GOOD: Traditional football rivalries. New Hartford and Whitesboro. Proctor and RFA. Herkimer and Ilion. In the broad scheme of things, it’s just high school football. But in a complex world where we need some spirited diversion, it’s a community staple. The “big game” never fails to bring out faithful and fair-weather fans alike that pack themselves into bleachers and stand like sardines along sidelines to watch the show. While young combatants do battle on the field, family and friends do likewise in the stands — with all the cheers and smiles, grunts and groans that ultimately end with “bragging rights” for another year. It’s never disappointing, and regardless of the final score, kids walk away with a memory they’ll never forget, and fans walk away friends as part of the larger community that is the Mohawk Valley. It would be a shame to see the Whitesboro/New Hartford game discontinued. We need to preserve these special rivalries because they help knit our communities together. It doesn’t matter who wins or loses, but that we play the games.

BAD: We know the wheels of government turn slowly, but the New York state Attorney General’s wheels seem to be stuck in the mud. It’s been nearly two years since the AG’s office began an investigation into the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Utica, and what is there to show for it? Nothing to report. An AG spokeswoman says the probe is continuing, but said that “every investigation is unique,” and that she could provide no timeframe. “It’s an ongoing matter within our office.” The investigation began after O-D reports that the agency had awarded contracts to firms owned by Rudy D’Amico, the CABVI president, and at one time by Charles A. Gaetano, a longtime agency board member and director emeritus. D’Amico had no comment last week on the investigation, but said he and the board obviously would like closure. They deserve it, and it’s only fair that the AG’s office provide it…..

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