What do people really think about the Adirondack Park Agency?

The last couple of weeks, I’ve been sort of wrestling with this very basic question: Just how unpopular is the Adirondack Park Agency?

A year ago, I was reporting on the fact that a surprising number of local government leaders were describing the Agency as a significant partner in local planning and developing.

It seemed possible that after 40 years, the Agency was maturing into an accepted — if not always welcome — part of the political landscape.

No more.

From state Senator Betty Little to activists in Black Brook and Essex to local government leaders to the region’s major newspapers, the APA’s basic mission and structure.

Given that hostility, I’d like to know more about how average Adirondackers view the APA.

I’ve been compiling a list of “poll” questions that I would like for someone to ask Park residents.

Look the list over, answer as many of the questions as you can in the comment section, and let me know what questions you would like to have answered.

1. Do you think the Adirondack Park Agency is good, neutral or bad for local residents of the Adirondacks?

2. Have you ever had personal dealings with the APA?

3. If Yes, was that experience positive, neutral or negative?

4. Do you think the APA has helped, hurt or had no effect on your ability to earn a living in the Park?

5. Do you think the APA has helped, hurt or had no effect on the beauty, environment, and quality of life in the Park?

6. Do you think the state of New York should spend more money to expand the Adirondack forest preserve?

7. How many months of the year do you live in the Park?

8. Did you and your family move to the Park before or after 1971 when the APA was created?

9. Do you think some or all of the APA commissioners should be elected by local residents?

10. Do you think the APA should be abolished?