CAZENOVIA -- Outrage grows by the day over the plan to close state parks and historic sites to save money. There are some strong opinions about keeping Chittenango Falls Park open, not just from the people who come here to enjoy this park, but also from some of the local elected officials.
Robert Sondaj is originally from Central New York. He and his wife now live in Denmark but when they make their yearly visit to the area. They always stop here at Chittenango Falls.
"It's an incredible experience of nature, the power of it, the beauty of it. It's like a magnet, it keeps drawing us back every year," said Sondaj.
But hearing the park could close because of state budget cuts, threatens the Sondaj's yearly tradition. "It would be awful if you didn't have access to anything as beautiful as this. So I hope Governor Paterson figures out something else to do about it."
Our local lawmakers say they're hoping for the same thing.
Assemblyman William Magee (D, 111th District) said, "I can't agree more with the governor that we all need to share in the cuts. But I think we need to look at what the cuts are going to have a negative impact on, the economies, and particularly in upstate rural Central New York."
State Senator David Valesky said, "Complete closure of these facilities will accomplish little in savings and will serve to further stagnate the upstate economy. I believe we should look at cost-savings measures and creative solutions, such as public-private partnerships, before considering closure of the sites."
For those who come visit the falls, they're hoping the state can find an alternative.
Sondaj said, "Hiding it away, putting it in the closet or something like that would be a terrible, terrible thing."
The Sondaj's say they hope this visit to the falls isn't the last time they're able to enjoy the view from inside the park.
