Dear Editor,
There are four positions open at the next Onteora School district elections... and TEN candidates. This concerns me in a district where rancor over a tax issue - the Large Parcel Act - has muddied the
educational waters badly, creating enmity among some in the several townships.
Five are from Olive - six, if you count the one whose house was "moved" officially over a line to Marbletown. Three are from Shandaken and one from Wood-stock. There are representatives from the town that suffered huge tax jumps in a short period of time; and from those that thought a form of "tax justice" had been meted out, and hoped it would bring relief
to them. (Betcha' it didn't do much, but give politicians something to claim.)
I fear that too may voters will vote on the basis of Town loyalty and notions of "just and fair", and not on educational matters. I fear a budget will be voted down out of a kind of spite. I fear that good candidates will be sidelined by an issue that reflects nothing but a single mistake whose source lies in Albany, and in a poor method of financing schools.
The issues are too big for spite and tunnel-vision: redistricting, repairs, building, funding fairly all kind of educational programs, paying for the mandates that descend from the federal and state "gods on high", quality of the school environment, advancing teacher education, health services, etc, etc. These are what's important... not one issue self-righteousness.
Look at the candidates: Two are experienced on the board and have been effective. A third is a new appointee to the board who wants a full term to demonstrate her commitment and ability. Another, from Woodstock, attends board meetings
as a responsible and involved parent... a very good starting position. Another, who as a parent suffered a tragedy involving the district is suing the district now, and so I am puzzled by her candidacy, but I do want to know her directions and opinions. There are five others about who I know nothing, but names. All ten must have values, experiences, interests, viewpoints, talents, etc. Look at these. Forget Large Parcel. Get out, find out vote.
Respectfully,
Mary Ann Mays
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
There are many false impressions and statements surrounding the "Large Parcel" as it affects School taxpayers in the Onteora School District; especially those who live in the Town of Olive. I would like to clarify one of these issues.
The primary issue is the public misunderstanding of the actual amount of the School tax percentage accepted by the Onteora School Board in August of 2004. (That Percentage is 26%)
First a little background: The Large Parcel Legislation, enacted by the NY State Legislature, effective January 1, 2003, in effect mandated that school boards decide on an annual basis whether or not to apply a special formula designed to "even-out" the amount of money paid toward school taxes across a district where a "Large Parcel" was identified. Each year, in late July, the NY State Office of Real Property Services, ORPS, notifies School Districts if there is a "Large Parcel" within the district. And in Onteora's case, this is the Ashokan Reservoir. Last year, the School Board voted in August of 2004 to adopt this special formula which accounted for an increase of 26% for the school taxpayers in Olive. Also, just prior to the School Board vote, the Town of Olive was successful in having ORPS revaluate the Ashokan Reservoir which accounts for and additional 29.55%. The popular misconception is that the School Board is responsible for the total of these
two numbers - 55.55% - when, in fact, the Town of Olive and their Ashokan revaluation success with ORPS, is accountable for over half.
There are some who would have you believe that the School Board is resopnsible for the school taxes in Olive increasing by 60% - which is absolutley not true!
Lev Flournoy
Trustee Onteora School Board
Olive, NY

Dear Editor,
Why Olive matters. Did you know that New York City took the heart out of Olive by force of law to make the Ashokan Reservoir? Families moved upland to the rocky woodlots and are now forced to live without a town center. More and more ‘watershed’ restrictions have been heaped on Olive over the years and New York City is still grabbing land in Olive with no end in sight. However, that same law, ‘Eminent domain’, forces N.Y. City to pay taxes to Olive as part compensation for the town’s loss of tax base now underwater. Due to an apparent misapplication of an optional property tax alternative in the infamous ‘Large Parcel Law’, both the Onteora School Board and Ulster County may opt to raid that same reservoir a full 55% of Olive’s tax base. It’s as if Olive’s corporate sovereignty never existed. That’s right somehow our neighboring towns have opted to supersede Home Rule, a State Law and Town contracts. The result of this year’s tax raid on Olive’s residents is a cruel 60% school and massive 91% county tax hike. The Large Parcel Law was never meant for tax stable reservoirs. This annual tax raiding limbo affects the very existence of Olive as we know it.
