Letters to the Editor

6/19/2008

Dear Editor,
I always think of June bug, but the month of June doesn’t bug me. It’s almost the last day of school and a lot of people are talking about what they will be doing during the summer. The pool is opening every day soon! (It’s open now on weekends.) I’m playing soccer. I’m also going to Great Escape with my Brownie troop and I just found out I might be playing cello next year. I’m kind of over second grade though. My friend Jack is coming back from Mexico soon and I can’t wait to see what words he’s learned. Kids love June. What’s not to love?
Cally Mansfield
West Shokan, NY

Dear Editor,
At last week’s Town of Olive Town Board meeting there was a larger than normal crowd in attendance to express their objections to the newly proposed restrictive burning regulations. All residents in attendance, as well as all Town Board Members, felt the proposed changes are much too restrictive.
We’re well aware of the risks of burning and have no problem with following the current procedure. We travel to the local DEC official, obtain our required burn permit, contact county fire control to let them know we are burning, we burn the downed trees and limbs, and when finished extinguish the fire and let fire control know the fire is out.
The proposed changes may be appropriate for urban areas or highly populated areas; however, for those of us in rural New York these regulations will be a burden. Whether one owns a small lot or private forest land, cleanup after the winter or after heavy storms is an ongoing occurrence. If residents are no longer allowed the right to burn debris on their land then the State will be forcing economic hardships on the average rural property owner. It will be cost prohibitive to clear land to build a new home or to maintain the one you already have. The cost of chipping and/or transporting and disposing of downed trees is exorbitant and an expense that we middle income families can not afford.
A local farmer noted that the Department of Agriculture stresses to farmers the importance of keeping their land clean and free of debris and now the State comes along with a proposal that will prevent that from happening. Here in Ulster County we have numerous orchards and concerns were expressed about orchard reclamation and how that will be handled.
The Town of Olive Transfer Station currently accepts small brush from residents. The town then obtains the appropriate DEC burn permit and through open burning disposes of the accumulated wood debris. Around the clock staff tends the fire along with having a fire truck available until the fire is extinguished. This will be a service no longer provided by municipalities. Not only will towns not be allowed to burn, but Transfer Stations won’t be able to handle the increased amount of material.
Landfills are not allowed to accept logs and trees, so, the big question is “Where does this go?” Does it buildup as fuel on the forest floor generating major forest fires at a later time as seen numerous times in the west and down south?
Also, most residents present at our board meeting felt that little to no effort was made by the state to publicize the coming changes in open burning regulations or the related Public Hearings.
After having two town meetings that focused on the DEC proposal put forth regarding open burning, it is with firm commitment that the Town of Olive Town Board feels that the proposed changes would impose undue economic hardships on those of us who reside within the Catskill Park. They feel that continuing with the present system of burning by permit is the acceptable route and that increased fines and enforcement of the current system would suffice.
By Request of the Town Board,
Sylvia B. Rozzelle
Town of Olive Town Clerk

Dear Editor,
Lately, there has been a bit of fluff about what is appropriate wear for girls as the Phoenicia School and "spaghetti strapped shirts" has been deemed inappropriate. So much so that the girls wearing them have been required to put "Lost and Found" items over their spaghetti strapped T's (and this has happened in excruciatingly hot weather). The long and short of it is that 5th and 6th grade girls bodies are being stigmatized whereas the younger children are free to wear these shirts as they please- which mean the rule is being enforced unequally. Furthermore, 5th and 6th grade girls from Bennett and Woodstock do not have to follow this rule, so it is also enforced unequally throughout the district. Personally, I think it is inappropriate to sexualize young girls' bodies and make them ashamed and self-conscious.
I proposed to my son that in solidarity, he and his male friends wear Spaghetti strapped shirts to school "en masse" - so far, they haven't taken me up on the idea but there is tremendous confusion among the female students as to why they are being "singled out" and what is wrong with wearing weather appropriate clothes? It has been reassuring to the girls that parents support them and I think the Phoenicia School needs to re-think its dress policy.
Sincerely,
Jen Dragon
Chichester, NY

Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter to address the issue of proposed new laws affecting Open Burn policies in the state of New York and a blatant error made in your last issue.
I have had discussions regarding this subject with Senator John Bonacic, Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Town of Olive Supervisor Bert Leifeld, the Town of Olive Town Board and Town Clerk, and Town of Shandaken Supervisor Peter DiSclafani. In addition I spoke to and wrote Mr. Robert Stanton, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Air Resources, in reference to proposed revisions to part 215 open fires.
When I became aware of the DEC proposed revision, I looked up the statutes and saw the impact that it was going to have on local residents. I first spoke to Town of Shandaken Supervisor Peter DiSclafani, and Councilman Vinnie Bernstein. Supervisor DiSclafani mentioned it at the next Shandaken Town Board meeting. I then spoke to Town of Olive Supervisor Bert Leifeld who was very interested and asked me to speak at the next Town of Olive Board meeting. I addressed the Olive Town Board and Town Clerk, and found them to be very interested and concerned what the implications of this change could mean to Olive residents. Supervisor Leifeld indicated to me that the Town Board will pass a resolution against the proposed burning regulation as it pertains to burning wood, brush, tree limbs etc. and send it to the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation.
In a letter that I wrote to Mr. Stanton prior to any of your articles, and provided to local officials, I wrote as follows….
Dear Sir,
I live in a rural area and own a piece of land that is covered with white pine trees. As you are aware, white pines lose a lot of limbs and when conditions are right they are susceptible to snapping and the entire tree comes down. In the past I have burned the brush and limbs and cut the trees into manageable pieces. I always obtain the proper permits and have equipment on hand to control the fire. I have yet to have a problem. If you are going to take the ability from me to burn this material, it will cause a tremendous financial burden. I am retired and on a fixed income and cannot afford to have someone come in and chip the brush, or pay someone to truck it to the proper disposal area. (Wherever that may be in the future). I DO NOT burn garbage or any other material but wood, and do not use a burning barrel for trash. Your cost estimates in my opinion are way out of line.
If I cannot afford to have this material removed by a professional, what am I supposed to do with it, create large piles and let them rot? I don’t think my neighbors would be too happy looking at the mess, and it would certainly reduce the value of my property that I have worked for all my life and pride myself in the way it is kept. Is the Town going to reduce my assessment when my property looks like a junk pile, and in fact may cause the fire hazard that you are saying you want to reduce?
I think you should focus your attention in the right direction and concern yourself with burning barrels which I agree should be stopped. Not burden the homeowner that cleans his property of wooden debris that can be safely disposed of thru burning.
To sum up my thoughts on this subject, I don’t think you have given realistic estimates on the financial burden this regulation is going to create.
I am asking you to reconsider and allow homeowners to continue to safely burn on their own property that they are attempting to maintain and are paying taxes on.
I would also like to share with you a letter that I received from Senator John J. Bonacic…
Dear Mr. Ostrander,
Thank you for your recent letter in opposition to legislation that would curtail back yard burning.
I share your concern that this legislation is unnecessary. While all of us believe in the importance of a clean environment, I believe there is a limit to how far government should go in regulating behavior on private property.
If there is anything I can do to assist you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
John J Bonacic
State Senator
Your article quotes me as saying, “A growing number of local residents in the Catskills have started to vow to fight to protect their burn options…for trash and “the protection of a lifestyle we’ve grown used to,” according to Olive resident Rich Ostrander. This statement is a total fabrication and is incorrect. I did not make this statement to anyone.
As you see from my letter and all conversations with local and state officials, NOWHERE did I at any time support burning trash. I do not know where your quote came from, but it is egregious and needs to be corrected.
Rich Ostrander
Boiceville, NY

Dear EDitor,
While I think Hanover farms is a great farm stand and an economic plus for the area (I go there myself) I do have one large problem with it. It has become a dangerous road hazard especially on the
weekends. I cant begin to tell you how many close calls I have had and seen while driving past. I have seen tourists slam on their brakes at 60-mph all for the sake of a basket full of tomatoes. Never mind that everyone behind them has to slam on the brakes as well and then gently remove their hearts from their throats. If the parking lot is full there will be a line of cars parked along Rt.28 opening car doors while ignoring oncoming traffic and causing blind spots for customers trying to pull back out on 28. I absolutely dread driving
on that section of 28 during the weekends and I know I am not alone. All I know is that the owner needs to expand the parking lot (zoning issue?) or put up cones on the side of the road. A sign advertising that he is 1,200 feet ahead would also help with the brake crazy Prius driving Manhattanites looking for "authentic veggies". I dont know if anyone has gotten seriously hurt because of the traffic at
Hanover but in my opinion it is just a matter of time.
Karl Dyner
Shandaken, NY

