Mother’s Day: a day for peace

To the editor:

Have you ever wondered about the origin of Mother’s Day, one of our most favorite holidays? It came from the inspiration of Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the words to “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” She had experienced the carnage, the horror, and the suffering of the American Civil War in the 1860s and was determined that it would never happen again.

In about 1870, Ms. Howe gathered her friends from the Boston area to celebrate with her the first Mother’s Day in the United States. The understanding they had was that it was to be a day to celebrate and honor peace. After all, she stated, what mother raised their children to be warlike and wanted them to go out and kill others? The event became an annual celebration of peace and spread across the United States. As long as there is a United States, there will probably be a Mother’s Day.

I hope each of you will keep in mind on that special day that it is a day of peace for all.

Tim Shera
Liberty, NY

We need better access to sample ballots

To the editor:

Pike County has about 55,000 residents. The highest voter turnout was in the presidential election in November 2004 when 19,654 voters turned out at the polls.

In 2005, an off-year election like 2007, only 7,945 voted in the general election and only 5,392 voted in the primary. Due to Pennsylvania’s closed primaries and rules that allow cross registration of candidates, many local elections in Pike County are settled in May, not November. If you are not a registered Republican or Democrat, you may not be able to determine who your commissioner is, who is on the bench or who is on the school board.

Very few voters even know who is running for the more minor offices, or what those offices are. The local papers try to cover the major races, but none of the papers that I contacted will be publishing a sample ballot this year. Sample ballots are not mailed to registered voters. You can stop by the county offices and pick up a sample ballot between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on a weekday, but that is difficult for most. There is no internet site that lists all the candidates for this election.

I believe that citizens should vote in every election. I believe that all voters should vote for the best candidate based on the candidate’s positions, not on the basis of who has the most yard signs. I believe that in this electronic age, where we vote electronically, we should be able to see a sample ballot on the county’s web page.

Pike County Commissioners: Let’s fix this. Let us know the date you will publish sample ballots. If it is not possible to do this before May 15, I ask that the county accomplish this before mid-October 2007.

We get the government that we deserve.

Grady runs on better roads

To the editor:

I am a candidate for the six-year term for supervisor running on the Republican ticket, and as the Democratic write in.

As a life-long resident of Damascus Township, it has come to my attention that over the past several years there has been a steady decline in the condition of the roads on the north end of the township. As your supervisor, I would produce a road maintenance schedule as soon as possible. There also has to be a schedule for maintenance on the townships trucks and machinery to keep them in good working condition. Because of the growth of our township, special attention is needed for planning, zoning and financial responsibility through comprehensive planning. State funding programs and grants are available to assist our township for the purchases of materials and machinery, and as your supervisor I will do my best to make sure Damascus Township gets its rightful share of these funds as they become available. It’s time for a change.

Thanks to all for Mamakating basketball training

To the editor:

I would like to say thank you to Principal Susan Gottlieb of Emma Chase school and to superintendent Dr. Patrick Michel on behalf of myself and the Town of Mamakating, for letting our 120 students and parents use this facility to learn and enjoy the many aspects of basketball. Thanks to John Moul and Gary Cannonier for organizing the kids and being their referees, and to all the volunteer coaches for their hard work every weekend.

Our kids all learned the fundamentals of basketball, such as concentrating and anticipating where the ball will bounce when a shot is missed (and that happened often). The kids learned passing and receiving effectively. But all the volunteer coaches concentrated on aspects of the game that were much more important, like having fun, learning teamwork and good sportsmanship, developing coordination and a competitive spirit. Most important, the kids learned about promoting physical fitness. So in recognition of letting the children use the facilities, and for their continued support of our children, it was my pleasure and honor to present to them with honorary plaques.

