Will We Create a New Democracy - The Two Vote, Losers System

I continue to be amazed at the back and forth around the Police issue. Elections throughout America's history have been decided by incredibly slim majorities but the losers have not, to my knowledge, gotten a new vote because they lost by a small margin. In Senates, Houses of Representatives and Town Councils all over our country, those vital issues too, are often decided by one vote, yet there is no process for a revote. That is our Democratic system and that is how it works

Losing a vote by a small margin is tough. I'm reminded of George Bush's result in Florida; in that vote, a Presidential election for 300,000,000 citizens was decided by 2000 votes and a few hanging chads. Al Gore, the loser, cared enough about our country to refuse to create a continuing national nightmare - a decision I reluctantly agreed with. In that case, the court said that,

"revote"--i.e., a special election remedy--is categorically illegal...regardless of the severity of the electoral problems occurring on election day".

If we surrender to our revote proposal, we will create a New Democracy, - The Two Vote, Losers System - in which losers get to have a revote and it will apply equally to all outcomes and all sides. That would double the cost of our elections, double the time our candidates have to spend visiting, and then re-visiting our homes, double the cost to the candidate of creating collateral materials and double the time it would take to get a decision. That means when we have our next Town Council election, we would either have the first vote in June so that the second, contested vote could take place in the legal framework for November, or we could just have a six month, "Lame duck" Town Council until the official revote takes place in January or February.

I would ask the losers in this election to understand what it is they are creating; this door does not simply open once. Once opened, it does not close. If we negate the system that has sustained our country for two hundred years, if we negate the votes of a majority of citizens, we will have set a precedent that will suck this town dry politically, emotional and culturally. I believe the people who care about the Police Force would be the first among us to say they care about Copake. If you care about Copake, I would ask you to take your heads out of the sand and look at the big picture. It may not be the losers intention to see our town divided like some mini Civil War but that is what they will get. If the losers don't see that, I hope the new Town Council does because what will happen in our meetings for years to come will make the previous administration's acrimony look like a walk in the park.

Ian Jarvis

I feel I know Copake better then most places

Wonderful letter, thank you.   Even though I do not live there or never visited, I feel I know the town better then most places.   You bring so much insight and feeling into The Chronicle it is easy and fun to follow the  heartbreaks and joys of Copake.

Merry Christmas and a Happy and HEALTHY New Year to you and Carol.

Howard Sullivan

Palm Coast, FL

The Majority Voted For No Police Force

I read the Columbia paper and I see that Ms. LeBrecht is coming up with reasons why we need to have a revote for a very expensive police force that no other town in our area thinks they need. She says the Copake voters were confused.

It occurs to me that if I were a real estate person the police might possibly help me to sell weekend houses to uninformed and totally mislead second homes owners around the lake.

The vote was taken the people spoke, and the majority voted for no police force. The resolution was in the Chronicle at least three times. Sachs made sure to explain the issue and he showed exactly what the question was to over 1,300 Copake voters. He even showed what it would look like. What was so hard to understand? Yes, dissolve the police. Duh, are we a stupid town or are we just a corrupt town.

The people who are calling for a revote are disingenuous and I think that they are even dangerous. They are willing to destroy democracy as we understand it for their own personal needs and issues.

This town cannot afford a private very part-time police force for $100,000 a year.

The people voted please respect the democratic policy of Copake, New York and the USA.

Tim Waldman

The Town That Couldn't Vote Straight

I've, been reading the email traffic on the Copake Politics Forum these last weeks following the vote about disbanding the Copake Police force. The voters spoke and The Police force is to be disbanded. Now there appears to be a question about trying to obtain an injunction against the result of the vote.

Can people really be serious about launching an injunction; a lengthy and costly battle in the hamlet of Copake over a vote that is done and decided? Will that include fund raisers to pay for lawyers to research, argue and file all sides of the judicial argument, or will the council have to defend the outcome of a legal and settled vote at taxpayers expense? Will we have signs along the highway proclaiming which side we're on? Bumper stickers? T shirts? Can we look forward to shouting matches at Town Hall like we've had for four long years? Will we enjoy seeing the articles and letters in local and regional newspapers about "The Town That Couldn't Vote Straight.?" or "The Town That Couldn't Make Up It's Mind?"

Yes, let's have an injunction. Then we can become a truly divided village, mimicking the dysfunctional political relationships we see statewide and nationally. We can reinvent ourselves not as The Land of

Rural Charm, but as the town that like Congress, can't get out of it's own way, does nothing productive and above all, still resolves issues based on partisan politics. Anyone who thinks a vote they're unhappy with merits a revote, should take a long look at our national and state politics and ask themselves if they'd like to saddle our town with the precedent it will set for both sides to default to when they lose a

vote in the future and saddle our town too, with the costs each injunction will bring and the unbridled, emotional enmity that will surely follow.

Ian Jarvis

The Political Pressure Put on Individuals in Copake

Thank you for standing up against the political pressure put on individuals in Copake.  I  found the article about the missing political signs  and playing the "game" politically very interesting. This also happened in Hillsdale during some tense campaigns. I'm sure it is wide spread in Columbia County. I think we need to be constantly vigilant about preserving our right to choose political candidates. It is a sad commentary on our humanness when we have adults who are blatantly trying to take away our democratic right to a fair and open campaign. Power seems to corrupt. I hope the people in Copake realize how they are being manipulated.

 

Maryann Schafer

Two Points About Our Police Force.

To The Editor:


1 - I recently saw a note on one of our local political sites saying that the cost of our Copake Police force is $30-$40 dollars a year per person. For me, it's a misconception to describe it that way. Our Police Force costs us $100,000 per year - that's $100,000 that could go to children's programs or downtown development to name a few. It could also pay outstanding bills or simply disappear from the budget entirely. Justifying large costs by breaking them into tiny pieces is an illusion and a terrible business model - one pound of feathers weighs exactly the same as a one pound brick.  If we think every $100,000 in budgeting is a "few cigarettes,"  we will soon give ourselves permission to spend our way into bankruptcy. I hope that those on the fence about "yes" or "no," make their decision based on more information than the cost of coffee or Marlboro's.

