Letters 7/17/2008

Dear Editor,
The DEC wants to end all open burning in the entire State except for a few exceptions. Little by little our freedoms are being taken away.
As reported the DEC says that open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York State and burning trash in burn barrels emits all kinds of pollutants. They cite a recent study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, undertaken in conjunction with DEC and the Department of Health. The DEC ought to be more sensitive to the fact that everyone that has a burn barrel doesn’t burn garbage or all kinds of trash in their burn barrels. They burn things like personal papers to avoid identity theft, cereal boxes, cracker boxes etc. Pollutants coming from those types of material can’t be any worst then what comes out of the exhaust from large trucks and buses. Does the DEC even know how many burn barrels there are in the State? I don’t know how they perform their test, but it’s difficult to understand how they know for sure that the pollutants they found in the air didn’t come out of burning barrels from States that border New York State? When measuring air quality it appears that it would be rather difficult to determine exactly where the pollutants are coming from.
Banning back yard burning barrels will put a financial burden on seniors that are struggling to keep up with the raising price of gas, medical cost and everything else that they must have. Not being allowed to burn personal papers, small boxes and the like will force seniors and others to make many more trips to their local land fill sites or worse yet, force them to purchase a residential trash pick up service from companies that make a lot of money picking up residential trash. It cost $300.00 to $400.00 dollars or more annually to have a residential trash pick up service. The annual charge is based on the size of the container. The bigger the container the more it cost to have your trash picked up. One company charges new costumers $25.00 when they start the service. People that burn wood stoves trying to keep warm and to reduce their heating expenses might just turn to burning trash in their wood stoves. I guess the people working for the DEC don’t know that so called trash can be burned in wood stoves. People with wood stoves better beware because the next step taking by the DEC might be banning all wood stoves.
We all know about the hundreds of lobbyists that lobby our federal representative in Washington pushing for bills that benefit the companies that they work for. They care less about tax payers. Maybe lobbyists have invaded Albany that work for all the companies that make a ton of money picking up poor people’s trash.
William Warnecke
Glenford, NY

Dear Editor,
Mr. Erich Griesser's letter in your last issue makes a few good points about some exaggerations and hyperbole in some of the letters and flyers put out by Save the Mountain. I applaud his willingness to put this into the debate.
However, I have nothing but disdain for his hypocrisy in most of the letter regarding his main point. Where was your voice when Gitter was making 'fear mongering' statements such as 'They [anyone opposed to his project] are trying to "de-people" the Catskills', or 'They are trying to destroy the economy in this area', etc. Then there is his SLAPP suit on the Phoenicia Times that he knows very well he can't win, but is trying to use to intimidate a small, local paper that won't knuckle under to his propaganda machine. Talk about 'fear tactics.' Are you willing to condemn this 'material' as well? Until I see your name under such a condemnation, I'll see your letter, though including a few points with which I can agree, as fundamentally hypocritical.
As to the danger: That project is fundamentally a danger, not just to the mountain, but to the 'way of life' in this area. It attempts to sucker people into thinking that it will enhance the local economy greatly, but have very few 'down sides'. Anyone, who makes any sincere attempt to research how such projects have effected similar areas in other parts of this country can find out how the outcome is almost always detrimental to the way of life in the area with, not just no increased economic effect except for those few who sell out as property prices peak and leave the area [no longer being able to afford property prices nor tax levels], but serious detriment to all those who try to make do and are eventually driven out by soaring taxes for all of the infrastructure needs that are never covered by the taxes paid by the project. Note: the tax 'holiday' and 'economic zone' that Gitter is trying to suck out of the local economy and which he tries to conceal behind grand visions of great pay checks to construct his project, never mentioning the short time they will be available or the fact that most of these jobs will go to people from outside the local area, but who will need short time accommodations which will drive up prices briefly and then drop them like a stone in a couple of years.
Please sir, stay in the debate, but stay with integrity. Confront the 'fear mongering' in all of the debate!
Jac Conaway
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
What does the Belleayre Ski Center have to do with the proposed Belleayre Resort Project? Absolutely nothing!
The Belleayre Ski Center appears to be a well run family ski center, which has enjoyed record visitors year after year. It has always been a welcomed neighbor for the 52 years I have been a part time resident. The Ski Center has been and will remain an economic plus for the area.
The proposed Belleayre Resort Project is a leach that has attempted to attach itself to the Belleayre Ski Center in an attempt to dupe the public. The proposed Belleayre Resort would be an economic and environmental disaster to the area. The only benefactors of the proposed Belleayre Resort Project will be the investors.