Are you upset enough to vote this year?
Are you willing to tell Olive’s neighboring towns, hands off? Are you concerned enough to wear a button in protest? Proclaim that land in Olive is an Olive matter. Does Olive’s Town sovereignty even matter? Next they will be raiding Shandaken’s largest parcel, the state land? Yes, Olive matters to me. I plan to vote for only three this year as only three running are even willing to help stop this madness. Voting is on Tuesday, May 17th from 2pm to 9pm at the Bennett Elementary School. For more details please stop in to www.Olivematters.org
Regards,
Gary Sadler,
Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
What does the Onteora School Board really want? Did it want to punish Olive for having a reservoir in its town? Did they think that the Large Parcel Bill would “equalize” taxes among taxpayers in the District? The only way to have “equality” is to have each town have a 100% current assessment. Olive is doing that. Will Shandaken follow suit and update their thirty-some year old town-wide reval like Olive did?
Here’s how the Large Parcel Bill equalized taxes. My neighbor with an older home on six acres got a 55% increase on school taxes and a 91% increase on county taxes. Since he only paid $.56 to start with, this thirty cent and fifty one cent increase didn’t present any hardship at all. Is his home “equally taxed” with its Shandaken and Woodstock counterparts?
On the other hand, a young neighbor with two small children built a house on five acres. Since it is a new house, it is assessed at its market value and already was “equal” to Shandaken and Woodstock. The Large Parcel Bill caused his monthly mortgage payment to increase by $700.00. That, my dear friends, is an $8,400 rise in school and county taxes.
The Large Parcel does nothing to equalize taxes among taxpayers in the District since it is only a percentage of an unequal assessment. It only causes jealousy and animosity.
If the goal is to have each taxpayer pay its “fair and equal” share, then Olive has done that with its re-evaluation that will be in place for next year’s school tax bill.
Will Shandaken be the next target or will the newly elected school board be allowed to get out of the tax business and FOCUS on EDUCATION! Martha Havisham Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
It's that time of year again for everyone to get out and vote especially seniors and those living on a fixed income. There are a lot of parents that will be voting and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to know how they are going to vote. Every vote counts just like every dollar counts when you’re living on a fixed income. There's a lot at stake this year. This year’s budget is a whooping 43 million dollar spending plan. That's an increase of $1,598.672 over last year’s budget. It appears that the School administration has been playing up the fact that if the budget is defeated the spending plan will be only $316,657 less then the original budget. That may be true, however $316,657 is a lot of money and you can bet that the budget is well padded so that if the budget fails everything will go on as planned. The $316,657 will just allow for more unnecessary spending. Superintendent Justine Winters has recently recommended postponing the redrawing of boundaries for the elementary schools until after district needs have been studied. I thought that there was a study made and a plan was already in place. Could that be a ploy to help assure that the budget passes? You know, keep the parents happy. It's getting harder and harder for many low income and those living on a fixed income to make ends meet. Is the price of gas eating away at your budget? And will the price of fuel oil this fall eat even more away of your budget. Defeating the budget should save a few tax dollars and send a clear signal to the administration that this school district needs to be more cost effective.
We need a completely new School Board that will challenge the school administration and not just shake their heads yes. Make your voice heard by voting on May 17.
William Warnecke
Glenford, NY

Dear Editor, On May 17 the voters of the Outeora school district will have an opportunity to shape the direction of our district. It is time for someone with good common sense, who is concerned about the education and its costs to have a seat at the table. Mary Jane Bernholz is that person. I have known Mrs. Bemholz for seven years. We have worked together on district-wide PTA projects and committees. She is concerned and dedicated to moving our district in a positive direction. I be1ieve she possesses the qualities necessary to unify the district and move us forward. I urge all district voters to pull the lever for Mary Jane Bernholz.
Peggy Smith Hottum
Glenford, NY

Dear Editor,
When I vote for a school board member I look for someone with the experience and skills to handle a demanding job, complex issues, and a lot of pressure. Just as with a political election, I don't think one-issue voting helps the school district at all. I am writing to recommend Anne-Marie Johansson for the School Board. Anne-Marie has experience working on various Boards (the Olive Planning Board, the Olive Library Board) and has served as president of the Tongore Garden Club and the Shandaken Women's Network. Right now she is currently serving on the OCS board, selected to serve out Tom Rosato's term.
