(letters from September 28, 2006)

Dear Editor,
Regarding The Charter
I do not belong to any political party: however, I regularly attend legislative meetings as an involved citizen.
I believe that Ulster County’s fiscal woes have more to do with the legislative system than the legislators. Ulster County Government has become a very complex, multi-million dollar operation. Under the existing system we have part time legislators overseeing agencies with little, or no information, as to how cost-effective they are. The legislators, by necessity, have to rely on what they’re being told by department heads, whose primary concern is creating the best department they can, regardless of cost.
"Regardless of cost" has become a nightmare for Ulster County’s taxpayers.
....and, speaking of costs, very soon the legislature must decide what to do with the County infirmary. It must either be sold or rebuilt. It may be that the county has a moral obligation to maintain the infirmary; however, can we afford another run-away capital project.
Such as:
The Persen House... Ulster County received a $ 350,000 grant to renovate this historic building and put it to some civic use. They stopped sinking money into it at the 2 million dollar mark and it is believed that it will take an additional 650,000 to 1 million dollars to complete the project. The building remains vacant, and looks like it will stay that way into the foreseeable future.
The Department of Probation Building went from an estimated $ 890,000 in renovations to over 2.8 million by the time it was completed. Or should I say almost completed. .
Ulster County Courthouse... In 1996 the courthouse went through an extensive renovation to the tune of 5.7 million dollars. In 2003 someone noticed that the roof was caving in. Cost an additional $ 820,000.00
Need I mention The Jail?
Need I say more?
In November we will be voting on whether or not to adopt a new form of County government.
I believe that we need to give real power to county wide elected officials (Executive and Comptroller) and make them, and the department heads they appoint, accountable. I will be voting YES for The Charter and I hope this letter convinces you to do the same.
Thomas Kadgen
Shokan NY

Dear Editor,
I am writing as the Chairman of the Legislature with regard to Legislator Susan Zimet's attendance, or reported lack thereof, at the recent Public Hearing and Special Session held on August 23 to discuss the Charter.
Legislator Zimet had scheduled a family vacation out of the area. She had advised me of this far in advance. At the time that she and I discussed her vacation, the Public Hearing and Special Session were not scheduled.
On August 9, our regular session was held and it was at this time that a determination was made that a Public Hearing and Special Session needed to be scheduled during the upcoming weeks. With summer arriving, a number of Legislators had family vacations already planned, children needing to be transported to college, etc. There were several Legislators absent the night of the Public Hearing and Special Session.
In the more than two years she has served, Legislator Zimet has never missed a regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Legislature. Her first outing after a bad car accident last year was to attend the monthly meeting, in pain, even though I advised her to stay home. This year she has become Chairman of the Arts, Education, Tourism and Community Relations Committee and has re-arranged her personal life to accommodate meetings. She also took on the task of overseeing a Budget Reform Committee which required meeting time in addition to other Committee work and Boards she is assigned to. All of this and yet, she is being taken to task for missing a meeting due to a family vacation?
She has been conscientious of not scheduling any appointments that would conflict with her routine meetings. Unfortunately, politics can get quite dirty and if it were not for the fact she is running for another political office, the truth is her absence wouldn't have been pointed out just as it has not been pointed out for any of the others.
David B. Donaldson, Chairman
Ulster County Legislature

Dear Editor,
I would like to commend the committee that put so much time and effort into creating the Onteora 2006-2007 calendar that we received recently. They did a terrific job putting together the pictures and short writeups that made the history of our school district come to life.
I'm also glad that they mentioned the part Helen Cordo played over the years with the Poppy Court at Phoenicia Elementary School in one of their writeups.
As an Olive resident, retired teacher aide, and parent of former Onteora students I really enjoyed and appreciated it. Thank you!
Nancy Harian
Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
Many thanks to The Olive Press for keeping its readers informed on the Belleayre Resort saga. The appointment of pro-developer Alan Steinberg as the Environmental Protection Agency's Regional Administrator for the Catskills seems a classic example of setting the fox to guard the henhouse.
New York State should reclaim through eminent domain the land for the proposed Belleayre Resort as a public safety measure to preserve the purity of the Catskill watersheds and reservoirs.
Eleanor Bell
Big Indian, NY

