February 12, 2012

Attention: open in a new window. PDFPrintEmail

Editorial: Lift homestead off shaky ground

Thursday, 04 March 2010 00:00

The fate of John Jay Homestead, which has stood in Katonah for centuries, rests perilously in Albany and needs local help to ensure its continued operation.

Gov. David Paterson’s initial budget proposal had cut all funding to the state historical site, the former home of John Jay, one of the country’s Founding Fathers, an American politician, diplomat, revolutionary, statesman, president of the Continental Congress, and the first chief justice of the United States. Gov. Paterson’s latest version has restored money to the homestead by moving it from an environmental fund, but its approval is not assured, as the budget will likely be heavily reworked by the state legislature before becoming law.

In addition to the historical significance of the home of one of the co-authors (along with Alexander Hamilton and James Madison) of the Federalist Papers, the site needs to be kept open because it remains relevant today through the many educational programs held there each year thanks to the organized and determined work of the Friends of John Jay Homestead, the not-for-profit group overseeing the homestead. Also, the Friends’ impressive success in fund raising — it raises about $500,000 annually, enough to cover about half of the homestead’s operating expenses — makes it an attractive target for state funds since it only requires half the cost to run. Despite that, the homestead sits on shaky ground.

But there are ways to help keep the doors to the homestead open. Residents may join new Assemblyman Robert Castelli at the rally he is holding at the homestead tomorrow at 11, to support the state funding for the site. They may also follow the Friends’ lead and contact Gov. Paterson, Mr. Castelli, and local state Senator Vincent Leibell, demanding to keep the homestead’s ability to educate and preserve history alive.

Gov. Paterson may be reached at: Executive Chamber, The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224, 518-474-8390, or e-mail from Web site state.ny.us; Mr. Leibell: 1441 Route 22, Suite 205, Brewster, NY 10509, 845-279-3773, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; and Mr. Castelli: 4 New Kings Road, Town of North Castle, White Plains, NY 10604, 914-686-7335, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
 
< Prev   Next >

Comments 

 
#1 rtk212 2010-03-04 12:53
Here is one of the key issues where a community must show its concern if the state or even the federal government should help. At a time when the current Supreme Court is flexing its muscles, it would be good to remember a time when the three branches of government were young and finding their way. John Jay represents that and our local communities, Bedford, Pound Ridge, Lewisboro (and others) should work together to keep this outstanding symbol alive, well and current.

Robert Kesten
 
 
#2 GDeFaber1 2010-03-04 19:51
There will be an objection to any cut in any budget from the federal to local level. We have lived too long on a life style that we cannot afford. I have visited the John Jay Homestead numerous times and have felt a rich pride in being an American. That said the choice between cutting education, healthcare, or public safety; this is a no brainer. If the Friends raise half the cost to maintain the facility, then reduce the staff, cut the hours or increase the entry fee. Leadership is making hard decisions during hard times. Assemblyman Castelli or Senator Leibell should save their political capital on cuts that severely hurt the citizens of New York. This is not one of them.
 

Commenting is reserved for registered users.

Log in or register a new account.

The Lewisboro Ledger, 16 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield, CT 06877  |  Contact The Lewisboro Ledger
Copyright © 2012  Hersam Acorn Newspapers  |  User Agreement and Privacy Policy  |  Search  |  Advertise  |