Potsdam creates group to challenge energy crisis

POTSDAM — Potsdam's newest civic group hopes to confront the long- and short-term effects of the energy crisis they see on the horizon.

"This started with four co-workers and friends having conversations about the rising cost of fuel and energy, and a general concern for what could happen this year," Potsdam Police Chief John A. Kaplan said. "We realized it may be time to have a community meeting."

Joined by village Administrator Michael D. Weil, village Treasurer David H. Fenton and Clarkson University philosophy Professor William Vitek, Mr. Kaplan called together a group of about 35 concerned residents at Clarkson's Adirondack Lodge on Wednesday.

"There are a lot of theories about what is making energy prices soar, but what they all have in common is the acknowledgment that something is amiss. We have to address the potential that this will happen year after year after year," Mr. Vitek said. "We need a number of safety nets in case we run into the perfect storm of high energy prices and a cold winter."

Worried about the advent of peak global oil production, the group discussed what rising energy prices could do to Potsdam residents in coming months and years.

"Change is not easy anywhere. Probably the only person that likes a change is a wet baby," said the Rev. Garry B. Giroux, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church. "But we need to really address what we face, which is much more systemic — changing our lifestyle and how we live."

Participants agreed that the first people to feel the squeeze of rising oil prices this winter will likely be elderly and low-income residents living outside the village.

Representatives from Helping Hands and the Potsdam Neighborhood Center confirmed they probably will have even more difficulty aiding people with their heating bills this year.

Mr. Fenton said he knows of one man who plans to board up his farmhouse for the winter and stay with his children through the cold months, because he simply can't afford the cost of heating oil.

"He has somewhere to go. A lot of people out there don't," he said.

Legislature Chairman J. Patrick Turbett, D-Potsdam, told the group about the success of St. Lawrence County's heating assistance program, which helped 1,567 people pay their bills last year. He said that while the program has a high priority and he will fight to keep it through budget season, it may soon take a backseat along with other increasingly expensive budget items.

"People's way of life is going to have to change. We won't be able to pave the roads every year and have everything perfect," Mr. Turbett said.

Potsdam Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brenda L. Thornton said she's concerned about what high oil prices already are doing to businesses' bottom lines, and added that she knows people who are taking additional jobs to get by.

"A great cultural shift has to occur. Expectations have to shift fundamentally, and the buildings themselves have to change," Potsdam architect Brooks A. Washburn said. "There isn't one person we can look at. We all have to look at ourselves."

Representatives from St. Lawrence Gas Co., Kuno Oil and National Grid also attended the meeting, and expressed concern about their customers who won't be able to make ends meet this winter.

Michael O. Ryan, chief executive officer of North Bay Technology Development, said that Fused Solutions, a Potsdam-based call center owned by his firm, could help operate an 800 number to connect needy residents with agencies.

"If we're going to have a long emergency, there's no place I'd rather be than here," said Robin McClellan of Sanfordville, who represented Seedcorn.

He suggested the group start a "neighborhood watch" program to make sure everyone in Potsdam can stay warm through the winter.

The group, which also includes school and college officials, plans to meet again in September.