Crouch addresses budget cuts, natural gas concerns in Guilford
GUILFORD – Assemblyman Clifford Crouch addressed concerns about state budget cuts and natural gas drilling at a Town of Guilford board meeting earlier this week.
“I thank the board for their indulgence in putting me on the schedule,” said Crouch, before a standing-room-only crowd at the Town Hall and Highway Garage Wednesday night.
Addressing concerns about budget cuts, Crouch said the state needs to start by “sweeping out its own corners.”
“I have seen administrative levels grow in the last year and a half,” said the assemblyman. “I couldn’t support something that would push that back to the taxpayers.” Crouch said he would rather see positions eliminated at the state level before cuts are made to town and county funding.
Crouch condemned the previous governorship for attempting to “spend its way through” problems, but commended current governor David Paterson for recognizing that this method wasn’t working.
The assemblyman then turned his attention to what many consider to be the “hottest issue locally:” Natural gas exploration and drilling.
“We may be adding on staff at the DEC to make sure it is done right,” said Crouch during a discussion of permits and environmental impact statements.
Several Guilford residents raised concerns about the chemicals used in the fracking process and the possibility of ground water contamination. “What protects the neighbors?” said one woman. “I’m surrounded by people who have leased.”
When asked if he would be supporting a bill that would prohibit toxic chemicals from the fracking process, Crouch said he would like to see how it was written before he took a stand. “It is my understanding that most companies have gone pretty green,” said the assemblyman.
New York Regional Interconnect was a concern for at least one Guilford resident. In response to a question about public statement hearings related to NYRI’s review process, Crouch stated that he had put “a call in to make sure (hearings were held) at appropriate locations along the route.”
Crouch fielded additional questions and comments from residents on fuel oil prices, youth hunting, and school property taxes.
“I thank the board for their indulgence in putting me on the schedule,” said Crouch, before a standing-room-only crowd at the Town Hall and Highway Garage Wednesday night.
Addressing concerns about budget cuts, Crouch said the state needs to start by “sweeping out its own corners.”
“I have seen administrative levels grow in the last year and a half,” said the assemblyman. “I couldn’t support something that would push that back to the taxpayers.” Crouch said he would rather see positions eliminated at the state level before cuts are made to town and county funding.
Crouch condemned the previous governorship for attempting to “spend its way through” problems, but commended current governor David Paterson for recognizing that this method wasn’t working.
The assemblyman then turned his attention to what many consider to be the “hottest issue locally:” Natural gas exploration and drilling.
“We may be adding on staff at the DEC to make sure it is done right,” said Crouch during a discussion of permits and environmental impact statements.
Several Guilford residents raised concerns about the chemicals used in the fracking process and the possibility of ground water contamination. “What protects the neighbors?” said one woman. “I’m surrounded by people who have leased.”
When asked if he would be supporting a bill that would prohibit toxic chemicals from the fracking process, Crouch said he would like to see how it was written before he took a stand. “It is my understanding that most companies have gone pretty green,” said the assemblyman.
New York Regional Interconnect was a concern for at least one Guilford resident. In response to a question about public statement hearings related to NYRI’s review process, Crouch stated that he had put “a call in to make sure (hearings were held) at appropriate locations along the route.”
Crouch fielded additional questions and comments from residents on fuel oil prices, youth hunting, and school property taxes.
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