Dear Editor,
Just a few suggestions on the decisions that have to be made by the new school board in the near future: We really have to consider whether to return to designated board members. Having no representation is many areas led to the lack of voter representation, and thus voter consensus that paralyzed many of the former board's decisions. We need full participation now and in the future and full participation of all areas. Miraculously, with the election of these young parents we now are in balance, but we can't leave that to chance. Having a seat designated for each area would help to assure that all parents of all schools have a direct voice in decisions.
There are considerable decisions and plans to be made as early a possible for implementation. One of the problems the former board had was not only a lack of consensus but a lack of decision making. To re-read the minutes, one can see the changes and vacillations over the last years leading to indecisions and expensive poor decisions. Good planning, good research, solid decision making with the community, lead to strong leadership needed for our children.
When making those decisions and doing the research, remember not to compare apples and oranges. As was written, yes, Chappaqua and Cazonovia had 5-8 schools. Beware school envy based on outward appeal. They also have a lower graduation rate than Onteora (yes we do many things good for our children). I asked a student from Chappaqua how she like her school and she said "I don't even know a student who isn't going to college." And I thought how sad that this child will not have a balance in her life, will not know and respect the panoply of valuable people needed to make a village livable, safe, productive, and beautiful with arts and music. As for the other arguments, often the 5-8 solution is applied to try and fix something that isn't working, like NYC schools with less that 58 percent graduation rates, trying to make the programs smaller and personal for the students. We have that in our elementary school. All of the issues of puberty (unfortunately starting now before the 5th grade), maturation and syllabus do not apply when we are doing well. What we need to concentrate upon is how to improve the teaching experience now taking place successfully not changing it just for the sake of change. We need to keep quality teachers, enhance labs and facilities, broaden experiences and expand our already valuable participation of talented teachers. That is where the planning needs to start.
Remember the reason our graduation rates are high is not because we do things like other schools, but because we allow teaching "out of the box." We allow and embrace our children to go off campus to study early, we encourage AP classes to that not only give our students an admission edge but save them money on tuition. (I have heard they are considering limiting the program. I would encourage the community to fight for expanding the program and making sure every student who has the ability and desires can afford these courses.) Two years ago we were graduating at 98 percent. Today I am told it is 92 percent. We have also cut the Aspie program, planned to move the INDIE program and heavens know what else. I suggest we look at the programs that are less than conventional yet provide for all of the students and value them. All programs in neat little boxes please poor administrators. The administrative visionaries see the value of interconnected programs and experiences.
All for now. Be well. Love the children. Be generous for them.
Donna White-Davis
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
Here we are between the calendar’s benchmarks of patriotism and still in the center of a continuing civil war. There is so much negative energy and personal vendetta swirling around these Catskills; we can’t separate our own bullying selfishness from the real needs of the community as a whole.
All during the “development controversy”, we have heard and read about the damage that will be done to our natural resources. Granted that is a valid concern. However, as we shoot down growth, we are also destroying our people, their livelihood, and very possibly, the big hand that feeds most of this region: Belleayre, with its positive spirit and reliable support that we have depended on economically, recreationally and socially for generations.
Has it ever occurred to those opposed to the Belleayre Resort that the current Agreement In Principle, which is supported by many groups who also have passionate environmental concerns, is a Compromise? Where is the spirit of reason and discussion and new ideas? Instead of slamming the door in the face of change and improvement, why not submit a more positive alternative that would expand and enhance the local economy, and not chase people away for lack of work, places to go and things to do.
Take all that negative energy and spin it. The end result may wind up positive.
Carole Chanler
Pine Hill, NY

