The River Reporter Online - Letters to the Editor

[EDITOR'S NOTE: The River Reporter welcomes letters on all subjects from its readers. They must be signed and include the correspondent's phone number. The correspondent's name and town will appear at the bottom of each letter; titles and affiliations will not, unless the correspondent is writing on behalf of a group.

Letters are printed as they are received, or at the discretion of the editor, and without correction to grammar or spelling. It is requested they be limited to 500 words; correspondents may be asked to cut longer letters. Deadline is 1:00 p.m. on Monday.

I saw recently The Exorcist, an experience which reminded me of the very real presence of evil spirits in the world. The exorcism of the demon in the body of a 12-year-old girl by two Jesuit priests is very graphically, if chillingly, portrayed. The film itself is a wake-up call to Americans, a call to dabble not in the occult.

In the beginning of the film, the girl tells her mother about a benign (she thinks) spirit who plays with her as a result of her playing a game on a Ouija board. I recall that when I was 12, a friend of mine invited me to play with a Ouija board. The nuns in St. Joan of Arc School told us in no uncertain terms that to play with that board was to play with the devil. In short: a sin.

The girl's mother in the film has no religious faith. Swear words come easily to her lips; although, in all other respects, she is an admirable character. As the film progresses, we see that the girl's "benign" playmate is an evil spirit who has taken possession of her life. Psychiatry fails the mother; and, in desperation, she calls upon the Jesuits to exorcise the demon from her daughter.

Halloween is coming: all fun and games. Witches are presented as benign, as are ghosts. Horror is presented as entertainment. In the real world, Halloween is the day the new recruits are taken by the Mafia into "the family." On Halloween, youngsters, always impressionable, are led to dismiss evil forces as fantasy. Not so.

All hell is breaking out in our newly consolidated Sullivan West Central School District.

The suggestion made by the Johndrow administration that some students should be uprooted and moved elsewhere two years before the completion of the new high school is causing widespread unrest.

Many rank and file Jeffersonville-Youngsville teachers have privately expressed their dissatisfaction with the administration and their own union leadership about the overcrowded conditions that will result from moving all Narrowsburg high school students to Jeffersonville.

Additionally, at least one grade at the Delaware Valley Central School may be shunted off to split sessions, partitioned classes, fire houses, community centers or churches for what will be a substandard educational experience.

Did DVCS students and parents become second class citizens after the last merger vote? It seems so.

Grandiose plans and a developing shortage of money are at the bottom of this controversy.

Meanwhile, BOCES Superintendent Martin Handler is noticeably silent on the question of redeeming his pre-merger pledge of 95 percent state aid for an essentially free new high school which would solve what is basically a financial problem.

We as parents want our children to get the best education possible. As it stands now many children fall through the cracks as teachers spend more time with the brighter students and spend less time with those they deem not smart enough. This is a situation that occurs nation wide. I have a proposal that may seem un-orthodox but I feel it provides a solution to a very sad situation.

We have an opportunity here in the Sullivan West School district to implement a way for all the children to receive an education without bias. Teachers should be paid on a scale based on the New York state test scores of the children in their classrooms. If a child fails the test the teacher does not get paid. If a child does well the teacher will then be paid on a scale based upon the score. Only in this way can we be assured our children will all receive an education that is worthwhile. Children will not fall through the cracks. I am sure many of the teachers here would object to this idea. Ask yourselves why would they object? I think they should be paid based on their work performance. What a better way than to base it on the scores on statewide tests?

The Eldred football team and football booster club would like to thank everyone in the community who helped support our coin drop and car wash (back in September). We didn't know what to anticipate and were overwhelmed with everybody's generosity.

Sullivan County is overstocked with politicians who are short-sighted, self-involved bumblers. Sound a bit harsh? Consider this.

