8/16/2007

Dear Editor,
As a former local elected official in a rural area of Virginia, I know that folks don’t always welcome opinions from an “outsider.” That said, I would like to encourage those who voted against the waste treatment project to consider what the lack of adequate wastewater treatment means to the Phoenecia already and what it will mean for the future. The question is especially pertinent now that the Phoenicia Hotel has burned.
The financial aspects of the waste treatment project may or may not be ideal, but the costs to local residents seemed reasonable compared to public sewer charges in my area of Virginia. But, failure to address an important public utility in the face of an undisputed need should give pause to anyone concerned about the future of Phoenicia.
My wife and I began visiting Phonecia several years ago. We found it a delightful place in a beautiful area with friendly people. So, we decided to explore investing in commercial property there. Soon, we learned that several properties we were interested in had condemned or questionable septic systems. We did not think it was wise to continue considering investing when there was no better alternative in sight.
If other investors look at these properties the same way, the buildings will remain there, in disrepair, contributing very little in property taxes, and certainly not contributing to the health of the business climate. Or, even worse, they will remain only as vacant lots, having lost their “grandfather” status for rebuilding with only a septic system. In time, they will, if they have not already, detract from the tax base, by devaluing other properties, and reduce the attractiveness of Phoenecia as a place to visit and spend money. And, this fate is not limited to commercial property. Residential property, which has appreciated in value in recent years, is not exempt from a creeping blight that could make the village a less attractive place to live as well as to visit.
My wish for Phoenecia is that it would retain its small village charm and move into the future with commercial success and secure property values. It does not need to sell its soul to big-time development, but it does need to be able to sustain the commercial and residential development already there and, at least, give have the option to thrive into the future.
Regards,
Roy L. Fauber
Vesuvius, VA.

Dear Editor,
Some of you may know me from Catskill Rose, the business that I run with my wife, Rose, or you may know me from the volunteer Fire Department, or you may know me as a Councilman from Town Hall. If you haven't met me, my name is Peter DiSclafani and I'm asking everyone for their support and vote in the run for Town Supervisor.
Our town is at an apex , a moment, that is crucial for Shandaken. We can work hard to get government for all the people of Shandaken or we can continue on the present course.
When a government refuses to listen to the people, builds walls of suspicion, secrecy and doubt, it is bad government. When a government approves projects that are detrimental to the people, puts people at risk or harm, disregards the wishes of the majority or the opinion of the minority, it is bad government. When a government raises taxes for frivolities, re-election ploys or uses town resources on private property, it is bad government. We, as a town, need to change this.
I believe in good government: A government that works hard to find the best possible solutions, weighs the pros and cons, listens to the people, is accountable for its actions, and has the ability to negotiate and find compromises that are acceptable to all parties. I believe in a government that can tap the wealth of knowledge and diversity that is in our town; a government that builds bridges of understanding between people and always puts the people first. Good government is what Shandaken needs and deserves.
Some people think the prize is on the top of the mountain, I believe the prize is the entire town. We need to market Shandaken. Find ways to energize the economy, seek new sustainable businesses, help businesses find more customers, and showcase Shandaken for the jewel it is. We need to come to the aid of the community, fight for the Phoenicia school that is the heart of young families, go after grants that ease the burden of projects, lower taxes, keep services real, and do right by people. We need to get our focus back on Shandaken.
I don't promise great leaps forward. I don't believe that there is a magical single course of action. I believe much can be accomplished with steady calm measures. Realistically, we don't always get along, we're not all the best of friends, but we can and should find common ground and join with our neighbors and townspeople to find best solutions. I can be a good Supervisor but I need your help and support. I would be honored to be the next Supervisor of Shandaken and I appreciate your consideration and vote at the polls.
Thank you,
Peter DiSclafani
Mount Tremper, NY

