We all know about the disasterous--and dangerous--conditions created by this year's 2013 Toughman. There are even rumors that there is a county-wide petition being circulated to end this event and Croton's involvement with it although we have not yet seen it.
In the meantime, please take a moment to read Richard Nagle's letter in the 9/12 through 9/18 edition of THE GAZETTE, re-printed here with permission; Mr. Nagle is the volunteer director of emergency management for the Village of Croton. Although village officials/staff were warned that this would happen, it made no difference; toughman organizers said it was covered, but it wasn't. Click on the photo below to read the letter.
UPDATED: For those who have asked how much this event cost the village taxpayers in police and other related costs, thanks to 2014 Croton United candidate Virginia Calcutti, we have the following information: The proposed five year contract calls for the village to receive $14,000 annually with an increase of 2.5% each year over the next four years. Village expenses IN 2013 were $13,039 according to the documentation/bills that Ms. Calcutti obtained.
FYI: some of Croton's police were on double-time and that as has been the case for some years now, local businesses chose to either close completely or open later than usual.
I am so sick of this event. It does nothing for the businesses, inconveniences not only the village but neighboring communities, and for what. So people can feel "tough" on their bikes. As someone who almost got hit twice on the 129 detour, I'll sign any petition that may be out there. Please let everyone know if it is so.
ReplyDeleteBicycles. The new chic. Everyone else be damned. Copy the link and put it in your browser to see just one more example http://saveharmon.com/2013/09/10/20130910.aspx
Deletethis one too https://www.facebook.com/stoptheCPAproject
DeleteAnon #1: We don't have 'chic' here. What we do have is a crudely unsophisticated and quite frankly, dumb, Village Board.
DeleteThis really needs to stop. It does nothing for the village and pretending it does only makes it worse. Thank you the letter.
ReplyDeleteGetting to and from Shop Rite was almost nightmarish. Lots of people go grocery shopping on Sunday. And how about those of us trying to get to worship services outside of Croton? I guess the regular lives of residents take a backseat to a race? How about using some of the area's off-road trails next time and let us non-toughmen go on with our lives? And, I personally witnessed Croton police being calm and helpful, so kudos to them.
ReplyDeleteWe always do our food shopping on Sundays but not last week. A real pain in the a** to do the next day after work. Alright it's over but we're sick to death of this. Here's hoping enough people complain outside of the village to make a difference next year.
DeleteI am so with you all - stop this from ever happening again!
ReplyDeleteNot as long as Mr. Wizard is mayor. It's bicycles and low income housing. With maybe a few offices thrown in.
ReplyDelete