MISS: To the empty seats at a conference on Indian land-claim issues in Albany.
The Syracuse University Law School's Center for Indigenous Law, Governance and Citizenship organized a program on the subject with the idea of educating members of the state Legislature. Even though the conference was held in a building literally in the shadow of the state Capitol, only one Legislative staffer showed up and he was there on behalf of the Assembly majority.
The sparse attendance shows an alarming lack of interest on a subject the Legislature will likely be forced to vote on later this year.
HIT: To the dredging project taking place at the south end of Owasco Lake.
Keeping the lake viable should always be a priority for this county's leaders, and this project should do just that. Owasco has been filling with aquatic weeds and decaying plant matter that stifles marine life, limits lake access and emits horrific odors.
It took a long time for this project to come to fruition, which is good because great care should go into action that affects the environment in this way.
HIT: A regional state labor market expert had a rosy outlook for this area's economy at the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce's economic forecast luncheon this week.
Roger Evans said Cayuga County's unemployment levels are improving, and its labor force has the skills to help the economy grow. Sure, we don't expect a Pataki administration analyst to trash the local economy, but his numbers were reassuring nonetheless.
MISS: To the higher number of homeless people found in the most recent county conducted by local social services agencies.
The point-in-time count conducted last week tallied 135 homeless individuals, up from 91 counted in June. That number could easily be higher because of the timing of the more recent count or because the newer count used better methodology. Regardless, the number itself should give everyone pause that more needs to be done to help the poorest in this community.
The sparse attendance shows an alarming lack of interest on a subject the Legislature will likely be forced to vote on later this year.
HIT: To the dredging project taking place at the south end of Owasco Lake.
Keeping the lake viable should always be a priority for this county's leaders, and this project should do just that. Owasco has been filling with aquatic weeds and decaying plant matter that stifles marine life, limits lake access and emits horrific odors.
It took a long time for this project to come to fruition, which is good because great care should go into action that affects the environment in this way.
HIT: A regional state labor market expert had a rosy outlook for this area's economy at the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce's economic forecast luncheon this week.
Roger Evans said Cayuga County's unemployment levels are improving, and its labor force has the skills to help the economy grow. Sure, we don't expect a Pataki administration analyst to trash the local economy, but his numbers were reassuring nonetheless.
MISS: To the higher number of homeless people found in the most recent county conducted by local social services agencies.
The point-in-time count conducted last week tallied 135 homeless individuals, up from 91 counted in June. That number could easily be higher because of the timing of the more recent count or because the newer count used better methodology. Regardless, the number itself should give everyone pause that more needs to be done to help the poorest in this community.
The Citizens' Say
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