Anne-Marie grew up in Phoenicia, attended Phoenicia Elementary and Bennett, and the High School. Her children have attended schools in the district. She has lived in West Hurley and in the Town of Olive for the past 12 years. She knows the district as a student, a parent, a taxpayer, and as a concerned citizen who has worked on various school board campaigns.
Anne-Marie supports the Board's vote to support the Large Parcel Tax Bill because she feels a fairly apportioned tax basis shows the Board is committed to the entire district. She supports Superintendent Winters' budget. She doesn’t see a need for structured redistricting, because of the continuing decline in enrollment. I disagree with her there, because I think equalizing the class sizes helps the kids. But I am still voting for her.
To learn more about Anne-Marie , come to the Meet the Candidates night on Monday, May 2.
Elizabeth Holland Kern
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
From September 2003 to June 2004, I had the great pleasure of working
alongside Lisa Childers on the Woodstock Elementary School Site Team. During that time, I don't believe she missed a single meeting. And a good thing she didn't! For what Ms. Childers consistently brought to
those meetings was a complete willingness to help whenever and however she could, a fertile mind that was constantly brimming over with ideas and proposals (affordable ones!) on how to improve the education and the lives of WES pupils, and a highly developed sense of service and
commitment that she succeeded in inspiring everybody else--her fellow Site Team members, the kids and staff at WES, and the community at large--to emulate. The icing on the cake was that she has a wicked sense of humor that helped to make sitting through those meetings a pleasure.
I can only imagine that Ms. Childers would make sitting through any meeting a pleasurable experience. That's one of the small reasons I heartily support Lisa Childers' bid for a seat on the Onteora School Board; there are many, many more vital ones as well, chief among them her ability to get good things done. Another reason that's important to me is that my daughter is still at WES, as is Ms. Childers' son; and so I know that, while always keeping in mind the interests (and the pocketbooks) of the larger community, she will work her butt off to see that her child and mine--and every other parent's child in the Onteora School District--receive all the breaks they're entitled to in the challenging, tight-budgeted years ahead.
Please take my advice and do yourself a favor: Vote Lisa Childers onto the Onteora School Board.
Tom Cherwin
Saugerties, NY

Dear Editor,
My name is Rita Vanacore and I am a candidate for Onteora Board Trustee. I have resided in the Onteora district for the last 45 years and both my husband, myself and two of our three children are graduates of Onteora.
For the last few years, I have followed the actions of our school board and my final comment is... What have they accomplished?
First, there are defeated budgets......every year the administration would scramble to just contain the budget within the guidelines of past proposed budgets....let us not forget, though ,each year there is approximately a $1,000,000 increase in employee benefits. This year is the first time, under the direction of Justine Winters that I have seen an attempt to actually cut some proposals within the budget.
If elected, I intend to research all proposals including past attempts by members of our community...members who attempts have been thrust aside. In addition, I would enlist volunteers from our community who are willing to make the time to help financially balance our budget putting sound education first for every dollar we spend.
Second, the camaraderie within our district has turned to hostility...both over the closing of the West Hurley School (unnecessarily) and the implementation of the Large Parcel Legislation (also unnecessarily). Some of the present school board members have admitted to voting on both issues without clearly understanding the ramifications of either...if elected I will promise to research each proposal until I understand to the best of my ability the consequences of such decisions.
I feel that BOCES is under utilized in our district..the technical programs alone that are available to our students are amazing. BOCES also has a staff of grant writers at our disposal to research available funds. We don't take advantage of anything offered...instead we try to self contain our district and because of that we cheat our community.
I have been researching programs used in other parts of the country that have been successful in upgrading the education offered without over extending the budget....elementary reading programs, teaching assistant utilization, as well as high academic programs where student in the same classroom progress at their own speed through the use of computer programming, just to name a few... our academia is suffering dramatically while our budget is running rampant.
I believe that, like any successful business, the board should set the budget first and then demand that all proposals and contracts come in under that budget.