Sullivan West school board elections

My name is Geoffrey Gangel, and I am running for a position on the Sullivan West school board. I have been in business as an industrial screen process printer since 1969. Since relocating to Narrowsburg 10 years ago, my wife Wanda and I have serviced our community and our www.artbypolygon.com web customers with a variety of art services. We take pride in our community and are committed to its health and continued prosperity. This concern for our community has grown larger with the Sullivan West school merger, which is why I have decided to run for a position on the school board on May 15.

I feel the long-term health of our school system and the communities it serves require a full understanding of the many needs of our combined communities. I would like all the communities in our Sullivan West school district and the members of its school board to have easy access to all of the information relevant to the long-term health of our schools, students and our merged communities. With good information, I believe we can make good decisions. Let’s get it right.

Bailey: let me continue a good job

To the editor:

I am asking the voters of the Sullivan West Central School District to re-elect me to the Sullivan West school board. I am proud of the accomplishments of the board during the last three years, and would like the opportunity to continue the progress we have established.

As vice-president of the board, I have served on several committees this year. As chair of the facilities’ needs and assessment committee, I have directed the committee’s efforts to establish an accurate inventory of our assets so that we can determine the best use of our buildings, land, equipment and personnel on all four campuses. Due to the efforts of the policy committee, of which I am a member, Sullivan West is finally in compliance with a state mandate to annually review and update our policy manual for the first time in its seven-year history. I am also proud that the current board has brought about an atmosphere of true open government by making sure that all debates occur in a public forum.

I have tried to remain open-minded throughout my tenure. As a result, during these difficult post-merger years I have changed my opinion regarding several important issues because of critical information that was brought to my attention after a vote. Critics may view these changes as weakness, but I believe being willing to admit to my mistakes and working diligently to correct them are necessary strengths. I have always tried to contribute to a feeling of mutual respect among the members of the school board, and in my dealings with the administration and the various constituents with whom I’ve met.

In closing, I am proud of the students, staff and faculty of the Sullivan West Central School District and look forward to continuing to do my best for them. If re-elected, I pledge to resume my duties guided by fairness, integrity and common sense. Please remember to vote for fair open government on Tuesday, May 15.

Sandler would be a step backwards

To the editor:

The people of the Sullivan West school district are ready to move forward. With a new superintendent coming in this summer, it’s time to join together to solve the problems of our district.

However, the appearance on the ballot for school board of Richard Sandler forces us to take one more painful look backwards at how we arrived at our current situation. While Sandler was the president of the Sullivan West school board, the board made a series of missteps, including instigating a building plan that was in direct contradiction to the enrollment projections to which Sandler was privy. As a result, we now have building capacity for over 4,500 students even as our actual enrollment shrinks to below 1,500.

During this project, Sandler’s school board authorized taking money from our state building aid to pay for operating expenses, when a re-evaluation of our spending was clearly in order. Now we are left with a huge debt it will take years to pay off.

We spent millions remodeling the elementary school buildings right up to the moment when Sandler’s board voted to close them. With the closings of these vital community schools came the layoffs of over 44 staff and teachers. We are still recovering from this blow to our quality of education.

If Sandler’s slate of candidates gains control of the school board, he will once again be the board president. We will be right back to where we were when these mistakes were made.

In comparison, the new board has reduced the number of lawsuits the district is involved in from 10 to four; the district policy book has been completely updated; and light has been shed on the previously secret budgeting process. All this progress will be jeopardized if we return to Sandler’s practices.

As valuable as Sandler is to the community, his place is clearly not running our school board. Let’s continue the progress we are making by voting for Shawn Bailey, Geoff Gangel and Tom Prendergast for school board.

Sandler has stuck with it

To the editor:

A recent letter to the editor was grossly unfair in laying the blame for all the merger woes at the feet of Richard Sandler, candidate for Sullivan West school board. A campaign tactic, the letter was designed to imply that Mr. Sandler was the one and only person responsible for the hard issues the district has faced.