Dear Editor,
School funding reform has been a continuing issue of concern to citizens throughout New York State because of the current reliance on property taxes for the funding of schools. The property tax burden has driven low and fixed income homeowners away. It has made home purchase difficult for young families. And high property tax bills create tension between those in a community who want to maintain excellent schools through rich school budgets and those who can no longer afford to support them. This is a system that must be changed.
The Property Tax Reform Task Force, of which I am a member, is a coalition of New York towns, community groups and citizens based in the Hudson Valley -- see our web site at www.hvpropertytaxreform.org. We believe school funding should be based on a more equitable income-based tax, as employed in New York City, for example. Albany has been making some, small changes in school funding, primarily by increased supplemental school aid from the state, but has been unwilling to consider fundamental reform -- or even to establish a blue ribbon commission to study such a possibility.
We have been told, however, that school governance and expenditure are local issues and that local voters have it in their own power to limit their tax burden. Really? Seems to me that much of what occurs at the local level is determined by school law set at the state level, which limits local voter control.
For example, not all school taxpayers are eligible to vote on local school matters -- those with second homes in a school district, who provide funding through property taxes at the same tax rate as local primary homeowners, are excluded. What happened to the good old American tradition of no (local) taxation without (local) representation?
State mandated programs impose costs on which there is no control by either the local school or local citizen. Teacher and other staff compensation comprises about 82% of school budget costs and is negotiated between a school board and the statewide-organized teacher's union. The local school board is widely acknowledged to be on the light side of the balance scale. School boards cannot negotiate collectively, even though they share many similar local conditions and costs.
Other factors that have significant impact on the underlying cost structure of local school funding include the escalating public pension and health benefits costs, again established by the state. My colleagues and I on the Property Tax Reform Task Force don't want to put teachers in the same kind of vulnerable economic position that so many people in the private sector face on the issue of pensions and health care. These escalating costs clearly have a major impact on local school costs, however, and at some point will have to be addressed by, for example, considering defined contribution pension plans for newly hired teachers and state workers, or a medical benefits Volunteer Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust. A VEBA trust is a device into which employees pay on an ongoing basis and which the state funds to some pre-determined amount through general fund revenues. For every dollar set aside in such a trust, market appreciation can significantly increase the value of the investment, helping to reduce the long-term cost of the program without using property taxes as a funding source. Such a plan for New York State could, on the educational side, save about 22 cents on every educational dollar spent in the state.
All of those issues, however, are entirely outside the control of us local folk. We must continue to pressure state elected officials to look at ways to address school funding reform and remove property taxes from the formula. That is local control. Send a message to your elected representatives if property taxes are getting you down.
Judith Gustafson
Cottekil, NY

Dear Editor,
Benedictine and Kingston hospitals are moving ahead with their plans to remove certain services from within Kingston Hospital. Unless they are giving birth, women who choose to have their tubes tied will not be able to have the procedure done in-hospital. Also excluded from within hospital walls will be men who choose to have vasectomies, and women who opt for abortions. The reason? To quote a friend: “misplaced courtesy” toward the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs). Other banned services include contraception and discussion of birth control methods, safe-sex education and counseling for the prevention of AIDS, and legal stem cell therapies. The ban will extend to any services now provided at Kingston Hospital which may be consolidated and placed at Benedictine Hospital.
I wonder if the officials making these decisions behind closed doors ever considered other proposals. During the five hospital-sponsored merger forums, none of the officials answered questions about alternatives. Instead, they only cited consultation with a Long Island hospital official.
There are alternatives - including those in the document In Good Conscience: Guidelines for the Ethical Provision of Health Care in a Pluralistic Society, published by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC). It gives guidance for providers and patients.
RCRC is the only national interfaith organization dedicated to preserving reproductive choice and achieving reproductive justice. National religious and religiously affiliated organizations from 15 denominations and faith traditions are members. They include the Episcopal Church; three bodies of the Presbyterian Church (USA); the United Church of Christ; two agencies of the United Methodist Church; the Unitarian Universalist Association; Reform, Reconstructionist, and Conservative Judaism; and independent religious organizations such as Catholics for a Free Choice, Disciples for Choice, and the Methodist Federation for Social Action.
Implications are enormous for patients, doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. I urge you to read In Good Conscience at
www.rcrc.org/pdf/InGoodConscience.pdf .
Mildred M. Meyer
High Falls, NY

