To the Editor:

I just read the Dec. 17-23 North Country This Week article “Confluent Hopes to Create 100 O’burg Jobs.” Does anyone else wonder about the money ($1,2220,000.00) presently awarded by the Empire State Development and announce by Gov. Cuomo’s office concerning this idea?

Why would we try to grow fresh vegetables here (hydroponically) in the North Country…24/7…twelve months per year only to achieve a goal to delivering fresh vegetables within 24 hours from where they are grown?

This idea is being promoted as having its merits. The North Country area may see a possible new 100 jobs.

Dennis Bunnel, ex manager of the defunct Newton Falls paper mill, is the principal advocate for this project.

Mr. Bunnel admits that tens of millions of dollars will still be needed to complete this project. This organization does not even own local land. This idea is proposed to be built on land that is presently owned by the State of New York.

I hope questions are asked of Gov. Cuomo’s office:

What is this present $1,220,000.00 award of taxpayer money earmarked for? Does the New York State expect full retail value of land purchased at the present psychiatric center to house this project?

Here are a couple more questions to be answered by Gov. Cuomo before this $1,220,000.00 award should be given: With admitted tens of millions of dollars still needed to start this project, just how much is 100 jobs worth to the North Country? There are various skill levels required for farm labor. What skill levels are required for these jobs? What pay scale would be set for each skill level?

I’m all for agriculture. I’m all for promoting jobs in our area.

Is this all that our state government can give this area for job promotional ideas? I’m damn sick of seeing our tax dollars chasing unachievable, unconventional dreams.

Bob Haggett

Norwood