Dear Editor,
Out-of-control gas prices are choking off the American dream for all working families. But instead of boosting the economy by investing in jobs and energy, George W. Bush gave tax breaks to millionaires and oil companies. And he is spending $10 billion a month on the war in Iraq.
There is really no difference between Bush and John McCain. We can only expect more of the same from him. McCain voted with Bush to help the special interests, not working families. Now he wants to give more tax breaks to Big oil.
McCain's tax plan would give $3.8 billion in tax cuts to the five largest American oil companies (Center for American Progress Action Fund 3/27/08 http://thinkprogress.org/iraq-timeline/ ).
Does Big Oil need tax breaks? Last year, Exxon-Mobil made $40 billion in profits-the largest single-year profits ever made by a U.S. corporation.
Like, McCain protects big oil profits. Last year, McCain was the only senator to miss a vote on the energy bill repealing tax subsidies for oil companies.
In 2005, he voted against a temporary windfall profits tax on oil companies to fund tax credits for working families. Previously, he opposed ending tax breaks for oil and natural gas companies related to depletion and drilling costs(H.R6. vote 425 12/13/07; S Admit. 2635, Vote 2635, Vote 341. 11/17/05; S Admit. 2587, Vote 331, 11/17/05;S. Admit. 2782/ HR 776, Vote 159, 7/29/07)
So far John McCain has rceived $723,277 in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry PACs and employees—almost twice as much as Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton (Center for Responsive Politics www.opensecrets.org, accessed 5/31/08.
Working Families Can't Afford more of the same. TELL JOHN McCain "NO" IT is time turn America Around
Tom Siblo
Saugerties, NY

Dear Editor,
Among other reasons, or just maybe the only reason, that Hillary Clinton lost the nomination, is that she usually appeared on television looking more like a 40-year-old winner of American Idol and hoping for a career as a movie star. She probably had a face lift and/or a botox treatment before starting her campaign; but an aspiring movie star is not what many people were looking for after eight disgusting and frightening years of lies, corruption, and thousands of young Americans sacrificed to assure huge profits for the oil companies and the munitions makers. Many other nations have had, and now do have, women as presidents, prime ministers, or similarly functioning officials; but virtually all of those women look like serious, wise old ladies; not like movie stars or middle-age women's clothing models. Think of Golda Meir or Margaret Thatcher. Many more Americans would have voted for a "motherly" looking and acting woman. Psychologically, what would appeal to both men and women yearning for relief of, and confidence in, government is a "motherly" woman in the best sense ie: one with years of successful political service with a reputation of success, and a personality both serious, intelligent, and compassionate, yet stern in condemning corruption, lying to, or deliberately frightening, the people to achieve ones' own ends; an "old lady" who couldn't be swayed by bribes, praise, criticism or threats.
Phil Sullivan
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
Despite the fact that I am a Republican, I was dismayed at the level of hostility directed at Hillary Clinton by the Media. When she won the state of Pennsylvania, the only news anchor who spoke about her victory was Lou Dobbs on CNN.
Admittedly Clinton was arrogant in the beginning of her campaign, and the people behind her were not as knowing as Obama's people, still week after week, she was the subject of negative and nasty releases by the media.
Clinton won the popular vote and perhaps one day, this country will be ready for a woman president, though it is indeed a wondrous thing to have a bi-racial candidate running for the highest office in the land.
Maralyn Master
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
This psychological thesis can be read by men if they wish, however, I believe that only women will “get it”. So, to my gender I propose the following explanation to the question, “What is Hillary doing and why is she doing it, despite how hurtful her methods may be to her legacy.”
So- what’s the first thing you thought about when I brought up her legacy? Universal Health Care? Nope. It’s that awful thing that humiliated her beyond anything any of us can possibly imagine 10 years ago. Right? Can any of us dare to state publicly what our own reaction would have been if we were in her shoes? I couldn’t.
Perhaps the only thing that could wipe out the unthinkable degradation she suffered, was to somehow seek her own unimaginable power. What could be more powerful than being the first woman
President of the United States? Furthermore, is there anything short of that goal that could suffice?
I’ve been an Obama supporter for some time now, and have been annoyed
at Hillary for putting us at risk of tearing down the party enough to put us in jeopardy of having a 3rd Bush term. However, once I dug deeper into the psychological motivation, I had to forgive her. If any men have bothered to read this letter, take heed - and for the women, lets try to forgive and support her.
Jill Paperno
Glenford, NY

