Copake Sign Ordinance

Does the Copake sign ordinance require that "out of use" signs be removed? I believe there is such a requirement for temporary signs such as political campaign signs. But what about businesses that go bust? The restaurant on Route 22 just north Copake Falls was last in business briefly around the start of 2009. Its signs are still up promising a great breakfast deal. Random Harvest is long gone, but its signs still advertise organic produce. No doubt there are other examples, including empty stores in the center of Copake. Shouldn't these signs be removed when there is no viable business? They are unsightly and they emphasize to passers-by that Copake is full of failed enterprises. Not the message we want to send, I'm sure.


Dale Peterson

Brilliance of the Annual Light Parade of Copake

Dear Editor, I just wanted to share with our community how heartwarming it was to see so many neighbors come together and share in the brilliance of the Annual Light Parade of Copake on such a frigid Saturday night. We purposely come out of our warm, comfy homes knowing how cold it is to partake in the festivities and join in the good will we feel when surrounded by our neighbors and family. Truly a beautiful picture of how community organizations and individuals come together for the betterment of all. A theme that can be replicated all year long if we allow it.


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Everyone.
Joan Spencer

Anger of Party Chairs Ironic

To the party chairs clamoring for Baer's removal and

demanding an end to autocratic, secret back-room deals, I
have to ask: You're angry...NOW?

For years you have supported the very policies and behavior
that you are demanding to have end, but NOW you're angry.

Forgive me for pointing this out, but the absurd irony of this
statement is surpassed only by the logic of giving tax breaks
to the wealthy--increasing the national debt to unprecedented
levels--in exchange for extending benefits for the long-term
unemployed.

So now, after years of not only failing to protect the citizens
from this destructive, self-interested behavior, we have a
declaration from some of Baer's former cheerleaders that it
must come to an end.

Makes me wonder if one of the writers found themselves on
the receiving end of Baer's "autocratic and secretive"
managerial style and were otherwise "alienated, threatened
or dismissed".

You might be reminded that all of this occurred on your
watch, and was made possible by your active support, or at
the very least, tacit approval.

Just so that we all understand: The same individuals who
have a record of steadfast support for all of these misguided,
self-interested and financially devastating acts are now
leading the charge for open and transparent government.

And you expect us to take you seriously.

Rose Aulino
Copake

Didi Barrett Thanks Columbia County

To the Editor,


As we enter the holiday season and look ahead to 2011, I want to take this moment to thank friends and neighbors in Dutchess and Columbia Counties for the extraordinary opportunity to run to represent them in the New York State Senate. I am honored by the 37,000 citizens who voted for me and I am inspired by the many hundreds of citizens who volunteered throughout the campaign. They gave extraordinary time, energy and financial support. They, too, wanted to see a more transparent, accountable and sensible state government.

No turnout figures or percentage of the vote begin to tell the stories of the people, young and old, that we connected with over these last nine months. I am very proud of the race we ran. We gave voice to many folks throughout this district who have felt ignored for way too long. We spoke passionately about the beautiful Hudson Valley and the need to find economic engines that attract sustainable jobs, protect our natural resources and farms, and celebrate the best of our region.

We traveled many times from one end of this incredibly diverse district to the other; we spent time in each of the 31 towns and three cities in the 41st State Senate district. We talked with residents about substantive issues and educated voters about the incumbent’s voting record, not his real estate.

For more than two decades, I have been an active member of the Millbrook community. I remain committed to public service and to this region. I look forward to continuing to work side by side with neighbors, community leaders and activists to make the Hudson Valley of the 21st century the best it can be for residents and visitors alike.

Thank you again,
Didi Barrett

What is the Matter with the United States?

To the editor,


What is the matter with the United States? We rank 37 in education and our medical care is not, as the Republicans claim, the best in the world but only the most expensive. Our trains run slower than most other countries and our bridges are falling apart.

I have been exchanging Christmas letters with on old collage friend, Bert Bakker, who lives in the Netherlands and have some thoughts to share. Bert recently took another trip through northern Europe after 20 years and had some observation. The stores had more goods and the people seemed better off. A second observation was there were not as many military planes flying around. Then he went past an air base and it was growing crops and had been rented out to farmers. What had changed was the USSR had collapsed and defense begets were cut. It was the old story of guns or butter.

Instead of funding our schools, building faster trains, building new bridges during the Bush administration we have spent a trillion on fighting in Iraq. We have the guns, but now we are short on butter.

Now, not one Republican voted for a measure to extend the Bush Tax Cuts to the middle class and even people with income of a million dollars. They want the tax cuts extended to multi-billionaires. And here I am a mere multi-thousandaire getting stuck with the taxes!

What happened to the GOP?\
 
Grant Langdon

Comments on the Fairness of the ZBA

I should like to second Bob's comments on the fairness of the ZBA in
the Copake Chronicle.I had the occasion to go before them on a
spurious complaint from the Zoning Enforcement Officer with which the
Building Inspector concurred. The ZBA rejected their complaints as out
of order, apologized to me for the inconvenience and I believe
reprimanded them both for forcing me to bring a case before trhe ZBA
with the considerable paper work time and photos required. Our
Community should be grateful that we have such intelligent, rational
and fair members of this Board.,

Leonard Ladin
West Copake

Reggie Shouldn’t be Crowing about Holding the Increase to 9% instead of 10%

The Republican ideal is less government, less taxes
Copake added to the budget by going to a sole assessor. The Republicans had no candidate but now Reggie gets to pick a Republican for the sole assessor. Adding hours to the Copake Police is a waste of money and efficiency. It just adds patronage jobs to help elect Republicans. Copake taxpayers will be funding the Sheriff’s budget but not using their better staffed and trained services. Reggie shouldn’t be crowing about holding the increase to 9% instead of 10%. "

Grant Dinehart Langdon

Family Resource Centers of Columbia County Epress Gatitude

To the Editor,


On behalf of Family Resource Centers of Columbia County, I am writing to express our gratitude to the many families and friends who turned up for our Family Bowling Night Benefit held at the Chatham Bowl last weekend. This event was a tremendous success and raised over $1,800 for our five resource centers.

Our success would not be at all possible, especially during these difficult fiscal times, without such generous community support. We are truly fortunate to have the Chatham Bowl lend its support to us for this event each year. Our thanks also goes out the Side Door Grill for their tireless work in providing our crowd with their delicious pizzas and hospitality throughout the evening. We are truly fortunate to have these family friendly establishments in our community!

