Readers write about the Nov. 4 Elections

To the editor:

If you’re concern is that Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver exercises control over his party in the Assembly—as does Republican Leader Mills who is sponsoring Mr. Sorensen—then you can relax.

Jake Gunther set the mold on how to be an effective, yet independent, member of the majority. Aileen’s role model and tutor was Jake—the man whom she spent her life and raised a family.

As far as taking too much credit—we all know now that Mr. Sorenson has broken the bank when it comes to stealing credits. Aileen is saying ‘I want to keep doing what Jake did.’ That’s the issue. Residents of Sullivan and Orange Counties loved Jake.

If you want to keep Jake’s work alive, the vote for Aileen Gunther on November 4.

Arleen Glass

Rock Hill, NY

To the editor:

As a registered Republican, I was nonetheless dismayed by Steve Israel’s sly and ignorant disparagement of the late Assemblyman Jacob Gunther’s achievements, in The Times Herald Record.

The Record’s analyst seems to misunderstand the nature of the American legislative system. No legislator, no congressman, no U.S. Senator, no state senator, no state assemblyman can achieve anything alone. To pass the legislation that singularly favors his constituents, he must persuade a majority in two houses, and then persuade a chief executive to sign the bill. To say that this often demands extraordinary leadership is an understatement.

Let me give you merely one example from Gunther’s career. Most taxpayers in the 98th assembly district know that many of our state parks pay no taxes to the local community. Gunther introduced bills putting the several thousand acres of the Basherkill wetlands buck on the rolls and returning the many thousand acres of the Neversink Gorge Unique Area to the tax rolls of the local school districts, the county and the three townships involved. Both passed. Both were signed by governors (Cuomo and Pataki).

Try to imagine how many senators representing Buffalo or the Bronx, how many assemblymen from Lake George or Long Island care about the taxpayers of Sullivan County. Marshalling a majority among these indifferent legislators is a task at which most habitually fail.

And then Gunther had to find a senator who would introduce a parallel bill and get it passed in the other house before it could be sent on to the governor.

The two major parties, to ensure that each will always have a share of power, have agreed to create districts that guarantee the Democrats an overwhelming majority in the Assembly and an equally powerful control in the senate for the Republicans.

Sending a Republican representative into Shelly Silver’s Assembly or a Democrat into the Republican Senate would be like sending Uday and Qusay to the Israeli Knesett. It would be a suicide mission. Writing as a Republican with just a little common sense, we have no choice but to vote for John Bonacic for the state senate and Aileen Gunther for the assembly. Aileen, I know, sat with her husband throughout their marriage talking about what worked in government and what didn’t. Jake accomplished more for his district than any of his predecessors in a generation. Aileen herself has had a career of high achievement.

Steve, let’s set the record straight; if you love the county, we keep a Gunther in the Assembly! Or would you rather send a representative who would be shunned?

Benjamin Wechsler

Forestburgh, NY

To the editor:

For everyone concerned about our environment, there is only one choice for the 98th Assembly District and that is Alan Sorensen! As past Commissioner of Planning and Community Development in Sullivan County, he incisively set the foundation for smart growth that counteracts sprawl, preserves farmland, revitalizes our Main Streets, and conserves the region’s natural resources. He led the effort to create the Main Street Redevelopment Center, chaired the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, served on the Ag and Farmland Protection Board, and supported historic preservation. He’s a statewide leader regarding such issues and is routinely asked to speak at conferences like the Quality Communities Conference, Orange County’s Smart Growth Summit and Shawangunk Ridge Coalition summit.

Sorensen is the only assembly candidate who has stated that we must first complete the environmental review of casinos before lobbying Albany. Alan’s conservation work is recognized statewide. He’s respected by his peers. His ability to make meaningful contributions to the agriculture, economic development and environmental conservation committees in the assembly would be enormous. He can make a difference. We cannot afford to lose this opportunity to gain a strong, knowledgeable and independent voice in Albany. Vote for our future and our children’s future—Vote for Alan Sorensen!

