Story reprinted from article first appearing in the March 15,2007 issue of Post Star.
Spitzer adviser worries officials
Environmentalist on panel that may shape new governor's policy
By MAURY THOMPSON, thompson@poststar.com

   An environmental group leader who has frequently clashed with local government officials in the Adirondack Park is serving on a panel advising Governor-elect Eliot Spitzer's transition team on energy and environmental issues.
    Local government officials say they are concerned about the level of influence Peter Bauer, executive director of the Residents Committee to Protect the Adirondacks, an environmental group, could have on Spitzer.
    "As far as we know, Peter Bauer is the only adviser from the Adirondacks," said Chester Supervisor Frederick Monroe, a regional director of the Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages.
    The association issued a press release stating local government officials are "concerned about recommendations" Bauer has made to Spitzer, including placing a temporary freeze on land-use management decisions associated with developing an Adirondack Park snowmobile trail plan.
    Monroe released a copy of a three-page list of "Adirondack Park Priorities" Bauer's organization recommended to Spitzer.
    The list calls for the state to acquire additional private forest land in the Adirondack Park, and for the elimination of state funding to build a lift to connect the Gore Mountain Ski Center with the town of Johnsburg Ski Bowl to facilitate a private condominium and ski-resort development project.
    Johnsburg Supervisor William Thomas said thus far there has been no indication the $5.5 million in funding state Sen. Elizabeth Little, R-Queensbury, arranged for the project is in jeopardy.

        "Obviously, it's a concern," however, gi ven Bauer's "connection" with Spitzer, Thomas said.
    Little said the concept of connecting Gore Mountain with the Ski Bowl has been discussed for more than a decade.
    The developer of the condominium and resort project is working diligently to comply with all Adirondack Park Agency guidelines, she said.
    "The idea that we should abandon all growth of Gore Mountain seems absurd," she said.
    Thomas said he has asked to meet with Spitzer and explain the merits of the ski resort project.
    "The governor's staff needs to look at it and, hopefully, say, 'This is a good economic project,' " Thomas said.
    Little said Spitzer told state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, R-Brunswick, he will be receptive to legislators' concerns.
    Bauer was not available to comment on Monday, a receptionist at the Residents Committee office said.
    Christine Anderson, a spokeswoman for Spitzer's transportation team, said Spitzer appointed people of diverse interests to each of the advisory panels.
    The labor panel, for example, includes heads of both the state AFL-CIO and the New York State Business Council.
    The intention, she said, is to prompt dialogue and debate for the governor-elect and his internal advisers to consider.
    "Who's to say where Eliot falls on all of that?" she said.



Return to News Page

Return to Main Page