This event was also made possible by generous support from our longtime supporters, Kinderhook Bank, Guterman, Shallo and Alford, Herringtons, Chatham Brew and Fairbrother and Company.



Thank you to all for your commitment and support for the children and families served by Family Resource Centers of Columbia County.

Sincerely,
Beth St. Dennis
Executive Director

A Successful Year for Thanksgiving Baskets

To the Roe-Jan Community
Once again we had a successful year for Thanksgiving baskets. We helped 38 senior adults, 260 adults, 68 teens, 67 children and 7 babies. 147 families had a Thanksgiving meal thanks to you.

To every individual involved, thank you so much! Dave MacMillan, Chuck Weldon and the Hillsdale Fire Company - extra thanks!!

God bless,
Bette Gallup

Continually Amazed by the Copake Chronicle

Dear Bob,
Thank You. I greatly appreciate how you write each week and let the town know what is going on. You take the time to explain your actions on the board and why you vote the way you do. I know of no other town nor elected official that has the strength of character to do that. I am continually amazed by the wonderful Copake Chronicle and your dedication to the town of Copake  I just wanted you to know that I appreciate your hard work.

J.B. White

A Drunken Prank by Some Idiot

Bob,
This is the first I've learned of the vandalizing incident at the Library.
Frankly, I wouldn't give this too much play. It's likely nothing more than a drunken prank by some idiot who's too anxious for the start of deer hunting season. While the behavior is imbecilic and the idiot is a vandal -- its unlikely he targeted the Library because it represents a civilizing influence in our community.

More likely is that the building has been prominently lit up in the evenings making it a tempting target for a fool. The same kind of fool as the ones who shoot at traffic signs and the like.

Unfortunately, any society includes a fair number of clowns and miscreants in its composition. We just managed to get one who's stupid enough to drive around with a loaded rifle.

Regards,
George S

A Senseless and Unfortunate Act of Vandalism

This past weekend our community experienced a senseless and unfortunate act of vandalism. After many years of planning and hard work, the Roe Jan Library proudly opened it's doors on a new building, only to have it scarred by someone firing 6 shots into the building causing in excess of $5,000 in damage.

While the physical damage can easily be repaired, the damage to our community cannot. This cowardly and senseless act was not only an assault on a building, but an assault on the community as a whole. A library is a focal point of any community and many people worked very hard to make this library something that the whole area can be proud of.

I join my fellow Supervisors, Art Baer and Art Bassin, in condemning this act. I have spoken with Undersheriff Sweet and am assured that the Sheriff's Department in vigorously investigating this incident. The person or persons responsible for this vandalism must be brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

I urge anyone who has any information regarding this incident to contact the Columbia County Sheriff's Department at 518-828-3344.

Senseless acts like this one cannot,must not and will not be tolerated by our community.

Reginald J. Crowley
Copake Town Supervisor

Disturbed by the Destruction at the Entrance to the Park.

Dear Bob Sacks;


Thanks for your wonderful Chronicle and its binding together effect on this community.

I've just moved back here to Copake Falls and am deeply disturbed by the huge destruction going on at the entrance to the Ore Pit park.

The state is closing parks, but for a minimum 150,000 ( my guess) they've taken out a lot of beautiful trees including the gorgeous red maple Tony Fosegan planted in the little grassy roadway divider when he was park superintendent. I'm told they are putting in a 30 X 50 building to replace the smaller properly scaled old entrance building.

Has anyone seen the plans for this new building? Will it be one of those faceless tasteless metal sheds ? Bigger is not always better.

I wish the town had some oversight on future state projects here, especially when state departments, especially EnCon are so deeply riddled with petty bureaucratic politics, re: the internal vendetta against Ward Stone, the tireless expert pathologist with so many years dedicated public service.

Maybe this could be, for a change, a useful project for the local Tea Party.

Robert Wood

Highway Superintendent Bill Gregory Thanks Copake Residents

Highway Superintendent Bill Gregory thanks Copake residents

Over the last two months, I have had the good fortune to meet and talk to nearly all of the residents of our great town. Every weekend and nearly every evening, I have knocked on the doors of both old friends and new acquaintances. The experience has been both very satisfying and rewarding. To the people who took their valuable time to discuss our Highway Department, I thank you. To anyone that I have not had the privilege to meet, I apologize for not connecting with you. It has been an honor to serve as your Highway Superintendent for the last eleven months. The many words of encouragement and support that I have received during this campaign cause me to wish for the opportunity to serve the Town of Copake far into the future.

Thank you,

Bill Gregory

Didi Barrett Represents a Chance at Reform

I'm a 72 year old who has lived in New York for most of my life.  I grew up in New Orleans.  I thought Louisiana politics was mostly a corrupt joke.  Well, our current crop of New York "legislators for life", or so it seems, has made Louisiana politics look responsible and clean.  I am voting for Didi Barrett because she represents a chance at reform.  The same politicos who have created and prospered in our current dysfunctional "system" cannot reform it.  It is time for a clean break and Didi Barrett gives us a fighting chance for something better.

Ted Voelker

Copake, NY

Asking the Voters to Support Senator Steve Saland

To the Editor,

For every election people write in support of candidates for various reasons. I am asking the voters to support Senator Steve Saland in this year’s election. As a parent of an Autistic child, I know first hand the difficulties in raising and educating a child with a disability or special needs. One friend in the Senate I knew I could always count on was Senator Saland. Over his many years in public service, education has always been one of his top priorities. He has chaired many committees and sponsored many bills to insure that all of our children were given the best education public school had to offer regardless of whether or not they had a disability.  The list of education bills he sponsored is too long to list in this letter. Senator Saland’s bill(s) to have special education teachers and administrators working with Autistic children be trained in Autism was of utmost importance to insure a quality education for these children.

Senator Saland’s concern for proper success of students with disabilities doesn’t end after they graduate High School.  In 2009, when my son was attending a SUNY College  I  called Senator Saland’s office with my concern about proper support services for Students with Disabilities in College.  Not only was he concerned, he also took time out of his busy schedule to meet with my wife and myself to discuss our concerns.

After our meeting, Senator Saland followed up with a letter to the Chancellor of the SUNY Colleges to look into, and establish, a policy for proper support services at the College level. Senator Saland truly cares about this community and our children. If you have a child, relative, or friend, or know anyone who has a child with Autism or any other disability or with special needs, then there is no other choice than to vote for Senator Steve Saland on November 2.