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2 - On October 21, I found out that a woman we contracted to sit our house and our dog while we were out of town, had been driving around town for 3 days in my car. In order to find my keys,  she'd had to rifle through my house. As her actions were manifestly illegal, I called our local, Copake, Police Force, while I was still in North Carolina.

Sadly, I got an answering machine. We spend $100,000 of our tax dollars every year on our force.  Couldn't we have one policeman - on a 24 hr, rotating basis - designated as the "go to" person for a citizen''s call? Even if our pay structure doesn't allow that cop to saddle up in the face of an emergency, wouldn't it help our citizens just to be able to talk to our local police and get feedback and direction? Isn't that  what  we all seek in a difficult moment?. It's what doctors do, why wouldn't our force do it too?  Without this kind of presence and commitment to our community, the power of a local police force becomes a crap shoot - and it's one that I lost.

I did, in fact, call the Hillsdale Sherif's office next. They had an officer at my house in 15 minutes - a whole lot faster than the answering machine could have gotten there. My car and the illegal driver brazenly returned to my house several minutes after that. The presence of the Sheriff made the resolution extremely fast, simple and safe because otherwise, it would have fallen to my neighbors to enforce the law on my behalf and there's little doubt an argument and who knows what else might have followed that kind of a confrontation, so my thanks to the sheriffs for their efficiency and help.

it is now ten days later, and in spite of the tone of my voice, the explanation about the crisis and the telephone number I left on the Copake Police answering machine - I have not, to my knowledge and up to the moment of writing this -t received a phone call or follow up. Can I assume our $100,000 law enforcement agency has not yet checked its answering machine? Or did our Police decide my Copake based problem wasn't their problem?  If they make the case now, that they found out from the Sheriff's department that it was resolved,  why  didn't I get a call from our Copake Police - whose salary is in part, paid directly with my tax dollars, to express their concern, their acknowledgement of my call and a question above all, about how things happened and how could they could help now?  Perhaps as further outreach, they might have offered some cogent advice about hiring people without sufficient background checks and how I might, in fact do that job up front, next time. If anyone from the Copake Police reads this, please know that I would still like a friendly return call, if not a visit, to explain to me where they dropped the ball and what they plan to do about it.

I hope all who read this will walk in my shoes. I hope you'll take a minute and think what this Police absence and voice mail means should you ever have a problem in your home or neighborhood and not personally know one of our policemen. For me, it means the emergency number on my refrigerator is now the Hillsdale Sheriff's Department, not the Copake Police.

PS - In case the Copake force is interested, the sheriff's department sent a patrolman to my house last Saturday so I could sign a warrant for the prosecution of this individual. If I don't get my requested call back from our local  force, I will publish a follow up letter so they can find out how this ( alleged) crime, committed in Copake and to a citizen of Copake was adjudicated; just in case they'd like to know.

Ian Jarvis
Copake

Peter Stoll CPA - A Proven Track Record of Excellence

Peter Stoll CPA - A Proven Track Record of Excellence

Peter Stoll CPA - A Proven Track Record of Excellence

There may have been a time when name recognition and commendable core values were sufficient qualifications for one to serve the public in office.

Unfortunately, this is not such a time. In these times, we need a person with a strong moral and ethical fiber who also has the qualifications and experience to face the fiscal challenges of the present.

I believe that candidate is Peter Stoll. Mr. Stoll is a Certified Public Accountant. His education and experience in the business and finance world make him uniquely capable of ushering in a new era of effectiveness and transparency that the current fiscal climate of Columbia County needs desperately.

He has a proven track record of excellence in turning around under-performing companies, experience as a CFO in charge of budgets of hundreds of millions of dollars, and has been instrumental in implementing measures that resulted in cost-savings in the tens of millions.

His impressive resume includes broad experience in financial analysis, contract negotiations, and legal compliance.

Mr. Stoll is clearly a leader in the financial world, a creative problem-solver with the knowledge, skills and integrity needed to navigate our county through its current challenges and guide us through the uncertainty of the economic future.

He is exactly what Columbia County needs right now and in the years to come.

It would be a tragedy to reject the opportunity to have someone of Peter Stoll's caliber heading the treasurer's office.

Voters of Columbia County have a unique opportunity to elect a candidate for County Treasurer whose credentials are unsurpassed.

Please join me in supporting Peter Stoll, CPA, for Columbia County Treasurer.

 Rosanne Aulino

Hillsdale/Copake

Emergency Updates Extremely Helpful

Bob, I find your weather and emergency updates extremely helpful.  Keep them coming.  We wouldn't have known what was going on had it not been for the Chronicle.
Thank you, Terry Sullivan

I appreciate your emergency updates

Bob- I appreciate your emergency updates, and I do not even live in Copake at this point! I am in Millerton. It gives me a sense of being a part of the community when I am kept informed. That is very important to me. If someone feels his time is wasted by reading your news updates, he has the right to choose to not read them. Thank you for your time and caring.
Sherry Rucker

Appreciate Getting all the News from the Chronicle,

Just noticed that someone has said they don't need Copake Chronicle weather notices.  We spend just 4 weeks a year at Taconic Park, but much appreciate getting all the news from the Chronicle, including the weather notices!  Sometimes  a friend, who is a resident of that area, but doesn't receive the Chronicle, is out of town and I forward the notices to her, in case she's wondering how things are at home---And we, ourselves, since we think of your beautiful part of the world as a second home, like to read about it - sorry when it's necessary, but glad to be informed.  Thank you!

Mary Thompson

Your service is invaluable to any of us in Copake.

Your service is invaluable to any of us in Copake.  Many Thanks!

And, kudos to NYSEG!  As taxpayers of Copake Township & residents of Copake Lake, we just got our power back!  Roads up here are cleared & power & internet are back!  NYSEG has come a long way since our last winter storm!

christine corcoran 

Living in Copake is like Living in Downtown Baghdad

Last week before the unusual snow storm, we lost power in the birch rd section of taconic shores twice in one day, once the week before and three times during the last month. the lights go out  like someone turning a light switch on and off. when we lived in claverack the power went off once in 20 years. it seems that my new hobby is going around the house and changing the clocks on all the electronics.
 
