Representatives of the gas corporations didn’t show up. Why bother — when the DEC’s bi-polar mission is (1) to protect the environment and (2) to maximize the withdrawal of oil and gas. Actually, No. 2 is their first order of business.
Meanwhile, the gas corporations seduce and entice the most vulnerable segments of our population with their endless, mindless and oh-so-green advertising propaganda. Their “jobs” blackmail. Their patriotic claptrap about energy independence.
Does anyone believe that Exxon Mobil, Chesapeake or Cabot care one iota about New Yorkers, the land we live on or the other species that live with us? That’s not what corporations do; they make money any way they can. There’s no moral dimension to their work.
There are no corporate good citizens — that’s just more public relations propaganda. They use our money, tax deductible dollars, and give it to whatever charities or organizations burnish their image while they frack our communities and undermine our state and federal representatives with their bribes and threats. They treat our air and our water as their private property. When they’re finished, we, the survivors, can pay to clean it up a bit.
It has become crystal clear that the only way to stop the fracking of New York State is by taking this struggle out of regulatory control, out of the hands of our governor, and putting our efforts as sovereign people where they belong. What is currently being done in Western New York and what is coming our way is criminal.
SPAN of Ulster and Greene counties has written New York Public Law No. 1, which criminalizes fracking, corporate frackers and all fracking-related activities. We will be having a teach-in on the law and the history of corporate power at the Canal Town Alley Art Center in Rosendale on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.
Linda Leeds, Woodstock
Grateful to Finkle
The Board of Directors of the Kingston Uptown Business Association would like to recognize Steve Finkle for his diligent efforts over the years in the Office of Economic Development. His calm presence and demeanor coupled with his knowledge and experience have been instrumental in guiding some difficult projects for the benefit of the City of Kingston. The millions of dollars invested and the successful project outcomes are a testament to his hard work and dedication. Steve’s legacy in the City of Kingston is evident when residents and visitors visit the Rondout District and stroll the pedestrian waterway or shop under the revitalized Uptown canopy. Certainly the restoration of City Hall in 1998 both architecturally and symbolically is a continuing source of civic pride for Kingston’s citizens. Thank you for all your good work!
Kevin J. Quilty, President, Kingston Uptown Business Association
Handicapping the GOP field
Jon Huntsman — believes in evolutions, global warming and science; intelligent, thoughtful, articulate. Not a chance for this guy.
Join the family! 