Barbara Schmitt

Mountaindale, NY

To the editor:

With Election Day fast approaching, I would like to urge the people of Sullivan County to vote Aileen Gunther for state assembly. Ms. Gunther carries the vision her husband held for the future of Sullivan County and New York State and she is determined to carry on his work. As a wife of an Assemblyman, she learned the political ropes. As a nurse, mother and director of performance and risk management at Catskill Regional Medical Center, she is well acquainted with the issues that are important to our county and she has the guts and courage to do what must be done in order to better our county.

On Election Day, I ask all of you to choose carefully and ask yourself who is the better choice. I, for one, want someone who is not politically motivated but someone who cares. My choice is Aileen Gunther.

Robert Finn

Cochecton, NY

To the editor:

Everyone in the 98th Assembly District should get ready. It always seems to happen—that in the last two weeks of a political campaign—one candidate gains momentum and the other sides goes negative.

The campaign of Aileen Gunther continues to gather steam—her presentation at debates (she clearly out-pointed her opponent at the Monticello Neighborhood Facility) has been excellent, the number of organizations and individuals endorsing her continues to increase and she has been generating a feeling of feisty compassion as she meets constituents.

So now we begin to see the negative stuff from the Republicans. They attack her as being tied to Assembly Leader Shelley Silver. Yet her husband Jake was the most independent member of the legislature. They attack her for being a widow. Have they no shame? Her opponent shows up when his supporters erect a “Jake memorial” on county government center property—but objects to other organizations paying tribute to his work.

Here it comes. When they aren’t winning on the issues, they go negative.

Christopher Cellini

Monticello, NY

To the editor:

I have known John LiGreci for many years. What I think separates bad politicians from good people are the levels of honesty and integrity they possess. Good people are honest and have a high level of personal integrity that can be seen in the work that they do. John LiGreci is one of those people.

Sometimes, in politics, one’s political opponents shamefully politicize people’s personal lives for their own personal gain. Shame on those who are doing this to John LiGreci.

John brings a level of integrity that some politicians have forgotten. Let’s show John’s opponents what integrity means. I urge everyone to join with me in support of John LiGreci for Sullivan County Legislator, District 2.

Catherine M. Sterling

Glen Spey, NY

To the editor:

One of the primary duties of government is to seek ways to improve the quality of life for the people it serves. Chris Cunningham exemplifies this statement. Chris has fought for valuable programs like the consumer affairs department. He has been a voice of common sense on the casino issue. He is actively involved in local efforts promoting proper planning and the preservation of this wonderful area we call home.

Having a representative that cares, listens, and speaks out the way Chris does is truly special. We do have a voice in our government. Let’s keep Chris Cunningham in the Sullivan County Legislature. He’s working for all of us!

Debbie Fallon

Kauneonga Lake, NY

To the editor:

After examining the records of the incumbent members of the Bethel Town Board, it is our opinion that they have not served their constituents regarding the following matters:

1. The attempt to give away Town Road 62 and deny the public access to a federally protected launch area and trout stream at Toronto Reservoir. This area was opened by public demand, without the town’s help, and hopefully will be kept open in the future and repaired since it is an inventoried town road. Councilman Bonnaci indicated in his response to a question to reporter Steve Israel, “It is not the town’s business.”

2. The constant denial of an application to adopt Town Road 62 via the Adopt-a-Road Program in Bethel. Councilman Lilley would not second a motion by Councilman Blais to accomplish this request.

3. The selling of NOH (non official highways) without research by the town board. When problems were brought to the town board, they refused to rectify the mistake of selling roads with existing houses on them—Drumm Street, for example.

4. The regular disregard of matters brought to the town board regarding quality of life issues, road conditions and code enforcement.

5. Waiving the penalties of the Forest Tax exemption was a major blunder by the town board. Much-needed school tax money was not received by the Monticello School District from Woodstone Development Corp.

