important because it needs Oneonta and Oneonta needs it. This shared interest is a reality because of a political peculiarity. Otsego County is one of the few counties in North America with a county seat that is neither its population center nor its economic center. This peculiarity is exacerbated by the fact that Cooperstown is the center of the baseball universe. We shouldn’t allow that to keep us from working together for the betterment of the region.
I propose “The Partnership for the Cooperstown Corridor.” Its purpose is to create a spirit of cooperation and extend vibrancy and prosperity along the length and breadth of the corridor. It is made up of leaders from the county, the city of Oneonta, the village of Cooperstown and all the towns along the corridor plus the chamber of commerce.
The city of Oneonta itself has the potential to be a more vibrant and thriving community. By investing in our downtown, workforce development, and housing, supporting local businesses and creating a welcoming environment for families, we can revitalize our city. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for Oneonta, the Cooperstown Corridor and for Otsego County.