I implore the town officials to push NYSEG to improve the power supply here and to trim the trees back to help stop the outages.
robert garon

My Support for the Copake Police Department

 I wanted to express my support for the Copake Police Department.  As a member of the Copake Fire Company I have come to know the men and women of the CPD and they are an asset to the community no matter the cost.  I cannot speak for the Fire Company directly, but I will share some of my personal views.  While I was out with the FD on numerous calls during the tropical storms of August, I did not see any State Police or Sheriff vehicles, as I am quite sure that they were very busy and inundated with calls.  The CPD made it a point to stop by on scenes to check in with us.  During the recent snow emergency, it was the CPD standing in the snow storm helping me isolate a hazardous area from onlookers.  They have even notified the FD of the best route into a scene.  There was even a time when the FD was responding to a call and Copake Rescue had their ambulance on another call.  We received an “Echo call” for a cardiac arrest and the truck I was on was diverted to the cardiac call which was moments from our location at the time.  When we arrived the CPD was on scene and we worked together to provide CPR and AED assistance to the victim.  True, there is a Sheriff substation in Hillsdale but their patrol area is much larger than Copake.  There may be times that the Sheriff and State Police are tied up on a call and will not be available to answer a call from a Copake resident.  From what I have read in the papers, both the Sheriff’s Department and the State Police support having the CPD. 

   I also hope that the on Election Day there is adequate instructions on the CPD resolution.  It seems counter-intuitive for a resident to have to vote NO on a ballot to save the CPD.  In short my feeling is that the resolution to dissolve the CPD is both short sighted and puts the well-being of the citizens of Copake in jeopardy.  This is one of the main responsibilities of our elected officials and by considering this they have failed the citizens they have been entrusted to serve.

Michael LaForge

Thank You From John H. Wilkinson’s Family

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our friends, family, co-workers, Copake Fire Department, Veteran’s Group, Columbia-Greene Community Hospice, Copake Auxiliary, and everyone else for being there for our families during the time of our Father, John Wilkinson’s demise.  Growing up in Copake along with his sister, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, etc. dad has a big history in this town that will be cherished forever.  He will be missed by all. He was an inspirational father, brother, grandfather and husband. And he was a great Electrician for over 50 years. Thank you also to Bill his working partner.  May our father rest in peace with our mother, Anne Marie Wilkinson.

John H. Wilkinson’s Family

Linda Gabaccia - The only one who had the guts to stand up for Copake against serial polluter Sal Cascino

To the Editor:

I am a registered Independent and I am supporting Linda Gabaccia for Copake Town Supervisor. She has proven herself in many ways in her six years on the Board. She was the only one who had the guts to stand up for Copake against serial polluter Sal Cascino, while others either worked for him or stood by silently. She also has experience in grant writing skills that will come in handy to transform Main Street's empty businesses and pump in some economic life that this town has been missing in recent years. I also know she has what it takes to have a positive working relationship at the County level. In fact, I definitely feel more confident with her ability to work at the county, state and federal levels.

In this election, I will be supporting all of the Democratic endorsed candidates for office in Copake. I want people in there who are going to make Copake, as a community, a better place to live. It worries me that the Republicans will be too ideological, rather than practical. Take, for example, the situation at the Copake Green Field: I trust Linda and her team to handle that situation. I know Linda won't give up. I know she will continue to look for a solution that benefits the Town of Copake and preserves important farmland. One of the things I love about Copake is the natural beauty and small town charm. My fear is that if there was a proposal for the development of that field, that a Republican board would side with the owners/developers and not with what is best for the town.

I lived in Key West, Florida for 25 years before moving here to Copake. I have seen first hand what unchecked development and bad planning decisions have done to the fabric and character of a town. I was missing my town before I moved away. Linda will fight hard to do the right thing for all our residents in Copake.

Kevin Kelly

Our loss will Certainly Be Copake's Gain

We consider ourselves fortunate that for the last two years Ms. Rachel Collins Kelly has assisted us not only as a personal caregiver to my wife, but as an executive administrative assistant to both of us in our complicated media lives.

     She is quick to assess and work through every situation and problem, especially if it entails business decisions and operations. She is highly skilled on computers and in business math. She is good also at direct communication on the phone as well as in person. She is a problem solver. She is dependable, devoted, loyal and is genuinely interested in her work.

     We’ve had repeated compliments about her from outside business and personal associates. Ms. Kelly also dresses tastefully and attractively and projects a caring, cheerful, positive personality.

     We regret that we do not live in Copake, so that we might vote for her. Those who can, and we believe will, are sure to be in sufficient numbers to provide their town and community with an outstanding public servant. Our loss will certainly be Copake's gain.

                                                Sincerely,

                                                Ann and Bob Shanks

Linda Gabaccia - Vision, Foresight, Organizing Skills Make her an Outstanding Councilwoman

To the Editor:

I am writing to express my strong support for the candidacy of Linda Gabaccia for Supervisor of the Town of Copake.  It has been my privilege to work with Linda as she served as liaison to Copake’s board of Ethics of which I have been a member since its inception—a board which owes its very existence to the vision, foresight, and organizing skills of this outstanding councilwoman.  Ms. Gabaccia is a brilliant planner and innovator- a graduate of one of the most prestigious woman’s colleges in this country,

Mt. Holyoke. 

She has demonstrated outstanding organizational skills, and sees that any project she initiates is followed through to its completion.  She is tireless and devoted to her duties on the town council.  She is personable, and able to work together in a collaborative way for the betterment of this town. She has taken advantage of any opportunity presented to sharpen her skills as an office holder by her attendance at workshops and seminars, or studying publications in the field.  Linda is a life long resident of Copake and is well- acquainted with its citizens, its distinctive character and its future needs.  She has demonstrated a compassionate concern for those in need in this community and is known by many of us as the “therapist of the Depot Deli.”  She is personable, witty, insightful, and imaginative.  I can’t think of a better-qualified person to guide this “Town of Rural Charm” into the glorious future that awaits it than my good friend, colleague, and inspiration, Linda Gabaccia.  I earnestly solicit your vote.