In our opinion, the town needs a change in leadership, starting with Dick Morey as supervisor and Bernie Cohen as highway superintendent. We endorse Dick Crumley and a choice of Harold Russell or Jeryl Abramson for the two council positions. Dan Sturm presented his position quite well during the pre-election period also.

As residents of Bethel, there is an opportunity to make a change in the town board so that representative leadership can grasp issues and move this town forward. It is time to clean house.

Bob and June Barrett

Smallwood, NY

To the editor:

It is not often that an elected official lives up to our expectations. In Sullivan County Legislator Chris Cunningham, we have a representative who listens and tries to do what is right, rather than what is politically correct. Chris has been a leader on the legislature who makes the best interests of the people of his district and the county his # 1 priority at all times. On November 4, I’m voting to keep Chris Cunningham.

Greg Dubois

Cochecton, NY

To the editor:

Government is here to serve the people, not to dictate to them. While many of his colleagues on the Sullivan County Legislature seem to have forgotten this simple rule, Chris Cunningham has not. His thoughtful and insightful comments and ideas on important issues have been proven right time and again. He is honest and has never forgotten the people that he represents. We need leaders that really care. I can’t think of anyone who cares more than Chris Cunningham. He’s got my vote on November 4.

Eric Nystrom

Jeffersonville, NY

To the editor:

Referendum 3 addresses the Delaware Town Board’s proposal to abolish the current elected board of three, part-time tax assessors and replace that board with a single, full-time assessor appointed for a six-year term.

All voters should be aware that adoption of the proposed referendum would have long-term implications. One being that if this system is chosen, state law precludes it from ever being reversed.

Consider:

I. All three of our current elected assessors have completed all the education and experience requirements of New York State and are state certified the same as required of any appointed assessor.

II. Only the State of New York can discipline an elected or appointed assessor for malpractice, dereliction of duty or other infractions.

III. Regular scheduled office hours must be established and maintained in both situations. The Town of Delaware has installed a state-of-the-art telephone system with options that (a) allows callers to talk directly with assessors if available; (b) informs callers of hours of availability; and (c) provides instructions to leave a message or schedule an appointment. Availability should not pose a problem.

IV. This same issue was rejected by voters in three previous referendums.

V. If the sole appointee system is chosen to replace the three, part-time elective assessors, state law precludes it from ever being reversed. The decision is final and binding forever.

VI. We can assume the full-time appointed position would receive at a minimum the combined salary of the three current, non-benefit part-time positions. The cost of the new position would receive an additional full benefit package of 30 to 35 percent.

VII. Most important, we are invading the democratic choice and rights of the people to elect the officials who they feel will serve them best. Wars are fought for this privilege. Let’s not relinquish it voluntarily!

Please vote no Tuesday, November 4 on Town of Delaware referendum proposal 4.

Arnold R. Baum, Councilman,

Town of Delaware

Hortonville, NY

To the editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to endorse the candidacy of Bernard (Ben) Johnson for supervisor, George Kinch for superintendent of highways and Lewis Meckle for town council.

Ben Johnson has served the Town of Tusten as a trooper and has the knowledge of both the people and area to be an effective supervisor. He was “trooper in charge” of the Narrowsburg barracks and has the administrative skills that are needed to operate the town.

George Kinch has worked on the highway department for years. He is serving now as deputy superintendent. George does a fair share of the administrative duties and has been through a FEMA emergency and knows that complicated process well. George posses the experience to keep the Tusten Highway Department moving forward; experience does count. Lewis Meckle has been on the town council for years. His business experience in construction serves the town well. Lew doesn’t say a lot at meetings, when he does you better listen because he knows the right way to go. Tusten would be well served by his re-election.

Your support for these candidates would be appreciated.

Richard B. Crandall, Supervisor

Town of Tusten

To the editor:

After working for the Town of Tusten for the past 17 years I have seen many changes, some good and some bad. Voters have an opportunity on Election Day to change things for the better.