Dear Editor,
After 39 years, the government is finally beginning to crackdown on peace mongers and marijuana use in Woodstock. As we all know, the beloved Day Yusko was arrested for having a joint in his house about two months ago.
The Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement and Narcotics Team (URGENT) , was recently set up, with the aid of the FBI and the Kingston Police Dept., supposedly to rid the streets of Kingston of gang violence and narcotics. Chemically, the term narcotic refers to opium, it’s derivative and their synthetic substitutes i.e. cocaine and coca leaves. So, marijuana is not technically, a narcotic. Furthermore, since Day was caught with a mere joint in his house, he was charged with a misdemeanor and not a felony.
But Day has already paid a price, due to the full coverage in the Press. I remember that there was once a precedent in this country: “Innocent Until Proven Guilty”. I thought that offenders had a right to privacy until tried and convicted. When did the press decide to convict people before they are even charged?
Have you seen that horrible show on the air, where they lure potential sex offenders through the internet, to a location where they have camera’s set up? When they open the door the cameras roll, they air the show and they are found guilty even before the crime is committed. On the surface, this may seem like a good idea, but after giving it some thought, I think I can top that show with my own.
“Don’t Piss Me Off” will be the title of the show. The pilot will star one of my own personal enemies. I’ll tell a story about them, whether true or false, like they are part of a terrorist plot. I’ll plant some kerosene in their yard, along with some other bomb making substances. I can even reveal the truth at the end, and say it was just a joke. They already have a similar show on TV - and remember they did it to Kerry with the Swift Boat campaign, so I’m not breaking ground here.
But I digress. Getting back to Day - I’ve been in the Woodstock area since l987, and I never felt that I had to lock my car door when going to town. On the other hand, I lock it when I step outside in the town of Kingston. That’s because according to police there are rival gangs in Kingston. They even know their names, “The Bloods” and “The Crips” and URGENT was formed to protect us from that. Instead, they chose to arrest Day.
There will be enough letters and articles in this paper for me to skip over who Day is, and has been for longer than the 20 years I’ve known him. Suffice it to say that he has single handedly helped numerous young people, by getting them work and boosting their confidence. For many lost and helpless in town, there was always a place to come to try to rehabilitate. Day would get work for them, feed them, and lift their spirits with his music and spirituality. As I see it, he basically took over where public assistance left off.
As for me, I feel less safe now that Day has been arrested, since Day is what you may call an influential “Peacenik”, who is better able to reason with lost teenagers than anyone I know. I hope that this recent publicity will not divert Day from his spiritual commitment to help bring peace to the world.
Jill Paperno
Glenford, NY

Dear Editor,
Tom Precious succinctly and convincingly summarizes the puzzle: How can allegations of wrongdoing by the governor's office be investigated in a fair way? The answer: on any golf course, of course.
The question reminds me of what I consider to be the retired Ulster County Charter Commission's brilliant, ground breaking method to re-district-without-odious-Gerrymandering, Ulster County legislative districts ASAP after receipt of 2010 Census data (Sec 2.04 Changes of Districts: Reapportionment, Charter): from a pool of Ulster County-resident volunteers, the county Legislature majority leader and minority leader shall each select two commissioners. These four shall, from the pool, then select three additional commissioners. Should the original four be unable to agree on the additional three, the Commission is dissolved, and the selection begins anew.
Who better to investigate perhaps the two highest NYS public officers than a broad cross-section of citizens employed in significant state bureaus, yet perhaps ordinarily sheltered from the media spotlight?
Practically any department heads would qualify; but I suggest this special commission be composed of the: Comptroller; Racing and Wagering Board; Department of Public Service; Inspector General; New York State Association of Counties; Commission on Judicial Conduct; Commission on Professional Standards;
Consumer Protection Board; Office of General Services.
From members of the NYS public, state-government-neutral, these nine would select six additional members, for a total of fifteen. The fifteen would select a chair and recording/corresponding secretary.
Allan Wikman
Kingston, NY