                                                            Thank you,

                                                            Jeff Nayer

Highway Crew Supports Bill Gregory

Copake Highway Crew supports Bill Gregory

Since Bill was unanimously chosen by the Town Board to be the Highway Superintendent, he has taken to this position with ease.  He cares strongly about the job that he does here in Copake, has pride in his work, has made some major improvements to the department, and will continue to do so if given the chance.  Bill Gregory treats all of us with respect but also expects efficient, hard work out of each one of us.

As not all of us live within the town of Copake, some of us will not be able to vote for Bill in the upcoming election.  We do although, have the upper hand in knowing how it is to work for and with Bill and how well he does his job.  We can only hope that our support will help to convince those of you who will be voting in November that he is the right choice.

When casting your vote for Copake Highway Superintendent, the Copake Highway Department is asking that you vote for the candidate who has the respect of the people who work for him.

Vote Bill Gregory.

The Copake Highway Department

Tim Albright

Mike Bradway

Jeremy Holdridge

Mark Edelman

John Broggi

Mike Miller

Highway Contradictions in a Recent Article Register Star

To the Editor,

I found contradictions and misleading information in a recent article in The  Register Star on October 19th comparing the two candidates for Copake Highway Superintendent.  For example, Mr. Jamieson was quoted as saying “It’s a full-time job—I’d intend to be available full -time at half the pay,” yet his “palm card” distributed in June states that “Bill Jamieson will return the position of Highway Superintendent from full- time to part- time, cutting the salary in half.”  Not only is this clearly a contradiction, but it devalues this very important position and appears short sighted.  He added that “we don’t need a crew of eight all year.”  Bill Gregory reduced the “crew” to seven full-time employees last year when he was appointed as Highway Superintendent.  Mr. Gregory presently performs both functions of manager and “hands-on” staff at significant savings of both salary and benefits.  Does Mr. Jamieson not realize the present situation?

Other avenues which Mr. Jamieson would explore to save the town money have already been implemented by our current Highway Superintendent, Bill Gregory.  These include “extending the life of vehicles, selling unnecessary equipment, and determining true personnel needs through attrition.”    

Furthermore,  Mr. Jamieson stated he will ”limit pay raises to annual cost of living increases and restructure benefits.”  These are decisions of the Town Board, not the Highway Superintendent.  His declaration that the town bridges “desperately need repair” may be accurate however bridge repairs are the responsibility of the County, not the Town of Copake or the Highway Superintendent.

Mr. Jamieson may have 31 years of valuable experience with the County, and I’m sure his intentions are good, but relevant experience and strong management skills are what we need in Copake.  Bill Gregory has implemented innovative and insightful policies and procedures including an employee handbook, performance reviews, generation of monthly reports, and the establishment of a highway liaison.  He has demonstrated strong organizational and management skills and I feel confident in his abilities.  I suggest we support Bill Gregory for Copake Highway Superintendent in the upcoming election, as he truly understands our roads and needs, and has a long-term vision for our community.

Dr. Terry Sullivan

Copake, NY

Didi Barrett is the only "eligible" candidate!

As far as I am concerned, Didi Barrett is the only "eligible" candidate!
I don't care what the issues are, I want a State Senator that I know with much more assurance then a Senators say so that he or she doesn't have a conflict of interest and will represent NYS to the best to their abilities and not the best interests of their Law Firm, clients or fellow NYS Bar members.

It amazes me that Saland and others arn't forced to discontinue their law practices while serving in the NYS Senate and Assembly and I for one will never again vote for an attorney that isn't willing to discontinue the practice of NYS Law while they serve in office.

These attorneys are little more than lobbyists and it is you and I that are paying their $80,000 salaries.

Welsarth

This Election is About Jobs

This Election is About Jobs

I’m supporting Scott Murphy for Congress because he knows what a job is. He knows what it takes to create one and he knows why jobs disappear. He knows what it takes to create one because he has started companies. One failed, one was sold and one went public. He gets it. His opponent’s experience is in the army. You don’t learn what economic viability is in the army. You learn it in the trenches creating jobs. It’s not about fulfilling bumper sticker promises.

Do you create jobs with lower taxes or higher taxes, more regulation or less regulation? The reality is that these are all good tools when skillfully applied.

For instance, right now New York corporations, before loopholes, pay 41% taxes, a high rate by global standards. But they don’t pay any taxes on money earned abroad as long as they leave those profits abroad to grow their businesses overseas. So they have a huge incentive to create jobs for foreigners and a huge disincentive to create jobs here. Murphy knows that we can create jobs in the U.S.A. by lowering taxes on corporations on their domestic activities AND raising taxes on their foreign activity. Gibson has promised he won’t raise taxes, period. When was the last time you saw a skilled craftsman throw away a good tool? When it comes to creating jobs, Gibson is an unskilled greenhorn. Murphy is a master craftsman.

There is another thing I like about Murphy. He knows what a Republican is. His wife is one of eleven children who grew-up in Glens Falls where Murphy now lives. Since childhood she has been eating every Sunday dinner with her whole family; these days that usually means over forty people at her mother’s house. Her family is almost all Republican and Murphy is there for dinner every Sunday that he can be. From Sanskrit, “Walk together, talk together, O ye people of the earth, then and only then shall ye have peace.”

Please vote.

John Cady
Copake

A Breath of Fresh Air – Didi Barrett

A Breath of Fresh Air – Didi Barrett 

Let’s face it. We all know the New York legislative process is a mess. It’s easy for us, citizens, to throw up our hands in disgust and say, there is no sense in voting. It’s the same old, same old. Here’s our chance to make a difference.

I was privileged to meet Didi Barrett when she first declared her candidacy. I found her engaging, forthright, smart, articulate and thoughtful. It’s refreshing to see a woman step up to the plate and take on the establishment. I was amazed to discover there are only 10 female senators as opposed to 52 males in the New York Senate. Maybe if the odds changed, so would the working climate within the legislature.

I agree with her when it comes to Women’s issues, education, and the environment. Her policies are in direct opposition to her opponent, who has a record of voting against a woman’s right to choose what happens to her own body, against no fault divorce and against allowing women time off from work for breast cancer screening.

Ms Barrett has captured the imagination of many prestigious organizations. She has recently received the endorsement of U.S. Sen. Gillibrand who said, “Didi… is a proven problem solver, who is committed to turning our economy around and working with small businesses and communities to create good-paying jobs.” The League of Conservation Voters has also thrown in its support. Her opponent, Mr. Saland, holds one of the worst voting records when it comes to environmental issues.