Sincerely,

Walt Zelley

Copake Falls

Linda Gabaccia - A Skilled Communicator Who Has Always Sought Open Government

Dear Editor,

As a resident of Copake, I am very pleased to observe an active political campaign in which the most obvious component is the desire of good people on both sides seeking to serve our town, and working hard to gain public support.  I have written before about destruction of Democratic signs, and now Jeff Nayer has informed me that Republican signs have been taken or destroyed, as well.  These acts are unfortunate, but the misguided motive may well be more aesthetic than political.  I hope so.

     At the same time, my positive feeling about this election stems to a significant degree from the campaign of Linda Gabaccia for Copake Town Supervisor.  Linda and her opponent, Jeff Nayer, are both focused on the welfare of Copake, and both work as readily and very comfortably with members of the other party, as well as members of their own.  It is Linda’s experience that makes a difference.  For six years, she has been the most broadly and thoroughly informed, and the most consistently hard working, member of the Town Board.  A Copake native, she is deeply concerned about the welfare of her town and is eager to support others who share her concern, whether by seeking outside grants or putting people with common interests together.  She is a skilled communicator who has always sought open government.  Her leadership would assure efficient, principled, and productive town government.  I am pleased to support her.

                           Sincerely,

                         Clark M. Simms

Linda Gabaccia - Experienced, Capable and Dedicated to Serving the Citizens of Her Hometown

To The Editor:

The voters of Copake have a rare opportunity to elect a candidate for Town Supervisor who is experienced, capable and dedicated to serving the citizens of her hometown.

That candidate is Linda Gabaccia.

Throughout her six years on the town board, Linda brought a level of insight, intuition and intelligence to that body that was unknown to it before.

Linda has a reputation of being able to work within a group of very diverse personalities and arrive at a respectful consensus.  She puts the interests of the citizens foremost and without regard to political ideology.

The political "us" against "them" is not working. Never has. Linda understands this and it shows.

When I go into the voting booth, I want to cast my vote for a candidate that has experience and earned my confidence in their ability to make the best decisions for my town. 

Someone with the longevity to acknowledge the past, understand the present, and lead us into the future.  That she cares deeply for the town and its residents is very clear.

We need women of intelligence and vision at all levels of government.

My hope for the future of Copake rests with electing Linda Gabaccia Copake Town Supervisor.

Rosanne Aulino

David Pells

Copake

Susan Winchell-Sweeney - Intelligent, Hardworking and Level Headed.

To the Editor,

Susan Winchell-Sweeney is running for a seat on the Copake Town Board.  I plan to vote for this outstanding candidate on November 8th.  I urge my fellow Copake citizens to vote for her as well.

I have served with Susan on the Copake Conservation Resources Committee and have found her to be intelligent, hardworking and level headed.  She was instrumental in helping the committee catalogue the town’s various conservation resources.  Our committee’s report, which became an appendix to the Town’s new Comprehensive Plan, would not have been possible without Susan’s invaluable contributions of GIS mapping and other technology.

Susan is also experienced in town government and knowledgeable about the community.  When the County Highway Department tried to avoid public review of planned repairs to Brown’s Dam on Route 7, Susan rallied her neighbors and friends and insisted their voices be heard.  As a result, local meetings were held giving townspeople an opportunity to address concerns and to request provisions that would protect Copake citizens during the planned construction.  When the County Highway Department attempted to renege on promises it had made, Susan worked effectively to ensure those promises were kept.

Susan is highly intelligent and personable.  She will do much to reverse the negative effects the outgoing Republican board members have had on our town during the past four years.

Please vote for Susan Winchell-Sweeney and her fellow candidates Linda Gabaccia and George Filipovits on November 8th.

 Sincerely,

Edgar M. Masters

Rachel Collins Kelly - A Former Employee of Mine was Promoted to an Executive Position Overseeing Three Companies

I write in support of Rachel Collins Kelly for the office of Town Clerk. Rachel is a former employee of mine, having worked for three years as my personal assistant during which time she was promoted to an executive position overseeing three companies that I owned. Her duties included accounting, planning, supervising staff, making operations more efficient, and public relations. Rachel was excellent at multi-tasking and handling the inevitable daily crises inherent in small businesses. Her character and dedication were taken for granted. Rachel always presented a professional appearance with a sincere, cheerful attitude and willingness to help. I think she would make a fine Town Clerk.

 Harold Hunt   

Susan Winchell- Sweeney One of the most promising candidates ever to run for Copake Town Councilman,

I am writing in support of one of the most promising candidates ever to run for Copake Town Councilman, Susan Winchell- Sweeney. At a time when Copake, like the rest of the country, is faced with immense financial challenge, Susan has what it takes to help steer Copake through these difficult times. Susan has smarts and by that I mean the kind of smarts that government needs. Every so often on the Copake Politics Form, Susan, who works for the NYS Museum in Albany, has posted information that she has researched about various legal and other matters relevant to the town that she has picked up from local newspapers or elsewhere.

Susan has all the earmarks of a candidate who can be counted on to work quietly for the town and avoid the unnecessary yelling and screaming that sometimes characterizes politicians. She is a long-time member of the Copake Conservation Resources Committee and helped get the head of the NYS GreenLITES program to Copake to discuss how it can help the town to work with the county on the Route 7A road rebuilding.  She’s extremely smart, an excellent researcher, persistent, articulate and compassionate. She is a bridge builder in the style of the highly respected candidate for supervisor, Linda Gabaccia. Together with Linda, Rachel Collins Kelly (candidate for Town Clerk), and George Filipovits (candidate for Town Council) Susan will help restore to Copake town government, the fairness integrity, financial accountability and dedication to the public good that it needs.