I don't propose that I can fix anything at all but before I say I can't or won't I will investigate, research and openly report back to the entire district what can or can't be reassessed or changed and WHY!!!
Now let me finish with the question that is on most peoples mind...the Large Parcel issue.
This legislation has a bigger picture and a more far-reaching intention than any of us can comprehend. I believe, after much research, that this is a political maneuver on the part of our elected officials to keep us (and I mean our school district as well as our county) scrambling around and fighting amongst ourselves. Has anyone ever heard the term "divide and conquer"?
New York City and New York State are both quietly buying up all property surrounding viable water sources in our state. They would like us to believe that this is to protect our water sources but that's only part of the big picture as I see it.
Rudy Guiliani, during his reign as New York City's mayor tried to pass legislation so that our reservoirs could be privatized. It was kept very quiet but it was a reality.
This is not just about saving 5% on your taxes or who pays more for what.
This is about towns and villages maintaining their autonomy and protecting their boundaries..these right were given to us in the Constitution (remember Home Rule). Our elected officials are trying to take these rights away from us. As I see it, our government would like to control the water sources and the properties surrounding them....and maybe, just maybe, eventually, have all the taxes paid directly to New York State or in case of state ownership...pay no taxes at all. Shandaken, beware, you may be the next target.
Whenever the government tries to infringe on my rights, those of my family and those of my community.....I WILL ALWAYS VOTE NO!!!!!
If elected ,I promise to my whole district, honesty, integrity, and a business ethic that has helped me maintain a successful business reputation in the community. I will fight for fairness and I will be concerned about each dollar spent and for attaining the finest education that money can buy for all the students in our district.
Vote #3 on the ballot on May17th.....thank you.
Rita Vanacore
Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
My name is Tom Hickey and I am a candidate for the Onteora School Board. I have two sons in the Onteora School System. Being an involved parent, I have a good understanding of the issues faced by the School Board. My years as a business consultant have given me an appreciation of balancing fiscal responsibility with practical solutions; I think that we all need to be willing to apply common sense to the issues that face our District.
Recently, I met with our Superintendent, Justine Winters, and came away very impressed with her sincerity and clarity of vision for the future of the Onteora School District; our current Board is to be commended for choosing such an outstanding Superintendent. I heartily support the idea of hiring quality individuals and then trusting them to get their jobs done with grace and professionalism. Furthermore, I fully support the budget that was recently proposed, and urge everyone to come on out to vote for it. It is time to stop holding kids hostage to anger over special interests. Programs like SAVI (the Students Against Violence Initiative), the Mentoring Program, and our Art & Music Programs are influencing our kids in long term positive ways and should not be discarded. What has been presented is a fiscally sound budget which reflects the needs of all of our towns, and also promotes quality education for our kids. We must look to the future and pass the budget for our kids.
I believe that it is time that attention must be paid to the most important issue facing any School Board, and that issue MUST be education. It is time to bring our communities together as one Educational District and dedicate ourselves to giving our children the best possible education we can give them, in the safest possible environment.
We need to make sure that Education is the focus of the Board of Education; to do otherwise is to bankrupt our future.
I would like to take a moment to thank Superintendent Justine Winters, Phoenicia Principal Linda Sella, Woodstock Principal Bobbi Schnell, Bennett Principal Dr. Laurie Cassel, Middle School Principal Gayle Kavanagh, High School Principal Barbara Ruben, Shandakan Supervisor Bob Cross, Woodstock Supervisor Jeremy Wilber, Olive Supervisor Berndt Leifeld, Hurley Supervisor Gary Bellows, Jeanne Shultis, Robin Sears and countless teachers, parents and residents who have spoken with me and provided for me as much information as they have regarding all manner of issues within our District. You’re all wonderful for putting up with my questions.
I truly believe that individuals, such as these and such as you and I, can make a huge difference in any endeavor, and if you add your voice to mine, together we can make a difference in the quality of the education we pay for our children to receive.
I believe that, for our children, we can and should be one School District, not four.
I believe that, for our children, we can and should be one community, not four.
