I am distressed by political bickering, but pleased that all the town board members voted to respect voter’s rights

I am distressed by the political bickering reported in the Copake Chronical, that Judge Herman (who I voted for) engaged in; in particular the sniping at prior Justice Crowley. This is unseemly behavior for a member of the judiciary who I expect to be above the fray.


As for the court clerk issue, I think that there should be one full time clerk that serves both justices. If this is not possible then there should be two part time clerks.

Also I am pleased to see that all the town board members voted to respect voter’s right to choice where they vote, and am sorry to see this turn into political fodder.
Noel Fair

Annual Hillsdale/Copake Fall Harvest Festival was a huge success!

Dear Editor:


The 2nd Annual Hillsdale/Copake Fall Harvest Festival was a huge success! Despite gloomy weather predictions, the rain held off long enough for everyone to enjoy the day and all it had to offer: farmers’ wares; a bake sale; a silent auction; Halloween Face Painting by Tracy Hanselman; 4H sheep petting; Main Farm calf petting; music by local musicians (The BH Brothers, Civilian, The Varriales, The Hillsdale Hillbillies, and Paul Slusar & Chris Dellea); food, featuring a Pig Roast by the Hillsdale Fire Co.; drinks by the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts; and hay wagon rides. Many activities were ongoing throughout the day, including turkey calling demonstrations, kids’ games, pumpkin decorating, sack races, duck races in the Roe Jan Kill, a “biggest pumpkin” contest, an apple pie contest, and more.

This special event has a unique vision. Unlike each town’s individual-annual community day, it is a chance for our towns to join together at fall harvest time in the new Roeliff Jansen park to celebrate our local agriculture, and our local farmers’ wares, which are a featured aspect of the festival. We all agree that we live in a beautiful little piece of the world, and the Festival encourages us to come out and connect with nature, our community members, and be grateful for the precious land we share.

As this year’s event Chair, I personally want to thank all members of the community for your hard work, support, and generosity. Specifically, I thank our enthusiastic event participants, including Rose Rita Peterson Scarecrow Display, St Bridget Universal Prayer Garden, Cornell Cooperative Extention, Farmscape Ecology program at Hawthorne Valley, Friends of Taconic State Park, Old Rte. 22 Dog run group, Roeliff Jansen Historical Society, Trout Unlimited, and Hawk Dance Farm.

Many thanks also to our donors for donations including silent auction items, donuts from Stewarts, syrup from Camphill Village, apples from Philip’s Orchard, Love Apple Farm, and Threshold Farms, gourds from Samascott Orchard, potatoes from Staron Farm and Honey Dog Farm, pumpkins from White Oak Farm, and various vegetables from the farmers’ market.

I would like to thank our generous sponsors, including the Town of Hillsdale, Columbia County Tourism, Salisbury Bank & Trust Co, Copake Park & Recreation, Hillsdale Highway Dept., Hillsdale IGA, North Mountain Nursery & Farmstand, Roeliff Jansen Community Library, and Taconic Valley Lawn & Garden.

Finally, I would like to extend special thanks to all the volunteers, whether behind the scenes or working that day, including the Roeliff Jansen Park Steering committee, the Harvest Festival committee, and all who helped make this event so wonderful by their participation and attendance. The day couldn’t have happened without you all!

Next year’s Festival is planned for Saturday, October 2, 2010, and will be held rain or shine, as there is plenty of barn and tent coverage.

The Roeliff Jansen Park Steering committee will organize the event in 2010 and beyond: the goal is that the “Roe Jan Harvest Festival” will truly engage all the Roe Jan towns, in addition to Copake and Hillsdale, and that community members from across the region will participate in the festivities and unite through our area’s bountiful harvest. See you next year!

Most sincerely,
Christina Dellea
Hillsdale
2008/2009 Harvest Festival Chair

Our Town Board Did The Right Thing

I agree. I was happy to see that the individuals on our town board can come together, put partisanship aside, and do the right thing for the Copake community.


People can talk all they want but it's their actions that will be remembered. I hope to see more of that type of cooperation.

I'm really floored by the antics of the County's Republican Party, they might as well just vote for the Democrats.

Good Job!

R Awe

The Vote by Our Town Board

Bob, The last meeting at town hall was very interesting and important.  The vote by our town board was in the best interest of the town and I am very glad that it was unanimous. As a life-long Republican I would have had great trouble if those boys voted against your well reasoned resolution. The right to vote is extremely important to me and every American.  Please keep up the good work. I am embarrassed to say that I didn’t vote for you, but I have great respect for your continued demonstration of leadership.

John Watts

The Validity of Certain Votes

I cannot be at the meeting on Saturday, but I'd like to add my voice to the debate over the questioning of the validity of certain votes in local elections.

I deplore this activity and see it as a transparent and insidious effort by county Republicans to disenfranchise, in a totally un-Democratic way, a targeted group of American citizens who are part of our community, but who may not, the Republicans fear, be voting for Republican candidates.

Sincerely,

Neil Costa 

Voter Rights

I believe if you live here even part time you have a right to vote on local issues. I grew up in Berkshire county & most of my life I have listened to locals complain about second home owners. Lets not forget they donate to local hospitals, ambulance, fire station, park etc. They have also prevented developers from destroying our local beauty. People who believe they have no voter rights are small minded ignorant individuals.

 Laurie Basinait

It is High Time to Fight Back

I appreciated your editorial ....it is high time to fight back vigorously.

If the Republican leadership does not cease their harassment, why not publish their names and the businesses they own.  It would help second home owners know enough to avoid giving them our business.. We could start by providing the information about Fingar's insurance business and go from there.

Lou  Levitt

I used to attend meetings more often under the old administration. I attended a few under the new and after the last Board meeting for the budget was going to write in. I feel that this new board has a lot of problems. Like Diane today I also felt like leaving because of all the bickering. At  the last meeting I heard upsetting comments from Karen Hallenback. I am a senior but respect seniors who are more senior then I am. They are the people who paved the way for how we live today. We deserve more respect then what she gave us. I just don’t believe in being rude.

  Also I vote for our town representatives for the good of our town. All I hear is  discension between the members. Don’t you get together before meetings to discuss what is on the agenda. It seems to me that one person doesn’t know the others persons views on the subjects to be discussed. This is like arguing in front of your kids. Argue in private and discuss the outcome in front of the residents. This is why we voted for you. Whether it’s Republicans or Democrats, we have to have unity. This is the problem with the world today, it’s a power play. We have to work together no matter what  party we belong to.

Barbara and John Gallicano

Copake, New York

NOT MY IDEA OF DEMOCRACY

NOT MY IDEA OF DEMOCRACY


My name is Adolf Meier. Everyone calls me “Red.” I am an 86-year-old, life-long registered Republican, and I have the misfortune of living in the Town of Taghkanic, Columbia County, NY. I am legally blind, and my daughter is helping me write this letter on her computer.

When I was 18 World War II was underway, and I volunteered to defend America’s freedoms by joining the United States Marine Corps. You’ve probably heard of the Battle of Iwo Jima? I was in the first Marine landing that day (February 19, 1945), and if you know anything about Iwo Jima you know that I am one of the lucky ones to make it out alive. As a result of that experience, however, after being honorably discharged at the end of the war, I slowly began to lose my eyesight. I am now legally blind—a designation that can only be determined by my doctor and the federal government. So, I now vote by absentee ballot.

During the opening of absentee ballots for the November 3 election for the Town of Taghkanic, my ballot was at first challenged by the Republicans on the grounds that I hadn’t provided “proof” of my blindness. Eventually, the Republican attorneys “allowed” my ballot to be opened and counted. It’s bad enough that there was even discussion about my right to vote absentee, but then a Republican attorney found it necessary to make a derogatory comment about my given name of Adolf.