A recent news story concerning potential compensation from proposed casinos reveals first, that conflicting and competing groups of politicians are independently dealing with casino interests, and secondly, that one of the groups seems to have acknowledged neglecting to take inflation into consideration and now needs to modify its agreement. And while Catskill's Berman has reportedly refused "unequivocally" to reopen negotiations, Catskill's Ehrlich stated that the original deal might be modified by the inclusion of a hotel.

Who's in charge here? I amend my original suggestion for hiring a professional negotiator to hiring one to represent all of the political entities involved should the destructive prospect of casinos ever become credible.

My name is Stuart Wizwer and I am a candidate for Sullivan County Coroner. I am 49 years young and retired from the Town of Fallsburg Police Department as a Sergeant. I am a second-generation Sullivan County resident. I have been active in community organizations all of my adult life. I am presently Second Assistant Fire Chief in the Fire Department. I am past President and Lieutenant of the Hurleyville Emergency Relief Squad (ambulance squad) and I am a New York State Certified Emergency Medical Technician, and have been so since 1976. I am also a Vice-President of the Town of Fallsburg Lions Club and have coached AYSO soccer, just to name a few.

As a police officer I have worked, and waited for County Coroners, sometimes for hours at a time, even in the woods. I have investigated all types of unattended death: natural, accidental, suicide and homicide. I believe that I have something to offer the residents of Sullivan County and the Office of Coroner. I am retired and therefore available full-time to respond to coroner calls. I am a professional, not only in bringing my police background and training to the job, but also decorum, respect and compassion along with integrity. I have nothing to gain but the opportunity to put my experiences to work towards public service, no hidden agenda. I am NOT a funeral home director nor have ever worked for one.

I would welcome this opportunity to serve the people of Sullivan County. For more information on my background please look me up on the Internet at: www.electwizwer.com.

The upcoming November election is fast a approaching. This year, for the first time in many, I have an opponent on the Republican and Green Party lines. The campaign for the 98th Assembly District will be costly and I am writing to request your support.

It has been an honor to serve as your Assemblyman and it is my hope to continue working for the residents of the district and improve the quality of life in New York State.

� Insuring the passage of a permanent, annual Cost of Living Adjustment for New York State retirees.

� Instituting the STAR program, giving school property tax relief to property and homeowners.

� Securing millions of dollars in state aid to localities for the villages, towns and counties in the 98th A.D.

� Creating the Catskill Development Fund, securing state funding for tourism and economic development projects and creating jobs.

� Placing thousands of acres of state-owned tax-exempt property back on the tax rolls. New York State now pays the school, county and town property tax on these parklands every year.

� Chairman of the Route 17 Task Force, working with state and local leaders to improve the roadway and promote Interstate 86.

I am proud of these accomplishments, but there is much more to do to improve our communities. This is why I am seeking a fifth term in the New York State Assembly. Help me communicate my message in this campaign. Please send your donation today. Let's work together to make the 98th Assembly District-and New York State a better place to work and live.

I am Daisy Smith and I would like to tell you why I want to continue to serve as a member of the Cochecton Town Council. There are so many important issues that I have worked on and want to see them come to fruition. Having already worked 5 years as your Councilperson, I am fully aware how every penny is spent whether on salaries, insurances, utilities etc. It is a pleasure to see the Town of Cochecton finally rise up to being recognized as accountable in every department.

There are many complex issues the Town Board has addressed, such as preparing for the new school, working on and receiving a grant for our Sewer District, seeking aid for emergencies such as the floods that occurred this past summer, and of course, being guardian of our tax dollars. We must now more than ever be prepared to meet the impending pressures that come with an expanding community. My record proves that I have worked hard to protect the Town of Cochecton's resources and I have the residents' best interests in mind. It is easy for candidates to say they will save you tax dollars, but the Board I serve on has done this very thing despite the rising cost of fuel, insurances and services necessary to run our government. I invite all our residents to come attend our board meetings, and in particular, our budget workshops to see how carefully our tax dollars are managed.

