UNITED WHAT?

Dear Nieces and Nephews:

The editorial in the THR started by identifying the relationship between the Village of Kiryas Joel and its neighbors  as being caught in a “revolving door of misunderstanding, distrust and blame.”  Peppered throughout the piece was inflammatory language such as “rancor, anger and division”. (Woe be gone to you, oh fractious, xenophobic people of Orange County, you misunderstood about the land desired by the Village of Kiryas Joel! Why, they only want to borrow it!)

Also, the editors state that the recent “agreement” is “coming from people who have the trust of constituents* on both sides. If the village leaders and the leaders of United Monroe can come this far, as they have, then there is hope that voters will agree when and if they are asked to.” The editors were quite effusive in their praise, commending all involved “because both sides saw that there was more to be gained by dialogue and cooperation than monologue and disagreement.” They were lauding the COMPOMISE regarding the current land acquisition effort by Kiryas Joel, which is the creation of a new town; North Monroe (name subject to change).

http://www.recordonline.com/opinion/20170620/editorial-kiryas-joel-agreement-refreshing-and-inspiring

Does the THR know what it is they are praising? Do have advanced notice of exactly what this “compromise” is? If so they should report it now.They owe it to the people.

Auntie sees two main areas of confusion.

According to dictionary.com the first definition of “compromise” is:

(n) “a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.”

This accord, whatever the details may be, is  not the result of “mutual concessions on both sides”. It is not like the people outside of KJ were trying to annex land inside the village at the same time as KJ was trying to annex land outside the village. Followed by both sides meeting and then agreeing to swap land. THAT would be a compromise.

What is happening here, is that the village and its exponentially expanding population require more land and services to mitigate the current situation; however, this will not address the long-term! The village residents, at the direction of their religious leaders, engage and WILL CONTINUE TO ENGAGE IN UNSUSTAINABLE PRACTICES. Where does this “compromise” leave us in five years? In ten?

And this “negotiation” is taking place while the matter is STILL in the Courts and yet to be decided!

Mayor Brendan Coyne, (COH) said: “I’d prefer to let the lawsuit play out in court. All this talk about what might happen is premature and can get people either excited or upset. I’d just as soon wait and let the court rule in the lawsuit — hopefully, in our favor.” Mayor Coyne is the spokesperson for the eight municipalities involved. http://www.thephoto-news.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20170525/NEWS01/170529978/-1/NEWS/%27Be-fruitful-and-multiply%27

Auntie, while not a usually a gambler, wagers that the agreement dispensed by these great compromisers will not be a “modification of demands” but turn out to be very much like the "164 annexation”! The one already approved by the Town of Monroe elected officials!

Just how “refreshing” is that?

What does southern Orange County want to be when it grows up? Ramapo or Bloomingburg?

And the other reason Auntie sees confusion is that we do not know who appointed or elected United Monroe as a group to represent them? (yes, two members are sitting Monroe Town Council members but not identified as acting in that capacity.) Does United Monroe have the force of Law behind them? NO, they do not.

* Constituent: a person who authorizes another to act in his or her behalf, as a voter in a district represented by an elected official (dictionary.com)

WHY was United Monroe involved in the negotiations with the Village of KJ leaders and the County Executive? As Auntie heard one woman say: “Just who do they think they are?” Well, maybe this is their version of the “art of the deal” Orange County style.

And who appointed Emily Convers? Wayne Corts? Will Wayne host the UM victory party celebrating their alleged win?

Remember when Wayne threw the complementary fundraiser for United Monroe at no cost?

http://orangecountyoutlook.blogspot.com/search?q=Emily+convers

And consider this:

“That's why he and his friends are writing weekly letters to The Photo News to convince you that a KJ separation is bad. Your current Town Supervisor, Harley Doles, received more than 98 percent of his votes from Kiryas Joel in his last election. He is the reason we are fighting annexation in the first place. Had he and his fellow board members voted "no" on annexation, we would not be in litigation right now.?” Emily Convers

http://www.thephoto-news.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20170615/OPINION03/170619979/0/opinion02/%27We-have-no-guarantee-that-an-agreement-will-be-reached-but-we-have-hope%27

Is this merely a means to remove Harley Doles as Supervisor? Partially, but that is too simple. There is more going on here. UM is acting as the Monroe "ombudsman" participating in these talks with KJ and the County Executive. What happens if the courts decide against the KJ “Land grab”? Does UM have any ability to supersede the courts? NO, they do not. Why are they the negotiators and what else in on their agenda?

Another Auntie “wager”: Watch for the Great Lethargy if and when North Monroe is formed!!! Monrovians will mistakenly believe that all is well while the next phase to compensate for growth is already being implemented by the leaders of KJ.

6,150 x 8=49200 additional constituents in under two square miles. And not enough resources to sustain them. (see link below) People should not be treated like sardines in a can.

How inspiring!
P.S.

   

http://www.thephoto-news.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20170525/NEWS01/170529978/-1/NEWS/%27Be-fruitful-and-multiply%27

Does this reflect an overall desire to build on every piece of vacant land in the county, in the state, in the nation? Is this what the writer of this piece sees when he sees empty land, such as farmland? That it all must be built upon?

Just think of a county with no impervious surfaces and no open space and the effect would have on the environment! What type of science is in the curriculum of the Kiryas Joel school system?

Do some of the County Leaders see Legoland as a relief for the impending doom they have no courage to address? (Results would be the same except it would include primary colors and out-of-towners.)