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.

From the editor: Our March of Progress through life should not end in mere oblivion

Years ago, in what seems now to be another lifetime, when I taught literature courses, I would ask my university students to look for le donné — the given. Those were the parts of a society, of a particular time and place, that found their way into a text without the author consciously putting them there.

Albany County needs an EMS district — it’s a matter of life or death

Albany County has to work with the state legislature to create a special EMS district for the municipalities that want to be part of one. This will both ensure fair pay for ambulance workers while also ensuring rural towns don’t go broke. While we commend the county leadership for the surge in business growth, we need a county government that values equity and will share the wealth. When it comes to ambulance service, it is a matter of life or death.

Our use of rock salt threatens the delicate web of life

We need to remember that we humans are part of a web of life. The farmers who were using pesticides on their crops were doing so within government guidelines; no one knew it was killing babies. Our irresponsible actions not only harm other species but will also ultimately harm ourselves.

Governor: The people of Berne need you to act now

The governor’s office seems to be operating under a cone of silence, unwilling to answer essential questions about what the choices are and how it is proceeding to restore a functional government to Berne.