I hope you are as disgusted about all of this as I am. I am revolted by the current strong-arm tactics of the Republican Party, who are trying to take away the constitutional right of people in the Town of Taghkanic to vote where we choose as long as we have an established residence here in Taghkanic. I’d like to know who is paying for all the lawyers and “private investigators” hired to violate voters’ privacy and rights. If this lawsuit is based on such a principle fact of election law, then why are these Republicans targeting only certain Taghkanic voters?

I am a proud Marine who defended this country against fascism during World War II. I never expected to live out my life in a town/county/state that at best should be called an oligarchy and at worst a fascist state. This is not my idea of Democracy. Please join me in speaking out against this clear violation of the basic American right to vote.

Adolf “Red” Meier
Taghkanic, NY

Does Our Local Republican Party Understand What is Going On

Bob: I have been a Republican all my life. You can add to my file that I was a weekender in Copake for 25 years until I retired full time. I wanted to send this letter to you so that you can print my outrage at Mr. Fingar and the Republican Committee. If our local Republican party does not understand what is going on here or more importantly doesn’t express their own outrage, I feel comfortable that they will never get reelected in Copake again….Not Ever.

As a vet I am disgusted at what is happening here in our county. You should win elections on the issues and not by stealing someone's right to vote.

J. Miller

The American Revolution

The American Revolution was fought, in part, for the principle of No Taxation Without Representation..


That principle privies an effective answer to those who would deprive second home owners of their right to choose to participate in the election of their representatives in Columbia County.
Lou Levitt

WHATS GOING ON IN COPAKE

HI BOB


THANKS FOR GIVING ME A HEADS UP ON WHATS GOING ON IN COPAKE . IT’S GETTING EXCITING THAT WE HAVE A CONCERNED GROUP (Around the Clock Committee) THAT ARE WILLING TO STEP UP AND GET PROGRESS MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THERE IS A GOOD TEAM IN PLACE TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN.

PLEASE KEEP THE CC COMING.
BEST REGARDS,
MARTY SHAPIRO

P.S. I BELEIVE 2ND HOME OWNERS HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO HAVE THEIR VOTE COUNTED.

Thanks for the Plowmen

I just wanted to take time to express my gratitude and thanks for the plowmen and road crews who go out when the rest of us are advised to stay indoors, in order to make the roads safe and easily accessible for all of us.


Thank you so much. You are appreciated.
Terrie Ann Schmearer
Copake, NY

THE GRINCH WHO STOLE COPAKE (THE HEART OF COPAKE THAT IS)

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

THE GRINCH WHO STOLE COPAKE (THE HEART OF COPAKE THAT IS)

Earlier this yea, the Copake Town Board enacted Local law 1 of 2009 by a bipartisan vote. The law created a full time court clerk position to work for both Town Justices, and provided for a part time clerk to cover when the full timer was absent.

The full time position was filled by Margaret Hosier, a Copake resident. Margaret is fully qualified and there have been no complaints about her work. She is the only full time, non elected female on the Town payroll and coincidentally, the only non elected Democrat on the Town payroll. This appointment was intended to, and should have, reduced the hours of the then part time clerk. Her hours were never reduced and only one of the judges used Margaret’s time. She compensated by doing the court’s administrative work.

Now, in what appears to be a purely political move, the Republican controlled Town Board plans to reverse itself and eliminate the full time position. There has never been a complaint about her work and she has in fact been commended by members of the police for her attention to their matters.

The Grinch, in the person of Reggie Crowley, Town Supervisor, is blatantly disregarding the fact that he will add another person to the unemployed, and take away a person’s health insurance at a time when it is almost impossible to replace both.

Reggie, what is the real purpose? To fire the only full time female employee who is also a Democrat?

You will now need three part timers to do the job since Judge Spencer's clerk only is available for 8 months of the year. You will need another part timer to replace her. Judge Herman will also need a part timer if your plan goes through. What a nightmare for them, coordinating the work of three part timers, training them, covering when they are unavailable. Who will do the administrative work of the Court now performed by Margaret?

Think this through and do the right thing. Keep the full time position and save the Town the cost of defending a potential sex discrimination law suit. Don’t continue to be the Copake Grinch and continue to make our population unhappy with decisions such as this and the legalization of junk yards at the entrance to town.

Morris Ordover
Copake NY

I Commend Columbia County Highway Engineer Dean Knox

Dear Bob:


I wish to recognize and commend Columbia County Highway Engineer Dean Knox for his participation at the Copake Economic Advisory Board [CEAB] on Tuesday, November 17th.

The CEAB is tasked with seeking ways to improve the economic conditions in Copake. Revitalizing the hamlet area is a primary concern. Columbia County has another transportation project already funded and in development for this same location, and the impact and significance to downtown businesses is obvious.

Dean’s presentation generated much enthusiasm and excitement among all those in the attendance. His talk included ideas for preserving and enhancing the historic and scenic qualities of downtown Copake, while still improving the overall condition and safety of the county road. Dean also discussed establishing a citizen advisory board for the project.

Though construction is likely years away, and design not yet begun, I believe communication at this point between the county and town and people of Copake is crucial to the success of any revitalization effort. I hope the county Public Works committee -- as well as the rest of the county supervisors -- will support and encourage Dean’s continuing involvement. Doing so will ensure a positive experience for all.

Susan Winchell-Sweeney

Addicted to the Chronicle

Bob, I didn’t realize how addicted I have become to the Chronicle until you went on your honeymoon and you didn’t publish last week. I greatly missed my Copake weekly reading experience. Congratulations on your anniversary and also on publishing the best local newsletter I have ever seen. Please keep up the good work.

Jon Helm

Thanks for the Copake Chronicle

Bob: The Chronicle is an amazing publication. It is both folksy, local and it is state-of -the-art at the same time. I have lived here for 35 years and I have never been more informed about Copake. Please keep up the excellent work.

J. J. Miller

How does $9 Million dollars disappear from the county general fund?

How does $9 Million dollars disappear from the county general fund?

Our county leader, Board of Supervisors Chair Art Baer says that no
one is responsible. But despite his assertion, there are people
responsible and they need to be held accountable.

But first a few things need to be stated and understood. One of the
most important things to know is that not only is Ken Wilber the
County Treasurer, but he receives a separate salary as budget
director. So for anyone to seriously claim that there was no way for
Ken Wilber to have known about this issue is an outrage. He is County
Treasurer and Budget Director. How could he not have known? Either he
mislead the public, or he is incompetent. Whichever it is no longer
matters. The entire Board of Supervisors, Democrats, Republicans and
Independents should immediately call for County Treasurer Ken Wilber's
resignation.

As for Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Paul Mossman,
he needs to immediately explain to the public why he conducted his
department's accounting to the Board of Supervisors and to the public
in such a clearly shoddy manner. If he is unable or unwilling to
clarify the answer to this question, he should be dismissed.

But there are other questions that need asking as well. How long has
Chairman Art Baer known about this fiasco? What about the Chairs of
the various committees with budgetary oversight and oversight of DSS,
that should have caught this issue? How much will this scandal cost
the taxpayers of Columbia County in increased borrowing costs? Will
there be penalties for having lied to bond holders who purchased our
debt instruments in good faith and now find the county to have
overstated its fiscal health?

On the issue of the dismissal of Pattison, Koskey, Howe and Bucci: It
is no wonder that Pattison, Koskey, Howe and Bucci has been silent.
Chairman Baer has been reported as saying that he would "go nuclear"
if Koskey breaks that silence. Now there are rumors that Koskey is one
of bidders on One City Centre. The failure of Art Baer to release the
results of the bidding process only fuels the fire that we are not
getting the whole story.