I am a 28-year area resident concerned about our town. I pay taxes too and have children and grandchildren in the Town of Cochecton. I'm also proud to be a member of the Spruce Up Committee, the Town Representative to the Office of the Aging, the Town's liaison to the Retired Senior's Volunteer Program, and Chairperson for Litterpluck Program that keeps our roadways clean, and to assist with the annual Rabies Clinic.

I have demonstrated my ability to work with the Board and the Community with fairness and impartiality on the most difficult issues. Please allow me to continue working for you. I ask you to VOTE for me, Daisy Smith, on November 7th on Row B. Experience does count.

This year's election is very important to us in Cochecton. We now have a town on its way up. Under the able direction of our Supervisor and a dedicated Town Board-we have come a long way.

In this election, Daisy Smith is running for the position of Councilperson. She is credible, conscientious and totally dedicated to our town. Five years on the council has made her fully aware of what we face and how to handle the issues.

As the November elections draw mercifully near, I urge my fellow Cochecton voters to take a moment and ponder what characteristics an office-holder should possess.

Integrity... A demonstrated ability to put personal animosities aside and view the issues objectively and then "do the right thing".

Compassion... A demonstrated ability to "hear" all sides of the issues and weigh the impact the proposed action will have on the greater population and not just those who make the noise. We must not lose sight of out own "silent majority."

Fairness... A demonstrated ability to be fair to all when voting on an action even though "Fairness" may not hold up a sign!

Councilperson Daisy Smith has demonstrated all of these characteristics, time and time again. She has also shown a commitment to go far beyond her official duties through her work with the annual Litterpluck Program, the Beautification Committee and her work with the Seniors. Keep Daisy Smith part of a team that's working for the good of the Town of Cochecton. Elect Daisy Smith Councilperson.

I have known Daisy Smith in her capacity as a council member for four years. She has always immersed herself in the issues that impact the people of the town. When information regarding an issue was scanty, Daisy always contacted authorities who were more knowledgeable. She shared the information obtained with interested board members and the public.

The trait I admire most in Daisy Smith is her honesty. I don't know of a more honest person. Nor do I know of a person who has had to deal with the consequences of honesty more than Daisy.

Now that the election season is upon us I would like the people of Cochecton to make every effort to get to the polls on November 7 and vote for Daisy Smith.

Daisy is running for the position of councilperson. She has served the Town for nearly five years with dedication, and was very involved in preparing information that resulted in the Town receiving a $310,000 grant. She attends meetings (other than Town Board meetings) in order to keep abreast of all activities pertaining to Town business. She has furnished invaluable information that enables the Town Board to deal with numerous issues, one being the new school being built in Lake Huntington.

Daisy stepped up to the plate when they needed a "Litter Pluck coordinator." She is the Town's representative to the Office of the Aging; a member of the Beautification Committee and the Senior Volunteer Program.

Let's be positive on Election Day and keep Daisy Smith on the Town Council and allow her to represent us in her fair, objective and positive manner.

Chris Cunningham is qualified. Chris was a Town Board member and has been a legislator for the last five years. He sits on the Real Property Tax and Finance Committees. Chris is Chairman of the General Services Committee. Chris analyzes governmental budgets, understands government finances and accounting principles. Chris knows how the Treasurer's office should work. Chris is a manager and an administrator. He has a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and is currently obtaining his Masters Degree in Public Administration.

Chris Cunningham is a leader. He has new ideas and vision for the future. We live in a new century which requires leaders who are willing to find new ways and new programs to meet the needs of our ever-changing county. Sullivan County is on the verge of growth and expansion. We can't settle for the same old thing. Chris believes that there is no room in the public sector for those who only do things the same old way. You know what? He's right. It's about time someone came along who believes that government needs to find ways to make things easier for all of us. Chris is someone who puts people first and that's what we need.

We need to ask ourselves one question. What has Chris's opponent ever done or even proposed for the people of Sullivan County? The answer is simple. NOTHING!!!

