Each Thursday, we put one of our local newsmakers On The Spot. This week: Cayuga County Legislator David Axton
This week's question: What is the main conflict between the Montezuma Town Board and the town planning board, and how would you like to see it resolved?
In the short time I have been in office, I have learned that the key to getting things accomplished is to avoid needless conflict and to work in cooperation with state and local elected officials, as well as with community members. This process allows me to work more efficiently on the issues that affect my district as well as those of the county.
An example of the dangers of non-cooperation was recently seen in my district when the Montezuma Town Board illegally disbanded, in my opinion, the town planning board. I have worked closely with the residents of Montezuma (eccomontezuma.org) as well as the town's planning board, to research the negative effects the proposed swine CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) could have on the community and the delicate wetland environment surrounding it. The planning board has done a fantastic job becoming experts on the subject and has actively pursued information to help them make educated decisions on the proposed project.
So why the conflict between the town board and the planning board? One is a possible conflict of interest between the town supervisor, a supporter of the swine CAFO who works for a major livestock feed company, and the proposed farm. The other is that the town board believes that fighting a project like this, even though it threatens the wetlands, the 100 year flood zone, Crane Brook and ultimately the Seneca River, would be much too costly and difficult to defend.
I have livestock of my own. My uncles and grandparents have had farms in the Weedsport area for more than four decades. I am a strong supporter of farming in our county, but I also believe that farms, both current and proposed, must adhere to environmental impact regulations set forth to protect the future of our natural resources and our community.
The town board of Montezuma must reinstate the planning board as soon as possible, and work closely with them to protect their environmental future and the health of their residents for years to come.
In the short time I have been in office, I have learned that the key to getting things accomplished is to avoid needless conflict and to work in cooperation with state and local elected officials, as well as with community members. This process allows me to work more efficiently on the issues that affect my district as well as those of the county.
An example of the dangers of non-cooperation was recently seen in my district when the Montezuma Town Board illegally disbanded, in my opinion, the town planning board. I have worked closely with the residents of Montezuma (eccomontezuma.org) as well as the town's planning board, to research the negative effects the proposed swine CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) could have on the community and the delicate wetland environment surrounding it. The planning board has done a fantastic job becoming experts on the subject and has actively pursued information to help them make educated decisions on the proposed project.
So why the conflict between the town board and the planning board? One is a possible conflict of interest between the town supervisor, a supporter of the swine CAFO who works for a major livestock feed company, and the proposed farm. The other is that the town board believes that fighting a project like this, even though it threatens the wetlands, the 100 year flood zone, Crane Brook and ultimately the Seneca River, would be much too costly and difficult to defend.
I have livestock of my own. My uncles and grandparents have had farms in the Weedsport area for more than four decades. I am a strong supporter of farming in our county, but I also believe that farms, both current and proposed, must adhere to environmental impact regulations set forth to protect the future of our natural resources and our community.
The town board of Montezuma must reinstate the planning board as soon as possible, and work closely with them to protect their environmental future and the health of their residents for years to come.