I care deeply for our children, for our community and for our schools, and if elected, I will strive to make a difference for ALL of our kids and I will promote high quality and affordable education; I ask, please, for YOU to choose to make a difference and come on out to the polls and vote for me on May 17th, and vote to pass the budget.
Tom Hickey
Oliverea, NY

Dear Editor,
How fortunate for the Onteora School District that Lisa Childers will run for one of the seats on the school board. Lisa’s involvement with school affairs goes back several years. Her commitment to the children in the district and her respect for the taxpayers that fund the district are equally deep. She is certainly among the most qualified of all the candidates. When folks in the district get to hear Lisa it will easily convince them what a truly honest, dedicated and smart person she is and how lucky we are to have her as a school board candidate.
I am voting for Lisa Childers for school board on May 17, and I urge everyone with an interest in Onteora School District affairs to do the same.
Jeremy Wilber
Woodstock Town Supervisor

Dear Editor,
I am writing to strongly urge residents of the Onteora School District to join me in supporting Anne-Marie Johansson as she seeks to re-join the School Board on May 17th. Anne-Marie brings a calm, committed and dedicated voice to the Board and has proven herself a dedicated member of the community in the many different capacities she has served us over the years.
Her ability to balance the disparate needs of various district needs, to weigh the relative merits of divergent points of view and to channel those needs into positions that will benefit the larger community is truly impressive. She holds no single issue, nor no one constituency solely as her own, but is able to represent the larger interests of the students of the district as a whole. As a parent of an Onteora High School student, there is no one I would rather see represent both my own and my son’s interests on the Board.
Anne-Marie is dedicated to working to pass what is a fair, responsible and critically needed school district budget. In her next term on the Board, I am confident she will ensure fiscal responsibility while at the same time maintaining the need to support our students – our future friends and community leaders – as they are nurtured by our school district.
I am proud to support Anne-Marie Johansson and hope you will do as well. Please vote on May 17th for Anne-Marie!
Allison Lee
West Hurley, NY

Dear Editor,
I was one of the many volunteers who had participated in the May 1 cleanup of the Ashokan Reservoir organized by the Catskill heritage Association.
Even though the skies were gray, the sunny smiles, sense of camaraderie, and feelings of accomplishment experienced by all who attended brightened the day.
Conspicuous by their absence were the faces of the many local politicians who profess their concern and dedication to our beautiful Catskills but can’t find the time to “roll up their sleeves and break a sweat” in an effort to preserve our pristine mountains and water. Lip service seems to be their forte.
If it was that Sunday was the excuse, the next clean up will be Saturday, May 21. Perhaps then some of our illustrious pols will get up off their “duffs” and pitch in – think of the “photo ops” and votes they may garner!
Sincerely,
Carol Shalaew
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
I am writing because our Senators need to support President Bush’s nominees to the nation’s federal courts during the 109th Congress. President Bush has nominated qualified jurists who will uphold the laws of the land and not legislate from the bench.
If our Senators cannot support the President’s judicial nominees, however, they should do their constitutional duty and at least give them the courtesy of a vote. During 2003 and 2004, someU.S. Senators took the unprecedented step of filibustering President Bush’s judicial nominees. In fact, 20% of President Bush’s circuit court nominees did not even get an up or down vote. This is totally unacceptable!
Our courts are the backbone of our judicial system. Without judges on the bench, our judicial system cannot operate effectively. As a result of the vacancy crisis facing many of our federal courts, our system of democracy is being jeopardized. Our Senate can do something to correct this problem by ensuring that the President’s nominees get a vote on the floor of the U.S. Senate.
Thank you. Louis Tolchin
Stone Ridge, NY

Dear Editor,
On behalf of the Catskill Heritage Alliance, a round of applause and hearty thanks to all the volunteers who helped at the Ashokan Reservoir cleanup on Sunday, May 1st. It was a hugely successful endeavor. A mountain of trash was collected, and we had a good time gathering it up and hauling it out.