So it’s time for a change and a breath of fresh air. Didi Barrett gets my vote in the hope that my grandchildren will not be forced to live in a world contaminated by my generation.

Judy Rusk

Support of Senator Saland and Assemblyman Molinaro

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my support of Senator Steve Saland and Assemblyman Marc Molinaro and to urge my fellow citizens to vote for their re-election.

Steve and Marc have served our area with effective professionalism and a good degree of non-partisanship.  In particular, as Copake citizens struggled with waste hauler Sal Cascino and while the majority on the town board offered no leadership whatsoever, our State representatives spoke out publically and effectively in defense of and for the benefit of all citizens of Copake.

Senator Saland and Assemblyman Molinaro deserve to be re-elected.

Sincerely,

Edgar M. Masters

After reading – After Reading About Christine O’Connell

After reading – After Reading About Christine O’Connell

I am compelled to respond. Judy yes it truly is unfortunate you didn’t have a crystal ball to look into the future. If that were the case it sounds as if you would have settled in a country that was more suitable to your beliefs. Judy you still have options in where you live, that is one of the wonderful things about our great country, the door swings both ways, you are always welcome to leave at any time. It is individuals like you, who think as you do that is motivating people to join and give power to Tea Party, so thank you. You condescending attitude and sentiments so very familiar, “If you don’t think like I do, then you are of lower intelligent and stupid.” It is one thing to disagree with others, but for you to say that you know better, and or you are smarter then more then 30,000 people who voted for O’Donnell I find offensive. If you had simple explained why you are so opposed to Ms. O’Donnell, instead just a blanket statement of because of “Her beliefs and her fiscal incompetence” I you would have explained those two point, I too my have ended up disliking her as well. I would also encourage you to look at American history. It is full of averaged Americans being elected into office, and leading successfully. As typical you and many others like you point at George W. Bush, and how he has put this country in such debt, and how our countries reputation has been ruined. Now I am not going try to defend President George W. Bush, but what about our current president. How much debt has he added in less then 2 years in office? Again I am not here to beat up on the president, I just think it is getting tiring to keep look back at just George W. Bush, when you are not willing to look at the current state of our country. I think it is only used as a distraction, as not to look at what is going on right in front of us.

Gerard Meenagh

The Saturday Sole Assessor Meeting

Mr. Sacks: I was in the town hall at the Saturday Sole Assessor meeting and I have to say that it was just plain awful.  Please tell me why we have public meetings, if the elected people don’t have any intention to listen to the citizens who elected them. The majority of the people in that room clearly said NO, NOT NOW to a sole assessor. The board just did what they wanted to do anyway. They had no plan for how to pay for this new job, just a plan to steal my ability to vote.  I am disgusted. Unless they steal that too, none of those men will ever get my vote again.

Also, some of the things said in the back of the room were just terrible. The standing woman who kept saying to take the politics out of the decision was clearly a person placed there by the supervisor, and she made no sense at all. She should be ashamed to allow herself to be used that way. It seemed to me that she was playing some kind of strange game and I was the one who lost.  


Joan
Copake

Sincere Thanks and Appreciation to the Copake Fire Dept

To the Editor:

Sincere thanks and appreciation to the Copake Fire Department and neighboring towns' emergency responders for quickly and expertly containing a blaze late Monday afternoon on top of the Bash Bish gorge in the Taconic State Park.  Copake firefighters , assisted by volunteers from Hillsdale, Craryville, Ancram, Taghkanic and Churchtown, contained the fire by nightfall.  

DEC Forest Ranger Chris Descineo and Taconic State Park General Manager Ray Doherty, along with their crews, have worked hard since early Tuesday morning to extinguish the stubborn fire completely.

We are grateful to all of the firemen and women on the scene who did such great work in a difficult, hard to reach spot on the rocky mountainside.

Sincerely,

Edgar M. Masters and Deborah Cohen

Copake Falls

After Reading About Christine O'Donnell

Hi Bob,

After reading about Christine O'Donnell, I got so upset I had to write a blog to go nowhere. 

As someone who had a choice in the country in which she could reside, I wish now that I had a crystal ball. Who would have believed that someone would get elected who would make Karl Rove look like a first choice for Democrats? In fact, one has to wonder if the Tea Party candidates have been financially supported by the Democratic party to bring the Republicans to ruin. It sure looks like that from my perspective.

Ms Christine O’Donnell’s victory as the candidate for the Republican candidate from Delaware makes one wonder about the wisdom of democracy. Should you be required to take a test to answer questions about the candidates before you get to vote? If you don’t get any right, should you be allowed to mark your ballot? Her beliefs and her fiscal incompetence makes me wonder why anyone who has an IQ over 80, would choose her as the person they want to lead them for the next 4 years. Are Americans really that stupid?

It’s truly a mystery to me how we have come to this place, if not for the average person choosing someone like himself/herself, to represent them. Average means being typical. Do you feel capable of running our government? Then why would you choose someone like yourself to be your representative? That’s how President Bush came to office and we all know what an excellent job he did - running our country into debt and ruining our reputation in international circles. I guess there are many who long for the good old days, when George W spoke their language. Why, we now have a black man in the White House who at least

30 percent of the country believe was not born in America and thus, not qualified to be president. I am amazed at the ignorance of the populous and their apathy to search for the truth. It’s easier to listen to TV and radio shows that feed blarney, hate and sound bites, to garner your day’s dose of political rhetoric. I should be realistic. There are folks in my own family who use Michael Savage as their political guru and believe every word he utters. GOD help America!

Judy

Thanks To Copake's ZEO Ed Ferratto

To all concerned-This is a letter of thanks  directed at the diligence and perseverance of one Ed  Ferratto,who finally accomplished something I have personally struggled with for years and that is, to get Columbia Counties favorite landlord Phil Gellert to have his less than enthusiastic caretaker tenants to clean up 168 co.rte. 7a property. No longer cluttered with junk vehicles ,deposit bottles and assorted other wonders of  nondescript trash-I can finally see their lawn. Far from perfect, it is a step in the right direction and greatly appreciated.

All things considered no matter what public opion might be of me,I never the less have always endeavored to keep my property visually appealing and although not yet back  in operation will continue to do so.  B.K.

Crowley's Record of Appointments Does Not inspire Confidence

"Crowley's record of appointments does not inspire confidence. He says he wants to have an outside agency involved in the selection process. What he doesn't mention is that that agency is headed by a Republican."

