Tell me who paid me!

Tom Cawley should be ashamed of himself. His opinion diatribe [June 8] displays why he is unfit to be the District Attorney of Sullivan County.

To call Ken Walter, a senior citizen who dedicates his life for the good of Sullivan County, demeaning names like “gadfly” is deplorable.

Ken has every right to state to the legislature that he feels it is a conflict for Cawley to remain a high-profile county attorney as he runs for DA. And I have every right to report that.

Cawley’s statement that I am a “paid” political operative is untrue. I would like him to tell me who pays me. I would like to know.

Anyone who knows me knows no one controls me or tells me what to write or say. I continually dedicate myself to our community because I want us to have the best representation.

I am very proud the Sullivan County Post group I created on Facebook is an important outlet for news, information and discussion. 

Brian Conaty is part of the new honest independent leadership we desperately need. You on the other hand Mr. Cawley will say anything to get votes. Shame on you!

Bill Liblick
Swan Lake, NY

The GOP is indeed ruining the country

Each day Republicans demonstrate how they are ruining our country. Recently, the GOP held the country hostage over lifting the debt ceiling. The debt ceiling was lifted three times under Trump. 

Some GOP members openly admitted that they wanted the country to default on the payment of loans, which would have caused the loss of millions of jobs, high unemployment, stock market losses and damage to our credit rating—just to name a few results.

Every day we read of another state that’s making voting more difficult by gerrymandering districts, cutting voting hours, reducing the number of drop boxes, imposing more restrictions on mail-in ballots, and—as was reported recently—unbelievably giving the authority of determining who wins the election to a county clerk, not an elected administrator, paving the way for fraudulent election results.

Banning books in schools and libraries, and threatening to imprison both librarians and teachers who don’t comply with the edicts which the GOP gives to them about what to teach and what not to say in schools is reminiscent of Nazi Germany!

Even though the overwhelming majority of Americans are pro-choice, the GOP continues to try to control a woman’s right to choose. They are even trying to stop the sale of an abortion pill. What’s next? Will they go after contraceptives? War on women. 

Attacking trans and gay people, telling trans people what they can and can’t do with regard to medical procedures along with hundreds of bills awaiting votes which will make their lives miserable and take away rights.

These are just a small number of reasons why the GOP is indeed, ruining our country. What they are doing is trying to destroy our democracy and if we don’t wake up, they may succeed.

Paul Creteau
Lakeville, PA

Support is available for the LGBTQ+ community

June is Pride Month. As many people are celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, it is important to reflect on the support available for individuals exploring their gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation.  

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), LGBTQ+ individuals are twice as likely as heterosexual individuals to experience mental health struggles.

Fortunately, there are services available to assist these individuals and their families. 

At Coordinated Behavioral Health Services (CBHS), we partner with wellness providers throughout the Hudson Valley to connect individuals to support within their community. This includes services for mental health and substance use issues, empowerment and peer support services, educational and employment services and more, depending on you and your needs. 

For members of the LGBTQ+ community, these services can be especially helpful. LGBTQ+ individuals often must deal with discrimination because of their sexual or gender identity. This, compounded with stigma and fear of judgment, can make it difficult to find assistance. 

This Pride Month, and every month, let’s remember to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and to lead with acceptance and compassion. 

If you or a family member are struggling or unsure of your next step, please reach out and we will help you find support. 

Nicole Willner, Chief Operations Officer 
Coordinated Behavioral Health Services (CBHS)
Middletown, NY

Union: USP Canaan staff, inmates risk exposure to dangerous drugs

American Federation of Government Employees Local 3003 is sounding the alarm over the continued influx of drugs inside USP Canaan in Waymart, PA.

The drugs pose health risks to both correctional staff and inmates at the high-security federal prison.

Additionally, it’s unacceptable that a recent correctional officer assault is being minimized by prison management as a drug-induced act.

“It seems that USP Canaan is having an inmate accountability issue. Specifically, holding inmates accountable for their crimes inside the institution by instead creating excuses for their behaviors,” AFGE Local 3003 President Dave Demas said.

“One of our missions is that of public safety. Mail is being circulated with inmates’ mail that is potentially soaked in life-threatening drugs. For example, a birthday card for your child could be circulated in the same batch of mail as mail soaked in K2,” Demas said.

This is an issue that affects more than correctional officers and inmates. The contaminated mail travels to the prison via the U.S. Postal Service, potentially affecting mail carriers and their families. 

“This issue is much larger than a penitentiary in your backyard having a drug issue. It’s your issue as a community member. The Bureau of Prisons needs to act on this,” Demas said. 

AFGE Local 3003’s e-board is calling for action to protect loved ones, community members and neighbors working inside the walls of the prison.

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3003
Waymart, PA