What?!? You don’t believe stream cleanup duty can be fun? You’ve got two more chances to see for yourself. On Saturday, May 14, we’ll be helping out Trout Unlimited as they coordinate an Esopus cleanup from Phoenicia to Mt. Tremper. Meet in front of Onteora H.S. in Boiceville at 9 am for the two-hour effort. And the job’s not done at the Ashokan either. CHA will again be coordinating the final Ashokan Reservoir cleanup on Saturday morning, May 21st. Meet at 9AM at the Frying Pan parking area of the reservoir. All you need to bring are a pair of work gloves and a sense of humor. We will work from 9AM to11AM. For specific directions or details call Jo-Anne at 688-2038 after May 12th. Please try to join us. We need your help.
Jo-Anne Rowley
CHA Stream Cleanup Coordinator
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
It was a treat to read your column on Isabel Bengtson, E.A. The usual view of Tax Accountants is as stuffy and impersonal -e.g. H & R Block agents. You show that professionals, like Mrs. Bengtson, can have a softer, personal side in their practice. Even after 20 years she’s obviously concerned with her clientele for their long-term benefit.
Kudos to Isabel Bengtson, E.A. and the wish for continued success in her practice, and The Olive Press for your efforts to highlight local events and personalities.
John Peebles
Saugerties, NY

Dear Editor,
It is a shame that the Emerson Inn burned, but how can CEO Ted Wright compare this fire, where no lives were lost to the devastation that occurred on September 11,2001? He states, “It’ 9-11 for us... It’s a tragedy. But we will rebuild quickly”. I can only guess he was so upset by his financial loss that he wasn’t thinking clearly.
Karen Montera
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
Let me begin by stating that I know that you would rather not hear what I have to say. I also know when the time comes for a decision to be made that this board could very well look very different. On the other hand there are people who sit on this board who will be here when the time comes to make a decision and it is to them and the ones who may be here that I wish to speak to.
My name is Linda Burkhardt and I am councilwoman in the Town of Olive. And truthfully I would rather not have to be addressing you but the people that we both represent serve deserve to have their needs brought before this board and they deserve to have them be considered with careful and reasoned intent!
I am of course speaking of the alternative method of taxation, called the large parcel law.
I know that the facts and figures are all there for you to consider and you have heard of all that Olive has done to correct any "perceived inequities" that were brought up previously. I want to address an issue that strikes at the heart of every Olive Citizen. That issue is that the majority of theAshokan Reservoir is in the Town of Olive! Not in Shandaken or in Woodstock but OLIVE! This is what sticks in our throat the hardest! The money is always an issue but the taking of the reservoir out of Olive cuts to the quick!
Imagine if you will that you build a beautiful swimming pool in your back yard, you had all the work done ,you paid for the work, you lived with the inconvenience of having it built you even had your insurance rates raised because you now have this beautiful pool in your yard. Now imagine your neighbors decide that because this pool is in their neighborhood that they should be allowed to swim in it also and that they should not have to endure any of the hard ships involved with having a pool. And stretching your imaginations further imagine those neighbors go to the town government stating their request and instead of sticking up for the homeowner whose property the pool is on the town government sides with the neighbors and forces you to let these neighbors swim in your pool!
I know that this is a far-fetched scenario but if you look at it it is the way the people of Olive feel with this alternative form of taxation! When Olive is taken to court by New York City the other towns in this district will not be there, when roads are closed the other towns won’t feel the effect. The Ashokan reservoir is in the Town of Olive! This has become a matter of principle for the citizens of Olive! I ask you to please keep this in mind when you are asked to look at the alternative method of taxation and please know that you do NOT have to vote for or against using this alternative method…you can just do NOTHING!
Linda M Burkhardt
Olive Bridge, NY

Dear Editor,
The Onteora school board election and budget vote is May 17th. We are fortunate to have candidates like Rita Vanacore, Cindy O'Connor and Mary Jane Bernholz. They are very qualified, and I am certain they will do an excellent job by bringing fresh ideas and energy to the board. In speaking with them I am impressed with their knowledge of the issues that concern our children and our tax dollars. Each is very articulate, intelligent, and clearly dedicated to providing the highest quality education at the best possible cost. Our board will be significantly improved when these dedicated ladies are elected.
If you voted in the last political election you are already registered to vote in the school election. If you did not vote in November then you need to register on May 10th. Please call the school at 657-6383 to get the specifics on this. Please be sure to vote; our children deserve the best.