If the area needs an economic boost it would be best to work within the existing infrastructure and not look to new expansive development, which will only attract wealthy visitors with no ties to the community. I for one would not want to see Catskill Park and the Belleayre Ski area become another Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Robert Steiner
Big Indian, NY

Dear Editor,
My recent letter regarding the Crossroads/Partners strategy of equating the fate of their proposed mega-development with that of the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center certainly ruffled some feathers. I must be doing something right! Nearly everyone in these parts supports the ski center, keeping it in public hands and affordable. In contrast, the proposed private resort is opposed by a large segment of the community, especially in its current configuration including 10's of $millions in taxpayer subsidies and 240 units of high density lodging at the top of Highmount Ridge.
It is impossible to justify taxpayers' footing the bill so that elite guests of a $500/night spa can ski to their lodge doors while families across the state are being squeezed due to soaring food and energy prices. It is disingenuous of the proposed resort's backers to contend that the ski center is in jeopardy when in reality it is the untenable giveaways of the Spitzer-brokered AIP that are justifiably under siege.
Crossroads/Partners are working for their own personal, financial interests. If the resort were built, can anyone say with assurance what the long-term effect on the ski center or the community would be? To the developers, the ski center is only the bait to get people to invest in timeshares and inflate the overall value of their land holdings. Whether or not it stays public or affordable is irrelevant to them.
Matthew Frisch
Fleischmanns, NY

Dear Editor,
Poor Belleayre Mountain Ski Center! It has become the rope in a tug-of-war between the operators of Greene County’s private ski facilities at Hunter and Windham and the would-be operators of a private ski resort on Belleayre Mountain. The former felt no competitive threat from the publicly owned BMSC in the past, even during the recent impressive growth it enjoyed thanks to astute management and infusions of state money. That’s surely because even as it grew, the BMSC remained a decidedly public facility that catered to a different market and had a different “personality”—affordable, family-friendly, laid-back, “country-ish” versus the hot-shot, singles-attracting, ski-village atmosphere of Hunter and Windham, where après-ski counts as much as the day on the slopes. But the Agreement in Principle engineered by then-Governor Spitzer with Crossroads Ventures, which has proposed a mega-resort for the west slope of the mountain, rightly has the Greene County folks worried.
For what the AIP would do is simply fold BMSC into the private, commercial time-share resort for which it would serve as a marketing inducement. In fact, the publicly funded ski center would likely be the jewel in the crown of attractions advertised to would-be time-share residents. That is no doubt why the AIP actually commits public funds to create some ski-in/ski-out facilities to be available to commercial resort guests only—their own personal and private pathway to the slopes. What this blurring of public into private will do to the price of lift tickets and the down-home character of BMSC is anybody’s guess.
Even leaving aside this particular use of public money for private profit, it is hard to see how the public-private partnership benefits those who fund the public part of the partnership at all. Unfortunately, the rather shrill recent mailing from the mega-resort’s booster club, Partners for Progress (although the postage apparently was paid by a non-profit group and was possibly taxpayer-subsidized), throws no light on the issue. The promise of jobs is only that, with no penalty or recourse if the promise goes unfulfilled, and Congressman Hinchey himself has declared the number and quality of the promised jobs “not real.” The suggestion that taxes will go down is a lie; time and time and time again, it has been proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that large-scale development like this increases the tax burden on existing residents, who must pay for expanded infrastructure. The rule of thumb is that tax rates quadruple in the short term. What seems to be left as benefit for the public partner—namely, the people of New York—is what the mailing calls “the bright side of traffic.”
The proposed mega-resort is simply another real-estate speculation, and the PFP acronym of “Partners for Progress” should more properly stand for “Profits for the Partners.” The hysteria their mailing tries to engender is exceeded only by the fear-mongering and bigotry it perpetuates, with its dark hint that opponents of the mega-resort are people “from places far away from here”—the old blame-the-stranger tactic that has proven so toxic in human history—and its cheap attempt to whip up fears that our economic survival is at stake. What is at stake are private investments, which the AIP directs that we, the people, should subsidize.
The big losers here are the folks who have long relied on BMSC as “their” ski facility—accessible, affordable, owned by the public and focused on the public’s recreation, not the private profit of a few.