Dear Editor,
In 1941, Edward Dowling, editor, priest and historian, commented: “The two greatest obstacles to democracy in the United States are, first, the widespread delusion among the poor that we have a democracy, and second, the chronic terror among the rich, lest we get it.” Gore Vidal, years later, put it more starkly when he said: “We don’t have democracy, America has never had democracy. In fact, the founding fathers were afraid of democracy. What we have instead is a republic that allows rich white men to get on with business.”
Much has been said and written of late about the collapse of our American Democracy by the takeover of our electoral processes and the subordination of the American public by corporate power. Noted journalist and author Chris Hedges addresses this issue especially well in a recent and dramatic speech he gave in which he persuasively argues that the corporate takeover of our government is nearly complete.
But putting a Democrat in the White House, even one as inspiring and “progressive” as Senator Obama will do little if anything to change or dismantle the rise of American Corporatocracy—or the extreme assault on our constitutional and civil liberties (i.e., the putting in place of the Police State, on which a corporatocracy and imperialism must depend). The last place change occurs, if it is to occur at all, is in Washington. Because Democracy does not allow for politics outside the democratic system, change—the kind “progressives” and “liberals” are calling for, the kind in which “consent of the governed” is reclaimed—can only come about through social movements and struggle. From outside the system, outside of Washington. Not from within. This is easier to see if we are clear about what politics is and what it is not.
Politics is the process of who gets what resources, when, and how. All political activities aim ultimately to controlling wealth and resources and maintaining unchallenged power and control. And, of course, to ensure succession: the passing of power from one set of hands to the next to safeguard the life not of the public good but of the state. This is so with any state. America is no exception. Who benefits most is the end outcome of the competition. The corporate media and those in power, as well as others jockeying for control and power, obscure the term to refer to differences on other issues. Politics is never about issues. It may appear to be; but issues are merely smoke and mirrors. Politics is about power and control. If we are ever to have a true democracy, to be anything more than subjects of the state, and if our government is to ever be an instrument of the people, and not the other way around, then “we the people” must reverse the master/servant relationship between the public and the state, and hence, the power equation between ourselves and our government.

And while centuries of history clearly shows that the handover of power to the state is almost always irreversible; and, while vis-à-vis the state, particularly starting with the Reagan Administration, the American public has been rendered increasingly politically powerless, that does not mean change is impossible. But change will be very hard, and it will be a fight. To quote the late and distinguished iconoclastic and radical American investigative journalist Izzy Stone:
“The only kinds of fights worth fighting are those you are going to lose, because somebody has to fight them and lose and lose and lose until someday, somebody who believes as you do wins. In order for somebody to win an important, major fight 100 years hence, a lot of other people have got to be willing - for the sheer fun and joy of it - to go right ahead and fight, knowing you’re going to lose. You mustn’t feel like a martyr. You’ve got to enjoy it.”

Of course, we should still go out and vote as well. But we should do so with our eyes wide open: If we want to see real change then our civic involvement and responsibilities cannot start and end at the voting booth. As Chris Hedges quotes one activist in his speech as saying: If voting were that effective it’d be illegal.
Barbara Ellis
Boiceville, NY

Dear Editor,
I have been extremely honored over my many years as a public servant. My service as being the first Democratic Chairman of the Legislature in over two and a half decades has been my highest honor. When I reflect on my youth growing up on the streets, raised by a single parent that worked two and three jobs to make ends meet, I know that the path I have taken could have been vastly different.
When I was sworn in as Chairman, the County was in a financial mess with a nightmare jail project eating at our foundation. I set an agenda of “Better Government at a Better Price” to bring real reform in spending, hiring, and programs with full transparency. I had no shortage of truly dedicated legislators that were public servants first and foremost. Our work was cut out for us. Despite the long hours and trying times, I believed we made a difference where a difference was needed. We are dedicated to continue that work.
When I decided to seek the nomination for the Comptroller’s position, I did so to offer my dedication, education and experience on a different level. Yet, in many ways I was ambivalent. I had to give up teaching which I still enjoy. I had to give up the Legislature in a time of transition when my experience and education could be useful.
When I began the campaign I braced myself for the worst. I had the pleasure of meeting with various town committees which, through their hard work, enables us to reap the rewards of public service. I was surprised when I received only positive reinforcement. Obviously, not all supported my bid for Comptroller. I had various people asking why I wasn’t running for County Executive while others hoped that I would stay as the Chairman. The idea of truly being appreciated is an experience I have no words to describe. I have never been so humbled throughout my tenure as a public servant. I regret that I did not have the opportunity to meet with every town committee.
What made the experience even more satisfying was the pleasure of traveling with my opponent, Elliott Auerbach. We both stayed on a positive message and always respected each other. As the meetings went on I became comfortable, that if I did not win the convention and primary, the nomination would still be in good hands. Although I lost by a narrow margin at the convention, I don’t regret that I took on this adventure. It was an enlightening experience.
After the convention I thought long and hard about a primary. I felt comfortable that I could win the primary but I worried about the fact that the two of us would spend our supporters’ hard-earned money against each other, only for the winner to face a well-financed Republican candidate in November. With various challenges in party positions on the horizon, I felt it extremely important to be united in this position and that of the County Executive. With these facts, coupled with the thought of all I had to give up to further my candidacy, I decided that I will not seek a primary.
I thank all those that supported me and ask all Democrats to unite behind Elliott Auerbach for Comptroller.
In the meantime, I will continue serving the people of Ulster County as the Chairman of the Legislature overseeing our agenda of “Better Government at a Better Price”.
David B. Donaldson
Kingston, NY