Dear Editor,
The recent craclkdown on prostitution in the Cilty of Kingston led to some unfortunate consequences for people, and, at the same time, highlighted a number of issues - sex in the city, drugs, community leaders, news coverage, media responsibility, police priorities... .
All of the outcomes were relatively predictable. But the big surprise for me was the price point... $500 for the service, with no other frills - "straight sex" said the newspaper. That's astounding.
Let's assume that the 8 people caught were only 25% of the available market that evening. 32 transactions at $500 equals $16,000. Assuming a 350 day year (no work on any religious holidays), that's $5,600,000 per year. Now let's tax this at the current sales tax of 8.0% and let's add a special tax. Call it an entertainment tax, of 10%. That's $1,008,000. With all of the new taxes being proposed and the various ways that the government is finding to take our money, why not this? Legalize and tax. We all know that prostitution has a long history, and has a large audience covering all age groups - (by the way, a "hats off' to the 76 year old fellow who was caught in the sting).
We would accomplish a few things if this were legalized: 1. Additional tax revenue for a local government that seems to have an insatiable need to raise taxes 2. End to the link between prostitution and drug use (the ladies would become employees of a company - Let's call it "Pleasure Inc." and Pleasure Inc. would require monthly drug tests. The company motto could be "While we say "yes" to many things, we say "no" to drugs".) 3. The police could move on to more serious crimes, like unsolved murders. With prostitution legalized and the drug market diminished, we might not need as many police, thereby saving tax dollars.
The problem would be the current law. I suppose that New York State would have to pass a law allowing prostitution. That shouldn't be a problem. We still have the leading members of the Axis of Taxes. Fresh from their work on the Large Parcel Law, our Assemblyman (Mr. Cahill) and our State Senator (Mr. Bonacic) could handle this. They get the law passed in Albany, allowing local towns and cities to legalize prostitution. When some of their constituents object, they tell them, as they did with the Large Parcel Bill - “we didn’t do it. It wasn’t us, Kingston or Woodstock or ... legalized it.” Cahill and Bonacic are both very good at this “shell game.”
Additional tax money (probably paid with a smile), reduction of drug use, and better focus for law enforcement... there are few programs today that could accomplish all of this.
Warren Davis
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
The Town of Shandaken has a museum!!! It has been open 20 years, how many of you know it exists? The Town Board has chosen to ignore it.
It is popular with people doing geneology, people who used to live here, old timers, and people from other areas, even other countries. But within our own town it's passed over.
I have been involved with the museum since its conception and have finally come to the conclusion that there is no future for a museum in the town of Shandaken.
The museum receives no money from the town; has no budget. The roof leaked and they did put a new roof on but the damage caused is still evident. There are ceilings ready to fall, walls crumbling, paint badly needed inside and out. It still needs gutters to stop the erosion of the soil and building under the eaves. The windows are literally rotting out and some are broken.
The library is asking for a budget of $83,000 from 54,500? They receive monies from other sources also. The museum budget is $0. There is something wrong with this picture. It seems to me the Town must either recognize and take care of the museum or close it.
It appears to me they have already chosen the latter - a slow death for the one cultural edifice the town has to offer. It is a shame the people of the Town of Shandaken have chosen to disavow their heritage.
Nancy T. Smith
Pine Hill, NY

Dear Editor,
What would have happened had this administration representing Corporate United States done as we all, as true Americans, expected them to do upon the completing their invasion of Iraq?
What am I speaking about, you ask? Just this: had the government of the United States, in the trinity of the Americas, put all the Iraqi people to work and trained them for self management, none of this chaos in the Middle East would be happening, including what happened in Lebanon and Syria.
To the contrary: the true vision of the American people would be alive in the minds and eyes of the world. This administration has set precedence with the trial of Saddam Hussein. George Walker Bush should likewise be put on trial for treason and crimes against humanity.
Should the laws permit, William Jefferson Clinton should also be put on trial for crimes against humanity by not putting a bridle upon the corporate conglomerates that via NAFTA have displaced all of these crossing the border, "illegal" Americans from Mexico and Central America.
Philip Gurrieri
Kingston, NY