The purchase of Ockawamick, the move of DSS, the relocation of Pine
Haven, the St. Charles Hotel as homeless shelter…and now the write
down of millions of dollars from the general fund. Our county has
lurched from one misguided and not thought through proposal after
another. Now we have the current scandal, all presided over by a
Chairman not elected by the people of Columbia County, but by the some
of the residents of the Town of Hillsdale.

All of this points out the real problem in Columbia County. Our form
of government is a breeding ground for secrecy, nepotism, lack of
accountability and corruption. For decades the Republican majority did
not even allow Democrats on the Board to see the budget before it was
approved by the Republican majority. The Democrats were
inconsequential in the process. While there has been limited
improvement to what is shared with the minority, due to Democratic
increases in representation on the Board; much of our county
government continues to operate in secret. This is the real reason for
this scandal and it will never end until Republicans no longer hold
the majority on the Board of Supervisors.

There are only a handful of counties in New York which still have
Boards of Supervisors. Most have moved to County Legislatures with an
Executive who is accountable to the voters of the entire county, not
just one of the towns. In the next few months I will be dedicating a
substantial part of my time to help create a public groundswell of
support to end our antiquated form of government. It is time to
replace it with one that is accountable for the decisions it makes.

One where the party in the minority has the same access to information
as the majority, regardless of which party is in power. I urge all of
the residents of Columbia County to do the same. Open government with
fair and thoughtful representation is what every citizen deserves.

Now is the time for Columbia County to move to a County Legislature
and County Executive.

Victor Mendolia
Hudson

We're Getting Close to the Election.

To the editor,

We're getting close to the election. In my mind the choices in this election are easy. On both the Copake Chronicle and the Copake politics forum as well as elsewhere, Linda Gabaccia and Bob Sacks have spelled out where they stand on various issues. They have served the town well. Among other things, Linda took the lead in both creation of a town policy handbook and taking on Sal Casino, the town's absentee polluter. Bob has been a voice of reason on the town board and most recently did the analysis that showed how Copake spends almost $10,000 per mile more than one of the other towns to maintain our roads. Thanks to Bob, this may result in our savings hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Their challengers, Harvey Weber and Joe Laporta have not, despite the fact they had been invited to post their views on the Copake Chronicle and this forum. In the assessor contest, Loredana Delventhal has committed herself to taking the training to be assessor as rapidly as possible; on the other hand David Gordineer has passed up opportunity after opportunity to take one of the most important courses required to properly do his job. In addition, he has a background of physical confrontation with the police and a shadow hangs over him because of another more recent arrest which also involves an allegation of violence.

In the contest for town justice, the incumbent Brian Herman, a highly respected attorney, is being challenged by the current chief assessor, Bill Kane, untrained in the law, who although he was once a town justice, has anger management problems and quit in the middle of an important course that assessors need to do their job.Now we just have to get out and vote.

Howard Blue

Allowing the Public to Decide for Themselves

Bob, Your hard work and effort make the "Copake Chronicle" an informative and needed resource for those among us who are not always able to attend local meetings concerning our community. Reporting un-biased news and allowing the public to decide for themselves is not a new but certainly an important aspect for an individual’s decision making, for that, I thank you. What is happening with the proposed housing project in the center of Copake and what is your view? Thanks again! Greg W

You Be The Judge

You be the judge Margaret Hosier I respectfully disagree with Mr. Jeff Nayer’s outrageous criticism of the grant process that was followed to obtain new carpeting for the Town Hall, and after listening to much of the misrepresentations around town and in the papers, I decided that it was about time to state the facts of the matter. The only pause I had, was, all of the grant info/correspondence was stolen from my desk in the Court Clerk’s office and a police report was filed on June 15, 2009. I have since received copies of the applications that were submitted to New York state, but all of the original paperwork, which included direct involvement with Judge Herman and everyone else I spoke with, was everything that mysteriously disappeared. The fact of the matter is, I had began simply contributing to the grant activity because Judge Herman included me in the process. He showed me where and how we could apply for these grants so we could bring our court up to date. Together we have been able to share the grant monies for the town of Copake’s benefit. Judge Herman’s involvement hasn’t been… just a signature. I have to say... thank you to Judge Herman, for being such a fair and equitable and knowledgeable individual, who put his trust and faith in me to take on the tasks of this challenging job. My wish is that the people of our community “vote the person not the party". Truth be told, Judge Herman knows the law and has executed this in his first term as our town justice! Margaret Hosier

Right For Copake

Right For Copake Over the past couple of years I have watched, read and listened intently as business has been conducted in Copake. Also during this same timeframe I have also been a member of the Copakepolitics yahoo group in which there has been many topics discussed by concerned residents and a select number of elected officials. Those few elected officials have listened to the residents and offered their points of view on the topics. Councilpersons Sacks and Gabaccia have demonstrated over and over again their professionalism and their concern about their town and what goes on to keep it running. Their service and commitment as board members, especially during the current financial crisis, shows that both have leadership qualities commensurate with their abilities. Sometimes it is necessary to take the road less traveled along with the ability to make the least popular decisions to do the business of the town. Both Bob Sacks and Linda Gabaccia have been able to do just that and still keep their promises to those who elected them to their current office. Their collective accomplishments are too long to list in this short article. Bob Sacks and Linda Gabaccia should be re-elected to their Copake Councilperson seats on Tuesday, November 3rd. It has also been my pleasure to get to know a fine man named Brian Herman who was elected as a Copake Justice a few years ago. I feel he is a real asset to the Town of Copake since he is a lawyer by profession so he has a real grip on the law. I have had enough exposure to Judge Herman to call him friend and know that he is truly a servant of the law which he administers firmly and fairly. Judge Brian Herman is the only clear choice to return to the bench on Tuesday, November 3rd. No matter what town/city you live in, please get out and vote. This is a Right that has been given to you by the sacrifice of many who have fought and died. You may not have noticed but election day in the United States is held just before Veterans Day and it is the veterans who fought for and gave you the right to vote. Signed: Arnie Anderson

You Got to Get the Taxes Down

Bob: It sounds like your fighting a tough battle. I agree, you got to get the taxes down. I think I told you that was one of the main reasons I left Copake. I was paying over three thousand dollars. Could not afford to stay. This was back in the middle 90s. I'm with you , the police force should go. I'm coming up deer hunting on the 17th of this month and will be here for about two weeks. Would like to meet you. Where do you hang your hat? Walt

illegal campaign activity

Dear Editor: In our local elections on November 3rd, we will be choosing among fellow citizens of our towns, often friends and neighbors. Prospective members of town boards have been campaigning on issues, on plans for positive change. Town Judge candidates, however, do not propose to change law, and so have little basis for appeal to voters, other than record, legal competence, and character. In Copake, however, there is a choice between an incumbent Town Judge, Brian Herman, who abides by the laws governing judicial elections, and Bill Kane, who does not. Section 100.5 of the Rules of the Chief Administrator of the Courts Governing Judicial Conduct defines illegal activity by “a judge or candidate for elective judicial office.” Part A-1, iii of that section states that “prohibited political activity shall include…e) publicly endorsing or publicly opposing (other than by running against) another candidate for public office.” Bill Kane has violated this law, first, at the Republican caucus by seconding the nomination of David Gordineer for Copake Assessor, and since then by having a Gordineer sign on his front lawn. Since Mr. Kane is not a lawyer, he may simply be ignorant of legal requirements for judicial candidates. In that case, Brian Herman’s careful obedience of the law, like his many contributions to Copake during his judicial tenure, illustrates an advantage of seating a qualified and practicing attorney as a Town Judge. Clark M. Simms

