THE HUDSON VALLEY'S NEWEST OLD NEWSPAPER
ELLENVILLE, NEW YORK
12428
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2007
Gutter
Editorial
The Time Is Now

Just when Dr. Mark Craft was supposed to be taking a bow for his accomplishments in the service of his fellow townsfolk he went and performed yet another public service � he brought out into the open what a number of officials have spoken about for several years with, alas, little progress.

The question of whether to create a Joint Economic Development Officer is an issue that should generate a significant amount of dialogue in the run up to this year�s election because it speaks to the very heart of what most people believe is the problem with the area, a lack of economic growth.

The creation of such a position, jointly funded by Wawarsing and Ellenville residents, would designate a qualified individual to serve as a resource for existing businesses looking to grow and an operative to draw new businesses to the area. What we need is a way to effectively communicate our interests and assets to prospective businesses.

Currently that job is handled by the village manager and, to a certain extent, the town supervisor. But they each have tasks that demand their attention and there is no time to waste in providing the community with the means to move itself forward with an eye towards the future. There can be no �part time� or volunteer effort with something as significant as this.

The fates of the village and town are inextricably linked and the creation of this position would hopefully make that very clear to both boards. The town�s business district is, for all intents and purposes, the village and the village needs the town as a financial partner to market both itself and the surrounding hamlets to interested home buyers and businesses.

This should be a campaign issue and, for us, it is a campaign issue. We will not be able to support anyone who does not demonstrate the willingness and the plan to create such a position by the end of this year. You ask if it�s �that simple� and our answer is, when the stakes are this high, and when so many positions are up for grabs � yes. It�s that simple.

The political season kicked into overdrive over the past week as political signs sprouted like weeds along major roads. Now is the time to ask your candidates what they will do for you if they want you to give them your vote.


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