Howard Blue 

RACHEL COLLINS KELLY, for Copake Town Clerk

Our town is so fortunate to find this eager candidate to fill the important position of our Town Clerk.  Rachel brings a wealth of timely knowledge to this office from her impressive background.

Growing up in Camphill was a great life lesson, as well as her education in Harlemville school..

Along with her welcoming smile, she will bring her sincere interest to be helpful to the needs of the Town of Copake and all the fine people who live here.

Rachel lives with her husband Kevin and son Dylan on Beach Road in Taconic Shores.

PLEASE VOTE FOR RACHEL AND MAKE HER PART OF THE “SOLUTION” FOR OUR TOWN!!!

Iris Sachs

Copake Falls

Rachel Collins Kelly is a Great Choice for Copake

Dear Copake Chronicle: 

Rachel Collins Kelly is a great choice for Copake Town Clerk. What she will bring to the job is,  good energy and fresh ideas….. She listens to all people and is totally fair and non-partisan. The best quality that she has is that she is a very intelligent, hard worker, and is always pleasant to do business with

TIMOTHY SMITH stonemason

It is great to see that Jeff Nayer is running for Copake Town Supervisor

Jeff volunteered his time to be a parent representative at the Taconic Hills' Committee on Special Education for approximately 8 years. I had the honor of working with him during those years. I found Jeff to be an intelligent, honorable and hard working man. He spent time outside of the meetings increasing his knowledge of the regulations and procedures, which increased his ability to understand the nuances of the process. He offered his opinion in polite and easy to understand language. He was readily available to help parents translate the 'educational speak' that schools unfortunately fall into, to real and easily understood language.

One of the most valuable roles Jeff played in these meetings was that of mediator. There were times when there were disagreements which had the potential for not being able to resolve an issue, and Jeff was always there to help the committee try to reach consensus when there where differences of opinion.

From what I read in the local papers, the Town of Copake could use a man of Jeff's intelligence, work ethic and ability to bring various sides together on an issue. I wish I lived Copake so I could vote for him, but the least I can do is try to inform the community of the value he will bring to the Town.

Kevin Reis

East Greenbush, NY

Peter Stoll CPA - A Proven Track Record of Excellence

Peter Stoll CPA - A Proven Track Record of Excellence

There may have been a time when name recognition and commendable core values were sufficient qualifications for one to serve the public in office.

Unfortunately, this is not such a time. In these times, we need a person with a strong moral and ethical fiber who also has the qualifications and experience to face the fiscal challenges of the present.

I believe that candidate is Peter Stoll. Mr. Stoll is a Certified Public Accountant. His education and experience in the business and finance world make him uniquely capable of ushering in a new era of effectiveness and transparency that the current fiscal climate of Columbia County needs desperately.

He has a proven track record of excellence in turning around under-performing companies, experience as a CFO in charge of budgets of hundreds of millions of dollars, and has been instrumental in implementing measures that resulted in cost-savings in the tens of millions.

His impressive resume includes broad experience in financial analysis, contract negotiations, and legal compliance.

Mr. Stoll is clearly a leader in the financial world, a creative problem-solver with the knowledge, skills and integrity needed to navigate our county through its current challenges and guide us through the uncertainty of the economic future.

He is exactly what Columbia County needs right now and in the years to come.

It would be a tragedy to reject the opportunity to have someone of Peter Stoll's caliber heading the treasurer's office.

Voters of Columbia County have a unique opportunity to elect a candidate for County Treasurer whose credentials are unsurpassed.

Please join me in supporting Peter Stoll, CPA, for Columbia County Treasurer.

 Rosanne Aulino

Hillsdale/Copake

Get Away From Local Politics in Law Enforcement

In relation to the string of arson fires in Copake the local police and the Sheriff's did nothing as far as I can see.  The State should have been called in because part of the problem seemed to be political.  I named a suspect after the Bull Spring fire and Investigator, Walter Shook, wrote, "Langdon has no suspect."  It is apparent the Sheriff was protecting the person I named because no investigation was done.  When I said his name my two sons, deputy Wilson, and deputy Kane was present.  My son was arrested and got a bum rap because I talked to a reporter from the New York Times.

My son owned 20 head of Registered Holsteins, was taking part in decision making, and planned to take over the family farm.  The motive give to the press was he was a pyromaniac.  He was given a psychiatric exam by three qualifiedly examinations, one paid by the State, and they found no indication he was a pyromaniac. After hearing 2 of 7 witnesses the DA determined the arrest was a violation of civil liberties and not proper. He did not have a case.  The charges were dropped before trial so no due process took place. Again how the charges were dropped was political.

In Federal Court there was no due process either. The County stalled past the statute of limitations then stated, supported by affidavits of the arresting parties that were not true, that the arrest was proper.  Judge Howard G. Munson then denied a hearing on the statement, ruled it was a confession and found for the County.  His denial of the hearing where my son would have testified prevented any input from my son. That denied cross examination and again there was no due process. A lawyer I hired to appeal did not do the appeal and further appeals were denied by time restraints. A motion was filed for sanctions against the lawyer that lied about the arrest being proper and not a violation of civil liberties.  It was filed in Syracuse.  The lawyer in Albany filed answering papers in Albany.  I was living in Cincinnati at the time and traveled to Albany where my motion was answerable. Neither the Judge nor the lawyer was present, which indicts privet communication between the Judge and the lawyer.  I called the judges clerk and was told the Judge would rule from the bench.  When no decision came down I filed a writ of madatium (sp) with the Appeals court in New York.

When Judge Munson answered the writ he said there was no record of my motion in Syracuse.  It is clear Judge Munson altered court records by removing my motion.  Altering Court records is an impeachable offence.   I filed a petition with the House Judiciary Committee in Washington to impeach Judge Munson.  They allowed him to resign as Federal District Judge a few months before he died.  Federal District Judge Hurd has ordered the clerk not to file any papers I send and to return them. The courts saved the county insurance company and the tax payer millions of dollars, all at the expense of my families. The trial by jury of citizens guaranteed in Civil Cases never took place.

