Cochecton

To the editor:

Much has been written in this paper regarding District 1 Legislator Robert Doherty. 

All I can say for sure is how he has treated me. I’ve seen it as with genuine concern, courteousness and professionalism. Whether in agreement or not. He, as well as County Attorney McGuire, has heard me out and helped me out. I’ve been given the opportunity to voice my opinion in front of the Board of Legislators where I was treated respectfully and heard by each and every one of the legislators. I have respect for each and every one of them.

This letter is unsolicited by anyone, and I’ve no agenda other than to opine. Forgive me if I’m wrong to be skeptical about some of the others. But I do not recall seeing that much interest and concern in one particular Sullivan county officeholder, ever. If I don’t see with my eyes or hear with my ears it’s hearsay. 

All I know of Matt McPhillips is what I’ve read on his campaign postcard. One statement reads, he wants to preserve our environment.

I’m a conservationist. Though, I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing, the term preserve gives me pause. Can we manage our forests? Or must they be preserved? Do we manage our wildlife via hunting and science or let them overpopulate? Do we allow solar panels and/or windmills to take up habitat/farmland to be a blight on the landscape? Or do we put them on rooftops and landfills? Should there not be balance? I’m not sure how a self proclaimed preservationist will handle such issues. I’m skeptical, at best. But willing to listen.