READERS WRITE ABOUT THE NOV. 4 ELECTION

To the editor:

Town of Delaware voters are being offered a unique opportunity this election day. With Frank Fulton retiring and Appointed Sole Assessor proposition on the ballot as Town Proposition One, we have the chance to make some necessary changes to improve the efficiency, availability, objectivity and accuracy of the assessor’s office.

Since the inception of STAR, there are 1,143 exemptions on 1,867 parcels; the paperwork being handled by the three part-time assessors has increased dramatically. The approval/data input process of these exemptions is very complex, and the margin for error increases dramatically with three different people responsible for the records. Currently, information is also logged by hand so the next assessor knows what’s been done. This redundancy would be eliminated with one assessor handling the data input. 

Presently, each part-time assessor is available one day a week for a two-to-three hour period. A sole assessor would be available on a regular, daily schedule with minimal, if any, extra costs. 

One person would be responsible for all the records. The files need updating and someone should be there every day to get the job done properly. A sole assessor could continually review properties to ensure that like houses are receiving like assessments, and the resulting taxes would be fair and equitable. 

As always, if a property owner is unhappy with an assessment, the grievance process remains unchanged. You could discuss it with the assessor to reach a mutually agreeable figure, request a Board of Assessment Review, file a grievance in Small Claims Court or begin an Article 7 proceeding.

Town board members are elected by voters to make decisions on their behalf. They are qualified to choose an assessor to do what is arguably the most important job in the town. Vote “Yes” on Town Proposition One, appointed assessor.

Tess McBeath, Delaware Town Clerk

Hortonville, NY

To the editor:

Once again the Town of Delaware voters are being asked shall we replace the present three elected assessors with one appointed assessor. Twice before we have responded loud and clear no. Someone must not know the meaning of the word no.

The present three-member Board of Assessors are accountable to the voters and taxpayers of the Town by virtue of having to be elected every four years. Job performance is judged by the voters, whereas an appointee depends on the supervisor and town board for job evaluation and reappointment.

The Board of Assessors or single assessor’s decisions must conform to state law and complex directives that could easily be misinterpreted by a single person. Since county, town, and school districts depend on property taxes to function, the assessors roll is essential. I do not believe this responsibility should be placed in the hands of one person, particularly an appointee.

With more and more of our daily lives being dictated by government appointees on every level, I do not believe it prudent to fill three elected public official positions with an appointee at the town level, the last level of government that the voter has much control over.

Are you ready to give up your choice of who assesses your property? At this point in life I am not about to give up a single right that I spent years in the service of this nation trying to protect. Please exercise another of your rights on November 4 and vote. Join me, once again, in saying no to the Proposition of Sole Assessor.

Verl Ringgenberg

Hortonville, NY

To the editor:

The residents of the Town of Tusten need the experience of George Kinch. George is a dedicated and honest individual with the motivation to be the next Town of Tusten Superintendent of Highways.

I have known George for more than 25 years and I feel he will make an excellent Highway Superintendent. He has served the town as deputy superintendent for 14 months and has been the highway foreman for seven years. He has worked to secure over $500,000 of FEMA money to cover damage from recent snowstorms and flooding.

Being highly qualified and motivated to do a good job are two important reasons for voting for George Kinch for Town of Tusten Superintendent of Highways. Remember to come out and vote on November 4. It is important for the Town of Tusten.

Debbie Wasylyk

Narrowsburg, NY

To the editor:

In 1995, I had the good fortune to hire Judge Elissa Killian as our village attorney during my tenure as Mayor in the Village of Liberty. I didn’t know her at the time, but I did know the Killian family reputation as being honest and hardworking. When I learned of her credentials as Assistant DA for eight years, practicing attorney and adjunct professor at our local college, I knew I was making the perfect choice for Liberty. In 1999, she was elected Liberty Village Justice and presently she continues to serve as acting-Justice. This spring she was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington D.C. Your choice should be clear; candidates of this caliber do not come around often. Judge Killian’s real experience speaks volumes. Electing a focused, experienced and fair judge, like Judge Elissa Killian, helps to ensure the safety of you and your family. Vote for knowledge, dedication and real experience. Vote for Judge Elissa Killian.