It would be better to increase the funding for the State Police to get away from the problem local politics plays in law enforcement in the first place.  Not only did the Copake Police contribute nothing, the Sheriff's road patrol only contributed by spotting the fire in the Church in time to save the building. The person I named as a suspect was not investigated

Grant Langdon

Why Verizon is failing to install ANY services in West Copake

Bob,

I suggest you publish this information in the main part of the Chronicle, more than once;

To inquire as to why Verizon is failing to install and is not planning to install ANY services on the Martindale, Ancram and West Copake towers call:

Verizon

Executive Office 

140 West St in New York, NY 10007. 

(212) 395-1000

This is THE place to complain. At Verizon, the trickle down still works, just as it did 40 years ago with the old AT&T. Go to the top and by the time it reaches the bottom the problem has gained serious momentum. If enough local residents make work for the executives at Verizon head office, change happens because the people at the top have more on their plate than dealing with 500 customers wanting to know why Verizon is failing to keep pace with AT&T. 

 

Your call will be answered on the 2nd ring, by a human that expresses genuine concern. You will be transferred to the executive who oversees that group who will make a promise to call you back with an explanation and update. You will be re-contacted within 2 business days regarding your complaint. 

Many voices area able to accomplish much. 

Patrick Doyle

Thank You From John H. Wilkinson’s Family

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our friends, family, co-workers, Copake Fire Department, Veteran’s Group, Columbia-Greene Community Hospice, Copake Auxiliary, and everyone else for being there for our families during the time of our Father, John Wilkinson’s demise.  Growing up in Copake along with his sister, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, etc. dad has a big history in this town that will be cherished forever.  He will be missed by all. He was an inspirational father, brother, grandfather and husband. And he was a great Electrician for over 50 years. Thank you also to Bill his working partner.  May our father rest in peace with our mother, Anne Marie Wilkinson.  

Who exactly is Jeff Nayer kidding?

Who exactly is Jeff Nayer kidding? Not me I and I sure hope not you.  In his interview in the Register Star he says a couple of totally ridiculous things that show a lack of leadership and a total lack of understanding how it really works.  He says that he will “force partisanship out of the town board and revitalize downtown”.  Yes, Mr. Nayer, that is the way to end the bickering, by forcing it. Excuse me, but it sounds like you are bickering already.  And then you are going to revitalize downtown…. Please give us a plan on exactly how you single handily will do that?  What absolute bluster without any substance.  What is your magic idea that you have been hiding from us or is it just words in newspaper?  You sound just like Crowley. He said the same thing four years ago. Do you see a difference?  

J Miller

I was absolutely livid when I read about Luna!

Hi Bob:

 I was absolutely livid when I read about Luna!  This is likely some jerk from out of town getting his/her jollies out, but to murder a horse quietly grazing in her pasture?  I sure hope the "doer" is found.  If there is anything I can do to help Ms. White, let me know.  How sad, that some idiot must kill animals to feel like they are superior!  Humans are the only species to kill for "the fun of it". 

 

Your in Mutual Disgust,
Morgana Washington

A Few Rogue Republicans

To The Editor

It is distressing to learn that campaign signs of Linda Gabaccia, Democratic candidate for Supervisor of Copake, have been stolen from the lawns of a number of Copake residents exercising their free speech tight to endorse their candidate of choice. Other Democratic signs were knocked down and run over.

It is not appropriate to blame the Copake Republican Party for this reprehensible behavior. Jeff Nayer, Linda’s opponent, would neither do this nor sanction it. Republicans I have admired for their public service and contribution to town government would not. Since Linda and Jeff are working together to run campaigns that are respectful of each other and the voters they seek to serve, we feel assured that Republican candidates in Copake have moved beyond the misleading last minute flyers handed out four years ago when it was too late for response expressing the truth. The danger now is that the behavior of a few rogue Republicans will tarnish the campaigns of honorable candidates.

I urge any who may know who is responsible for taking or destroying signs, possibly the same ones who did this four years ago, to inform the Republican candidates and honorable Republican leaders, so they can stop the behavior by informing the perpetra-tors that they are hurting, not helping the campaign.

Clark M. Simms

Rural Charm Does Not Involve The Recreational Shooting Of Horses

To the Editor:

The Indian Summer glow of this past Columbus Day weekend was incredible and I enjoyed spending the weekend outside with my dog and horses.  Unfortunately, two incidents marred this wonderful weekend and I wanted to share them with the readership of the Chronicle.

Incident One:

I live on Snyder Pond Road in West Copake and my family has been in residence there since the 1960s.  The road has changed over the years through development of new houses, farms being shuttered and fields being replaced by houses.  It’s always been a quiet road; however, the Brown’s Dam bridge closure has brought marked and unpleasant changes.  First, it was the increase in traffic.  Apparently, our little road has become the direct line to the Copake Transfer Station.  Saturdays around here become a regular autobahn and people have little to no respect for the residents of our once quiet street.  People in their haste to get the trip to the dump over with hurtle down the street with little care for the pedestrians, wildlife, bicyclists and equestrians that are out enjoying the peaceful and quiet nature of the road.  While outside with my dog, I began to notice that things were not right on my little road.  First, there was the McDonald’s bag, its contents strewn along the side of the road, and then there was the six pack of empty beer cans dumped out together, the three vodka bottles, candy wrappers, clothing and other refuse.  I was sick to my stomach.  Since when did it become okay, appropriate, common place and accepted to use the side of the road to dump your garbage out of your vehicle? 

Rather than complain, I went back to the house and got a couple of garbage bags.  My dog Benjamin and I walked both sides of the road and collected garbage:  other people’s garbage for ¼ mile.  I would have gone farther, but my bags were full and my heart heavy.  I felt like the American Indian in the commercial from the 70’s riding a horse along a freeway littered with debris and garbage and a tear in his eye. As a child I truly believed that that would never, could never happen here in a small town like Copake, I was so wrong.  People the next time you go through the fast food drive through or pick up a drink at a convenience store, do me a favor and wait until you get home to dispose of the litter.  The side of my road (or any road) is not where it belongs.  It is unacceptable to expect others to clean up after you and if you are “adult” enough to drive a car, then do me a favor and be adult enough to throw your trash away in a trash can. 

