Our family has been living in Prattsburgh for 16 years. We came here looking for a better upbringing for our children than living in Rochester. We didn't bring with us any of the ill effects of city living to pollute Prattsburgh. We are one of the many people libing in the hills. In the last year, I discovered our label, “you people.” It has never been our neighbors or friends. I was told by a community member that we'll never fit into acceptance. Unless family roots are multiple generations, you're considered an outsider. This explains why we were never welcome to the town. No church or volunteer group came to say “hello, you're welcome to join us.” No business or service ever said “we're here to provie you with..”
What we did hear, “you took away our hunting grounds. All 22 acres. The land was a public offering where it could have been salvaged by the 'locals.'”
After the town meeting on March 15, I can't believe any one left there with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Prior to the Nov. election, there were people feeling like they were not being considered for representation. The town board had a strong pull to over power certain concerns. Now that we have new council members the dynamics have changed. Now, the “other side” is feeling the opposition.
I believe it's time that the strong, opinionated Prattsburghens lighten up. Break down barriers and find acceptance with all who live within our town. There are so many people that could offer so much to the quality of our town. Expertise in fields of knowledge, financial or volunteerism.
I would like to see our town board try to develop economic ways where home owners could have their own supply of wind or solar power units. We could then personally benefit from energy savings in our own homes.
We need to stop the harassing and belittling of eachother. I accepted long ago that where two or more are gathered, there will be conflict. I accept the fact that there are always two sides to every story. I also learned that there is the answer that sounds good and the real one. Lets strive to recognize real answers.
Laurie Sullivan
Prattsburgh