Dear Editor,
Thanks to the many folks who came up to me on the street, shook my hand, and told me how much they appreciate my speaking out on the sorry state of Shandaken's current leadership. Republican committeeman Robert Kalb did an awful thing, harassing Dave Pillard and terrorizing customers in Dave's excellent shop, Tender Land Home. Mr. Kalb should have been man enough to confront me directly if he felt anything I said was not true. We are disgusted with the hooliganism, back-stabbing and sneaky tricks, but many are afraid to go public for fear of the personal attacks they would be subject to.
It's looking like Spitzer is just about as weak-kneed in standing up for the public good over the influence of millionaires as Pataki was. Spitzer may use his influence to force casinos and a gigantic Belleayre Resort on an overwhelmingly opposed community - even though it would cost us locals plenty in jacked up taxes, cram the roads with hazardous traffic, hurt local business, create a housing crisis, do permanent damage to the environment and threaten New York City's water supply. It probably would also dry up the water supply of Fleischmanns.
By the way, the reason many of us are struggling is not due to a shortage of golf courses and multinational hotel chains. It's because Bush, Cheney and their oily crew are ripping us off. In the Chronogram, Larry Beinhart revealed that Ulster County residents have shelled out $354 million for the war in Iraq so far... and cost us some local young lives. It makes Ward Todd's jail fiasco seem like small beans by comparison.
But don't despair. Home Rule can still prevail if we vote wisely in the next election. So I will remind folks of a few Shamedaken highlights. Remember when town clerk Laurilyn Frasier conveniently failed to administer the oath of office to Howie McGowan? This dirty trick allowed Gitter and Poncic's pals to kick McGowan off his appointed seat on the planning board. When she was asked why, Frasier muttered sarcastically, "I'm not a babysitter." It's essential we elect a fair, honest and friendly town clerk along with the new administration.
Remember when Jane Todd quietly sold Pine Hill's water supply to Dean Gitter? Shandaken had been offered the water company for free, and had grants lined up to pay for the necessary improvements. The deal was days away, but Jane showed she cared more about Dean making a buck than the hamlet having water to drink. Now that the Phoenicia Hotel burned down we discover that SHARP owned a piece of it and it wasn't insured. And it appears that financing SHARP gave to the owner for renovations didn't get spent on what it was supposed to be spent on. Was Jane Todd looking after the money as well as she should have been? To the argument that she and Gitter have our best interests at heart, I say "Yeah, right."
It appears that the grotesquely elongated Emerson plaza shopping tunnel was in arrears on its taxes as of 7/22/07. I wonder if that's based on the taxes it would be liable for at the size it was permitted for... half of what scofflaw Gitter went ahead and built without permission. Glenn Miller on the job!
We will have an alternative this fall. Don't think about party politics, think about the people, your friends and neighbors. If you can't bring yourself to vote Democratic, just say NO and don't vote at all. It's time for a change. We need new leaders who will stand up for the public good instead of bowing down to millionaires.
Dave Channon
Shandaken, NY