Renters are also eligible to vote.
John R. Tisch
West Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
We know many craftsmen, teachers, artists and technicians know what they are doing, saying or offering by observing and listening. Not so with the "Reverend" Johann Christoph Arnold of Rifton. His letter in the Press of March 31, 2005 is just so much "gibberish" confusion and contradiction that I am compelled to set aside my Large Parcel Crusade and respond to Mr. Arnold.
Mr. Arnold states right off that Terri Schiavo was on life support. Not so, medically. Her life support is/was no different than the life support he and I, indeed all of us enjoy three times a day. We take our sustenance ["that which supports life", Reader's Digest Encyclopedia] with a cup, fork and spoon while Ms. Schiavo [and others in a hospital or nursing home] take it intravenously. I, myself have been on "life support" eight years ago while enjoying a triple by-pass operation and again in January of 2005 for a heart valve replacement. Maybe the plumbing should have been "yanked" either the first time or for sure four months ago, eh Mr. Arnold? My life support was the "Heart/Lung Machine. After all, Terri Schiavo was a nuisance, now wasn't she? And the controversy wasn't for 15 years either. More like eight.
The observation that we "have a fear of death or suffering" and rely on medical technology is brilliant, Sir. I still break out in a sweat when approaching the dental [electric] chair and the will to live is just as strong in you as in me or others.
Mr. Arnold declares that the Creator (you forgot the capital "C", reverend) should be the "taker" of life [with the help of unfaithful husbands and judges] which is quite contrary to scripture. Since when does a judge summarily sentence an innocent person to death but will hear a death penalty appeal over and over again. Ultimately God does take us but in His wisdom and mercy He has given us technology and technicians to extend life no matter the quality. By the way Reverend, who determines "quality of life"? I am grateful daily for the advances in medicine, equipment, knowledge and the adaptation of a cow valve for my own personal use.
When Mr. Arnold states that the President [GW Bush?] intervened he knows that is not true. Nor did Congress get involved. GW and a few legislators expressed themselves in individual statements, "if we err, let it be on the side of life". Now JEB Bush, the Governor of Florida injected himself into the mix as he should have because of his oath "to protect the life [and property] of the citizens of Florida".
As for your admiration of Michael Schiavo Mr. Reverend, you worship at the wrong alter. Michael Schiavo is a "low life" [Ananias/Judas] who pledged to use the lawsuit settlement for the welfare and maintenance of his wife, Terri. Instead he abandoned his wife for another woman, produced two children with her and then attempted to manage two families. Why did he not divorce Terri and get on with his "new love"? That's not scriptural either but "might as well hang for a lamb as a sheep". [And don't forget the residual of the settlement]. A mother can love 3, 5 or 8 children 100% each [impossible mathematically] but a husband cannot love two women concurrently. Your priorities are "screwy" sir.
You mention our fear of "death and dying" again in your letter and then reveal to us that "we all have to die one day". Thanks alot. You have "wrecked" my life. I thought as you do, that we are here forever.
You suggest that we lay aside our agendas and opinions and ask God's will be done. Right on Reverend! Many of our agendas and opinions are within God's will and most come at God's suggestion through His Word. Life is precious whether a newborn appears with spinal biffita or three ears. Life is precious even as I approach age 80. Can I get an "Amen", Reverend? [The ball is in your court].
Glenn T. Anderson
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
I have worked with Rita Vanacore now for six months on some very difficult projects involving the future equity of the Onteora School District. Inherent in this work was research into the (to me) tortureous mathematics relating to the exremely complex business of ORPS figures, of town and school budgets, and other complex mathematical matters. Not only does Rita grasp figures immediately, she is able to immediately employ them into the more concrete business of how they play out in real situations—a talent I have seldom seen. We have all experienced her strength and effectiveness in meetings of all sorts, meetings whose members were in various emotional stages from lethargic to furious. Working with her own fine tuning of receptivity and directness, Rita possesses the ability to stimulate such a diverse group to be focused, creative and hopeful. Rita is a tenacious worker who will secure a strong, cohesive educational district. That’s her goal. She is an excellent diplomat because her diplomacy is charged by intelligence, insight and that broad sense of fairness that doesn’t encourage the closing of minds. In the best sense of the words, Rita is an extremely effective, working member of her district. It is obvious to every one of her present colleagues that she will make a great Onteora School Board Trustee. This is to say that I admire Rita Vanacore tremendously and would vote for her more than once if the law allowed!
