Natural needs should take precedence over human political differences

Every year, students at Farnsworth Middle School in Guilderland volunteer to raise butterflies, tend to native plants, and educate the public about both.

Governor, stay the course for fair school funding

The Rockefeller Institute report, filled with data, makes a cogent argument in favor of Hochul’s original proposal on save harmless. But now, the governor is backing away from that. We urge the governor to stay the course. What is popular is not always what is best.

A gift

The heart of that story has more to do with the value of caring — caring so much you would sacrifice your most prized possession — than it does about the material possessions, which of course are worthless: a chain with no watch, hair combs with no hair.

Bring the Long Path home to Altamont

The Long Path: “It’s about connecting people to other communities and natural areas.”

We can save ourselves by saving our farms

The alarm has been sounded. Our towns and villages — and even our schools — need to be part of the solution. Here’s how.

From the editor: Cindy Pollard kept the home fires burning for all of us

Like the sun on a cold November day, Cindy Pollard’s warmth was sustaining.

Her Main Street thrift shop and later the Altamont café she owned with her husband, Jack, were places the community could gather. Everyone was welcome.

Berne is adrift in uncharted waters, state oversight is needed

The citizens of Berne have been denied the chance for a public hearing on the budget for which they will be taxed. Their voices cannot be heard to shape their own future.

Government regulation can work — and it is sorely needed in Guilderland

People should be able to use their land as they see fit.

People should be able to feel safe in their own homes.

Most of us would agree both of these statements are true.

A problem arises, though, when one person uses his land in a way that infringes on the health or safety of other property owners.

Missed deadlines for clean energy must be met — not extended

While it is good to celebrate successes, we need to also understand the enormity and the necessity of the task before us. Some State Senate Republicans have drafted bills to extend deadlines for the state’s transition to clean energy. This is not the best way forward. A goal is not a plan. What our state legislators need to do is not delay on the needed end point of zero emissions. Rather, they need to develop achievable plans to find a way forward.