Susanna Margolis
Fleischmanns NY

Dear Editor,
After reading the editorial in the Olive Press on July 7, 2008 written by Karen Wemple-Estes of Shokan, I also "heard" of course nothing confirmed in writing anywhere that I have seen, that the Physical Education Department in the Onteora School District was going to have a shakeup. My two children also had Ms. Rothe at Bennett Elementary School and she is a wonderful teacher and such an asset to the children throughout her 13+ years with such great communications skills and rapport with all the children at Bennett. It would be a shame to have her transferred to any school in the district. I personally do know Mr. Burkhardt who is at the High School level and he is also a tremendous asset to the High School students at Onteora. Mr. Burkhardt is a Physical Education teacher and besides the State Mandated lessons that are required by New York State, Mr. Burkhardt also works into his lesson plan yoga, pilates, rock climbing, dancing, archery and other lifetime activities for students that are not taught by the other physical education teachers. He brings many different elements to the physical education department which open up other avenues for many students who are not comfortable or not interested in sports-related activities. Mr. Burkhardt has been the Head Coach of the Onteora High School Cross Country and Spring Track and Field teams for many years.
I on the other hand had "heard" that it was not Mr. Burkhardt that was originally slated to be transferred directly to Phoenicia, it was another teacher in the district and that person was not welcomed in Phoenicia nor any of the other elementary schools in the Onteora District. Mr. Burkhardt is now being transferred involuntarily - he does not want to leave the high school however the administration is forcing him without giving any reason, as it seems like the same situation that Ms. Rothe is in.
It totally surprises me that the Onteora School District would make such a drastic decision in transferring Mr. Burkhardt to any elementary school. What would happen to the Onteora Cross Country Team this season? The team, who is known to have an outstanding record with achievements year after year and also having athletes going to State competition each year for the last eleven years. His coaching speaks for himself, winning over twenty MHAL and Section 9 titles, just look at all the trophies in the main hall and count his name! How would Mr. Burkhardt be able to teach at the elementary school which ends their day at approx 3:20 pm and be at the high school field for practice at 2:30 pm? That would then be the same as transferring any of the teachers who also coaches football, soccer or any other Fall sport and would have to be at the high school for practice. The personal one on one contact throughout the school day for athletes keeping in touch with their coaches is very important. Also having open communication with the athletes' teachers in regards to their academics is a key element and would be lost if the coach is located at another school.
I am sure that if any decisions have been made, maybe some serious reconsideration's about who is going where should be thought over thoroughly. If there is a position open at Phoenicia School due to the retirement of Mr. Gallagher, then there should have been or will be a hiring committee to fill that position.
With athletic teams starting their practices in approximately 7 weeks from this week, decisions would be need to be determined very soon, because it is not fair to any of our athletes in any sport in our school district to have pride in Onteora, to start out their season with not knowing who their coaches will be and having a concrete schedule. The future of our district is the students of Onteora and I would hope that the decisions that will be made in the best interest of them.
Tammy Alvarado
Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to William Warnecke's recent letter in which he expressed dismay about the ousting of former Onteora Board Of Education incumbents Burnholz, O'Connor and Vanacore and the landslide election of challengers Flayhan, Legnini, McGillicuddy and Osmond.
I find it interesting that in a lengthy letter about a Board Of Education vote, the word "education" is not mentioned once. And I think that could go along way toward explaining why things went the way they did.
Mr. Warnecke - and a few others - seem to paint the Onteora electorate as "duped" and "misled," which doesn't say much for their opinions of their fellow taxpayers.
The senior citizens who crossed party lines and made up much of the historic turnout in Shandaken are not to be underestimated. The graying Woodstockers and their neighbors in West Hurley are no slouches, either. And the people of Olive who decided it was time for a change are sharp. They do not need me to stick up for them, but I am anyway.
Mr. Warnecke talks about how the 30 grand spent on developers will "go to waste." I was at the board meeting a couple years back when the developers gave their first recommendation, which was to keep open three elementary schools and make a "separate and distinct" 6-through-8 middle school. The developers stressed the importance of elementary schools to the fabric of a community, something most folks in West Hurley would heartily agree with. And it was concluded the tax-base in Onteora could sustain three elementary schools. The outgoing board members rejected this initial recommendation and tried to accomplish a consolidation agenda in the name of fiscal responsibility. When the general public found that the former incumbents decided, mere weeks before the election, to close Phoenicia Elementary and cram 5th graders on buses and in the same building as eighteen-year-olds, they acted. The line that trustees are ostensibly elected to walk - taxpayers on one side, education on the other - was crossed and left in the dust.
The 0 % tax levy that the outgoing board members gave us was not enough to diminish strong views that more kids per classroom, more kids on buses for longer rides, and the closure of a community elementary school – i.e. a consolidation agenda - would have a negative effect on the education of Onteora kids and thus the entire community. Why? Because apparently there are a lot of people in the Onteora district who have faith that their money is well-spent when it goes to education, even if they don't have kids in the system. These people want bang for their buck, sure, but if it looks like it's going to be to the detriment of kids and teachers, they balk. And it doesn't necessarily mean they're "rich."