I say, “Nonsense!” It is common knowledge in the Sullivan West Central School District that our current student enrollment is approximately two thirds of what was projected. As a result, our district is receiving state aid on about 700 fewer students and the district is only using two campuses for current student numbers.

What I find so interesting about these statements is that, if there is one person who has not walked away from the frustrations of the merged Sullivan West district, it is Richard Sandler. He has not given up. As a school board member, he served the merged district from its inception through 2006. During this current school year, he has been a member of the District Leadership Team, the student driving committee, and the superintendents’ search committee. He still attends student activities. He still attends board of education meetings. He still puts his words into action.

Valuable people have come and gone from the district. The level of frustration has been unbearable. But Richard Sandler still persists in making this merger work and doing what is best for the students and taxpayers district wide. I admire Mr. Sandler for that.

There is something to be said for unwavering loyalty to the betterment of one’s school.

For his stick-to-it-iveness and consistent contribution to the Sullivan West District I recommend Richard Sandler for a seat on the Board of Education.

Vote for a unity candidate

To the editor:

The Sullivan West Central School District has board of education members who promote only the interests of the segment of the Sullivan West community in which they live. They do so in board meeting discussions, in conversations with community members and in letters they write to the newspaper. It is amazing to me that they, as supposed leaders of the district, still engage in such divisive talk almost eight years after the merger took place.

This kind of talk discourages much needed unity within the district. We, the Sullivan West citizens, can solve this problem in two ways: remove board members whose view of the district is limited and elect candidates who are known to have a district-wide view.

I encourage everyone who wants unity and an end to this divisiveness to vote for Richard Sandler, candidate for Sullivan West School Board, on Tuesday, May 15. While serving on the board of education he focused on the district as a whole. He helped to incorporate the best of each component school into the merged district’s program, while keeping in mind the ability of residents to fund it.

You only need to look at Sandler’s participation in community activities to realize his broader definition of “Sullivan West community.” His past and current involvement includes the Jeffersonville Ambulance Corps and the Boys Scouts and Little League in the Callicoon area.

Richard Sandler is obviously one adult who wants unity. We need that kind of desire on the board of education.

A team with know-how

To the editor:

Considering the challenges facing the Sullivan West Central School District, even new board of education members must hit the ground running upon assuming office. To be effective leaders, they should know their responsibilities and be aware of current issues.

Ken Cohen, Richard Sandler and Richard Tegnander are well prepared to serve the school community as board members. All candidates have been attending board meetings, budget workshops, and meet-the-superintendent candidates’ nights and in some cases, board committee meetings.

In particular, Ken Cohen has been researching problems within the district for the past year, and has been in contact with educational leaders and state officials. As a publisher, he has extensive experience in research and has used these skills to investigate inflammatory remarks made about the district and find out the facts.

Richard Sandler has continued to keep informed about Sullivan West matters. This school year, he has served on the Sullivan West District Leadership Team and the driving committee and most recently, was a community representative on the superintendent search committee.

Richard Tegnander has made it a point to talk with parents, taxpayers and students district-wide to find out their current thoughts and feelings about the district and where they would like to see the district headed.

I, as a parent and a taxpayer, have frequently attended board meetings and budget workshops this year, and have seen each of these candidates at every meeting I have attended. I would be immediately satisfied to put important board of education decision-making into the hands of these gentlemen, and plan to vote for each of them on Tuesday, May 15.

Some no-nonsense candidates

To the editor:

School board elections are coming up on May 15. I’d like to share with you my impressions of just a few of those who are running for a seat on the board.

Shawn Bailey: A man who has served one term on the board to date, he seems to have a solid head on his shoulders for facts and figures. He has two children in Sullivan West schools, and having observed him at board meetings in the past, it appears he really cares about the students and school finances.

Geoffrey Gangel: A school bus driver, he has a child in Sullivan West schools. He is also the owner of a thriving business, so is well qualified to handle finances, and appears to be a low-key, but high-powered person.