There's only one candidate who is committed to all of us. There's only one candidate who's proposing programs to make things easier far all of us. There's only one candidate qualified to be the New County Treasurer. That's Chris Cunningham. He puts people first.

I would appreciate the opportunity to contrast my views on some issues with Congressman Ben Gilman-who I am running against in the November 7th elections. I believe that Ben Gilman's voting record will disappoint readers.

The major problem I have with Congressman Gilman is that he votes with the Republican leadership when he is asked to do so. For example...five years ago (during the Newt Gingrich years) the Congressman voted to cut the EPA's funding by $2.3 billion in fiscal year l996. This would have amounted to a 32% cut from the previous year -increasing the likelihood that polluters would go unpunished and the release of some pollutants would go unrecorded and unchecked.

Congressman Gilman and I differ on other matters. He supported the Ken Starr investigation, which cost taxpayers $39.8 million. Mr. Gilman voted to impeach President Clinton and then urged the Senate not to convict. You can't have it both ways. I would have preferred seeing the $39.8 million going to communities along the Delaware River.

Congressman Gilman voted to cut funding for head start, school lunch programs and he also voted against legislation to hire l00,000 more teachers nation wide. He voted to cut student loan programs by $4.9 billion.

Congressman Gilman and I differ on gun safety legislation-I support a ban on assault weapons. The Congressman voted to repeal the ban.

Mr. Gilman refuses to support the bill to provide guaranteed prescription drug benefits to all seniors under medicare-he supports the George W.Bush plan which only helps half the seniors.

My name is Tony La Ruffa and I am looking for your support and vote for the Town Justice position in the Town of Highland. I'd like to tell you a few things about me.

My family and I moved to Barryville after I retired as a Detective from the New York City Police Department in 1985. I am an active member of the Yulan Fire Department, an EMT-D certified member of the American Legion Ambulance Corps, and a member of the Town of Highland Lions Club. I was asked by our town board to serve as administrative consultant for the Town of Highland Constables and to write a guideline for the constables. I chaired the committee to establish an emergency evacuation plan for our town and I serve on the Sullivan County Arson Task Force Committee.

I am proud to have received the honor of being named Citizen of the Year by the Lions Club in 1989 and of having received the Chief's Award from the Yulan Fire Department.

If elected as your Town Justice, you can be sure that I will work to be a fair and impartial judge. My background in law enforcement and in dealing with the public in a professional manner will help me to be an effective Town Justice for Highland.

My name appears on both the Republican and Conservationist line. I need your support and vote on Election Day, November 7, 2000. If I can answer any questions for you, please call me at 557-0511.

We are in an interesting position here in the river valley... a battleground state (PA) on one side of the river, and a Gore state (NY) on the other side. As a NYS voter, there is no question I will vote for Ralph. Those on the PA side have a tougher decision to make. I have followed his campaign on the net, and been offered a multitude of ways to be involved. Nader has taken a clear, and sometimes unpopular, stand on all major issues. To know more, visit www.votenader.org.

There are 180,000,000 non-voters in this country. To me, this signals a sick democracy, and one hell of an opportunity. If Nader were not in the race, I'm sure that number would increase this year. I think Election Night will show that he has turned that around. He has pulled together college students, union members, and people like me, who are thoroughly sick of being offered a non-choice, and who intend to send a clear message about the environment, and campaign finance reform. The two major parties and the corporate media have created this non-voting situation. Voting for either of them is a way to perpetuate apathy, fewer and fewer voters, and more power concentrated in the hands of the wealthy. Their strategy has been working. We've got to get out there, and vote, and pull, push, drag anyone we know who does not vote to the polls and, especially if you live in NYS, vote Green Party. We have a wonderful opportunity to vote for a farmer for the NYS Senate, Mark Dunea. I have been a Democrat all my life. In thirty years, there has been one opportunity to vote for someone I felt good about. This is the second time.