And yes, the elephant in the room is the likelihood that another 0 % tax levy will not be forthcoming next year. It was great that state aid happened to come through in the ’07-’08 school year, and many teachers happened to retire. But to expect that every year, when schools need repairs, upgrades, etc., is unreasonable.
When talk of attrition comes up, it helps to know that the census indicates births in Onteora are on the rise. And registration for '08-'09 kindergarten was so high, an extra day needed to be added. There is every indication that the supposed "freefall decline in enrollment" that the cherry-picked Budget Advisory Committee predicted is grossly exaggerated.
The voices of those who lament the fact that Phoenicia Elementary has a new lease on life tend categorically to regard Onteora as more trouble than it's worth. I have crossed paths with many - some of whom I call my friends - who think the public education system in particular and the social contract in general are untenable institutions that are beyond repair. The former incumbents did not do a lot to dismiss those notions. But the challengers did. Because, like me, they believe.
Robert Burke Warren
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
Transparency or Not? You decide. The newly elected Onteora School Board stated during their campaign that transparency was going to be a major priority. On July 1st, their very first official school board meeting they instructed the superintendent to craft a resolution in the eleventh hour to rescind the 5-8 educational plan by way of addendum to the regular agenda. This addendum was not published on the website with the regular agenda and the only way an Onteora Stakeholder would have know it was going to be a topic for discussion and possible action at this meeting was to go to the meeting and get the copy of the addendum that night. Is there a new definition of transparent?
The resolution was not a surprise if you followed the election but to have a resolution and vote and not inform the public it was going to take place does not sound very transparent. I say transparently not.
Cindy O’Connor
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
I have a few points to make in regards to William Warnecke's letter in the last issue of this newspaper. Yes, Mr. Warnecke, a superficial understanding of the financial issues facing Onteora district would lead to a conclusion that closing the Phoenicia School would save 2,300,000.00. But if you look deeper into the repercussions, it would actually cost the District much more to close the school down. Between shuttling students further distances, the subsequent overcrowding in the remaining two schools (leading to increased building "wear and tear"), and the erosion of Phoenicia town economy (hence a decline in Shandaken real estate values) would all degrade any "savings". What could be a solution to the Elementary School "problem" of declining enrollment? A few years back, a redistricting plan was proposed by Linda Sella and Heidi LaMonda which would "tweak" the boundaries between the towns sending some children from Woodstock and Olive to Phoenicia Elementary. This plan was booed down by the predominantly Olive attended meeting never to be examined again. I think that the redistricting plan needs to be re-evaluated as it is a viable, affordable solution to what I believe is a short-term population issue. Other school districts resort to this and after initial community resistance (people do hate change!), it has been found it to be a successful, low-cost answer.
Also, Mr. Warnecke, the consultants that were hired for $30.000.00 initially recommended that our community opt for Plan A, keeping the three schools open. This is in spite of the fact that their study on the population demographics was seriously flawed (birth rates outside of Ulster County were not taken into account nor was the transition of week-end homes into full-time residences when children became of school age). It was clear to the voters that the three incumbents were pursuing their own disingenuous agenda (witness their grumpy post-campaign letters to the local newspapers) and their dream of consolidating the district had more to do with supporting Olive's vision than considering the needs of the Onteora School District as a whole.
Mr. Warnecke, your letters are always a rant about the injustices of paying taxes. Sure, no one likes to pay taxes but as taxes go, school taxes are "good taxes". Every cent of our money is going towards the future of our community's children, not to bombs or enriching oil interests like our Federal taxes. Yes, it is important to maintain proper School District stewardship but to assume that any other vision besides the most austere would send the community straight to hell is counter-productive. Consider being part of a new, creative vision for Onteora instead of a nay-saying curmudgeon.
Jen Dragon
Chichester, NY

Dear Editor,
Uh-oh! There's been some leakage behind Cheney's closed doors. It seems that an official close to our VP said that he has laid out a plan for WW III. The first step is to get Israel to fire missles at Iran's uranium plant in Tehran, getting Tehran to retaliate with its own strike, thereby providing the U.S. with an excuse to attack military targets and nuclear facilities in Iran. The leaked material goes on to say that Cheney himself never denied engaging in such war games. For years, he was open about his opinion that an attack on Iran, a member of US President George W. Bush's "Axis of Evil," was inevitable.
After all, it was in l999, when Cheney then CEO of Halliburton, said that the world would begin to run short of oil in 2010, and that: "After that it's just a matter of years before it runs out. Whoever controls the remaining oil determines who lives and who dies." He added that 60% of the oil is in the Middle East in countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait,Qatar and the U.A.Ermirates. As we know from all the hugging we've seen on tv, our government is friends with all but Iran, and now occupies Iraq.