I am on a very tight budget

Bob, the Chronicle is a great thing. I am not sure what impresses me the most, the fact that you thought of it, or the fact that you have put it out each week for almost a year. That shows a dedication and it really gets better each issue. I agree with most of your editorials. Please continue to do your best to save me my tax dollars. Like most people, I am on a very tight budget. If we need the police force so much, why doesn't Hillsdale have one? Why doesn't Art Baird want one? Or Ancram? or any of our other towns? Eva S

PUT UP A SMOKESCREEN AND PASS THE BLAME IN COPAKE

To the Editor PUT UP A SMOKESCREEN AND PASS THE BLAME IN COPAKE I'm sorry if I seem to write often, but I hate to see misinformation and misleading information put forth in an attempt to smear others. In your October 15th issue, you published a letter to the Editor from Reggie Crowley, Copake Town Supervisor, under the headline "Copake super faults last board's math". Early in October, Supervisor Crowley submitted a tentative budget to the Town Board for 2010 that, by the calculation of the Town's accountant, called for a 57% tax increase. He takes exception to variations on that amount such as 56%. My , what a difference. He comes forth in the letter stating that the increase is only 32%. My, my, that is a difference. How did he get such a wondrous reduction? He didn't include expenses to pay for special districts, such as Fire and Lighting. Add those amounts back in and we're back in the mid fifty percent range again. We have to pay those taxes so why delete them from the calculation? Now for the blame game. In late 2007, the then Democratic controlled Board, prepared a final budget for 2008 calling for a 2.7% increase, less than three percent in an effort to keep our taxes reasonable. Some of a large reserve was used to keep the increase low, but $75,000.00 was left in the budget as a reserve for future needs. Reggie Crowley took office January 1, 2008. If he thought that the budget needed adjustment, he could have started cutting costs then, but he didn't. He prepared a budget for 2009 when his party was in control of the Board. He kept the tax increase low by using a smokescreen - overestimating income from real estate transfers and mortgage recording, even if everyone else knew that those amounts were falling because of the poor economy. He cites overestimates in income by the 2007 Board. He was in power when income started to fall from all sources during 2008 but he did nothing to cut spending. He now blames the Democrats for that failure on his part. Instead, he used the balance of the reserve. Instead, he failed to reduce anticipated income for 2009. Now comes the 2009 reality, not the smokescreen. Because of the overestimation of income, the budget by early August showed that we would end the year short $200,000.00 to pay our bills. What to do? Borrow $200,000.00 instead of first looking to cut expensed to reduce that deficit. The Democrats on the Board fought that and as a result of their perseverance, cut spending by $100,000.00, leaving $100,000.00 to borrow, to borrow and pay interest. Reggie, cut the smokescreen. The deficit and the need for a huge tax increase (only 32%? by his numbers) came about under his supervision. Point your finger at others, but when the smoke clears, you were responsible. Remember Harry Truman? THE BUCK STOPS HERE!! Take responsibility. Morris Ordover Copake, New York

How do you lose $9 million dollars out of a balance of $20 million?

How do you lose $9 million dollars out of a balance of $20 million? Are you as confused as I was when I first read about the $9 million dollars that’s uncollectible in Columbia County ’s fund balance? Well here’s a brief explanation. When the Columbia County Department of Social Services spends $1 million dollars, the county immediately bills the state or federal government for reimbursement. That amount then shows on the county’s financial records as an asset, because the state will reimburse the county for the money. Unfortunately the DSS has been billing the state for amounts above reimbursement limits or caps. The Treasurer has treated the whole bill as an asset when in fact only a portion is an account receivable. Now a significant portion – $9 million – will never be paid by the state. What this does is inflate the county’s unexpended fund balance, so that everyone, including the Board of Supervisors, thought it had more funds than it had. Financial statements showing these bogus numbers have been used to obtain loans and bonds. Those outstanding loans or bonds were given by lenders based upon false financial statements. Now the county’s financial statements need to be written down by the $9 million. This write down must be, and apparently has been, reported to bond holders and perhaps even the SEC. Under these circumstances the county’s bond rating will almost certainly be reduced, which means the rate of interest the county pays on all its loans will go up. This will negatively impact the county’s finances. I can’t help wondering why Treasurer Ken Wilbur, never saw this. Would not ordinary reconciliation have shown a lack of $9 million? Carol Sacks

This Town is Very Lucky with Volunteers

Dear Bob, I read the letter in the Chronicle last week praising the Fire Company. I had to write in and agree 100%. This town is very lucky to have such a great group of volunteers. They respond to everything and we really need them. I don’t think the town really understands that if the volunteers stopped volunteering we would have to have a full time paid fire department. There is nothing more expensive than that. Thank you Bruce

The 2nd Annual Hillsdale/Copake Fall Harvest Festival

Dear Editor: The 2nd Annual Hillsdale/Copake Fall Harvest Festival was a huge success! Despite gloomy weather predictions, the rain held off long enough for everyone to enjoy the day and all it had to offer: farmers’ wares; a bake sale; a silent auction; Halloween Face Painting by Tracy Hanselman; 4H sheep petting; Main Farm calf petting; music by local musicians (The BH Brothers, Civilian, The Varriales, The Hillsdale Hillbillies, and Paul Slusar & Chris Dellea); food, featuring a Pig Roast by the Hillsdale Fire Co.; drinks by the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts; and hay wagon rides. Many activities were ongoing throughout the day, including turkey calling demonstrations, kids’ games, pumpkin decorating, sack races, duck races in the Roe Jan Kill, a “biggest pumpkin” contest, an apple pie contest, and more. This special event has a unique vision. Unlike each town’s individual-annual community day, it is a chance for our towns to join together at fall harvest time in the new Roeliff Jansen park to celebrate our local agriculture, and our local farmers’ wares, which are a featured aspect of the festival. We all agree that we live in a beautiful little piece of the world, and the Festival encourages us to come out and connect with nature, our community members, and be grateful for the precious land we share. As this year’s event Chair, I personally want to thank all members of the community for your hard work, support, and generosity. Specifically, I thank our enthusiastic event participants, including Rose Rita Peterson Scarecrow Display, St Bridget Universal Prayer Garden, Cornell Cooperative Extention, Farmscape Ecology program at Hawthorne Valley, Friends of Taconic State Park, Old Rte. 22 Dog run group, Roeliff Jansen Historical Society, Trout Unlimited, and Hawk Dance Farm. Many thanks also to our donors for donations including silent auction items, donuts from Stewarts, syrup from Camphill Village, apples from Philip’s Orchard, Love Apple Farm, and Threshold Farms, gourds from Samascott Orchard, potatoes from Staron Farm and Honey Dog Farm, pumpkins from White Oak Farm, and various vegetables from the farmers’ market. I would like to thank our generous sponsors, including the Town of Hillsdale, Columbia County Tourism, Salisbury Bank & Trust Co, Copake Park & Recreation, Hillsdale Highway Dept., Hillsdale IGA, North Mountain Nursery & Farmstand, Roeliff Jansen Community Library, and Taconic Valley Lawn & Garden. Finally, I would like to extend special thanks to all the volunteers, whether behind the scenes or working that day, including the Roeliff Jansen Park Steering committee, the Harvest Festival committee, and all who helped make this event so wonderful by their participation and attendance. The day couldn’t have happened without you all! Next year’s Festival is planned for Saturday, October 2, 2010, and will be held rain or shine, as there is plenty of barn and tent coverage. The Roeliff Jansen Park Steering committee will organize the event in 2010 and beyond: the goal is that the “Roe Jan Harvest Festival” will truly engage all the Roe Jan towns, in addition to Copake and Hillsdale, and that community members from across the region will participate in the festivities and unite through our area’s bountiful harvest. See you next year! Most sincerely, Christina Dellea Hillsdale 2008/2009 Harvest Festival Chair

The Copake Fire Dept. Professional, Polite and well Trained

Bob, your newspaper is a great service to the town. I think that the new reports that you are publishing about the fire department and all the calls they make is an important civic lesson for us all. Something we don't think about often enough. We are lucky to have such a terrific department here in Copake. In the few times I have met them they have always been professional, polite and it seems to me very well trained. Their Chiefs and the whole town should be very proud, and I think lucky to have such a group. Oh yes and they make great chicken BBQ too. John R.

