When Mr. Hardenburgh first came to Auburn in the 1700s, he settled here for one reason: the power of the Owasco River. This was the one asset Auburn had that we simply have not taken advantage of for the last 75 years.

In the early 1900s, Auburn had at least 10 dams that produced power for its successful industries. But for some strange reason, in this era of high technological advances, we have stagnated here with not one kilowatt being produced by this wasted power base.

Does the New York State Gas and Electric still hold domineering control of Auburn's river rights? Are we still subject to those restrictions? Did Auburn “get sold down the river” at that time - 1920s? Is there anyone at City Hall that can advocate to revive the dams and provide cheap electrical power to its city residents and be a hero?

If Hardenburgh and nine other industries did it with 18th century technology, can't we build one dam with 21st century technology? Wake up Auburn!

Joe Vitale

Skaneateles