The above statement appeared in my recent posting/letter to the editor concerning Copake Town Supervisor Reggie Crowley's proposal (which the Republican led town board majority passed on Sept. 11) to replace the town' s elected assessors with a single appointed assessor. In my deep concern about a plan to take away the voters' rights to choose their own assessors, without submitting the matter to a referendum, I made the statement at the expense of Suzette Booy, head of the agency to which I referred, the County Office of Real Property Services.

In fact, from conversations that I've had with Ms. Booy, I deeply respect her work with the agency and apologize for the implications of my statement and regret that I did not make that apology more directly at Saturday's board meeting. In selecting her to receive applications for the new position, Reggie Crowley made a wise choice; one can only wish that he had acting as wisely in deciding whether or not to include the voters (i.e. via a referendum) in the process.

Howard Blue

Morris Ordover's response to Bill Gregory's Letter

Morris Ordover's response to Bill Gregory's letter:

Dear Mr. Gregory:

You responded to my letter as if I was running for the Highway Department Supervisor position.  I want to make it clear that I am not running for any Town position despite the tone of your reply. I was merely stating my preference of candidates.

And I thank you for his civics lesson but I do know that the position is up for election every four years and I also know the for the last several election cycles, the candidate ran unopposed.  The only choice has been yes or no. Is that your idea of choice for our voters?

And by the way, should your campaign material be in our public Town Hall?  Can Mr. Jamieson place his material there too?

I stand by my support of Mr. Jamieson and will leave it to him to draft his OWN reply to your interesting comments, and to the voters to determine if a change would be good for Copake.

Morris Ordover

Questions about the Copake Police

As you know petitions for public input in our Town and State are very dear to my heart. I ran a petition to keep the elected assessors years ago.I certainly would sign a petition,having the citizens review the need for the police.There are a number of questions I know you will help me and our citizens with to receive the answers and the information that will help us make a wise decision.

            A.The time frame to gather signatures on a petition and have presented to the Election Board for this November's Ballot.

            B. The cost of the Police,the Budget line for them 2006,2007,2008,2009,20010

            C.The cost of both police Cars and the gas and repairs

            D.Your vote on the Police Budget in the past 5 years

            E.The audits for the Town Budget for those years.

            F.The police were brought into Copake by Town Law to discuss that law, and

               repeal that law may take some time can you list the steps and time frame.

            G.The offices/barracks for the Sheriffs,State Troopers etc.are in communities close to the Hudson River,what is their response time to Copake for criminal activates or emergencies.

     Please post this note as written in the Chronicle since you asked me directly to respond to your question.


Sincerely,
Harvey J.Weber

Nine questions about a proposal by Reggie Crowley that could cause you as much as $10,000 or more in the next decade

Nine questions about a proposal by Reggie Crowley that could cause you as much as $10,000 or more in the next decade.

Q. What's the proposal?

A. Reggie would like to replace the current system whereby the voters select three assessors with one in which current Republican board majority can appointed a single assessor.

 Q. When will he try to do this?

A. At 8:30 AM, Sat., Sept. 11 at the board meeting.

Q. Why does he want to do this?

A. Crowley says that having a sole appointed assessor will somehow take politics out of the assessment process. He claims that he wants to keep the appointment nonpolitical by involving the office of real property services in Hudson in the selection process, an office headed by a Republican!

Q. What's wrong with that?

 A. The process whereby a board majority (by virtue of one vote) undoes the decisions of the electorate can hardly be described as non political. The Republicans last two candidates for the assessor's office lost to the Democrats candidates. So they're simply trying to increase Republican power by going through a backdoor. In addition, the proposal is a diversion from making real reforms such as doing a town wide reevaluation that would treat everyone in the town fairly.

Q. Why can't Crowley's proposal that having a sole assessor will benefit the whole town, be taken at face value?

A. Crowley's record of appointments does not inspire confidence. He says he wants to have an outside agency involved in the selection process. What he doesn't mention is that that agency is headed by a Republican. Also, last January he shut out the public from commenting before the Republican majority appointed a replacement for someone who had resigned from the assessor's office. In addition, the person appointed had a murky history which involved misappropriating insurance claims funds and failing to account for town monies that were in his hands. Such a record does not make one comfortable about the town board majority substituting it's judgment for the

Q. You argued that the town should NOT consider having a sole assessor. Are there any changes that the town SHOULD consider in regard to the assessor's office?

A. With cooperation from other towns, an appointed assessor's office --- a real nonpolitical one --- could be created to handle assessments of all of the towns that pay taxes to the Taconic Hills School District. That could eliminate unfair assessments and  inequities resulting from different ways of calculating assessments on school taxes that currently exist from town to town.

Also Copake needs to do a total reevaluation. Hundreds of properties which have been in the same hands for several decades are under assessed, while many purchased in the last 10 years are over assessed. And finally, one can argue for creation of a countywide appointed assessor's office. If an assessor's office were established either for the towns that feed into the Taconic Hills School District or a countywide basis, the possibility would be to pay the assessor a full living salary rather than the relatively small salary that the chief assessor currently gets.

Reggie has shown no leadership in regard to these proposals. On the question of a town wide revaluation, he and some of his friends and colleagues clearly could be at a disadvantage because their properties have not been reassessed in decades. At least several town hall Republicans have houses which are assessed on a square foot basis significantly lower than dozens or scores of other residents who live in older and smaller houses than the well-connected people.

Q. What did you mean that Crowley's proposal because could cost me as much as $10,000 or more in the next decade?

A. Many town residents would receive significant reductions in taxes if reevaluation took place. The longer this is delayed, the more you may be overpaying your taxes.

Q. How can I try to stop Reggie Crowley from pushing through creation of a sole assessor in Copake?

A. Attend the Sat., Sept. 11 board meeting and/or send a letter to Reggie Crowley, with copies to Bob Sacks or Linda Gabaccia urging Reggie to drop his plan. Demand a town wide reevaluation. Your appearance at the board meeting is crucial. Faces and bodies have a bigger impact than letters.

Howard Blue

Copake Highway Superintendent Gregory responds to Morris Ordover’s letter

Letter to the Editor

Copake Highway Superintendent Gregory responds to Morris Ordover’s letter

Mr. Ordover’s letter to the Editor in last week’s Copake Chronicle was filled with many misleading facts.  Only two statements were accurate and truthful. One is that the Voters of Copake will have the opportunity to choose a Highway Superintendent in this November’s election. The other true statement is that our Highway Budget is over 50% of the total town budget. Not truthful is his statement that “For the first time in many election cycles, the voters of Copake will have an opportunity to make a choice in the election of our Highway Superintendent." The Highway Superintendent position is on the ballot every four-year election cycle; the voters have always had a choice.  