Rush to Judgment

Rush to Judgment “Mr. Blue,” I believe this is yours,” yelled the man standing outside my porch. Just a moment before on this quiet late Saturday morning, Ihad been startled by a loud and furious banging on the porch door. Sticking my head out from the kitchen doorway, I saw Bill Kane standing there, his face red and full of rage. “What’s the problem?” I asked at which he dropped a heavy, large black garbage bag on my lawn. “This is the problem,” he said. You left your garbage in the garbagecan at the clubhouse. I barely knew Bill. At the time he was still living in Taconic Shores (where I live) and once or twice we had had abrief conversation. "Well," I said, trying to stay calm. "First of all, that's where garbage is supposed to be left - in garbage cans. And secondly, it's not my garbage. "And I told him where it had come from. Earlier that morning I had been riding in Taconic Shores when I passed a friend picking up some garbage that someone had strewn all over a grassy public area. I stopped and she expressed annoyance about the situation. "But I don'tknow what to do with this bag now," she said pointing to the garbage that she had accumulated. It was too big to fit into the small town County bags that I had bought , but I volunteered "I'll take it over to the clubhouse for you. "At the clubhouse office I described the situation to Joanne who works there. "Dump it in one of the garbage cans in the back," she said. And that's what I did. I quickly told all this to Bill,. "Well I'm having a party in the clubhouse later today, and I don't want to have to deal with your garbage, he replied. And he stormed away, leaving the garbage behind,and leaving me with the impression that he had not heard a word I said. No good deed goes unpunished. Now Bill is running for Town Justice against an incumbent, Brian Herman, who also has years of experience as a trained attorney. Let's see, who do I want as a town justice? Someone trained in the law who has the capacity to listen and reason things through? Or someone who makes snap judgments and ignores the facts? Hmmm. Howard Blue

Revive the Copake Movie Theater

Bob, As I knocked on doors to register "weekenders", one couple in a very substantial house in West Copake on Rhoda pond, bent my ear for over a quarter of an hour about the loss of the movie house. As they put that bee in my ear , I could not agree more with your Chronicle sentiments about it's loss, and the forming of a group to revive it with private funds, (a co-op). With the demise of the Hudson plex, there is a marketing opportunity for one in Copake. This could be the central event in the revitalization plan. Perhaps the township can donate some land. Perhaps the old railroad station buildings could be moved to it and renovated. Since the mode today is a plex, the small spaces in the two buildings would not be limiting. There is a lot of private money in Copake as the Library indicated. Why not go after it? Leonard

About The Chronicle

I have learned more from this paper than any other source since moving here eight years ago Laurie

Improving the Quality of the Police

Lately there has been a lot of discussion about the Copake Police force. Some think cutting the hours is a good place to save money. Others feel cutting it would be an invitation for more crime.

There is a third option and that is to mere the Copake police into the County Sheriffs organization. It is something that is not new and is similar to what is under consideration in Hamilton County, Ohio. Hamilton County includes the city of Cincinnati, and many other small municipalities. Norwood, Ohio is an example. It measures just one mile by two mile or about 1200 acres.

While Copake is much bigger in size than Norwood, it has many less people making efficiency policing harder to achieve. Merging the smaller police forces has been tried around Louisville, Kentucky too. The experience in Louisville has been that it did not save any money, but did improve the efficiency and quality of policing. Merging the Copake Police into the County Sheriffs office should offer similar results. There is little question a larger police force can offer better training, more flexibility in scheduling with better utilization of equipment. By merging the Copake Police the town would not save money but would improve the quality of policing.

Grant

JunkYard Wars

JunkYard Wars

Several months ago, Town Board leadership decided to appoint a task force to review the only zoning law in Copake that is still under the Town Board’s direct control. To be clear, Motor Vehicle Storage Permit regulation of junk yards and motor vehicle operations are, in every other town I know, regulated by zoning, not by town boards – and there are very good reasons for that.

Copake’s citizens may well decide they like the message it sends to visitors when junkers are strewn along entry roads to our town. There is, however, no argument about the environmental consequences of leaving rusting, useless hulks along the road and in fields for years. That is why in virtually every other town across America, requires permits and regulations to store rusting vehicles whose broken or dismantled parts leak anti -freeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid, motor, transmission and rear end oil into town grounds and water systems where those toxic fluids and rust leach into the earth and water, are almost impossible to get. This is not a Republican v Democrat issue. This is not a political football to use in election politics. This is an important land use issue about poisoning land and people. In every other town I know, it’s decided by professionals, not amateurs running for local office.

Sadly, that is what has happened in Copake. The first step in politicizing this important law, was Republican majority leadership on the board, naming the two fellow nominees for Copake Town Board, Harvey Weber and Joe Laporta as the majority members of the “Task Force.”

It’s been reported to me that Mr. Weber and Laporta said they don’t need to listen to the local ZBA or Planning Board – both of whom wrote strong letters to the Town Board leadership condemning the “Task Force”.

The ZBA stressed, among other things, that environmental issues are not being addressed with this law. The planning Board stressed that junkyards are not allowed in Copake period. They recommended that the entire chapter 156, addressing this issue needs to be re-written by a professional, land-use attorney – as opposed to two candidates running for public office.

There may be a short term victory here for our junkyard operations masquerading as repair shops but it’s hardly a legacy to be proud of. I note that Mr.Weber, as recently as October 7, spoke proudly of his commitment to the environment but I find that hard to square that with his commitment to junkyards in Copake. There’s still time for Mr. Weber to reject his defense of polluters. It may be good politics for their votes and fundraising but toxic policy for our citizens.

I do hope our two candidates on the “Task Force” will air their thoughts about their conduct by speaking to us in public forums and in print between now and November two. The election will be over in a few weeks, but Copake’s citizens and its children will live with the results of this reckless decision in their food and water for years to come.

Ian

With Great Appreciation

Dear Bob:

The chronicle keeps getting better and better. You have performed such a great service for Copake. I have begun sharing it with friends and family around the country and they love it too. My son lives in Virginia and he feels reconnected to home by reading your web site each week. I just wanted to say thank you. I can’t imagine how many hours it takes you to make it so enjoyable, but we all love it.

With great appreciation.

Amanda

Grants for the Court Room

To the Editor, I recently received a campaign flyer for Judge Brian Herman running for reelection in the Town of Copake. After reading his flyer I am a bit confused about what he is claiming he did for the Town of Copake. Specifically obtaining a grant for a new rug in the main room of the Copake Town Hall. Yes we have a new rug & a grant was obtained for it, but Judge Herman at the January reorganization meeting told the town board & the public that his court clerk was solely responsibly for the grant for the carpeting. Now he is saying he obtained the grant. Is he being a little dishonest here or is he just playing with words in his flyer. In either case, I believe he is not being totally honest with the taxpayers & residents of Copake. Therefore how do we know he will not carry this dishonesty to the courtroom? Maybe it’s time for the voters of Copake to elect a new judge.

Jeff Nayer

Copake

WHERE ARE THE COPAKE REPUBLICANS?

