To the editor:

Having attended the last two Cochecton Planning Board meetings, I was disheartened and dismayed to see The River Reporter’s sensationalized headline concerning Melvin Gertner’s proposed 12,000 square foot structure.

If there is anyone in the Sullivan County community that would like to see a 22,000 sq. foot and 35-feet high structure—later reduced to 12,000 square foot after concerned neighbors voiced objections—built 20 feet from a country road on one of the most dangerous corners in the area, I would like to speak to them.

The community’s concerns—concerns of such a magnitude that the normally empty planning board meeting was standing room only—are real and amplified by the easily documented misrepresentations of Mr. Gertner. Anyone can see that his claim that children are a rarity is false. Anyone can smell the inadequacy of his septic. And a reasonable person could be suspicious of an enclosed pool structure that is seven times the size of a pool may be used for something else.

To give legitimacy to an unsubstantiated claim of racism is profoundly unfair to the community. “Specter,” the word used by The River Reporter headline, is defined as a “haunting or disturbing image or prospect.”

There has been nothing haunting or disturbing about real concerns about a monstrosity of a structure that is much larger than the proposed use would need. The accusation that the concerns of the neighbors are racist is unfair, and I feel The River Reporter could have chosen a more balanced picture and headline.

Charles L. Petersheim
Cochecton, NY

To the editor:

After reading the article in your paper about the proposed swimming pool (enclosed in a rather large space) I cannot help but write.

Mr. Mel Gertner said his proposal will not interfere with the residents on his road—let me assure you that traffic, noise, sewerage and demands on your public works department will all cause you problems.

Is it not time for Sullivan County residents to take back our county, does it really belong to part-time visitors? When are we going to have a say in what we must live with for ten months out of the year, after they leave.

Pat Burns
Ferndale, NY

To the editor:

There are important conflict of interest issues emerging in the Sullivan West Central School District.

On April 24, 2003 I received a copy of a letter in the mail that was signed by Sullivan West school board member Richard Lander. The letter states, “This is to inform the Board of Education of my employment of Jackie Johndrow. I have hired her for her interior decorating expertise. I have checked with the school’s attorney and they believe there to be no conflict of interest. Mrs. Johndrow’s employment will be limited to consulting me on a building project. She came highly recommended by Dexter Construction Company and Pro-Jan Flooring Company.”

Even though the situation may be technically legal, it raises all kinds of ethical questions. Sullivan West Superintendent Michael Johndrow serves at the discretion of the school board. For a school board member such as Richard Lander to hire Mr. Johndrow’s wife violates the generally accepted view held by the public that school board members should keep an arm’s length distance from their key employees.

How can Richard Lander be objective when it comes to hiring or firing Superintendent Johndrow if he is employing Mr. Johndrow’s wife?

Noel van Swol
Long Eddy, NY

To the editor:

The movie “Terminator Three” has been completed. The lead role is again played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. This movie’s theme is retaliative violence to promote justice. Mr. Schwarzenegger, similar to this writer, is Roman Catholic Christian. This actor evidently does not accept Jesus’ counsel to love your enemies, do good to those who hate you and to pray for those who curse you. This sublime and divine instruction is rejected by Mr. Schwarzenegger’s character in the Terminator movies and therefore, ipso facto, by him. The Terminator is a violent and vengeful quasi human being who annihilates opponents rather than loving them.

Why does alleged Christian Arnold Schwarzenegger act in bestial movies which he prevents his own children from seeing? Mr. Schwarzenegger is being paid a mere 30 million dollars for his “performance.” Mr. Schwarzenegger has tossed his Christian moral values for the money. And Jesus said truly, “You can’t serve two masters.”

Terminator Three must be boycotted. The barbaric movie contradicts Jesus’ infallible instruction of love and mercy. The Terminator shows no mercy. Interestingly, Mr. Schwarzenegger is married to a niece of John and Robert Kennedy. These two cultural Catholic politicians believed in violence and vengeance. Author Gus Russo reports in his book “Live By The Sword” that the Kennedy brothers developed multiple assassination plots against Fidel Castro which were ‘terminated’ when John Kennedy was assassinated by Castro sympathizer Lee Harvey Oswald.

The Terminator as a male role model has profoundly influenced American young men who presently serve in the United States military. Their role model is the brute, terminator and not Jesus Christ who was meek and humble.

“Terminator Three” should be rejected and Catholic Arnold Schwarzenegger should be excommunicated for his anti-Christian movies.

Joseph E. Vallelly
Washington Green, CT

To the editor:

This is a letter to those concerned about the upcoming primary race for Judge of Pike County. It pertains to the recent attack letters against Michael Weinstein who is running for Judge in Pike County.

I have know Michael for 20 years, as both an attorney and a friend. In all those years, it has been my experience that Michael is very straightforward, direct and honest. He has treated me with respect and dignity and has always been truthful even if the truth at times was unpleasant to hear. I believe that if Michael can be objective to a friend of 20 years, he can also be counted on to be fair as a judge.