Ron Schalck is running for Highway Superintendent. He has worked for the highway department and is presently Water and Sewer Superintendent. Ron knows the two departments must work together. Anyone living in the water district knows we have a rising sodium level in our drinking water. The levels have significantly raised the last couple of years. The New York State Health Dept. has recommended notifying all doctors and health care professionals in the district. They also wrote a letter to the Tusten Town Board suggesting they find an alternative to salt for all roads, especially those on the Flats. Ignoring the problem or wishing it away just does not work! It is time for responsibility and accountability.

I urge all thinking people to vote for Ron Schalck and a change in leadership on Election Day.

Joan C. Holbert

Narrowsburg, NY

To the editor:

I write this letter to support Frank DeMayo for Liberty Town Supervisor.

He’s intelligent, innovative, hard working, understanding, gutsy and family oriented.

These are just a few of the fine qualities Frank DeMayo possesses.

For several years, I have the honor and privilege of knowing and working with Frank through the revitalization/beautification group Liberty ALIVE. His leadership, know-how and overall pleasant manner make him a person I have truly come to admire and look up to. Even when Frank is literally up to his waist in dirt, paint, brush etc., he still manages to answer your question or direct what needs to be done next. Frank will also draw on his creativity/problem solving abilities and not be afraid to explore new avenues to get the job done. He makes himself accessible and will promote open door government in our town, which is so refreshing. Frank also manages to successfully juggle work and home. He and his wife, Rita and their children are a wonderful example of what family is all about.

Frank DeMayo is someone you want working for you in government.  Join me on November 4th in voting for Frank DeMayo for Town Supervisor. He will make a difference.

Jill Devery

Liberty, NY

To the editor:

When Kevin Mullen was Mayor of Liberty, his accomplishments spoke for themselves. He received $400,000 in HUD Grants for the North Main Street Sewer and Water project, continued efforts on the MTBE issue, involved in the beginning of ALIVE and worked towards completing the Lilly Fond Water Filtration Facility.

Having lived and worked in Liberty all his life and raised his family here, he has deep community roots. Kevin is involved in all town matters. He knows the capabilities of the town and wants to bring his expertise and ideas to the people. Now is the time to elect someone with vision and foresight, along with DeMayo and Killian, to bring Liberty’s future endeavors to an attainable goal.

Karen Van Craenenbroeck

Liberty, NY

To the editor:

I have known Bill Sipos for nearly 20 years during which I have had occasion to work with him on several efforts, some of which were successful while others were not. We have also, unsurprisingly, sometimes found ourselves in opposition on issues.

I can recall no instance, however, in which it was not a pleasure to deal with him. As an ally, he has been bighearted, energetic, knowledgeable and impressively effective. And notably, not content simply to solve problems. He has, in my experience, not rested until the effects of his efforts were spread to everyone who could possibly benefit from them. As an opponent, he has invariably been an honorable and considerate gentleman. I consider him one of very few people I truly respect as a person, a politician, an ally and as an opponent as well.

While Forestburgh seems always blessed with a remarkable supply of capable and generous citizens willing and able to devote themselves to the well being of their neighbors, Town of Forestburgh Supervisor, Bill Sipos has been, and remains, an admirable standout.

Lee Karr

Forestburgh, NY

To the editor:

During my campaigning efforts, I have discovered a misconception that I feel needs to be set straight for the record. Several people I have spoken with have asked me if I was going to quit my job when elected, and others have wondered if I was seeking the position for a job. The position of supervisor for Lackawaxen Township is for all intent and purpose, a voluntary position. There is a stipend paid for meeting attendance, the yearly total amounting to approximately $1,800. I am the vice president of a successful ecological consulting firm and gainfully employed. I seek the position of supervisor with the intent to bring my professional experience to the table in order that I may serve the best interest of the residents of the township as we go forward. It is this 15 years of background in land planning, resource management and hands-on experience that I believe qualify me for this position. It should also be noted that my name is Ronald M. Tussel, Jr. My father is also gainfully employed with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department and is not seeking the position of supervisor in Lackawaxen Township.

Ron Tussell

Bohemia, PA