The Explanation of Copake’s Recent Political History.

Mr. Sachs thanks for the explanation of Copake’s recent political history.  I agree and understand your shared pain.  I do remember the 27% tax lie that got Crowley into office.  In fact, I remember most but not all of the events in your commentary.  It is a sad thing that our town had to suffer so much for so long.  I give you a lot of credit for sticking it out, because under the same circumstances I’m not sure I could have done the same.  I pray that we can quickly overcome the nonsense created by that one man.

It was never like this when Angelo was in office, Crowley changed everything and none of it for the good. Everybody got along, and just did the town’s business. 

J. Miller

Copake's Town Board Has Courage

To the Editor:

I'd like to congratulate Copake's Town Board's new majority for having the courage to disband the Zoning Review Committee (land use review committee) and start out fresh! The old republican dominated board had clearly discouraged applicants who may not agree with their agenda by creating a distorted view of the expectations of commitment.

Why would Reggie Crowley tell applicants that the board was to meet every week when it is to meet monthly? Was this done to intentionally put off volunteers or was it not understanding what the requirements would be? Either way indicates that the selection process was flawed. Also, as Jeff Nayer points out, the board got off to a rocky start. Why retain a land use review committee picked by the previous administration who mishandled the selection process? Were some applicants treated differently because they did not share the republican view of land use? Is that so hard to believe that would ever happen? The newly elected majority not only has the legal right to do this but would be negligent in not righting the wrong of the last administration. Linda Gabaccia, Bob Sacks and Susan Winchell-Sweeney have taken a lot of heat for doing the right thing here. Wasn't pretty but that's the way it goes sometimes. By the way I'm not a democrat and one of the reasons why I'm not is, the democrats always try to take the high ground while the republicans fight dirty and because the public is so ill-informed they get away with it. 

When pressed to say who was not treated fairly Linda Gabaccia kept her word to respect the wishes of those who complained to remain confidential which is not only her moral obligation but her legal right. I don't blame them for not wanting to come forward in a county that is dominated by republicans. Too bad more democrats don't have the spine to stand behind this board for doing the right thing! For Mr. Crowley to cry foul about this situation caused by his deception or incompetence is the real despicable act here. And he is a hypocrite: as soon as he assumed his role as Supervisor in 2008 he disbanded the Comprehensive Plan Committee. He is still a divisive force even after leaving office, using the volunteers to create misguided outrage to drive a wedge between the voters and the town board. What a shame! We now have republican obstructionism at the local level. Although the republicans lost the majority, they still want to run the town using smoke and mirrors to distort reality to stir up discontent and intimidate the town board. Sadly, I think we can expect more of this nonsense from the loud, angry cronies who lost control and will sink to any level to regain it. No amount of compromise will satisfy them, all they know is to attack and complain until they get back in the majority. Hopefully Supervisor Nayer can maintain order at town hall meetings so the Town Board can conduct the business they were elected to do.

Kevin Kelly

Copake, NY

THRILLED to have the Copake Chronicle

Hi Bob,

My name is Kendra MacDougall.  My sister is Mary Bradway, who has lived and had her Hair Salon in Copake for so many years, I can’t remember!!

I now live in California, but when Mary told me that you had the Copake Chronicle on line, I was THRILLED!!!  I get to stay up with what is going on and who’s doing what!

I am glad you are going to be with family, but hope you are right, and that someone will take on The Chronicle.

Thank you for keeping me in touch and I wish you all the best!!!

I have to say GO YANKEES in 2012 because they are all haters out here!!

Regards,

Kendra MacDougall

A Loyal Reader of the Chronicle

BOB,

Barry had told me of your impending move, and for all the right reasons. Your "farewell" notice today is well done. I'm sure many of your local friends and neighbors will be sorry to see you go. Best to you and Carol.

I have been a loyal reader of the Chronicle, even though I passed through Copake only once (at night). I grew up in a small Western Massachusetts town, much like Copake, and I really got a charge over reading the articles, and letters to the editor. Small towns are unique, but they have many similar issues and problems.

Hopefully someone as dedicated and capable as you will pick up the job before you go. I think your exposure, travel and knowledge of the outside world brought an insight to this newsweekly which will be hard to replace.

