ELECTION DAY: Referendum - Don't Miss....

Please DON'T MISS this REFERENDUM on the Nov. 3 Ballot… WAY DOWN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BALLOT. (Please see the link to the Ballot on Town Website at(Brookfieldny.com).

REFERENDUM: Shall the Town of Brookfield donate 54.42 acres of property to the Beaver Valley Rod & Gun Club?

A "YES" vote means the club will be responsible for operating and caring for the property; and the will be used by the Club to host both public events and education. In the event the Club is discontinued, the property goes back to the Town of Brookfield. …. The membership and families that turned out in support of the Club were impressive and a good indication that the property will be well cared for and used for the benefit of the entire community.

A "NO" vote would keep it with the Town …. and would be a shame.

POLITICS: Two Propositions Not to Miss!!

When you go to vote next Tuesday you'll also be asked to vote on two constitutional amendments. Please don't miss them. They are located ...WAY DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE BALLOT... . See WSYR (www.9wsyr.com) for details.

PROPOSITION #1 - Should the State Swap Certain Forest Lands with NATIONAL GRID (formerly NYSEG) ...?

A "YES" vote - would bring new power lines to an isolated Adirondack community – and even the agency that serves to protect the Adirondack Park is throwing its support behind the measure.“This is one of those rare opportunities where we can do some good for the environment, and help the park at the same time,” says Adirondack Council member John Sheehan.Sheehan is urging approval of Prop 1, which would pave the way for construction of a new power line over State Route 56 in St. Lawrence County to the community of Tupper Lake. “We believe that trading what amounts to a roadside ditch in exchange for river shoreline is a good one, and one that New York State residents should accept very quickly,” says Sheehan.

A "NO" vote would send the project on a lengthy detour through Old Growth Forest -- and the habitat of an endangered bird.

PROPOSITION #2 - Should the State Allow PRISONERS to Perform Work for Local Non-Profit Organizations ...?

A "YES" vote - would allow prisoners of State and Local correctional facilities to perform work for non-profit organizations (like churches, libraries, historical society, Fair grounds, etc.). It would certainly help defray the costs of maintaining these properties. Especially during these difficult economic times.

A "NO" vote would leave them lounging in their cell... sucking up the tax dollar.

POLITICS: Ballot Available on Town Web Site

Check out the great political coverage on BROOKFIELDNY.COM website .... Complete ballot and referendum information. Also....Be sure to check out the Beaver Valley Rod & Gun Club REFERENDUM ... I recommend a YES. They've done a great job with the property; a lot of family participation; and impressed by the young adults that showed up and spoke at the public meeting. Also, Proposition 2 - YES - would allow prisoners to perform work for non-profit organizations -- like the TOWNS, CHURCHS, FAIRGROUNDS.... would certainly help stretch the TAX DOLLARS!!! .... also...check out the GUESTBOOK section of BROOKFIELDNY.COM a lot of back-and-forth regarding the upcoming election. Too bad, so bitter. Here's the link. http://www.brookfieldny.com/political_news.htm

GOVERNMENT: Highlights of the Regular Town Board Meeting

Leonardsville / Monday, Oct. 12: Great turnout – approx. 30 people. Always a good turnout for Leonardsville – good food and coffee!! And the meetings are always good entertainment and educational! Seriously! Some informative “audience” input (especially on equipment matters!...and Perk Stalter on the local cemetery project) and good humor (intentional or otherwise)! …and some drama with tense moments! ...better than most TV! One of the highlights of this meeting was seeing Dave Maine up, around and smiling! Other highlights: Of the $16,000 in fees collected last month…the Town got to keep $600 of it and the rest was shipped off to Albany for their piece of the ever-growing pie!!...Christmas & Associates public meeting re: the Snow subdivision was discussed. Impression that C&A is working with the Town and will make some requested adjustments. Interesting fact (?) from C&A that only 14% of their lots are ever developed…..so does that must mean that 85% of the developed properties are going to land “speculators” from down State and out of State????? …… Mt.Markham is “playing ball” with Jim Gould and the Leonardsville Baseball/Park Committee – they have a backstop now! …Bob Piersma, Jr., formerly of Brookfield, has been named the new Codes Officer. The interim CO, Morrie Sturdevant of Deansboro, received many thanks and praise for his expertise and cooperation; with especially high marks for his helpful approach in working with the public. …Concern over the Town’s cost and obligation to rebuild abandoned roads for property development like Jones Rd. … the $400,000 HUD grant has been approved for North Brookfield. Sign up and informational meeting at month end. Upstate Construx, the sole bidder was granted the $72,000 contract (comes out of the HUD grant). The Company may be taken over by the couple that currently runs the lead abatement portion of the program. Sorry to see "The HUD Dude"(Mark Taub) retire!...he is headed south, to Panama!!! He’s been working with the Town on HUD programs for over a decade, logging in $ Millions of local housing improvements for the Town. We will miss not only his expertise, but his good humor and understanding. …Property tax revaluation being completed. Public informational meetings will be arranged when results available….Meet the Candidates Night has been rescheduled. Jim Gould noted a Legion Dinner and Hunting Season conflict as originally scheduled. Now rescheduled to FRIDAY, October 23 – 7:30 PM Former Leonardsville School Auditorium… Salka read his Open Letter to the Public, in response to criticisms and comments by his opponent, Loren Corbin….Next Regular meeting is MONDAY – November 9 (North Brookfield Fire House) 7:00 PM.