Henrietta Wise
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
On April 23, 2005 you published a picture of a man shearing a sheep with a pipe in his mouth. I found that to be stupid and not noteworthy of publishing. That sheep is a living creature not a bag of wool. Thank God that man is not a dentist or a doctor. That should never be tolerated, then why tolerate that around an animal?
I think you can find better pictures to publish.
Lou Drago
Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
I am pleased to report that the first filing of our Large Parcel lawsuit in Northern District Federal Court is imminent. We are initially seeking a preliminary injunction to prohibit enactment of the Large Parcel Bill within the Town of Olive Corporation boundary until all outstanding issues are assessed and adjudicated before a Federal jury.
The sizeable list of defendants suggests to me that the top of the ant mound is about to be kicked off.
Our second filing, to be tendered in a fortnight, is a plenary suit that seeks actual and compensatory damages of ten thousand dollars per Olive resident, or such relief as the court may see fit.
How the Onteora school board and the U.C. Legislature could overlook the 200 percent disparity in woodland assessments that exists between the towns in the district is beyond me, but they are the neo-arbiters in this case until we appear before a jury, who with the judge, are the only lawful arbiters of fairness, according to the U.S. Constitution. We look forward to this process so that we may move on, win or lose.
On May 15th, there are two important events, the Large Parcel Rally at Davis Park in West Shokan from 1- 4 PM, and the U.C. Flood Aid Benefit Concert at Grant Every Park in Shokan, from noon till 9 pm. I encourage all to attend both. Many of the approx. 250 folks who are still homeless have lost everything and deserve our help. 9 bands are slated to play and Fred Gooderham and Tony Amato have done an outstanding job of organizing this much needed event.
I have requested that the UC Health Dept. contribute the costly food service inspection at no cost, and UC Legislative Chairman Gerentine was exceedingly gracious to offer to pay the cost if the Health Dept. will not do so. Mr. Gerentine was a prime mover behind the only other flood aid benefit that I am aware of, the UNICO effort that I believe was undertaken by Chairman Gerentines church in Marlboro.
I will be making Olive Civil Defense Wood-fired pizza at the concert, and the Olive Democrats will be making burgers and hotdogs, with all proceeds to go to the local Red Cross chapter, who is administering the flood aid in Ulster County. Susan Rounds of Olivebridge is the Ulster County Red Cross Chairperson, a very able administrator, and a very caring neighbor.
I am not surprised that fair Olivians assumed the Woodstock school debt when we welcomed them into the district many years ago, and I am not surprised that we are the only Township in the County that is staging a major Flood Aid event to benefit the victims. It is the Olivian way, then and now. Olivians are so nice, they even hesitate to sue over a major theft of corporate assets.
The Senior Garden at Tongore Pines is progressing nicely, and I would like to thank Valerie Fanarjian and Frank Parslow of Boiceville Lumber Mill for their donation of woodchips that will be used to create a soft walking path to the garden. It was great to see the mill operating again with Frank supervising the hands on operation of the mill, under Val's discerning eye, of course. Val was gracious enough to provide signage space for the "Olive got screwed sign" on Rt. 28, across from the school.
Garden work parties start at 9ish on Saturday mornings, weather permitting. Call Laura Tabbal, garden coordinator and educator, at 657-6151 to donate plants, seeds, or to obtain more information about the garden. Call me at 657-2030, for more information about the clay oven workshop that will take place at the garden also, at a time to be determined by those who participate. Clay dancers will be needed to prepare the clay, sand and straw for use in the oven dome, and music will be provided.
VOTE ONLY FOR BERNHOLZ, O' CONNOR, AND VANACORE IN THE SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION. They are all highly qualified and will serve Olive and Onteora well. Vote your conscience on the school budget. See you at the Flood Aid Concert!
Much love,
Charlie Blumstein
Olive, NY