Tom Purple

Still Not Sure That Erecting Cell Towers Are Such A Great Idea

I'm still not sure that erecting cell towers are such a great idea for our town. I've been reading conflicting articles about the potential for serious health risks (i.e) leukemia
among people who live within a short distance from cell towers (or any other RF-emitting structures).
Most studies are inconclusive, especially since this is a relatively new presence in our ever-changing environment.

Is anyone here concerned enough to even take even a moment to consider any possible down-sides of wanting better cell-phone coverage?

Meanwhile, new construction developments meet all sorts of environmental and other potentially impacting standards in our town, as they should.

I know better cell coverage is a benefit to our emergency services.
I also know that other towns and regions have installed different systems of repeaters for the emergency bands to have full, dedicated coverage in the areas they serve.
I also know there's some sort of mandates some time in the future for communications coverage that towns need to comply to.

I also realize that if I was stuck in a ditch, I would not be happy if I didn't have a signal.
I also know that where there's going to be one tower, there will sooner or later, be another...and another.
This first one will not provide complete coverage.

And, once we crap-up one zone, it'll be easier to justify another.
If there's no avoiding this, so be it...but, I know other towns which have resisted and not only for reasons of visual impact.

Maybe the risks, in the long run, will outweigh the benefits.
Maybe not.
I don't know.

-Steve Rosenzweig
King of the Luddites

You are so right

You are so right. Without cell service and high speed internet we will fall off the map. Business generation and second home sales will completely disappear.
R Lazarus

Warning: Possible Bait and Switch

Warning: Possible Bait and Switch - Telephone offer. Wed. 18 January 2012 

Editor's Note: I have heard of this style of business before but I have no idea if this note is accurate. 
I cannot and do not substantiate this report. It is always advisable to think twice with cold calling. 
I have located the following reports on the web they too may or may on be accurate.
Please make your decisions with appropriate caution. 


http://www.ripoffreport.com/builders-contractors/barrier-windows-barr/barrier-window-systems-barrie-p5e3b.htm
http://www.bbb.org/upstate-new-york/business-reviews/windows-installation-and-service/barrier-window-systems-inc-in-westmoreland-ny-13000500/

Warning: Possible Bait and Switch - Telephone offer. Wed. 18 January 2012

A call offering a drawing for a $15,000 makeover of your house: Doors,
windows, gutters, and more. Man said his name was Lonnie and his
partner was Peggy.

"Could some one come by TODAY ? "
This was definitely a high pressure sales pitch, and I had to fight
him off on the phone, but felt this whole area might be vulnerable.

The supervisor identified his company as Barrier Window, said there
were many locations, but refused to give a physical location.

Forwarded in good faith for Copake community.

Bob Wood

WE CANNOT GET OUT OF OUR OWN WAY---WHY ???-

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW YOU CAN ADVOCATE OR RECOMMEND A COUNTRY WIDE BROADBAND SYSTEM. YOU MAKE A STRONG CASE, VIA THOMAS FRIEDMAN'S ARTICLE FOR SUCH A PLAN. YOU INDICATE THAT TOWNS LIKE COPAKE WILL HAVE A HARD TIME EXISTING, GROWING AND STAYING IN TOUCH WITH THE REST OF THE COUNTRY AND THEIR WORLD AND WE CANNOT EVEN GET A CELL PHONE TOWER COMPLETED. SOMETIME AGO YOU WROTE A LENGTHY DISCOURSE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE TO THE WORLD. I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND YOU THAT CELL PHONES HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR OVER 25 YEARS --AND YET WE STILL WAIT FOR GOOD, CLEAR, RFELIABLE RECEPTION. GET WITH IT MR. SACKS---THE TOWN OF COPAKE IN STUCK IN A POOL OF CLAY AND MUD--WE CANNOT GET OUT OF OUR OWN WAY---WHY ???---BECAUSE SOME OF OUR NEIGHBORS WILL LOSE THEIR VIEW---NONSENSE---HAVE AN INTERNET SYSTEM, ARE YOU KIDDING?>??---WE STILL WANT TO HAVE SECOND VOTES OF IMPORTANT ISSUES---THIS IS A FABULOUS TOWN AND A CHARMING AREA---THAT WANTS TO BRING BACK THE BUGGY WHIP, CLOTH DIAPERS, AND TYPEWRITERS---GOD HELP US ALL !@!!!!!

MB DENT