Greene County legislators send message to the future

CATSKILL―The seemingly ageless Charlie Martinez will be marking his 96th year in office when a time capsule being planted by the Greene County Legislature is scheduled to be re-opened.

Lawmakers were among those gathered in Catskill on July 3 as part of Rev 250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the birth of America.

There was a patriotic mix of reverence and festivities throughout the county over the 4th of July weekend, also celebrating the historically significant and persevering Declaration of Independence.

Numerous items will be enclosed in the time capsule that will be placed along the northwest wall of the Justice Center, a new wing on the county courthouse, along Main Street in Catskill.

Among the preserved artifacts shall be a cell phone with charger, letters and photographs from various towns in the county, high school yearbooks and a modern-day music top ten list.

In the year 2076, somebody―maybe Martinez―will unearth the box, also containing messages from lawmakers and county administrator Shaun Groden, who fostered the idea for the time traveling trunk.

Groden, in a message to future folks states: “Perhaps you find items in the contents humorous, odd or astonishing. You might be asking yourself, ‘did they really use this or do this fifty years ago?’

“I trust you are laughing and/or in wonderment of life in 2026,” Groden wrote, further noting Rev 250 would witness, “many events, parades, speeches, and most seriously, moments of reflection.”

“This experiment in democracy has survived. Through world wars, political cycles, medical emergencies, etc., somehow Lady Liberty has attained this milestone of 250 years,” Groden wrote.

Lawmakers were asked by the Mountain Eagle to share what they would say to their half-century-away successors, responding thusly:

Legislature Chairman Patrick Linger (District 5, New Baltimore)

“We take pause in 2026 to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence from oppressive British rule.

“For 250 years, we have enjoyed the freedom to pursue happiness in life, and the liberty to decide for ourselves what that happiness looks like.

“It is my hope that in 2076, we continue to protect these freedoms, while reading them in the English language,” Linger purposefully quipped.

“Ronald Reagan said, ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It has to be fought for and defended by each generation.’

“This is our duty in 2026 and yours in 2076. Remember, our Constitution says what it says but also doesn’t say what it doesn’t say.

“As leaders, we are the guiding light. We cannot allow it to dim when others lose their way. God bless the United States of America,” Linger wrote.

James Thorington (District 6, Ashland, Jewett, Prattsville, Windham)

“As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, I am honored to serve as one of the 14 representatives of the Greene County Legislature to proudly place this message into a time capsule at the monument of our newly constructed Justice Center.

“I hope the hard work and commitment that each of our committees have set forth continue to be financially stable for our county in the future years.  

“Our county is rooted in a rich history, inspired by hope for the future, and a destination hot spot for travelers and vacationers alike.

“May those who open this time capsule cherish the values that unite us, and continue the hard work of moving this county forward for a stronger America,” Thorington wrote.

Michael Lanuto (District 1, Catskill)

“Principles over politics. Values over compromise. Resist the tyranny of the minority.”

Greg Davis (District 4, Greenville)

“Today, we are celebrating 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. When you are reading this, you will be celebrating 300 years since the Declaration of Independence.

“My hope is that the United States of America is still the shining beacon of light that represents Justice and freedom around the world.

“I hope that Greene County still has its rural character, small town charm and lots of horses,” wrote Davis, not coincidentally a certified farrier.

Majority Leader Matthew Luvera (District 1, Catskill)

“I write to you today to say that it’s been an honor and privilege to serve the people of Catskill and Greene County during this special time as we celebrate on July 4, 2026 for the 250th Anniversary of our great country.

“As you read this letter, you’ll be celebrating the 300th year of our Independence. I hope that Greene County will still be known for its rich history, beautiful mountains, and majestic river valley.

“Fight for fiscally conservative policies in the legislature and keep moving Greene County forward in a positive direction.

“Hopefully “Artificial Intelligence” hasn’t taken over too many aspects of people’s lives and the United States still enjoys the freedoms we have today which were fought for in 1776.

“If the good Lord wills it, I will be 95 years old when you read this letter. May God continue to bless our community,” Luvera wrote.

Luvera would be a whippersnapper compared to Martinez, serving his 46th year in the legislature as the time capsule is sealed, and turning 89 this December and being 90 years old at the end of his current term.

Pondering another run, Martinez is the ranking member, budget officer, chairman of the powerful Finance Committee and collector of classic cars including a ’57 Chevy.

Martinez enjoys many benefits of his finely aged life, commenting, in his endearingly irascible style, “I’ve seen a lot of changes and now I pretty much say whatever the heck I want.”

He is fondly referred to as Yosemite Sam for his rootin’ tootin’ style, and when asked to imagine what Greene County government will look like in 2076, said, “Who the hell knows?”

Groden summed things up astutely with a dash of levity.

“This time capsule is a chance to honor those who came before us, while leaving something meaningful for the people who will come after us,” Groden wrote. “May God bless those who are reading this and may God Bless America on her 300th Birthday as God did on America's 250th Birthday.”

“P.S.,” Groden wrote, using an old-fashioned extra ending to a hand-written letter: “This note did not use AI to compose it.”

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