POLITICS: It's Getting Very Nasty.....

… even by Brookfield standards the campaign for Town Supervisor has been particularly nasty and Jim Plows’ rambling letter in this week’s WATERVILLE TIMES has only turned it up a notch and displayed the nasty under belly of our local political scene. This election is boiling down to those who want an Open and Public form of Town Government or a return to the days of the secret meetings, closed door sessions and private deals that benefit a specific clique. BETTER RESERVE A COPY NOW…. Rumor Has It: There are several letters on their way to the Waterville Times in response to JP’s rant.

POLITICS: Saturday OCT 24th - 6:30 PM MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT (Leonardsville School)

CANDIDATE NIGHT ON Despite Debate Disappointment! The new on-line paper MADISON COURIER, announced that Loren Corbin has declined Supervisor John Salka's invitation to a debate at the SATURDAY Oct 24 "MEET THE CANDIDATES" night. Corbin declined due to work commitments, according to the Courier article. The CANDIDATES NIGHT REMAINS scheduled for 6:30 PM at the Leonardsville School. Great opportunity to meet the candidates and discuss the issues. See full article at the MADISON COURIER -- check it out...they even have a Brookfield,Leonardsville section.( http://www.madisoncountycourier.com/ )

GOV'T: Unadilla Forks Fire Dept Gets $20,000 Grant

State Senator Jim Seward (R-Oneonta) announced that the Unadilla Forks Fire Dept is to receive a $20,000 state grant to provide essential emergency communication upgrades and equipment improvements for local first responders. The senate funding will help replace emergency vehicle radios, portable radios and pagers. The goal is to enhance communication before and during an emergency situation, improving response time and ensuring maximum communication on the scene.

GAS DRILLING: NY DEC Drilling Regulations Released

BACKGROUND: State officials have completed new environmental regulations for natural gas drilling that will clear the way for well permits in New York’s part of the MARCELLUS SHALE gas field that covers parts of four states. The new rules, released for public review Wednesday, are in addition to statewide oil and gas regulations released in 1992. The new regulations, contained in a 500-plus page document, address the potential effects of horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing, known as “hydrofracking.” There will be a public comment period until Nov. 30. More than a year ago, Gov. Paterson effectively halted drilling so the DEC could provide additional regulations to address a number of conerns. Environmentalists and residents worry about chemicals used to fracture rock and release the gas, the huge amounts of water required, and possible threats to New York City’s water supply. On the other hand, some see this as an econmic boom for the area. Brad Gill, executive director of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York, said “A lot of them [energy companies] are just waiting for the green light to drill” under the new rules. When the regulations get final approval, expected around the first of the year, “I think we will see drilling in New York and the economic boom associated with it.” STATE REGULATIONS: The new regulations include measures companies must take to protect the environment and nearby communities. Before drilling, energy companies must: Disclose what chemicals are in the “fracking” fluid; Test private water wells within 1,000 feet of drilling sites before projects begin to provide baseline information; Fill out checklists and certification forms to ensure technical compliance; and prepare plans for reducing greenhouse gas, visual and noise impacts, and submit a road-use plan covering trucking. State inspectors also must be on site during well construction. Handling and disposal of wastewater that comes back up from wells after fracturing must be stored in steel tanks on the site or piped to a central storage pit using a double-liner system similar to those required at landfills. Well operators must disclose plans for disposal, and a new tracking process similar to that used for medical waste will be used to monitor disposal. The new regulations require extra protections for the New York City watershed and other sensitive areas, including a buffer zone around water bodies, city approval for wells within 1,000 feet of water tunnels or aqueducts and stricter wastewater handling requirements. The regulations are available on the DEC Web site. On the Web: www.dec.ny.gov/energy/47554.html See full article at -- they provide good coverage on gas drilling issues (See oneidadispatch.com)PENDING FEDERAL REGULATIONS: Democratic Reps. Diana DeGette of Colorado and Maurice Hinchey of New York are sponsoring a bill that would place hydraulic fracturing under oversight of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Amazingly!!... gas drilling activities are "exempt"/excluded from regulation under the Federal Clean Water Act.

GOV'T: Salka Challenges Corbin to Debate

John Salka, Republican, Independence & Conservative endorsed candidate for Brookfield Town Supervisor has announced that he is challenging his opponent, Loren Corbin, to a debate. The respective committee chairs for the Democratic and Republican parties for the town have begun preliminary talks on the possibility of a debate, and a moderator is being chosen. There are plans for a “meet the candidates night”, but Mr Salka has stated that he “wants to go toe to toe” with his opponent to discuss issues that are important to the town, and to create a positive discussion of what each candidate’s record is. Basically the format will be one of an introduction speech, short questions submitted by the public and an opportunity for each candidate to respond, and a closing presentation. Anyone who would like to submit questions can contact the respective party chairs. A tentative date has been set for October 16th, and will be held at the Fairgrounds.