Dear Editor,
On behalf of the Phoenicia Library Association I’d like to thank our local nurseries, Nightshade, Terrace Farm and Trestle Farm for donations made to the annual plant sale. I’d also like to thank our local gardeners, Terry Spies, Anique Taylor, Marvella and so many other “anonymous donors” who were out there digging and dividing to benefit the library. Much appreciation, of course, to all of our patrons who came by, even in the extreme heat, to purchase some plants. It’s always so nice to see and chat with local residents and visitors and we really appreciate your support.
Veronica Rowe
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
It is with deep regret and sadness that we must close the doors of Black Bear Hollow for good. We have tried everything in our power to keep going but we just can't make enough to pay our bills.
We would like to thank you all for the tremendous support we have recieved in the last three years from our friends, family and customers. This endeavor has been a huge success if success can be measured by the number of new friends we have made and the stomachs we have satisfied.
It has been a wonderful experience for our family to be a part of this community and to meet the many travelers along this road through the Catskills. Black Bear
Hollow became everything we dreamed it would (except for the money making part)
and for that we are very proud.
We wish you all well on your journey and hope our paths may cross again
We are not sure what the future holds for us but we will try to keep you all posted.
Gratefully,
Kurt, Cynnie & Clare
BLACK BEAR HOLLOW
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
All of us who volunteer at the "Formerly Yours Thrift Store" at the Phoenicia United Methodist Church would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of the people who donate items to be sold at our store, and to those who shop here.
Because of your generosity, we have been able to help not only with the expenses of our church, but to reach out to individuals, families, and community groups in times of need. You are our "Big Family of Friends." Thanks from the bottom of our hearts!
The Thrift Store Ladies
Ruth, Gene, Linda, Janet, and Marvella
Phoenicia, NY

Dear Editor,
Citizens that live in Ulster County have two options to help reduce the cost of medications. There is Ulster County’s Ulster RX prescription plan and the State’s Epic prescription plan. As reported Ulster County’s Ulster RX program has not been especially popular with residents of Ulster County. In my research to find the lowest cost for medications in a twenty mile radius I found that there was no competition in any of the local Pharmacy’s that I checked. All charged the same price for the same medication and dosage. Purchasing the same medications through my Company’s mail order prescription plan was also more economical then purchasing them from our local Pharmacy’s. The problem is you cannot purchase any medications out of State if you want to participate in New Your States Epic program and you have a deductible.
This Country does not have a generic for Ranexa the most expensive medications that I checked, but Canada does have a generic for the same medication. Locally Ranexa cost $392.65 for 120 500mg tablets. Canada offers a generic for Ranexa 500mg tablet. The name of the generic is Ranolazine. You’ll find that name on every bottle of Ranexa. There’s a vast saving by purchasing Ranexa from Canada. The price for the generic is $209.20 for 200 tablets. That’s a saving of $183.45 plus you get eighty more tablets for that price.
The New York State Epic program is an excellent program for seniors and for those that have high medication expenses and have a certain earned income, but it does have restrictions. To reduce any deductible that you may have if you want to join the Epic program you cannot purchase medications out of State. This forces anyone wanting to participate in the Epic program to purchase their medications from a local Pharmacy where the medications cost more then they do in Canada or a mail order prescription plan. Lifting this restriction would be a great help to reduce any large deductible that you have for the Epic plan. Your deductible is based on your earned income and can be considerable.
We’ve all heard that medications from Canada may not be safe, but the Ulster RX prescription Web Site has a page that allows purchasing medications from Canada. Because the Ulster RX plan allows medications to be purchased from Canada are they safe? Also, why doesn’t this Country have a generic for Ranexa and other medications that Canada has.
William Warnecke
Glenford, NY