Bush got my knuckles white again last week when he said that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad could lead the region into a new world war - (that would make it III, right?) if his nation builds a nuclear bomb. Well, a uranium plant leads to a nucular bomb, in his language, right?. So now, I'm nervous.
Following all of this, Seymour Hersch comes out with an article in the New Yorker, wherein he says that four Democrats, in the so called 'Gang of Eight' that signs off on top secret operations--Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Intelligence Committee chairman John D. Rockefeller IV, and House Intelligence Committee chairman Silvestre Reyes--have gone along with Cheney and provided the $400 million for this operation. I was wondering what's up with our Congressional leaders. Now, I'm getting itchy. I'm hoping that it's just mosquito bites, and not some central nervous system breakdown, but I'm off the point.
Bush's ratings are way down, and he has a legacy, as "the War President" to protect. The real powers that be need to remain in control, no matter who's he President. That Obama guy just can't be trusted, (he might figure out how to use those billions on solar or wind power).... so..... it's one of two things. Voter fraud, or WW III. Yikes. Now my hands are shaking. Why don't you guys figure out what we can do, while I try some meditation or something.
Jill Paperno
Glenford, NY

Dear Editor,
It is very hard to distinguish any difference between Senator McCain currently running for President and the ideas and concepts of current President George W. Bush: This is true when it comes for the war and occupation of Iraq, the comprehensive immigration law (which I support) and the privatizing of Social Security.
One of the few government agencies that continues to work for the American people Mr. McCain wants to hand all the money over to private investors rather than raising the current limitation of $99,000.00 (only people with incomes below this amount must pay Social Security and Medicare withholding tax). If the limit was raised to include people with incomes of $200,000 then the system would be replenished and those who can afford it can then pay into the system like the rest of the middle class and working low income people.
Instead we find the Republicans protecting the rich first by giving them a free ride on these taxes, while at the same time want a significant amount of the revenue raised for what is known as FISCA to be retain so young people can wisely invest in Wall Street stocks. Well it would have been great if you could have bought up oil futures because then you would be breaking even at the pump. If you invested in the volatile Fortune 500 or any other stocks for your retirement you would have taken a real beating this week The Stock Market is no place for the small inexperienced investors. You see McCain, the Republican Party, and the Wall Street moguls want that social security trust. They just don't understand why anyone would allow billions to just sit there and not be able to make a profit on it.
So Mr. McCain wants to play with fire by touching what is known in America as the third rail, well he got exactly what he asked for. As he walked away with dry lips and his hair standing on ends.
So begins the political season of new myths spun over the old ones, don't be fooled vote Democratic at least Obama wants to increase the taxes on the rich and put that back into America. He wants to end the war while McCain is asking for a hundred more years. I do not understand why some people are still blinded by these professional politicians who represent the rich few over the interests of the vast mass majority who are not eating anymore because their car is necessary to get to work. It is time to look around and smell the coffee? The fumes coming out of your empty gas tanks.
Tom Siblo
Saugerties, NY

Dear Editor,
‘ In the Bible, the prophet Isaiah (5:13) laments, “Therefore my people have gone into captivity because they have no knowledge.” Today, people are very concerned about our poor economy. However, most are unaware that it was caused by their lack of knowledge and/or unwillingness to do something about it.
Most citizens are not very familiar with the marvelous system of government that our Founders gave us. We are a constitutional republic, not a democracy that many people believe we are. Visit www.thenewamerican.com for details.
All federally elected and appointed officials take an oath to obey and uphold our U.S. Constitution and then most promptly ignore it. If we had enough informed citizens, we could quickly make the officials strictly obey our Constitution.
For example, the federal government is allowed to coin money but it is not allowed to print fiat money. Therefore, the unconstitutional Federal Reserve Bank would be eliminated and we could get back to the gold and silver system that made the dollar the world’s safest money. We could then get rid of the inflation that is caused by paper money not backed by gold or silver.
Also, we could eliminate foreign aid and many other unconstitutional programs. Each state would then be responsible for any necessary programs as the original 13 states planned when they established the federal government.
