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Cleaning Elections...
Board Passes Resolution In Support Of Clean Money, Clean Election Bill 

By Gary Alexander
            After he introduced a town resolution to support the "Clean Money, Clean Election" bill at May's town board meeting, Olive town supervisor Brendt Leifeld had a few caustic comments about politicians with large "war chests" filled with campaign funds and how, since they can keep whatever's unexpended when they leave office, this could explain someone spending $90,000 for a $40,000 job.
            If a grassroots initiative to counter corporate and special interest dominance in the election process is more than just 'pie in the sky,' Leifeld said, the bill deserves widespread support and town council members agreed unanimously.

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Budget Defeated!
Voters Turn Out In Olive & Hurley To Turn Down Proposals & Make Changes

By Violet Snow
& Paul Smart
A $42,720,937 Onteora School budget     went down in a solid defeat throughout all districts Tuesday night, with a final tally of 2,026 voters against versus 1,190 for.
On the same evening, veteran board member Meg Carey was defeated in a three-way race for two open school board seats. Parent David Patterson of Hurley was the top vote-getter, pulling a total 1,918 votes district-wide versus 1,550 for Tom Rosato, who retains his seat, and 1,408 for Carey.
In other election matters Tuesday, a $133,500 proposition to purchase new school buses was defeated 1,887 to 1,253. A proposal regarding student representatives to the board passed 1,942 to 1,178.
The board will now meet again on June 7, at the Phoenicia School, to decide it's next actions. There are three basic options: To resubmit the current budget just defeated, to submit a second budget proposal, or to turn to a contingency budget that cuts most programs.
In discussion over the last month, an alternative budget that would raise expenses by only 4.3 percent, versus the 6 percent hike represented by the now-defeated budget, was proposed as a Plan Two should what happened happen.
Whatever is decided will go up to voters again on June 22, unless the board decides to stick with a contingency budget.

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Talking Mad

Jacci Fishburne
            In all the pictures I'd seen of Joe Raiola, he appeared to be at least seven feet tall with a thick beard and a look in his eyes that was a little scary. That's why I was shocked when I met him at his home outside of Woodstock and found that he was roughly five-foot-four, wearing comfortable clothing, and talking with a lisp. Talk about way off the mark. That made me nervous. Here I was about to do an interview with the senior editor of MAD magazine and all the information I had read about him was quickly leaving my mind.  But Joe Raiola put me at ease as soon as he started talking.  And talking.  And talking.
    It's a surprise that a city boy like Raiola would be happy living in the country, even if it's only for a few days a week. But for Joe Raiola, "this life is enough--- it's rich enough, difficult enough, challenging enough, terrible enough, and wonderful enough," he says with a laugh. He realizes that he doesn't need other people to make him happy, only a few simple things. And living near the mountains with his wife, Lisa, has made him very happy, indeed. Living in the city has its advantages, but living within the 'Gunks has allowed Raiola to explore the area and the love he feels for the range.     "They are amazing for little guys," he says with a smile, referring to the 1800 foot peaks.