Ron Gozza

Liberty, NY

To the editor:

For those who don’t vote the party line, deciding which candidate to vote for in the Town of Thompson council race on November 4 won’t be easy. There are new and exciting things happening in the Town of Thompson. In the months ahead the members of the Town Council will play a large part in shaping the future of Sullivan County’s largest town and perhaps Sullivan County itself.

Who should we turn our attention to when challenges are everywhere and the future is not clear? I think we should turn to people who demonstrate courage, vision and commitment. Alex Rey is such a person. Alex owns a small family business in Monticello. He and Myrna moved their family to Rock Hill 17years ago. They purchased a floundering business and turned it into a successful enterprise, creating several jobs in the process. That is not an easy task. It takes courage and vision. Sticking it out when Sullivan County’s economy suffered more than many thought possible in the 1990s takes commitment and perseverance. Alex does not have a resumé full of political accomplishments, but he does have an abiding interest in making the Town of Thompson and his community a better place.

Now more than ever, our community needs representatives willing to listen with an open mind; representatives who demonstrate courage, vision, and commitment. People like Alex Rey. I’m voting for Alex Rey for Thompson Town Council on November 4.

Edward A. Schirick

Rock Hill, NY

To the editor:

Thank you for your article relating to my campaign for District 5 of the Sullivan County Legislature. However, I have never lived in Hempstead. I referred to the Town of Hempstead, and the quote on their website, “In a brief period of 30 years, the Town of Hempstead went from an agricultural area to a thriving suburban metropolis.” Now the Town of Hempstead is the most populous township in the world. Is it any wonder that I fear what can and is starting to happen to us? From the tip of Long Island right up to Orange County, where another development of 2,000 homes or more are being constructed, this so-called progress is happening.

District 5 is the largest agricultural area in Sullivan County. Nothing is being done to protect or properly preserve this area. We don’t want to become the suburbs of the casinos, which no one bothered to ask us about, and we have the most to lose. Economic development must be balanced with preservation.

Joan Kern

North Branch, NY

To the editor:

Candidates running for public office ought to give the voters as much background information as possible and intelligently discuss all the issues relating to their particular campaign. They should inform the public of their qualifications, their experiences and whatever plans they have in dealing with the significant concerns and issues that impact the people they seek to represent.

This is most certainly not the case in the campaign for my legislative seat. My opponent has told you nothing about himself or his qualifications. He has not given you any insight into his previous experiences. He has tried to turn this campaign into one issue, trash importation, and has deceptively promoted a false portrayal of my position. He knows he is wrong and in fact called to apologize for the content of his party-controlled deceptive ads.

My voting record is very clear, as I have strongly opposed trash importation, and want it stopped. Sullivan County should not be in the trash business, especially when it affects the quality of life of so many people.

My extensive experience in education and business has prepared me well for public service. Sullivan County is in the midst of many new development projects. I have been there to guarantee that these new initiatives are properly planned and become contributing assets to our community.

Most importantly, I have put people before politics. I am always accessible and have helped many constituents deal with personal situations that required the intervention of a public servant. I also intend to address problems encountered by Latinos due to language deficiencies when dealing with the various government agencies when trying to access services.

In two debates with my opponent, he exposed himself as being not very knowledgeable of the issues and made statements that were blatantly false. In another debate he failed to appear. I have challenged him to further debate his claims but he refuses. Instead, he prefers to hide behind one issue and continue to shoot blanks at the public. I ask for your support and vote on November 4 so together we can advance our goals for fair and balanced government, responsible business development and a good quality of life.

Bob Kunis

Legislator, District 8

To the editor:

Election time is upon us. It’s time to look ahead and elect those candidates whom we can trust and who are able to fulfill the promises they made during the campaign. We, the people, should make our final judgment at the polling places. It’s time to elect to the public office those who are hard working, honest and dedicated to the job they are elected for to serve his/her constituents.