Tom Pendergast: A local businessman and taxpayer, he is upset by waste, as well as stupidity. He wants taxpayers to have a break and children to excel in learning.

In the past, there have been a lot of closed-door meetings, better known as “executive sessions.” Is that what you want again?

These men are no-nonsense people who can be your eyes and ears when you’re not there.

Public education is a trust

To the editor:

Public education is designed to give every child the opportunity to reach his potential in life. The community supports the education of all children to help them grow to be productive citizens of the community. Public funds are given to the school system in a sacred trust to achieve the best of education with careful stewardship of the district’s assets. This is the social contract of public education.

This contract has not always been upheld in our district. In order to ensure that public education in Sullivan West meets its lofty ideals, we must insist on governance that guarantees that through thoughtful planning, careful oversight and a tireless passion to give every child an education that allows them to meet his or her potential and become a part of the community that supported them.

When evaluating potential board members, I have no litmus test on how they stand on specific issues, but I want to be sure that they will take the responsibility of this social contract seriously and act to ensure that all children have access to a good education, and that public funds and assets are managed wisely. Careful thought and good governance will lay the foundation for long-term sustainability of our education system. This is not an honorary position. Hard work is required of those who serve.

We need individuals who care passionately, and who are thoughtful and ask questions to ensure that we are getting the maximum amount of educational opportunity with the funds taxpayers put in trust. That is why I support Shawn Bailey, Geoffrey Gangel and Tom Prendergast for the Sullivan West school board. All three of these men are caring, thoughtful and passionate. They are motivated by wanting to make their school and their communities better through their service as stewards of our public school system in Sullivan West.

Thumbs up for Bailey, thumbs down for Cohen

To the editor:

Shawn Bailey will be getting my vote on May 15.

He and his wife Shannon have served the Sullivan West community for years. These folks do nothing but serve our community on a daily basis. They are a wonderful example of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control.

Why is Ken Cohen running for the Sullivan West School Board? This is a man who believes that all school board members should shut up, be puppets, and allow controversial school superintendents like Michael Johndrow and Alan Derry to run our school district without criticism or dissent.

If Ken Cohen is consistent with his stated beliefs, as outlined repeatedly in the pages of The Sullivan County Democrat, he will sit there on the school board, vote “yes,” and do or say nothing.

This isn’t the kind of representation Sullivan West residents need.

Ken Cohen’s philosophy is a recipe for disaster. It is exactly this kind of school board member, who smiled prettily and said nothing, that got this district into the financial trouble that it is in now. Cohen does not understand that open government means that there should be honest and vigorous debate on all the issues both on the school board and in the media.

I find it incredible that this man, who claims to have taught journalism for Sullivan County Community College, has no understanding of the free speech guarantees of the first amendment. Ken Cohen is more concerned with the Sullivan West brand name than the reality of our situation.

We can’t afford to entrust the operation of an enterprise like Sullivan West, which spends $32 million a year of our tax dollars, to someone who will just be a shill for the administration.

Cohen has the experience we need

To the editor:

Did you know that Ken Cohen, a candidate for the Sullivan West Board of Education, attended and graduated from a successfully merged high school? Consequently, he has his own personal experience to draw upon in developing a vision of what our Sullivan West high school program can be.

As a high school student, he benefited from excellent academic and extracurricular opportunities that shaped his life in a very positive way. More importantly, he learned how to work with a diverse student body assembled for various periodicals, and currently runs a thriving publishing business. He represents the kind of educational and career success we in the Sullivan West community want for our own children.

Ken witnessed the ways the component communities were brought together to form a cooperative union and the kind of leadership that made this unity possible. Nothing can replace personal experience. The lessons learned stay with you forever and enable you to use that knowledge to effect positive change. I’m sure that is what Ken Cohen would do if elected to the Sullivan West school board.

Ken Cohen’s candidacy represents a giant opportunity for the SW community.