Stuck in the Driveway

Dear Bob,


I have never written a letter to the editor before but I thought this would be an appropriate first.
On 12/27 ( the day of the 20” storm) I was able to drive my 4 wheel vehicle out of my driveway onto County Route 7 in West Copake. Retuning after 4PM I did not get a head of steam back into my driveway as the highway department pushed a wall of snow at the entrance. My snow removal person did not get to me yet.

Trying for about 15 minutes with someone behind the wheel, I pushed and pushed with no success. Cars coming the other way slowed down when they saw my car partially on County Route 7. I got scared when one of the cars did one hellavu slide.

Now for the purpose of this letter. Several months ago they were letters and letters about getting rid of the Copake police Department. I am very happy that they decided not to. A Copake Police car passed my stuck car, turned around with emergency lights ablaze letting traffic from both directions know there was something wrong. Seeing we were still having trouble Officer Luann Varney climbed though almost 3 feet of snow drift and helped up push the car out of the way.

I am glad that the powers that be kept the Police Department. They are here to protect us which is in their line of duty. Ms. Varney went a step further.

Ed Horowitz

Copake Sign Ordinance

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


Dale Peterson

Brilliance of the Annual Light Parade of Copake

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


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Everyone.
Joan Spencer

Anger of Party Chairs Ironic

To the party chairs clamoring for Baer's removal and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And you expect us to take you seriously.

Rose Aulino
Copake

Didi Barrett Thanks Columbia County

To the Editor,


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

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

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

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

Thank you again,
Didi Barrett

What is the Matter with the United States?

To the editor,


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

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

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

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

What happened to the GOP?\
 
Grant Langdon

Comments on the Fairness of the ZBA

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

Leonard Ladin
West Copake

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

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

Grant Dinehart Langdon

Family Resource Centers of Columbia County Epress Gatitude

To the Editor,


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

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

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



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

Sincerely,
Beth St. Dennis
Executive Director

A Successful Year for Thanksgiving Baskets

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

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

God bless,
Bette Gallup

Continually Amazed by the Copake Chronicle

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

J.B. White

A Drunken Prank by Some Idiot

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

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

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

Regards,
George S

A Senseless and Unfortunate Act of Vandalism

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

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

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

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

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

Reginald J. Crowley
Copake Town Supervisor

Disturbed by the Destruction at the Entrance to the Park.

Dear Bob Sacks;


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

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

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

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

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

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

Robert Wood

Highway Superintendent Bill Gregory Thanks Copake Residents

Highway Superintendent Bill Gregory thanks Copake residents

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

Thank you,

Bill Gregory

Didi Barrett Represents a Chance at Reform

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

Ted Voelker

Copake, NY

Asking the Voters to Support Senator Steve Saland

To the Editor,

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

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

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

                                                            Thank you,

                                                            Jeff Nayer

Highway Crew Supports Bill Gregory

Copake Highway Crew supports Bill Gregory

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

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

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

Vote Bill Gregory.

The Copake Highway Department

Tim Albright

Mike Bradway

Jeremy Holdridge

Mark Edelman

John Broggi

Mike Miller

Highway Contradictions in a Recent Article Register Star

To the Editor,

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

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

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

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

Dr. Terry Sullivan

Copake, NY

Didi Barrett is the only "eligible" candidate!

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

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

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

Welsarth