Furthermore, what Mr. Ordover fails to explain is that while our 2010 Highway budget accounts for 53% of the total town budget, nine Highway Departments in our county spend a higher percentage of their total town budgets. It is a myth of convenience, created for political advantage saying our Highway Budget is out of line with the spending of the other towns in the county.  At our recent Open House, I had on display a detailed comparison of all eighteen towns.  I have moved this display to the Town Hall for anyone who was unable to attend the Open House to view.

What follows is my response to the misleading statements made by Mr. Ordover for Mr. Jamieson:

1.      Mr. Ordover’s most misleading statement of his entire letter is Mr. Jamieson’s number one item of their platform; “Open records for all to see”.  That statement falsely leads people to believe that there are closed Highway Department records. The Town Board oversees any expenditure of monies out of the Highway Budget. The budget process starts with the Highway Superintendent submitting a budget request to the Budget Officer. Through the rest of the budget process, the Town Board may increase or decrease the Highway Budget.  After the Town Board approves a budget that they are satisfied with, the Highway Superintendent submits a Section 284 agreement detailing how the highway budget will be expended. During the following fiscal year, the Town Board has the power to accept or reject any expenditure out of the Highway Budget.  At every Town Board Meeting, the Board reviews and approves all bills out of the Highway Department.  These records of claims are public information.  I have been the Highway Superintendent for nearly ten months, neither Mr. Jamison nor Mr. Ordover have ever approached me with a request to see any records. How can someone claim to be denied access without ever making a request?

2.      “Savings through closer supervision”. Perhaps Mr. Jamieson can explain how he will supervise the department closer than myself while working part time?

3.      “Savings through a new tier of benefits for new employees reducing benefit costs”. This is not a new idea.  The following statement is taken out of the Town Board meeting minutes dated November 10, 2009: “Supervisor Crowley, we should take a stand that any new employee hired January 1, 2010 must pay a percentage of their insurance.” Highway Liaison & Town Board member Linda Gabaccia and I have met with our insurance agent to discuss initiating this policy. It is up to the Town Board to pass this resolution, not the Highway Superintendent.

4.      “Determining true personnel needs through attrition”. How convenient to overlook that is exactly what I have done by the elimination of a full time position in the Highway Department.  When I was unanimously appointed Highway Superintendent by the entire Town Board, I did not fill the position that I held in the Department.  The Department has traditionally had eight full time employees; I am now running the department with seven full time employees thereby saving the town a considerable amount of money.

5.    5)  “Reducing the cost of road maintenance while maintaining safety through more competitive bidding”. All major purchases by the Highway Department are made through either State, County or Town bids. How can Mr. Jamieson claim he will initiate a policy already in place?

6.     “Sharing and purchasing new equipment with neighboring towns”. This is another example of current policy.  Each year our Town Board approves an Inter-municipal agreement between the towns of Copake, Ancram, Hillsdale, and the Taconic Hills School District.  This allows each Department to share equipment and labor to save money.  In December of 2008 with the Town Board approval, (recorded in 12/13/2008 minutes), the above-mentioned Towns and school district applied for a 2008-2009 NY State Local Government Efficiency grant. This application was for $240,000 to purchase an Ariel bucket truck for tree work and three pieces of turf conditioning equipment. 

Although the truck was denied, the field equipment was approved and the equipment was received in 2009.  Each applicant paid $1,065.40 for equipment costing $38,354.40; ninety percent of the cost was covered in the grant. I have had discussions with my fellow Highway Superintendents and we plan to continue to work on grants to benefit the Taxpayers in these Towns & School District.

7.      “Selling unnecessary and aged equipment”. One of the first decisions I made as Superintendent, was to downsize our fleet of trucks. With board approval, we sold two trucks at auction. This is documented in our board meeting minutes, (1/14/2010). At our Open House, I detailed my intention to replace two dump trucks with one, further reducing our fleet size.

8.     “Extending the life of trucks to reduce replacement costs”. This statement from Mr. Ordover is interesting, given Mr. Jamieson’s reaction of surprise when I explained the age of some of our equipment at our recent Open House.

9.     “Passing savings on to reduce budget needs in following years”. The Highway Budget had an unexpended balance of $130,000 at the end of 2009. I hope to use some of these funds with Town Board approval to replace an older vehicle without burdening the Taxpayers.

                         “Limiting pay raises to annual cost of living increases”. Are Mr. Ordover and Mr. Jamieson aware that in 2010 the Highway employees did not receive any raise?

In my opinion, the preceding platform detailed by Mr. Ordover for Mr. Jamieson appears to be an attempt to "catch up" or an effort to deflect Mr. Jamieson's apparent lack of familiarity with how our Highway Department operates.

Even though I am a registered Republican with the endorsements of the Republican, Independence, and Conservative parties in the Town of Copake, I will continue to run the department in a non-partisan fashion, openly, honestly and with complete transparency. I will not make pledges on behalf of the Republican Party or any other Party for that matter because I do not believe this race should be about politics. I think this election should be decided on the merit and the qualifications of the candidate, not political affiliation. Will Bill Jamieson, a registered Conservative, endorsed by the Democratic Party in the Town of Copake make the same promises?

Bill Gregory

Town of Copake Highway Superintendent

A Choice in the Election of Highway Superintendent

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

For the first time in many election cycles, the voters of Copake will have an opportunity to make a choice in the election of our Highway Superintendent. Highways accounts for well over 1/2 of our total Town budget. If we are to cut costs and keep taxes under control, this is an area that needs scrutiny. Bill Jamieson, the Democratic candidate, is running on the following platform:

1. OPEN RECORDS FOR ALL TO SEE
2. SAVINGS THROUGH CLOSER SUPERVISION
3. SAVINGS THROUGH A NEW TIER OF BENEFITS FOR NEW EMPLOYEES REDUCING BENEFIT
COSTS
4. DETERMINING TRUE PERSONNEL NEEDS THROUGH ATTRITION
5. REDUCING THE COSTS OF ROAD MAINTENANCE WHILE MAINTAINING SAFETY THROUGH MORE
COMPETITIVE BIDDING.
6. SHARING AND PURCHASING NEW EQUIPMENT WITH NEIGHBORING TOWNS
7. SELLING UNNECESSARY AND AGED EQUIPMENT
8. EXTENDING THE LIFE OF TRUCKS TO REDUCE REPLACEMENT COSTS
9. PASSING SAVINGS ON TO REDUCE BUDGET NEEDS IN FOLLOWING YEARS
10. LIMITING PAY RAISES TO ANNUAL COST OF LIVING INCREASES

All of these efforts to reduce costs should be reflected in reduced taxes or at lease freeing up money to restore other services. The State just announced grants to entities that share services. Why were we not one of them?