Our Sullivan County legislature needs new people with the experience in the public service, with new initiative and knowledge. Residents of District 2 of Sullivan County Legislature should consider candidacy of John LiGreci, who so faithfully and with dedication served for so many years the Town of Lumberland. He always keeps the need of his constituents in mind. He is a selfless, thoughtful person and makes the right decisions for the betterment of the town and his constituents. He is a man whom we can trust.

I have known John LiGreci for many years. He is a good person, honest and has high level of personal integrity. He never shies away from the hard work that needs to be done. He is a leader. I strongly believe that once he is elected, the Sullivan County Legislature will gain valuable individual with experience and knowledge.

These are qualities needed in public work. That is why I supported him in the past and will vote for him this November 4 for the office of legislator for District 2. I urge everyone in District 2 to join me and vote John LiGreci for county legislator.

Bohdan Kandiuk

Glen Spey, NY

To the editor:

Do you have a pet peeve about the way things are handled by our government locally or Monticello or statewide? Having known Jake Gunther and respecting his leadership, it is possible Aileen has enough of a handle on what her late husband was involved in or should we give a proven leader Alan Sorensen a chance to give our district the kind of leadership he has demonstrated for the people in his district over the years. Chris Cunningham jumped from a town board council person to a legislator, has he done all that is possible for District 1 or could Margaret Hazen with her business knowledge help our rural district get more impact on Monticello? We have ably qualified people on both sides of the aisle, but does Cochecton as a Republican town have to submit to a total Democratic town board? I’m just hoping you will vote and vote wisely.

Thank you,

Glenn Swendsen, Sr.

Cochecton, NY

To the editor:

For 11 years, Jake Gunther dedicated himself to the people of the 98th Assembly District, to our families and to our friends. For 11 years, Jake Gunther took his no nonsense forthright brand of advocacy to Albany and fought for all of us.

Through it all, Aileen Gunther fought and worked right along side of him. She was his partner, his staffer and his confidant. Aileen was as dedicated to us as much as he was. Jake’s commitment was and is Aileen’s commitment. No one knew Jake the way she did. No one can continue Jake’s legacy but Aileen.

Aileen is a remarkable woman. Despite her own grief, she has stood tall. With her grace and quiet dignity, Aileen has led us through this time of great sadness and loss. She has shown strength and character in the face of one of the most devastating challenges of life. It’s no surprise that she was Jake’s partner. That’s why we need her as Jake’s successor.

Aileen is a natural problem solver. As a nurse for 29 years, Aileen is an expert in listening to people and their concerns. Over that time, she has developed the extraordinary ability to identify the problem and find a solution. She does this with understanding and compassion. She puts people first.

Most importantly, for Aileen, this assembly seat is a labor of love and not a stop along the way to something bigger or a resume builder. It is the next chapter in a life of public service and commitment to this community. In November, there really is no choice but to send Aileen Gunther to Albany to do what she does best—serve her community.

Yvonne Cunningham

Swan Lake, NY

To the editor:

To the voters/electors of Palmyra (W) Township.

We’ve been snookered once more by procedure and the law!

At the Palmyra (W) Township meeting on October 6, 2003, the resignation of a sitting supervisor was announced, effective October 8, 2003. The news was no secret. He’s moving. He must resign. So be it.

The timing of his resignation, however, is suspect. Had he resigned at the September meeting, the electors of the township would have had a choice in selecting his successor. This delayed announcement leaves the choice of his successor to the lame duck and her governing consort procedure and the law dictates that these two will anoint a successor of their choice. To be sure, their choice is already made, but they have 30 days to deliberate. They’ll then make known their choice, thereby thwarting any opportunity for electoral input. So much for procedure and the law.

On primary day, you, the electors of our township, spoke, clearly and eloquently, for a change in our township’s leadership. The incumbent was soundly defeated and told by vote count to surrender the reins of governance—a difficult and bitter pill for an entrenched politician to swallow.

The battle looms on Election Day on November 4. The future of the township depends on your electoral participation. The ghouls are at the gates! It is time to smite them! It is time for another civics lesson. Good government must and will prevail! The “do-nothings,” the “malingerers” and the “I don’t knows” must be shown the door!

Your vote for Jim Mason will be a step toward the restoration of good government in Palmyra (W) Township.

Edward J. Kennedy

Hawley, PA