Incident Two:

Facebook has indeed become the preferred way to keep in touch even in the small little town of Copake, New York.  So I was especially interested to see that my friend Heather White’s status on Monday, October 11, 2011, was regarding one of her horses, Luna.  There was a beautiful shot of Luna in a lovely field of spring grass, underneath the caption read, RIP Sweet Luna.  This horse was young, just nine years old.  How could she possibly be gone?  Heather owns Rocky Meadow Farm on Yonderview Road in Copake.  I was shocked to learn that on Sunday, Luna was found dead in the pasture adjacent to Yonderview Road.  Heather bought Luna last December as a birthday present to herself at the Heritage auction in Massachusetts.  Heather fell in love with the black and white paint horse and when her price did not rise above the meat buyers’ price, she knew she had to save this mare.  Although slaughter is no longer legal in the United States, horses are routinely purchased by kill buyers who ship the horses to Mexico and Canada where they are slaughtered for human consumption in Europe and Asia.

Luna had been grazing in the front pasture all weekend with three or four other horses.  It is believed that sometime on Sunday between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, someone shot the horse with a rifle.  Luna did not struggle and apparently died where she was shot.  It was not an accident.  It was a deliberate and criminal act motivated by god only knows what.  This was not a hunting accident.  It is duck season, which requires a shotgun and birdshot.  Luna was shot intentionally, with malice and with the motivation to kill a horse. 

We live in Copake, New York, the land of rural charm.  Well, I’m here to tell you that part of the rural charm does not involve the recreational shooting of horses, pets, cows, sheep, goats or any other animal.  People should be able to turn their horses out without fear that they may come home to find them dead in their field or merely wounded by someone on a thrill seeking mission to shoot and kill something.  I am not a gun owner, yet I would never deprive a responsible person from owning and shooting a gun.  Responsible people do not kill harmless and defenseless animals for sport.  

Friends of Heather White have banded together on Facebook and other outlets to fundraise for a sizable reward to hopefully bring Luna’s killer to justice.  The reward is growing as we get the word out there.  In just one day, it has grown to $1350 from the generosity of people, many of whom do not know Heather White or Luna.  If you would like to pledge money toward the reward, please email Kate Thurlow at srfrescue@aol.com. 

The reward will be given to the person or people who come forward with information leading to the arrest of the Luna’s killer.  If you have information regarding this crime, please contact the Copake Police Department at 518-329-2727.

I truly hope this criminal act was an isolated incident and not a sign of the times.  I was truly touched by the outpouring of contributions to Luna’s reward fund.   As a final note, I wanted to share a quote, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” —Mahatma Gandhi

I want to thank Bob Sacks for providing the Copake Chronicle as a means to disseminate information in our small town. 

Sincerely,

Hilarie L. Thomas

It Is The Old Boys Club in Copake

Dear Commissioner Nayer:

I see lots of bluster and no admission of guilt in your letter. Has there or has there not been any public minutes for the Police commission? I believe that there has not been any, because I looked on the town’s web site. There is no excuse and you can’t blame anyone else but your commission.  To do so is ridiculous.

You did or did not hire a commissioner’s son for the Copake Police force and didn’t tell anyone. In your letter in the Columbia paper you admitted that you did.  There is no excuse and you can’t blame anyone else but your commission.  I hope the public understands what has happened here. It is the old boys club that has been in existence since I was born here.  I have never liked it and I hope we finally see a change in this town.  It is time for Copake to wake up and smell the stagnation. 

Joan Keller

Wildlife, Cars and a Quiet Rural Setting

Dear Bob:

I wish to bring to the attention of your readers a particular concern of mine: wildlife and cars.  As a 20 year veteran wildlife rehabilitator, it pains me each and every time I find a wounded or dead wild animal at the side of the road.  This is hardly necessary in such a lovely and quiet rural setting as we are blessed to live in.

 

At this time of year, and in the weeks to come, there are several "wild" behaviours that motorists should be aware of.  Squirrels, bluejays, chipmunks, and other small animals will be dashing across roads to collect the harvest of wild nuts and some berries that fall upon these death-ways.  Please, take your time getting to your destination and watch for these animals darting hither and yon.  They are, essentially, grocery shopping - you wouldn't want to be run down by a maniac driver at Shop Rite, would you?  Additionally, in weeks to come, hunting season will be in full swing.  Many deer flee from the sound of guns, and flee they do over our roads, please be aware of areas where they commonly cross the roads, and try to slow down in those areas.  Also, as the buck deer begin their rutting season, let's just say they are blinded by love (and hormones) and not always aware of traffic.  A buck deer flying into your windshield can seriously harm you and other drivers.  BE AWARE.  Also at this time, animals like opossums, raccoons, and smaller game are foraging and trying to store up enough fat for the winter.  Try to be kind, and not turn them into road kill.  Migrating birds at this time of year rarely cause traffic interactions, but some do take off low from the sides of the road, so try to be aware of your surroundings as you drive.

Finally, we come to the predators: the coyotes, bobcats, bear and mountain lion (yes one has been spotted in Philmont!)  Do NOT leave out cat and/or dog food, and don't leave these out either on a screened-in porch.  A hungry predator will not stop at a "barrier" such as your front door if there is the smell of food about.  If you feed feral cats, try to move the location to a more clandestine area away from your front or back door.  And be aware if you allow your dog(s) and/or cat(s) to roam free: they could become someone's lunch.  These predators are not doing anything that we, also predators, don't do: they are trying to survive, but now they are doing it in a world more and more inhabited by these strange two-legged beings who apparently, don't like or trust them.  BE AWARE and PLEASE CARE about wildlife.