Dominick J. Odorizzi
Porter Ranch, CA

Dear Editor,
DRILL FOR AMERICAN OIL NOW! -as Chuck Norris (of ’Walker, Texas Ranger’ fame) is demanding, AND LEAVE THE OIL COMPANIES ALONE, is the answer to our oil and gas crisis and we can do it only if we get the government off the backs of the big, and especially the small, oil companies and let them drill where they want. Private enterprise in the oil industry is the answer and it always has been. Government restrictions stopping oil drilling and production have caused the present gas crisis, not the oil companies. We have hundreds of years supply of American oil and gas in our country and we should develop it NOW. Our oil companies are not allowed to drill off our coasts but Communist China and Cuba reportedly are allowed to drill off our shores in the Gulf of Mexico and we shouldn’t allow it. We should go to JBS.org and search: “gas gone wild” to see Congressman Ron Pauls’ bill H.R. 2415, the “Affordable Gas Price Act” that will get oil production going again in our country big time and bring down the price of oil, natural gas, and gasoline. This is critical to our everyday life and national security. We should contact our congressmen and demand they cosponsor and support Congressman Pauls’ H.R. 2415 “Affordable Gas Price Act” immediately to restore oil production now.
Ed Nemechek
Landers. CA

Dear Editor,
Mr. Palladino responded to my letter. Apparently, it gave him more of a thrill to bash my integrity than to dispute facts and figures.
He insinuated in his lashing that employees terminated “in several” departments should not have been hired in the first place. His insinuation was these employees were hired cronies from previous administrations. That’s a powerful statement to make when there were 25 positions eliminated in the Alternative Sentencing, Buildings and Grounds, Golden Hill Health Care Center, Highway Department, Information Services, Office for the Aging, Personnel, Public Health, Sheriff’s Office, Social Services Department and Tourism.
He also brought up the Law Enforcement Center issue. Why?? Perhaps his people have not had closure on the issue yet. For the record, it is not about it being a Republican or Democratic issue; both parties were responsible so enough of the blame game. His own party mates are suspect over the jail. Their fingerprints are in the first concrete pour for the foundation (as well as being assigned to almost every committee, sub-committee prior to, during and after the construction began on the building). And didn’t the current administration waste even more taxpayers’ money on a useless committee investigation and grand jury verdict? What did it ultimately accomplish?
He also stated that Hein’s priority is to balance a budget to keep our County solvent. Don’t make me laugh! His record of accomplishments (or defeats) speaks volumes.
In 2005, Michael Hein, who at the time was a Republican, stated the County would have a $23 million deficit. His party mates campaigned on that point to win the majority.
Once they got in, they not only spent the 38.6% increase in taxes in 2006; they raised the taxes 7.52% in 2007 and 3.65% in 2008. That amounts to a hefty 49.77 % by my calculations.
By the time Hein switched parties, the County had $12 million in the General Fund. In fact, there was $17.8 million surplus at the end of 2006 and $19.6 million in the fund balance at the end of 2007. (None of which was used to reduce the tax levy in property taxes for either year.)
In 2007, Hein allocated $460,000 anticipated revenue for board-ins at the Law Enforcement Center and by October only $15,730 was realized. This year he projected $1.3 million for board-ins and those figures have fallen short as well. For the first six months this year, the revenues at $110/day for boarding-in maybe five inmates is a far cry of meeting the projection of $1.3 by year’s end—you would need at least 35 board-ins to accomplish that. Anticipated sales tax revenue projections at $83.4 million are also coming up short month after month. That’s quite a track record—he has missed the mark on every projection.
One last thing. Mr. Palladino accused me of no longer being a lucky one who can look forward to a bigger retirement fund. For the record, I actually worked 36 years in County Government and am now collecting my retirement (which I had to wait two years for). Thank you very much Ulster County. For his party cronies left behind to featherbed their retirements, they will never have what I have.
Ellen DiFalco
Kingston, NY

Dear Editor,
Gassing up our car or buying food is a very painful and stressful experience these days. Heating our home this winter with fuel oil getting close to $5 will be even more painful. Unfortunately, many of our Senior Citizens, on fixed incomes, will be financially and emotionally devastated by fuel oil at $5 a gallon - many will become physically ill as a result of reduced heat and food.
Currently there is a Federal program to provide some assistance - it is called the "Home Energy Assistance Program" (HEAP) - administered by Ulster County. Last year's grant to Ulster County was about $3 million. It is anticipated that this amount will be increased. Even if the amount is doubled by the Feds to $6 million (and I doubt this will happen) resources will not be great enough to meet the people's basic fuel needs. The need for financial assistance this heating season will, in my judgment, increase exponentially.
I believe it will be necessary for the state and county to step in and provide additional state and county resources for HEAP. The politicians will tell you that this will require additional taxes. I say no to additional taxes. Additional taxes would be counter productive to our struggling economy. I suggest a very different means of providing the additional funding for HEAP the assistance that will be so vitally needed by our Seniors Citizens.