I am proud to say that I am working vigorously and with great joy on his behalf with the highest hopes that he will be elected judge of Pike County. Not only because he is my attorney and friend, but also because his long list of attributes. To ignore these attributes in and of themselves would be a terrible shame.

If in fact there are those out there with these negative attitudes towards Michael, it is obvious to me that they have not done their homework. However, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I certainly do not have anything negative to say about the opposition but then again I believe a candidate should run on the issues and not personal attacks.

To those out there who read these letters, I urge you to please get as much information as you can concerning the issues. Information is power, and there is nothing more powerful in an election than an educated voter.

Joseph A. Kampka
Matamoras, PA

To the editor:

We are all hearing conversations on who to vote for, who to not vote for, but what we don’t seem to hear enough about is what these ambitious politicians really stand for.

There are a number of candidates who have consistently proven that Pike County’s best interest is their first consideration. Karl Wagner, a lifelong resident of Pike County who has been an outstanding commissioner is so perfectly suited for the position. As a retired attorney he has the time and ambition to dedicate full time his attention to the commissioner’s seat that he has held for the last four years so successfully.

Jerry Hanson, who continued to run our county even during his time of illness, has at times been a bit strong on his ideas and leadership but I believe that is what Pike County needs.

The warden, Mr. Ciradeli, who was actually willing to give up his full time job to run for a supervisor’s seat on principle has proven that he is a man of conviction who stands up and puts his money where his mouth is.

These gentlemen deserve our complete consideration and cooperation. They are what Pike County needs to lead us into a time of tremendous development and growth. Our sweet little county isn’t all that little any longer and we need leaders with the strength and conviction to bring us to our next level of expansion.

And then there is our judicial race. Hands down Michael Weinstein has proven over and over that he is the most dedicated of all those running. As an EMT I have seen him leave a very important meeting to handle an ambulance call. As a former district attorney, I have watched him deal with young people involved in legal misconduct and fairly but firmly set them in the right direction. Michael is fair, Michael is experienced. There is no one as well suited for the position to fairly, firmly and justly lead our judicial system than Mike Weinstein.

We need a proven leader with experience, one who is bipartisan and stands for all residents Republicans and democrats alike. Michael understands our senior citizens as well as our young people. He is the best choice for this judicial position.

Denise DeGraw Fey
Milford, PA

To the editor:

Without a doubt, politics is a strange business. Residents of Lackawaxen Township will have noticed by now that where once many red, white and blue signs announcing my candidacy for supervisor stood, there is now nothing.

Dozens of the signs have been disappearing from properties across the township. It should be noted that every sign in the township, save for three, have been placed on private property with the permission of the owner. Three were in right-of-ways.

A state police report has been filed and an investigation is under way. At this time a cash reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the perpetrator.

These signs cost a lot of money and are my personal property. The thief had to enter private properties to steal them. One can only wonder what the person is thinking when stealing candidate signs. If there are no signs, there is no candidate?

The residents of Lackawaxen Township know me and know that I plan to win this election with or without signs. One has to wonder though, if the thief is the fan of another candidate, then what must they feel of the merits of their candidate? Are they so in fear of my qualifications that they feel their candidate cannot match up? Do they believe that attempting to dismiss my presence will help them to win?

Some say it must be young people out for a romp, yet another candidate caught an adult red-handed lifting one of his signs.

Yes, politics is a strange game, but it is one that is not outside the law. Stealing signs is just that, stealing. When caught, the thief will face charges. Come May 20th, I will still be there as the candidate for supervisor in Lackawaxen Township, signs or no signs.

If you have information please call the PSP Officer Matyjevich at the Blooming Grove barracks, 570/226-5718.

Ronald Tussell
Hawley, PA

To the editor:

Palmyra Township is an equal opportunity employer. The potentates of the township are all equally employed by the township!

These multi-hatted nabobs have cornered the township employment market for themselves. Full time or part time, they espouse township employment so long as they are the employed. They double and triple-dip into the township coffer with gusto. They shame “Boss Tweed” and “Tammany” to be certain; however, they always follow “procedure and the law.”

Their efforts at employee recruitment are bogus—no one is qualified, save themselves. Such a situation is incestuous and indefensible—unless you’re a nabob!

The upcoming May 20 primary presents the electors of Palmyra Township with an opportunity to rid our township of one multi-hatted nabob. A return to sensible, equal opportunity employment in our township can be affected by ousting the incumbent.

To do so, we must exercise our franchise at the ballot box. Act now for future, and better, equal employment opportunities in Palmyra Township.

This time you do have a choice. You do have a voice. End the chicanery. The time has come for a return to sane, sensible and economical government. Your vote is meaningful. Make your choice wisely. Make it count. And use it to oust the incumbent.

Edward J. Kennedy
Hawley, PA