LETTER TO THE EDITOR WHERE ARE THE COPAKE REPUBLICANS? Two weeks ago, the Copake Democratic candidates for reelection to Town Council and for assessor released the 2009 platform stating their position on key issues in this year’s election. In summary, it states, 1. We support the creation of a balanced and sensible line-item budget. 2. Your Democratic team supports and is currently promoting a town-wide referendum on the Copake Green project. This 122 acres of prime agricultural land must be protected. We encourage the Town Board of Copake to express strong opposition to this project. The future of the hamlet is at stake. 3. We support the long-term development of Copake to be both environmentally protected and economically viable. 4. We are totally committed to open government and the strict adherence to Open Meeting Law. 5. We support the development of intelligent alternative energies in the Town of Copake including solar, wind and hydropower. 6. We support the long neglected pursuit of fair and equitable property assessments for all. 7. We believe town government should enthusiastically encourage the efforts of local citizen groups and business people to revitalize the economy of our community. 8. We strongly support our agricultural heritage, recognizing that farmland preservation is the key to protecting our open spaces. 9. We Recognize the contributions that our seniors make to the community, we support initiatives which will assist our seniors in remaining within and contributing to our community. 10. We will continue the on-going fight to protect our environment and to develop a plan for the conservation of our agricultural land and our precious water resources. 11. We are committed to running our campaign based upon issues, the truth and positive change, not personal attacks. Clearly, the Democratic candidates intend to run a campaign based upon issues and not innuendo and lies. Where are the Republican candidates? They have made no public statement about where they stand on key issues. Are they planning last minute surprises, and perhaps lies, as they did at the last minute in the 2007 campaign about 27% tax increases, leaving no time to rebut or tell the truth? It would be typical of the campaigns run by the Republicans in Copake over the years. On Tuesday, the Republican Supervisor submitted a tentative budget to the Town Board calling for a 56% increase in Town taxes. If we were Republicans and the Democrats were in the majority, we would scream that increase from the roof tops. We don't do that We know that the Board will likely reduce the budget to reduce that tax increase. The Board Democrats will push for that. Morris Ordover

An Idea about the Copake Police Force

While I agree there really is not a need for a police force in Copake you seem to be hitting a stone wall. My suggestion would be to house the police in the west copake firehouse,which we own as citizens, eliminating the rent being paid now. It is not economically feasible not to utilize this space which is closer to the actual center of Copake. They can find somewhere else to store whatever is there. This is a fairly new building so not much needed to update if anything at all.Just a suggestion if you continue to be stonewalled. Ann

I am not a member of any political party

I am not a member of any political party, and I don’t know why anyone joins one, except for the rare few who get their full time jobs that way. The rest of us have to work damn hard for an honest living. But I wanted to say that I appreciate the hard work you do in putting out the Chronicle each week. I find that it is not a partisan newsletter and I sense that you work very hard to keep it as neutral as is possible. I wanted to thank you for that effort and the time it must take for you to publish this each and every week. My wife and I look forward it. Ralph

A thought after reading about the revitalization of downtown Copake

I just signed up for the Chronicle. A thought after reading about the revitalization of downtown Copake. It is an eyesore, but how about finding and getting local artists to donate their time to paint the empty store windows with local scenes in some and fake store interiors with customers. Make an event out of the unveiling. A drive-by art gallery. Also, save one window for the ubiquitous grade school drawings that mothers love... Cheers, Jon.

Public libraries essential part of having an educated population

Public libraries funded by tax money are an essential part of having an educated and literate population. The councilman may have priorities which may preclude his being in favor of libraries such as an uninformed electorate able to be more easily misled. Circulating libraries such as the one in Hillsdale provide not only books and other materials for general entertainment but also reference and research materials of current topics of interest. Is there perhaps something in the research stacks that of any of the candidates might prefer to be kept unread. - Anonymous

I don't want to meet or talk politics

So I am not a democrat or a republican, that makes me an independent. I am fine with that. But would really bothers me the past few weeks is the constant barrage of political interruptions at my house. Phone calls from candidates, having candidates brought to my house. Am I rude for not answering the door? Maybe. But after working all day and need some time to relax, I don't want to meet or talk politics. Even on the weekend too..... I'll vote when I want to vote..if you have something leave it my mailbox.. I am fine with that. If I see a politician or a supporter coming, I will not answer the door or I will tell them don't want to talk politics... enough is enough....

as a matter of fact I am writing this, because someone was just pounding on my door...!!!

Mike Streeter

Is there a Petition to De-fund the Library?

Although no official word has been received from the Copake Town Board, I understand that Councilman Tompkins has initiated a petition to de-fund the library. This would be a tremendous disservice to the growing number of citizens of Copake – both young and old – who have increasingly taken advantage of the library’s wonderful resources in these difficult times. It is particularly unfortunate that Councilman Tompkins would make such a proposal at a time when a new state-of-the-art library is under construction – in Copake. Most municipalities celebrate their libraries and recognize their critically important role in the community, and I hope that the Town of Copake will continue its partnership with Hillsdale and Ancram in keeping our wonderful library alive.

In 1994, the voters of Copake overwhelmingly voted to fix the town’s contribution to the Roe-Jan Library at $37,500, matching, in per capita terms, the amount paid by taxpayers in Hillsdale. Despite rising costs, that amount has remained constant for five years. It amounts to just over $6.50 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, or $12 per parcel, a little more than a quarter of what we pay for our police force, and less than we pay for the salaries of the town board and its accountant(s).

Thanks to our many volunteers and private donors, the Roeliff-Jansen Community Library is one of the least costly within the sixty-six libraries in the mid-Hudson area, yet it ranks very high in cardholders and circulation. Last month alone, more than 2000 people visited our cramped old library in Hillsdale.

In hard times such as these, the library grows in importance as a resource for job seekers and those who can no longer afford their own internet services, movies and books. It would be tragic if—just as we are nearing completion of our new building in Copake—we would be forced to drastically cut our operating hours and services.

Mr. Tompkins and his family may not the library, but I would hope that he and other members of the council appreciate its importance to those who do. It has been a long time since I have used a town playground—an item that receives the same tax levy contribution as the library in the budget-- but I recognize its value to those who do and would hate to see our play areas eliminated. I would urge the councilman and his colleagues to accord the same respect to those who value computers and books. Mr. Tompkins petition is unwise and almost certainly illegal for reasons I would have been happy to explain had he accorded us the courtesy of asking our advice.

Ned Schneier

The Task Force has Failed with their Assignment.

Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Copake 230 Mountain View Road Copake NY 12529 September 1, 2009 Attention: Supervisor Crowley and Members of the Town Board; We, The Zoning Board of Appeals, upon the request of the Town Board, have reviewed the proposed changes to Chapter 156; Junkyards and Motor Vehicle Storage Areas. In our opinion, the Task Force has failed with their assignment. Our Town is changing, the times are changing. We want these business' to remain in Copake, but there is a need for them to" clean up their act", and take some pride in their business'. This street of mixed use, residential and business is the southern entrance of the town. First impressions are made here, how do we want to portray our town? Clearly the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has issued these business' a license. It clarifies whether they are a repair, dismantler, dealer, or a combination, with clear and precise rules as to what they are and are not allowed to do. However, the question remains, What exactly are they licensed to do, and are they in compliance with the licenses that have been issued? Furthermore, the proposed changes are far too vague, they need to be more specific. The issue has been "white-washed or swept under the carpet" and will be impossible to enforce since there is no structure, with far too many loop holes. Safety, environmental issues, noise, pollution, and fire codes have not been addressed. Many residents within the town have expressed concerns of the ground water issues, imagine what 60 cars to the first acre, not to exceed 200 for the additional acreage will do to the ground water, keeping in mind the stream and wetlands that surround some of these areas. Why would we allow vehicles for repair to be placed with vehicles for sale? Is it not an eye sore as well as a safety issue to allow a car with no tires and on blocks or one with no fenders to remain in the front. Will a four foot space between rows of stored vehicles be ample to allow a fire truck or emergency vehicles access in case of a fire, spill, or accident? Why would we change the fencing requirement setbacks from 300 feet to 50 feet? Who will reap the benefit here, the residential neighboring property? Imagine their air quality, will trees screen the fumes as well? We do not endorse the proposed changes to Chapter 156, of the Town Law, and we recommend that the Task Force be returned to complete the task to which they were assigned. In addition, it is recommended that prior to writing out any proposed future changes that they meet with the Planning Board and The Zoning Board of Appeals and at least hear their recommendations, as well as input from the Zoning Enforcement Officer, The Building Inspector, The Fire Chief, DEC, and any other pertinent party. Most Sincerely, The Board Members of The Zoning Board of Appeals

