Editorial of May 29, 2025

Promote It, and They Will Come

In his page one article this week, Bill Bellen introduces us to the New York State court system’s “Rural Pathways” pilot program, whereby officials hope to entice legal professionals to rural areas by wooing them in much the same way major law firms recruit graduates—enticing them with fine foods, exciting recreational opportunities, and cultural experiences that may tip the scales in their favor over competing employers.

Otsego is one of three of New York’s rural counties taking part in the Rural Pathways initiative which, as Bill describes, “seeks to incentivize young, outgoing law students to make the move to the areas of New York that need their practice the most.”

We think this is a great idea, and one that we believe may work to our advantage.

Bill’s article coincides with the publication and distribution of our annual “Guide to the Good Life in Cooperstown and Oneonta” (available now at various locations countywide), a brochure designed ostensibly for tourists but useful for Otsego County residents as well, as it is a reminder of resources we have at hand that are often taken for granted.