Can the Republicans make the same pledges? We'll see. I suggest that we support Bill Jamieson to give the Town a fresh look at how we spend highway money while using his 32 years of highway experience for the benefit of the Town.

Morris Ordover

Copake, N. Y.   

Harvey Keitel goes to Copake to escape the Cops

Hi Bob—

Are you aware that Copake is where Harvey Keitel goes to escape cops

in Scorcese’s first film called, I think, “Who’s that knocking?” And you can see the Copake clock.

                Best, Sonia Pilcer

The Best Place for Fall Foliage

I do not know which category this fits under, nor do I have the patience to go searching thorough your glorious Chronicle for the right Designation----That said I want to nominate going away the best place for Fall Foliage---The Kancamangus Highway   (route 302) is so far and away the Best place to see New England, Fall Foliage and just utter magnificence----it runs between Vermont and New Hampshire---it is the best--

thank you --David Goldman

“The Jobs Crisis: What Hit Us?

Bob,

Just read the Copake Chronicle. I was stuck by your introduction to the Article written by Bob Burnett, of The Huffington Post, titled “The Jobs Crisis: What Hit Us?”

 You preface the article with, “It is also worth pointing out that the article is not favorable to the national Democratic or Republican positions.” I have to ask you to respond to this question. How can you make such a statement when the article is from The Huffington Post, which is one of the most progressive liberal blogs on the net, and goes on to bashes and blame Ronald Ragan and his presidency solely for the current economical woes of our country?

Gerard Meenagh

“The Jobs Crisis: What Hit Us?

“The Jobs Crisis: What Hit Us?

Bob:  I just wanted to say that I appreciated this article very much. Although it was about a national condition, it does seem to me to have local implications. There are many reasons why Copake is in the condition that it is in. A stagnant national economy is just one reason. The bottom line is that a local business man has to want to put his life savings into the project. If we are all honest with each other there are better places within a 10 mile radius to put your business life in such stress.

JJ Shaw

Copake Lake

A Registered Yoga Teacher In Copake

My name is Franny Alexander and I am living in Copake full time. I am a registered  Yoga teacher and  will be teaching Yoga in a small space above my barn. Presently I am teaching Sundays at 10 AM and will begin to teach on Friday(Sept .3rd)  at 10 AM. I am interested in forming more classes. I can teach on Tuesday as well, and could offer an evening class if there is a need. I am an experienced meditation practitioner and would also like to begin  a meditation course . Please let me know if you are interested and I will contact you with more information. Please  call me at 518 329 0729 

Frightful Railroad Accident

Hi Bob,

I wanted to let you know how excited I was to see the article "Frightful Railroad Accident" reprinted from /The New York Times. /My brothers and I heard this story when we were kids and had just been talking about it recently. We wondered if it really was possible that it happened the way we heard the story or was it some kind of "urban legend". Thank you for printing the article and for all the work you put into the /Copake Chronicle.

Kind regards,

Mary Hermans Guntert

I Want My Roads Plowed, and Very Minimal Government

Dear Bob:

I do not want my taxes to go up any more than absolutely necessary. I want my roads plowed, my children in a good school, and very minimal government. That minimal government includes the release of a police force we never needed in the first place. This is not about jobs, as they are all very part timers. It is about relief of the Copake Tax burden and thinking and planning ahead. We never had these problems till Reggie and Tompkins came to power. I fully expect that when they go away so will these stupid problems. I greatly regret my vote for them. It will not happen again.  

Jake Simon

Copake Falls

The Budget Deserves Serious Consideration

Dear Bob,
I think that your proposal to fund a reassessment and build a fund balance in the budget deserves serious consideration.  However, I'm not sure that we can afford to wait for a referendum.  As I recall, the budget problem surfaced last summer and we were forced to borrow and raise taxes.  I think that the town councilpersons and supervisor should immediately determine our financial status and take action to avoid a debacle like last year.  A good place to start cutting is the Copake Police Dept.  This is a duplication of services that we cannot justify maintaining in light of the current economic environment. 

This recommendation is not made lightly nor should it be perceived as a negative evaluation of the Department.  We simply cannot afford it.  I have observed  the State Police, the Dept. of Environmental Conservation, and the Sheriff's Dept.on patrol in the area and on the lake.  The coverage is excellent.  I feel confident that they can provide good coverage if the Police Dept. is disbanded.
Sincerely,
David Craw
A Copake voter

Ideas for Fixing The Mess the Town Board Has Gotten Us Into

Hello Bob,

The Chronicle Article was very good and  very timely. Here are some quick thoughts on what you need to do, and quickly!

One way to fix the mess the town board has gotten us into is to simply not spend what we don't have. You guys are all guilty of this. I seem to recall that many items that were carved out at the end of fiscal year 2008 for fiscal year 2009 have made their way back into the budget. Things that have no business being funded by the tax paying public. Here is a sample for your perusal.

 1.) Young at Hearters

2.) Summer play ground program which basically is a subsidy for day care.

3.) Park Superintendent-this work is currently being done during the day while the individual is being paid out of the highway budget. Double dipping to be sure.

4.) Poor internal controls over assets

5.) Failure to use competitive bidding on many large ticket expense lines.

     Health insurance

     General insurance

     Supplies

     Office equipment

     Computers and phone systems.

On another note, our ZEO should be out there capturing revenue for all the apparent zoning violations in our township. If John Keeler and I can see violations, I have a difficult time with the apparent inability of the ZEO to see the same things. In addition to this, perhaps one building inspector is enough and one that has certification.

As far as the Police dept. being made into a substation for the State Police or the Sheriffs, that was one of Reggie's planks in his election campaign. Once elected he forgot about that and told us that the Sheriff could not get enough manpower to do so. Then the rumor was circulated that if we had abolished the police department we would have no coverage since we were so far from Hudson. Sheriff Harrison indicated that was untrue and that he had the responsibility to cover all of our county 24/7.

Immediately after the statement that our town could not be covered the State Police became an almost daily presence. So hate to say this, but someone was fabricating. We do not need the police department at all. The coverage offered by the state agency as well as the county agency if more than sufficient.