Dear Editor,
The Shandaken Eagle Day Committee wishes to offer many thanks to all the volunteers who donated their time and enthusiastic talents to the very successful Shandaken Eagle Day Celebration.
Thanks are due also to the community and many visitors who supported and enjoyed our efforts. See you next year, August 25th, 2007 to celebrate Shandaken Day in beautiful Pine Hill.
Thanks to all volunteers: Craig Appolito, Brett and Wendy Barry, Sophie Bodge, Evelyn Bennett, Tom Crucet, Father Chris Berean, Jeff Collins, Jim Collins, John Crawford, Helen Cordo, Autumn Carter, Iris Carter, Rev. Ralph Darmstadt, Larry Feehan, Dennis Frano, Glenn Ford, Hope Gilsinger, Katherine, Maureen, Scott, and Mary Gormley; Jacqueline Guglielmetti, Tom, Sean and Ryan Hickey; Patricia Heinz, Blake Killin, Robert Kalb, Stephen LaMarca, Glenn Miller, Karen Miller, Bill Lohre, Joanne Myers, Frank Nazzaro, Paul Pettinato, Matt Persons, Christian Neal, Tiffany Neal, Dave, Rolland, Beecher, Wade, Rebecca and Tanya Smith, Jennifer and John Simone, R.J. and Storm Stanley, Adam Steen, Henry Rope, Leighann Sharon, Carol Seitz, Marian, Kevin and Patty Umhey; Mark and Andrew Wilsey, Bruce Winchell. Music: Peggy Mulligan, Harry Jameson, Earl and Maryann Pardini, Peter Halvorsen, Dennis Havel, Bruce Hildebrand, James Krueger, Keith Holmquist, Michael Kelly. Eagle Makeover: Dakin Morehouse, Leon Taufield, Denis McLane, Eric Morehouse, Jim Fletcher, Jane Floege. Thank you to: WWI Re-enacting group and Guy Gormley, Mike Ricciardella, Phoenicia Hotel, Boiceville Market, Shandaken Highway Dept., Shandaken Fire Companies, Shandaken Ambulance Service, Shandaken Police Dept., St. Francis de Sales R. C. Parish, Ulster County Sheriff Dept., Fish and Game Club, Phoenicia Rotary Club, the Beast of Belleayre, Ulster County Rural Transportation, Ambest Emblems, and the Shandaken Town Board
June LaMarca, Chairman
Committee: Joe Munster, Gene Gormley, June LaMarca,
Maureen Nagy, Bob Stanley,
Bruce Barry, Dakin Morehouse, Declan Feehan, Laurilyn Frasier, Harry Jameson, Bob Cross

