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