The list goes on and on and quite honestly it is shameful. The tax paying public is tired of the drama that unfolds each month. We are also tired of the games that are played with our funds and the apparent lack of fiduciary responsibility. I would hope that someone with some business sense comes out of the wood work to lead this town in a fiscally responsible manner. As it stands right now, we are doomed.

Sorry to have to break the news to you, but this is how many, many folks are seeing this and it needs to change ASAP.

Next November has the potential to be a blood bath on the local level if things don't change.

Fran Miller

My Contempt for the Sheer Incompetence

Bob,
I've lived here for over 30 years,have paid in excess of 100K in school taxes(single,no children)and am finally showing my contempt for the sheer incompetence, in the waste of the tax dollars.


Example,I stopped by the school to inquire about the use of the swimming pool and much to my dismay,not only couldn't I find anyone there(front doors all locked) but every light was on in all the hallways A.C. blasting! I want to know what the H is going on(not to mention the outdoor parking lot lights burning most of the night).The waste in one year could probably pay for an alternative energy source(ex. wind mill) which may well eliminate the need for expensive electric altogether.  Tune in and turn Off 


B.K.
P.S Then they have the audacity to charge me a buck to swim!

I found a metal/ribbon in the road after the parade

Hi Bob,

I found a metal/ribbon in the road after the parade in Copake on Monday. It is a star metal attached by a red/white/blue ribbon. My guess is that is belongs to a Veteran. What is the best way to get this back to the owner? I can drop it off at Town Hall Friday afternoon.

Please let me know.
Thanks
Patricia Phesay

Copake Is My Home

Dear Bob,


I want to take this opportunity to thank the Copake Park Commission for the awesome job they did with the fundraiser for Jeffrey’s Journey at The Cove this past weekend. They did everything – from soup to nuts. All the advertising, organizing and leg work it took seeking donations.

As I said at the town board meeting this past Saturday, a few years back I wanted to move closer to Albany so I could work in the Albany area as a nurse and continue my education, but it never really felt right in my heart…. And now I know why…because this is where I belong …
Copake is my home. Joan Spencer

A Chronicle of Their Own

This letter is in responce to another letter to the editor saying that it was obscene that other towns don't have a Chronicle of their own. The editor of this paper says thanks for the note from both writers.

It is sad, or regretable, but not obscene that other towns don't have a "Chronicle " of its own. Other towns don't have that combination of a skillful writer, a professonal editor-publisher, a wide-ranging interest and a comittment to a community-- all wrapped up in one person like Bob Sacks.

You need all those qualities to get what Copake has.
 
DF

I am Proud of the Democrats in Town

I, as president of the Copake Democratic Club, am proud of the Democrats in Town. We came together in large numbers, approximately 85 of us, to hold an open nominating process, with a secret ballot to allow voters to make their preference without others looking at their choice. We looked at the candidates and saw two qualified men, and chose to provide for an open election in November, with two candidates on the ballot allowing for open discussion of the issues and freedom of choice. That is democracy and that is the path we as Democrats follow.


Thank you Copake Democrats, for attending in such numbers and permitting the entire town to see what we are, what we offer for the future of the Town and how to run an open and effective caucus, allowing anyone present the opportunity to speak and be heard. We look forward to open factual public debate prior to the election in November, and to a Copake Democratic Party united in that democratic process. We will show, that even with a divergence of opinion, we can pull together for the common purpose of electing our candidates dedicated to open government.

Morris Ordover
Copake Democratic Club President

Has anyone taken a good look at the creek on 7A lately?

Has anyone taken a good look at the creek on 7A lately? It is cluttered with fallen trees and debris.


Our home as well as several others on the Main Street has suffered flooding from the stream. I have asked the town board for help but am continually told that clean up of the stream is not allowed by DEC. While I brought this up at a town meeting, Reginald Crowley stated that the DEC would not permit cleanup. However that was contradicted by other members of the board. Why hasn't the Copake town board ever applied for a a permit with DEC to clean up the stream to prevent flooding of our homes?

I feel that since it only affects a few homes it is not seen as important to the town.

I have contacted William Nechamen, Chief Flood Plain Management NY State Dept of Enviromental Conservation and was told that clean up was possible if done correctly. But without a request for a permit nothing is being done.

We should not have to worry each time we get a heavy rain.

I wonder if the members of the town board or their families lived on Main Street if this problem would be resolved.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Williams
Copake NY

Voting for Change

Decisions are gong to be made on Saturday morning. In the case of Highway Department Supervisor the impact of that decision is huge. Copake has suffered a succession of highway supervisors whose goal was never in doubt; to build an empire inside the town. The Supervisors were Republicans, so they hired only Republicans. They inflated the budget to a degree that their line item now constitutes half the cost of the entire town budget - that we sustain as taxpayers - and they have historically been arbiters of far more than road maintenance – they’re outsized influence was felt far and wide.


I’ve been here ten years and heard nothing from Democrats except, “We need to clean that place up”. “We need to look at the books” (Which we’ve never been able to do.) “We need new blood there.” “I’d do anything to get an independent Highway Supervisor.” Now, we have that chance and I see that instead of seizing our opportunity we are lining up to seat another Republican in the very place they have mismanaged for decades.

Bill Gregory seems like a nice man and competent, but exactly the same thing can be said of Bill Jamieson who also has decades of experience on the roads of our town and country. Both men enjoy good reputations as decent people and hard workers. The critical difference is that Bill Gregory is a Republican and Bill Jamieson is not. How then, can we squander our opportunity? How is it that we are losing our nerve at the critical moment? I remind all that this vote will put new leadership in the town’s most important office for exactly one year. If Bill Jamieson doesn’t please us in 52 weeks, the voters will get another chance to speak. How then, with this window of opportunity, can we not act in both our own interest and the interest of the town?

In case anyone’s forgotten, Bob and Linda can speak to all of you about the cost of missing an opportunity to exercise our power. They sat on a board for two years with a majority vote and instead of playing hardball, they played “nice.” They will be the first to tell you that was a huge mistake, one they won’t make again.

This isn’t personal for me. Nor should it be personal for Democrats. This is about strategy. It’s our moment to exercise our growing power. It’s our moment to make a statement to the good old boys and their dying mantra of anchoring our town to the past instead of the future. I call upon all Democrats to vote, and vote for our vision, our goals, because if anyone’s going to have a hell of a good laugh on Saturday, it will be the good old boys when they watch Democrats vote Republican.

Ian Jarvis – Voting for Change.