Planning Board advises the Town Board against the enactment of Local Law 3

September 8, 2009 Memo To: The Copake Town Board Re: Chapter 156 Junkyard and Motor Vehicle Storage Areas Local Law 3, 2009 From: Copake Planning Board The Copake Planning Board advises the Town Board against the enactment of Local Law 3, 2009 for the reasons listed below: The Planning Board reviewed Chapter 156 Code Town of Copake; the proposed Local Law No.3, 2009; excerpts from General Municipal Law 136 that may apply in Copake; the December 23, 2008 recommendations by Copake ZEO, Ed Ferratto. We recommend that the entire Chapter 156 be reviewed and revised by a Land Use Attorney considering the recommendations made by /I The Copake Motor Vehicle Storage Task Force," the State Laws and the recommendations made by the ZEO and the Planning Board. Examples of suggestions for revisions: Chapter 156-2 Definitions. Junkyards are not allowed in Copake. All references to them should be removed. Does the definition exist to clarify exactly what a junkyard is? If so, it should better defined. Motor Vehicle Storage Areas should be better defined and divided into definitions for businesses and personal use. Chapter 156 -3 A. According to Copake Zoning Laws, junkyards are not allowed in Copake. Chapter 156 - 3 B. Include requiring a Site Plan Review by the Planning Board (SPR is good for 3 years and then must be renewed.), or subject to a yearly special use permit issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Chapter 156 - 4. Application for a license. Include the completion of a Site Plan Review, or subject to a yearly special use permit issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Chapter 156 - 7. License fee. Should reconcile to current Building/Planning/Zoning fees and be increased to at least $100 or allocated per stored vehicle. Chapter 156 - 8. Fencing. Screening and other environmental impacts would be included in Site Plan Review. Chapter 232 Zoning- Table of Use Attachment 2:2. Add footnote''B" Requires Site Plan Permit to fI Auto Repair, car wash" under Business Uses in zones B-1, B-2, and 1-1. OR Chapter 232 Zoning - Table of Use Attachment 2:2. Change the P to X in the B-2 and I-I Zones under fI Auto Repairs, car wash" under Business Uses.

Copake History and Big Thunder Day

I liked your suggestion about something to do in the center of Copake. I have often thought it might be fun to do a reenactment of what happened in 1844 at what was then Sweets Tavern when papers were taken from Sheriff Miller and burned in the Square. It was all part of the Anti-Rent War and is included in by book. The day should be remembered by a state marker as well. While the event took place in December, a warmer month would be better for the reenactment. I am enclosing a copy of a open letter I sent to the Historical Society concerning the History on the Copake web site. It was mailed yesterday and I expect it will not be read until the next meeting Grant Dinehart Langdon August 26, 2009 Roeliff Jansen Historical Society P.O. Box 172 Copake Falls, N.Y. 12517 Dear Fellow Members. I remember going to one of the first meetings of the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society meeting when Ray Burch commented, “There must be something important around here, The place is so dam old.” Indeed Ray was right. The place is old and indeed something of importance did happen here. First, thanks to Ruth Piwonka the first leas on the great flat at Taconic on Livingston Manor was discovered. Ruth gave a copy of her notes to Eleanor Mettler who gave it to my mother, the town historian. It is positive proof of settlement in 1687. A second event was in the literature all along. I found it in the Documentary History of the State of New York, vol 3 published by Weed, Parsons & Co. in 1850. It provided copies of documents and letters about the border problems and the resulting conflict When I go into the history of Copake on the Copake web site I find a fine history of Copake written for the Independent by Eleanor based on what was then known about the history of Copake. In view of the new discoveries I feel it should be updated. I have written something I feel might be appropriately added to what is there. Sincerely, Grant Langdon

Thank you for the Time and Energy

Bob, As a long time resident of Copake I want to thank you for the time and energy in putting together the Copake Chronicle. I can’t imagine how many hours it takes you, but the results are terrific. I read each and every issue from cover to cover. Well, you don’t actually have covers, but you know what I mean. Your coverage of the town is superb and I wanted you to know I appreciate the effort. Ralph

Copake Falls Community Day Committee Thank You

To the Editor: As a resident of Copake Falls, I would like to thank the Copake Falls Community Day Committee for all their hard work in letting people know what a nice place this is to live. They cheerfully set about planning a wonderful day and making it happen, just for the fun of it. I think they were very successful in showing the natural beauty and history of our home and the artistic talent and good hearts of the people who live here. It may have been a rainy morning, but watching my busy and excited neighbors making things ready for others' enjoyment, I felt my spirits lift just as though the sun was shining anyway. Melissa Cockerham

Common Sense Makes me Questions why Copake Needs a Police Force.

First, I have to say that I am not keeping up with the Copake news as I would like to but my common sense makes me questions why Copake even needs a police force. We are spending so much money to keep a police force that is not needed. Why can't we give the Sheriffs Dept. an area in the town hall and have them patrol our area? We have more police vehicles than police on duty, again more money being wasted. On a positive note, I am glad to see that Copake has obtained a new accountant. Thank you again for your time spent writing the Chronicle. Patricia Phesay

MAN OVERBOARD *

MAN OVERBOARD * The waves crash down, the timbers creak, For the budget proposed is terribly bleak. Flowing red ink’s an imminent stain, and beyond that’s a case of eminent domain. The crew in its grief calls out for the chief— his absence in crisis sails beyond their belief. The mates call down to the cabin below, then knock on the door with a thunderous blow. They return in a stupor. There’s no sign of the Super. So they turn by themselves to the crisis financial, as he rests to prepare for the less consequential. He’s covered for this time—well, sorta— by filling his chair with his friend Joe LaPorta. The rest of the Board fill their own obligation, while their leader appears to be still on vacation. · Commentary by Mac Simms on the absence of Supervisor Reginald Crowley from the Copake Town Board meeting on August 13, 2009

A correction about the Dineharts

I just finished reading about the Dineharts...actually, I sent a bit of a correction. Olive Langdon wasn't a Dinehart. She was a Fisher. Grant Langdon was related to the Dineharts. Sook Langdon or Grant " Mike" Langdon would be able to give the proper lineage. They are Olive's sons. Judy

Just a little info on the Dinehart family

I have several photos of my parents and myself on the lawn of the Dinehart Farm in West Copake (by the metal bridge). We lived in a small apartment in the farm house there. Mr. and Mrs. Dinehart were very kind to me as I remember. I used to be fond of a little foot stool that Mr. Dinehart had by the hearth in the kitchen and he let me sit on it whenever I visited. These Dinehart’s would have been Olive Dinehart Langdon’s parents. I do not remember any children living there at the time so I assume they were adults. Just a little info on the Dinehart family. Carol Gansowski

Post Card of Edgewood

As soon as I saw the Post card of Edgewood I knew where it was...before reading your article about it. My family built a house on the "Shores" in 1960. I needed allergy shots weekly, so when we were in Copake for the summer we needed to find a Dr. to administer the shots. We were directed to the clinic in Hillsdale. It was located on Rt 22 just north of Rt. 23 on the left hand side. Is this the Clinic I went to? Thanks for the great web-zine? George Shaw

