Video Script:
[NAT SOUND – inside polling place]
Matthew Davison:
At Redeemer Covenant Church in Liverpool, voters filtered in steadily throughout the morning… weighing in on local races and a statewide question about how much freedom the state should have with its public land.
Well, voters have been making their way into the polling station behind me to mark their choice on the front of the ballot for their various candidates. On the back, they’re also faced with two propositions — beginning with Proposal One, an amendment to allow an Olympic sports facility in the Adirondacks.
The measure would allow Olympic ski and biathlon trails to remain on state land. In exchange, the state would add 2,500 acres of new “forever wild” forest. Voter approval is needed because the state constitution limits development on public land.
SOT – Bill Moore / Liverpool Voter
“With the Olympics and the Adirondacks, we do live in New York, so it’s probably fair that we get to vote on it.”
Davison:
Many see the proposal as a way to protect what makes the region special.
Marg Moore / Liverpool Voter:
“ I think it’s valuable to keep it nice and tight — not let anything else get in the way of how we treat our Adirondacks and the Olympic venue too. Keep it going”
Davison:
Others, however, were not on board with the amendment.
Michael George / Liverpool Voter:
“I voted no, just because I know the state — if somebody wants to develop that land, there’s other laws behind it. You’re losing out on valuable tax bases that you could charge on that land.”
Davison:
And while opinions differ, many came out simply to have their voices heard
[Bill Moore: “Go vote!”]
Davison:
Matthew Davison, NCC News
Liverpool, N.Y. — Voters filed into Redeemer Covenant Church throughout the morning to cast their ballots in local races and weigh in on a statewide proposal affecting public land.
Proposal One would allow Olympic ski and biathlon trails to remain on state land while adding 2,500 acres of “forever wild” forest elsewhere. Because New York’s constitution strictly limits development on public land, the measure requires voter approval.
“With the Olympics and the Adirondacks, we do live in New York, so it’s probably fair that we get to vote on it,” said Bill Moore of Liverpool.
Other residents expressed support, highlighting the importance of preserving the region’s winter sports legacy.
Marg Moore said her family enjoys traveling to the area. “We love Lake Placid. We like what they’re doing there, and I think it’s valuable to keep it nice and tight — not let anything else get in the way of how we treat our Adirondacks.”
Others were more cautious about the proposal’s impact. “I voted no, just because I know the state — if somebody wants to develop that land, there’s other laws behind it. You’re losing out on valuable tax bases that you could charge on that land,” said Michael George, also of Liverpool.
Voters in Liverpool said they were glad to have their voices heard on a measure that could shape how New York balances recreation and conservation for years to come.