Finally, if you have a wildlife emergency or problem, do not assume that there is no help to be had: there are many rehabbers in our area, and you can get a list from the DEC.  If you accidentallt hit an opossum and it isn't dead, the answer is not to run it over two or three more times!!  That is cruel and inhumane.  BUT - you can call a rehabilitator.  If anyone needs my help, please contact me at 325-1415, but please also get the DEC list in case there is someone closer to your location.  If you get my machine, leave a message.  I am always here, but cannot always get to the phone in time.  Injured animals should be approached with caution - and it help if you call a rehabber and stay at the scene so we can find you on a dark night.  If you have a blanket in your car, you can throw it over the injured animal for warmth and to protect from shock and stressful eye contact.  Again, for more info, feel free to give me a shout.  Hoping this is useful to folks out there.

 

Very Drooly Yours,
Morgana Washington

Facts and Opinions Regarding Political Issues

To the Editor:

Bob Sacks deserves our thanks as well as congratulations for producing such a thorough and informative publication. Local news has been a vacuum since the demise of The Independent, and The Copake Chronicle has provided needed relief, turning a desert into an information oasis.

Like anything new, the Chronicle has changed and grown beyond its already solid foundation. It has become the "go-to" source for goings-on about town and the immediate surrounds. It has returned a voice to the local populus.

It's a shame that some are deriding the Chronicle as merely a stump platform for political commentary. The Chronicle is so much more than that.

However, like any other legitimate periodical, the Chronicle does publish facts and opinions regarding political issues. Like it or not, politics is the vehicle through which we elect people to represent us, who in turn are entrusted to make the policies which govern the Town. No where are the effects of politics on our everyday life more evident than in a small town. Decisions made on that level affect the condition of our roads and bridges, police protection, our children's educations.

Washington and Albany don't care if there is a junk yard on every corner, if the local environment is endangered by the actions of a few, or if we can't use our cell phones in our own town.

But we do. And in order to safeguard the interests of these issues, and many more, we select folks to represent us locally. The process of choosing those people happens to be a political one.

We all lead busy lives. Most of us don't have time to attend town board meetings or serve on committees. The Chronicle is a valuable source of information about important issues, and brings to attention to what might be missing in that information.

Some of the characteristics of a good newspaper are that it maintains a high standard of journalistic integrity as it provides information, provokes thought, and allows for the vox populi to discuss the issues. The Copake Chronicle is all of that.

The explosion of subscriptions speaks for itself.

The Chronicle has plenty of room for opposing opinions. It is a venue for your voice, too--not just Bob's.

If you see something in the Chronicle that you don't agree with, do something more positive than going around mumbling negativity. It's not helpful. Instead, write a letter. Offer to be a guest editor. Write an op-ed. Provoke some thought.

The Chronicle has earned its high standing among the news and information outlets that have emerged with the expansion of the internet. I look forward to its appearance each week in my inbox. I enables me to be a more informed citizen, and I hope it continues on ad infinitum.

From the border of Hillsdale and Copake,

Rose Aulino 

The Truth about the Copake Police Commission

                  

Once again I find myself having to respond to an editorial by Bob Sacks in his Copake Chronicle. This time it is about “The Secret Police of Copake”. I feel the readers of the Chronicle should know the true facts & not the misinformation Mr. Sacks likes to distribute to his readers. First off there is no such thing as a Secret Police Commission. The Police Commission meets quarterly as the website says unless there are no issues that need to be addressed. The Town Clerk is notified, a public notice is put on the appropriate board in Town Hall & an official newspaper (which the Town Board designates in January) is notified. It is not put in the paper as a public notice because the Town Board voted to keep costs down & only certain Boards need to officially advertise. Mr. Sacks should have known this, as he is a Town Board member. Next Mr. Sacks states that before the Crowley administration the Police Commission met openly and monthly and always posted the minutes of their meetings. But if you look on the Copake Website you will see that the last time any minutes posted were in 10/2006, when Councilwoman Gabaccia & Councilman Ritchie were Commissioners. If you read those minutes, you will see the Commission decided to meet as needed & not monthly. If no minutes were posted since then, are we to assume that the commissioners at that time did nothing for 14 months or had secret meetings while under the then pre-Crowley Democratic controlled Board? Mr. Sacks also writes that I am the head spokesperson for the Police Commission. I am neither Chairman nor spokesperson, but am a Citizen that constantly attends board meetings, & when an issue with the police comes up I am then asked about my knowledge of it. Am I not allowed to give an answer now without being labeled? As Mr. Sacks knows there are 3 Commissioners, why then does he always only email me & not the other Commissioners when he has a question? Obviously he has assumed that I am in charge, when in fact I am not. Finally, any young man or woman can inquire about a career in law enforcement and request a ride-along to see the inner workings of a career possibly being pursued. Some do in fact inquire about this to many other Police Departments. Last spring there were two young men who showed an interest. They met with the Police Chief (who happens to run the daily operations of the PD) were interviewed by him, and were granted permission to ride along. The Town Attorney was contacted, a waiver was signed and the insurance company was notified, all legal & allowable. This is not in any way a training program, as Mr. Sacks would like you to think, it is an informational program only. Councilman Tompkins & Councilwoman Gabaccia inquired about this & were satisfied that the proper steps had being taken. If Mr. Sacks was so concerned, why did we not hear from him? And yes one of the young men happened to be a current Police Commissioner’s son, but should he not be allowed the same opportunity as anyone else in a non-paid status? Unfortunately, the other young man changed his mind and we were unable to assist him. Ride alongs are not something any Police Department advertises and neither do we, this is a selective process that the Police Chief goes through with the person of interest to see if they would qualify after they have inquired and are interviewed by him.

So, Mr. Sacks, no secret or back door meetings, no more posting of minutes from the previous Police Commissioner’s meetings, no nepotism, and no, I am not the chairman for the Police Commission.

Once again Mr. Sacks you have managed to print an editorial without getting the true facts and have done a disservice to your readers by giving them more misinformation in your paper.

Finally if minutes haven’t been posted for over 5 years, why is it an issue with you now and one that has not been bought up before? I can only assume that this is a politically motivated editorial to mar my reputation as a fair an honest person during my campaign for Town Supervisor.

Jeff Nayer