The budgets of NYS and Ulster County have a number of programs that are "nice," but are not vital to the daily function of government. I suggest that these "nice" programs be temporarily curtailed or reduced during this energy crisis and that the money saved be immediately transferred to an augmented HEAP program.
Assuredly, there will be wailing and moaning by special interest groups that benefit from these "nice" programs. Unfortunately, difficult problems will require a politically difficult solution. This is an opportunity for our political leaders to show leadership and to face up to the extremely serious nature of the problem facing our Senior Citizens in a responsible manner. There are only a few months left before the heating season begins - quick action by our political leaders is vital.
While some will disagree with my suggested solution, I do not believe that any can deny that a very serious problem exists. During the coming election cycle it will be interesting to hear what the candidates propose regarding this critical problem. I would like to learn of any other solutions to this critical problem.
It would be unconscionable to require our senior citizens to have to choose between "Eat or Heat" this winter.
William R. West
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
I'll bet a nickel that if there were a pool to guess the cost-per-mile to create (1) cinder and (2) paved so-called "rail trails," nobody would win.
Why? The astronomical, approaching ridiculous, investment of TAXPAYER dollars required. Astonishing what some people will suggest in these stressed, economic circumstances.
Tollroad-trails? Now, THAT's completely different. BUT, charge BEFORE construction. Those who'll use, pay. Fair enough? ("No," you'll object. NOT "fair.")
Sure, we in Kingston wouldn't allow our blind grandmothers to walk our (what? none?) tectonic "sidewalks" with a guide dog and gyroscope! (Oh. Here's the walk again.....Oops, spoke too soon).
If I ever saw a boondoggle, the Health Committee press release proposal is it! Were I a magistrate, I'd compell the perps to provide, let's count 'em, 7 pieces of evidence to support wild claims.
Our beautiful Catkills sport hundreds of miles of well-cared-for trails-to-anywhere. And how many legislators have walked them? How many of your "trail enthusiasts?" When was the last time (date)?
How many of you OWN a bicycle? When was the last time you rode it? Have you EVER substituted your BIKE for your CAR to shop? How far did you go? How many miles do you put on your bike for pleasure? For TRANSPORTATION?
We need another "committee" like we need more taxes - which will be the inevitable result somewhere down the trail IF the committee is established. First nail in the coffin.
Merely because the capital appropriation was approved last year doesn't mean we have to incur the debt!
On a similar note: over the past couple years, I've noticed a creeping, disconcerting, viral-like growth of Ulster county government sub-committees, advisory boards, investigating units, etc. --- for what purpose? Is it leadership's unconscious anticipation of the dread REDUCTION from a bandstand-33 legislators to a football-team of 23? And the believef that those incumbents who "participate" will survive?
Oh, the ways of mice and men.
Look, I've been wrong TWICE in my life. As you see, I'm not hesitant to risk another. Object. You know how to contact me.
Alan Wikman
Kingston, NY

Dear Editor,
A few days ago former Senator Phil Gramm, Ph.D. [economics] lamented that we Americans are a nation of whiners. He is absolutely correct for a number of reasons.
Many homes are being foreclosed because of delinquent or non payment of their monthly mortgage payment(s). They falsified their application for a mortgage by following the lender's agent's advice and falsifying income as higher. The client then failed to notice the interest rate becoming a yo-yo with variable rates at the pleasure of the lender. Who remembers a reduction in their interest rate? No one does. It just remained the same [temporarily]. Now we hear much whining.
Then we have the wizards who know there is no IRS deduction for interest on a personal loan to buy a car, fix the roof, do a makeover kitchen or bathroom, perhaps a family vacation to Timbuktu and they also know a second mortgage is an end run. The fun ends when the Lender's "repo man" shows up. Remember, your home is now collateral and fair game including a sign erected on the front lawn. More whining.
There is this other group that has been around for quite some time but no one pays attention. The credit cards.com is the new currency. First it was pebbles; then rocks which grew bigger as their value increased. Rocks as big as wagon wheels were fast becoming legal tender when replaced with pieces of bronze, then brass, iron, steel, modern coins and paper. People experienced losses in their commerce with others and began the whining ritual.
Plastic is the way to go if one is sensible and responsible. Buy a large costly item at the beginning of the credit period which lasts 30 or 31 days. Pay the total amount 15 days later[grace period] and you have used someone else's money for 45 days. There is no whining; no depression. Remember, credit card companies do not appreciate people like me. They love those who pay the minimum and take 22-25 years to pay off $10,000 without making another purchase. Lots of whining in these camps.
