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