The Copake Town Clerk

More specifically, the town clerk. As a fairly new member of the community, 4 yrs (almost), I have had reason to seek out Vanna Hotaling for various reasons. Vanna has always been courteous and knowledgeable whenever I've had a question, and there have been many. She always makes me feel welcome in her office and as though mine was the most important situation she needed to deal with. We are lucky to have the staff in the town clerk's office. Susan McAvoy Taconic Shores

Opinion Changed on Housing Development

I really had no opinion on the housing developement but after reading the article in your Chronicle I'm thinking we don't need to get mixed up with this mess. If he can't pay his bills then what makes you think he will be able to finish the project. I don't think any body would like to see a half finished project sitting out were any one can see it. Just one more thing the town would have on their plate. Ruth Harvey

Three Views of Copake in our last issue

It was interesting to see the three views of Copake in your last issue. The General Store was built by my great grandfather, Grant D. Langdon in 1890 after he old store that had been moved from up main street burned. That building was the Methodist Church before it was moved to the corner. An account of the fire is in my book Scandal in the Courtroom.The building where the Drug store is was the livery for Miller House, which was owned by my great grandfather at one time too. His grandfather, John Langdon was Supervisor and had a town office in the building. My second book is now available and also includes some local history. It is Rebels of the North, How Land Policy Caused the Civil War. Both books are available at my web site, www.grantlangdon.com.

An Open Letter To All Interested Copake Taxpayers

An Open Letter To All Interested Copake Taxpayers An individual who I consider to be a friend, and who is a Republican candidate for the Copake Town Board, has voiced criticism of the Democratic minority members of the Copake Town Board for not following the Town Manual regarding audits of Town spending. I must remind him that he must get his facts correct if he wants to be critical. The Town Policy Manual was passed by the Democratic majority in 2007, and included a requirement regarding CPA audits of Town records. The first two opportunities to perform such audits were after the end of the 2007 and 2008 tax years in early 2008 and 2009, when the Republicans had the Board majority. If he is being critical, and rightly so, of the Board's inaction, it is the inaction of the Republican controlled Board that he is criticizing, the Board that he aspires to join. The Town Supervisor is responsible for following the Policy Manual with the consent of the Board. It is not up to one particular member of the minority to assure that the Policy Manual is followed. The problem now seems to be that there is a deficit because of the economy, but no one knows at this time just what that deficit is because the numbers reported are inconsistent. It is now necessary to go back and perform the audits that were required by the Town Policy Manual before we can learn what the impact of the deficit will be on our taxes next year. Morris Ordover

PUTTING THE TOWN FIRST

PUTTING THE TOWN FIRST

I would like to commend Linda Gabaccia and Bob Sacks on their effort to make a financial sacrifice, even though the rest of the board did not agree. These are the types of people we need on our town board.

The ideas that came from Bob and Linda and the rest of the people that attended the budget meeting were refreshing. To see people involved with such passion was a positive step forward. Missing from this meeting was our deputy supervisor Joe Laporta and Harvey Webber who are both running for our two town board seats in November. How they can miss this mandatory and critically important meeting when all departments had to be there is beyond me. If they think their ideas are not important enough for us to hear, then how can they say they are truly interested in Copake. Yes, it’s a tough time for the town. That’s when we need people to stand together not apart.

George Fillipovits

The Astors and Dineharts

Bob:

Fascinating article for me as my house is in West Copake just down the road from the Reformed Church and the churchyard where various Astors and Dineharts are buried.

Do you have any idea where "The Big House" was located and what became of it?

I am under the impression that "Suk" Langdon's mother was a Dinehart. However her farm was in Copake proper and his mid-way between Copake and West Copake.

Any light you can shed would be interesting to me.

Thanks

Leonard Ladin

Saving Money in the Present Budget Crisis

Saving Money in the Present Budget Crisis

Hearing one option to saving money in the present budget crisis is cutting the police budget. That causes me to think back to when Copake was protected by three part time constables. It also was covered by the County Sheriff and the State Police at that time. At one time the State Police stationed a policeman and a car in Copake. That work very well and was easy on the local budget. In earner times they had a mounted policeman that stabled his horse at my barn on Church Street. That barn burned in 1985, was arson and the Copake Police was named the lead agency in investigating that fire. They proved to be no help at all, and the arson investigation by the State never took place even though it was requested by the then Fire Chief, Dell Walton. It is up to the people of Copake to decide how they want to be policed, but it does need to be policed.

Grant langdon

The Copake News and Politics Forum

For over a year now, Copake has an emailed Internet forum on news and politics. Currently 200 of your neighbors subscribe to it. We all know that government functions best when citizens are informed and involved and the forum has made great strides to accomplish this. Think back to when Chief Assessor Harry Higgins was assigning outrageous assessments to some homeowners and carrying out illegal schemes on the job. A group of citizens got together and publicized what they knew about this. Ultimately Higgins was convicted on felony counts. Bob’s Copake Chronicle, which appears periodically, has been doing an excellent job as an online newspaper. For over a year now, Copake has an emailed Internet forum on news and politics. Currently 200 of your neighbors subscribe to it. We all know that government functions best when citizens are informed and involved and the forum has made great strides to accomplish this. Think back to when Chief Assessor Harry Higgins was assigning outrageous assessments to some homeowners and carrying out illegal schemes on the job. A group of citizens got together and publicized what they knew about this. Ultimately Higgins was convicted on felony counts. Bob’s Copake Chronicle, which appears periodically, has been doing an excellent job as an online newspaper. The Copake News and Politics forum which functions on an almost daily basis, supplements that by serving as a channel for late breaking information about important meetings in Town Hall etc. and giving voice on important issues to any resident who subscribes. To receive a maximum of one email daily with whatever postings that may have been sent by your neighbors that day, contact me at Khovard@Juno.com Just insert the words "subscribe digest" in the subject area of your message Howard Blue Moderator of the Copake News and Politics Forumwhich functions on an almost daily basis, supplements that by serving as a channel for late breaking information about important meetings in Town Hall etc. and giving voice on important issues to any resident who subscribes. To receive a maximum of one email daily with whatever postings that may have been sent by your neighbors that day, contact me at Khovard@Juno.com Just insert the words "subscribe digest" in the subject area of your message Howard Blue Moderator of the Copake News and Politics Forum

Henry Astor and the Swimming Hole

Bob: The NYT obit of Henry Astor is the first real indept account that I have ever had the pleasure of reading about "ol Henry Astor. As kids we were always in awe of the barns in West Copake, some of the Astor houses and the general appearance of West Copake itself. I believe the "Big House" was torn down before I was born.

My Grandmother, Mina Ackley was born in West Copake across from the Dutch Reform church where her family too attended services. I don't recall her ever talking about Henry Astor. Probably my grandmother's family thought little of Astor and his money, therefore, no conversation in public. Grammy was not known as a warm and talkative woman.

I'm of the mind that Sook or John Langdon may have some Astor information as it was their relative who married Astor. I know Sook talks about the Dineharts often. Melvina was a Dinehart and Sooks ancestor.

My family's farm, Empire Farm on Empire Rd was built by Henry Astor. He loved racing horses. He put in the first race track the farm had back at the end of the 19th century. One of the barns, now gone, burned in the Copake Fires , was dated 1898.

My sister Mary has an old photo of the farm as Astor would have known it. I have a postcard photo that is in Florida.

We used to swimming in the Roe Jan Kill down at Killian Waldorf's.. I don't know the name of that place now, but the post card Chris Quimby shows is a very similar view.

We swam in the Bash Bish that ran thru our farm...no large tree for a rope to swing from there...was one at Waldorf's...fun, fun, fun so long ago.

Judy