$4.00 per gallon for gasoline?? Outrageous!! Italy, 1980; $5.00 per gal. England, 1982; $5.00 per gal. Norway, a producer in the North Sea with no refineries. $6.00.[refinery is in Scotland and returned to Norway as gasoline]. Here in the U.S. we are whining louder and louder. Those rascally speculators are wreaking havoc with our airlines, buses, trains and automobiles. Speculation should be outlawed but not just for oil and oil products; but for corn, grain. beef. citrus and gun powder. Isn't that the stuff of capitalists and multi million dollar incomes? Don't forget the large bonuses paid to top execs for failure. Everyone associated with Enron has a right, yea, a duty to whine. Except Ken Lay who took it with him.
I am proud to admit to whining which occurs when my best friend and I share dinner and wine; it's called "wining and dining".
On January 20, 2009 an old order will be inaugurated when either John Obama or Barack McCain takes the oath. [No difference]. Remember, Beauty is temporary, Stupid is forever.
Glenn T. Anderson
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
The Friends of the Phoenicia Library is funding Sunday Summer Hours at the Phoenica Library! Come enjoy the New York Sunday Times. Save paper and share comradarie during our new hours on Sundays 10:00- 3:00 p.m. beginning June 29, to August 31, 2008.
See you there!
Michelle Spark
Friends of the Phoenicia Library

Dear Editor,
We in the Catskill Region and the Catskill Park will have our own Catskill Interpretive Center!
The Friends of the Catskill Interpretive Center have accomplished a lot -- we have done what we hoped to do! We did it!! The Catskill Interpretive Center will be constructed on the already-prepared site located on Route 28 in the hamlet of Mt. Tremp er in the Town of Shandaken.
It is with great pride that we, the residents of and the visitors to the Catskills Region, look forward -- in approximately three years -- to the completion of our own Catskill Interpretive Center (CIC).
On April 4, 2008, the New York State Legislature passed the budget for the fiscal year 2008/2009. This was an exciting moment for the Friends of the Catskill Interpretive Center -- because, within that budget was a line item designating $1 million to revise the existing architectural and exhibit plans for a long-awaited Catskill Interpretive Center.
This million dollars is the first installment for this current round of planning. The first round began about 15 years ago with a tremendous community effort to prepare for a Catskill Interpretive Center. That effort was set aside over twelve years ago when State priorities shifted away from the construction of a CIC. For this current effort, it will be necessary to have funding from the State, seek funding from private sources, and include financial participation from municipalities within the Catskill Region. The monetary requirement to complete the project has risen in estimate to about $10 million. The Friends of the Catskill Interpretive Center has committed to find funding from private and municipal sources in the amount of $1.65 million.
The NYS DEC is currently soliciting letters of interest from design consultants. The design for the CIC was complete when the State priorities shifted. The previous drawings will, therefore, become the basis for new plans that will now incorporate currently available sustainable and innovative “green” features and provide for much greater flexibility in regards to making space available for community functions. The plans for the exhibits also will be up-dated to include new information technology.
The Friends of the Catskill Interpretive Center (FCIC) have held together the concept of a Catskill Interpretive Center, hoping that this day would arrive -- that the State Legislature would provide funding for the concept to come alive.
This new wave of enthusiasm to create a CIC has started off on a very successful footing. The Friends of the Catskill Interpretive Center wish particularly to thank the following individuals and organizations: The Wallace Genetic Foundation, Washington, D.C.; The Honorable Maurice D. Hinchey (Representative, 22nd Congressional District); Governor David A. Paterson; the NYS Legislature in total and individually both State Senator John Bonacic and State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill; NYS DEC Commissioner Alexander B. (Pete) Grannis; and the Governor’s Deputy Secretary for the Environment Judith Enck.
This new effort would not have happened without the support of the Ulster County Legislature and the Towns of Shandaken, Olive, and Woodstock.
Helen K. Chase, on behalf of
Friends of the Catskill
Interpretive Center

Dear Editor,
When you were a kid did you get bored smack in the middle of summer vacation? Well, I sure do. I find myself just sitting on the couch, wanting to watch TV but my parents say, “couldn’t you just read?” I do enjoy reading. Oh, I signed a contract with Rosie at the Olive Library that I would read 21 books this summer. Also, I did get my first library card, and I signed my signature (I like my signature, it’s awesome.) Also, when I was trying not to watch TV, I learned to play “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles on the piano. I’m still going to try to sneak in TV from time to time. Gluing my eyes to the TV makes me feel all slumpy and not quite as bored. Except, sometimes my hands get sweaty and I know it’s time to stop watching TV then. Editor, what do you like to do when you get bored?
Cally Mansfield, Almost third-grader
West Shokan, NY