Dear Editor,
We read of "war" casualties and see the photo "parade" of our finest young military members "killed in action" daily. But do we stop to reflect on the "other" casualties. The dictionary defines [military] casualties as "killed", "wounded", "MIA" or otherwise "not returned". Ah, but there are many other casualties of misguided judgement, "know-it-all" management and "fictitious" facts or reports. Our first casualty re: Iraq was not the twin towers with it's 2700 attendant deaths, but it was military.
When the "bone heads" in DC decided to attack Iraq for that which now becomes clear that Iraq had nothing to do with [WTC], General Erick Shinseki, Army Chief of Staff since 1999 advised Pres. Bush , "Rummy" and the "Hunter" that he would insist on more than 300,000 troops in an invasion so as to insure the survival of the invading force with peace after the dust settled. General Shinseki, a Tank Commander, Infantry Commander, a top Ops, Planning & Training Officer, Deputy Ch of Staff for Support, a skilled military Pilot and Parachutist with Ribbons and appropriate Medals, many with oak leaf clusters [2 and 3 repeat awards] for service in Nam plus other "Hot" spots became the first casualty of the Iraq debacle. He was "pushed" into involuntary retirement while the three geniuses [above] set the Iraq "punishment" in motion. In 1991 prior to Kuwait General Powell was not happy about sending "his" troops off to war unless there was a number he could live with. I would point out here that "old" George Bush was a battle seasoned veteran [WWII] and knew enough to leave the logistics and planning to those that have been there, done that.
Members of our Nation Guard and military Reserve units have been on a nearly continuous activation schedule; many with two to four tours of duty. Many have come back in a body bag. Others have returned to an empty home with divorce papers tacked to the front door, "Dear John". That's bad enough but the children are gone also. All parties to this event are casualties of, not Iraq but of the White house and Pentagon. Some Guards and Reservists have come back to no job for whatever reason. In some case the Soldier/Sailor Act did not apply.
Don't forget the new [or old] residents of the VA hospitals that were not only wounded from an RPG or IED but by the wife who married a "whole" man and now has found one in "mint" condition. Not many of those hopefully. None the less a long stay or a lifetime in a VA hospital is not a chateau on the Riviera or a bungalow for four.
Our national Treasury is a casualty in that the "folly" of Iraq is not unlike the aberration of Viet Nam. Our grand children will be getting bills and tax increases long after they retire thus sending many to the welfare lines. The Halliburtons, Cheneys, Bushes & Rummys will be feasting on Fois Gras [unless PETA saves the geese]. To be sure our presidents of late have taken the constitution quite seriously in that they really believe to be Commander in Chief one must first start a war and then micro manage the real warriors. We have [mis]managed our voting options miserably.
There are casualties at home in the person of lonely wives and children, mothers and fathers, siblings and neighbors along with comrades in arms. They have already "maxed" out attending funerals. We are all indeed casualties in that our brains soften and our hearts harden as the perpetrators "stone wall" and "slog" on.
Our economy is a casualty in that while it has been celebrated as robust and growing [for some] it could be better. We still have the poor, the homeless and uneducated that could be employed in a WPA that would provide pay checks, health benefits and even retirement [not welfare]. These folks would also contribute to the Social Security "pool".Self respect and dignity would be restored or generated.
There is another group that is on the casualty list; candidates who supported the Iraq "adventure". They are members of both major political parties but some with "silver lined" tongues are slipping through already. They are those that voted "yea" for Iraq and are not completely repentant. They are speaking with "forked" tongue in "trashing" Bush but still vote for his continuing the campaign whether with funding or not opposing some negative bill.
A few of our reps in the congress have changed their minds and there is nothing wrong with that. A couple of veterans with much experience on the battle field have demonstrated courage in the face of criticism for rectifying a "mistake". How dare the Rush Limbaughs and other draft dodgers take their present position?
The largest group of Iraq casualties is and will be those folks who finally realize we/they were lied to and the lie was perpetuated in the face of evidence to the contrary. Even the historians will not have much "wiggle" room in their documentaries.
There is one act that will remedy this tragedy. Vote this year for those who declare their election will insure a vote to cut the funding for Iraq. Never mind the party; vote for the candidate. Research your Rep. or Senator and read how they voted and what they are promising now. Some candidates are scared already and choosing their campaign language carefully. Make sure they can't say later, "that's not what I said. I was misquoted or quoted out of context".
Those that are not re-elected will retire at full pay and benefits no matter the length of service. Talk about "lawful fraud"!! Wow!!
Footnote** The St. John's Food Pantry knife story has happily concluded with the proper check being forwarded to SJFP.
Glenn T. Anderson
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
If the Oil War mongers of Iraq were handed Bin Ladin on a silver platter, they would reject him by saying he smelled too bad. Otherwise they would have to get out of Iraq and stop the murder of women and children which they call expendable.
Yours Truly,
Ed Ocker
Shandaken, NY

Dear Editor,
My brain reminded me the other day of the humiliation, nay the downright prejudice, that I and others of my ilk have suffered over the centuries at the hands of the majority. Michaelangelo, Picasso, Einstein and I have been labeled gauche. Julius Caesar, Napoleon, Queen Victoria and I, with our left-handedness, have suffered the majority’s snickers and brickbats. Bob Dylan, Jimi, Ringo, Tiny Tim and I plink our ukuleles with our left hands.
To all you righties I say: E equals M C squared, Gaul is divided into three parts, and We are not amused, baby. Get my drift?
Lefty (aka J. Michael O’Neil)
Vernon, CT

Dear Editor,
I have been a resident of this area for almost thirty years and a visitor and Belleayre Mountain skier for even longer.
I recently attended a local input session on the subject of the renewing of New York City’s filtration avoidance permit. Of all the people who spoke, I thought Sen. John Bonacic represented our interests best. He was forceful, clear and articulate without being strident or pugnacious. It was evident that he was committed to seeing that our best interest was not completely subsumed by the interests of New York City.
Soon we will be skiing on Belleayre Mountain again and enjoying a new, hi-speed quad lift. More important, so will many first time visitors. This new lift will allow Belleayre Ski Center to attract a whole new group of skiers and families and further fulfill its critical function as the engine that drives our local economy. This “shot I the arm” will be greatly enhanced by the new main lodge that is scheduled for construction next year.
We have many people to thank for the funding for these vital upgrades but central to the effort was Senator Bonacic.
I am neither a registered Democrat nor Republican but I am thankful that we have Sen. Bonacic representing us in Albany.
Sincerely,
Thomas H. White
Big Indian, NY