Dear Editor,
The Ulster Dog Training Club has been operating in Kingston for over 50 years and we are the LEAST EXPENSIVE of all the dog trining facilities in the area. Our training methods are positive and progressive. I am writing this to all of you out there who would like to take an hour or two a week to train your dog, but the price of gas, food and life in general has put that on the back burner. We are here for you!
For as little as $100 for the year, you can participate in all of our obedience and therapy dog classes all year. If you enjoy the professional training and the socializing opportunities for both your dog and yourself, you can become a member at the miniscule amount of $15 a year. Membership gives you training discounts for other activities like agility, rally-o, etc. Volunteer work for the club can also turns into reduced training costs. We are ready, willing and able to help you train your breed or rescue dog become a productive and responsive member of your family. We are less expensive than all the others because the club has always existed as a form of giving back to the community and not as a personal business venture. We all all volunteers....no one is on salary and because of this, you get the financial benefit....not us. Our trainers are experienced, actively involved in competition and continuing education. We are going to hold a free introduction class to Rally-O on Sept. 27th at 7:30 - 8:30 on the grounds of St. John's Church in Kingston (as long as the weather holds) The group is limited to 8 people. If your dog is socialized, knows how to sit and stay and you would like to join in, just come to see what Rally-O is, have any questions or would like to receive a brochure... call 246 6012.
Fran Breitkop, Presidernt
Ulster Dog Training Club
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
On Wed. Aug.8,07, many if not all UC Legislators started their day as usual with the Daily Freeman and a cup of java. The editorial titled "Larger Issues" informed them that the OCSD board had undemocratically decided not to vote on the Large Parcel law and that perhaps the majority of the school board should step down. Here is "the rest of the story".
The editorial stated "Voting against it continues inequitable taxing levels on Olive's neighbors in Woodstock and Shandaken." This bit of information is both false and timely given that the UC Legislature was due to vote on the LP law that
very evening.
I was a little puzzled given that UC Real Property Tax Service Agency Director Martin informed the OCSD board that the Town of Olive was fairly and equitably valued due to Olive's recently completed revaluation. Even the staunchly pro-LP law Woodstock Times stated in their editorial of Aug.2nd that the LP law should not be enacted this year for the same reason. The UC Real Property Tax Service Agency records show that Shandaken's assessments are decades old and presumably unequitable.
The editorial claims that the law contains the Home Rule provision which is also false. The editorial served 2 purposes- persuade the Legislators to vote aye for LP that evening, and damage the reputations of school board members from Olive. The Freeman has been impugning the reputations of OCSD board members who oppose the LP law since the inception of the LP law in 2003. No mention was made that the publisher of the Freeman lives in Woodstock, received a substantial tax reduction due to LP enactment in 2004 and stood to benefit again had enactment actually taken place on Aug.8th.
The Freeman claimed that the school board did not address an issue of importance to the community and voted against public discussion. In fact, the vote was at a public meeting where all had the right to be heard. Indeed, Large Parcel has possibly been the most debated issue in the schools history. The public has had years to weigh in and has done so. It is so divisive that it is steadily diminishing the ability of Woodstock and Shandaken to maintain representation on the board. I think that in this case the board felt that district harmony has real value and with Tax Director Martins assertion that Olive's house is in order there was no reason to waste time given the sheer volume of other weighty matters. The editorial claimed foul due to lack of publicity of the school board vote, yet the Freeman chose not to publicize the county vote. The precise nature of the language used in the editorial indicates help from interests outside the Freeman, perhaps the sponsors or drafters of the law.
After the UC Legislature Administrative Services Committee tabled the matter for 07 due to the reasons mentioned previously, Legislators Gregorius and Shapiro of Woodstock, along with 7 others from the southern Ulster area filed a resolution on Fri.8-3-07, seeking enactment of the LP law, to be voted on the following Wed.,8-8-07. Despite short notice Legislators Kraft and Parete were able to lobby and argue effectively on Olive's behalf. After a heated debate Wed. evening it was voted down.
In my view the attempt by the Freeman to manipulate and influence the county LP law vote via the longstanding and ongoing dissemination of false information is a serious breach of the public trust. The public deserves accurate information, not false propaganda. Had the Freemans effort been successful it would have cost Olive residents plenty. Members of Olive Matters are working to reduce and prevent the abuse of Olive residents by corrupt media and politicians. This latest example is now being addressed.
The first attempt to obtain a judicial review of LPL failed due to my incorrect choice of venue followed by personal exhaustion. 2 years of further observation and documentation of the workings and effects of the LP law has added much valuable material to our case that seeks a judicial order that would compel the NY Legislature to amend the law to include the Home Rule provision. Olive Matters has worked very hard to keep the LP law at bay but it is not reasonable or fair to expect perpetual efforts to safeguard our interests and assets. At this point it is clear that a judicial review will provide the only lasting remedy. It will take 4-6 months to prepare the revised and updated suit.
Charles Blumstein
Olivebridge, NY

Dear Editor,
I commend Ulster County Legislator Tracy Bartels on her handling of the Ulster County Law Enforcement Center project investigation.
She has ignored the bluster and bombast of those who offer simplistic and uneducated theories on why the project went bad. I believe Tracy's dogged pursuit of the truth will provide a clear explanation on what doomed the project from the start.
Some have questioned the need for the investigation. I believe, however, it is vitally important to find out who's responsible for the project being late and over budget and to hold those people accountable, no matter the political costs. Ulster County residents deserve no less.
Joe Roberti,
Ulster County Legislator, District 4
Saugerties, NY

Dear Editor,
"And I dreamed I saw the bomber death planes, Riding shotgun in the sky, Turning into butterflies, above our nation." from Joni Mitchell's beautiful song, Woodstock. From my point of view this song is a most excellent focus of what this celebration was about. I consider this "Aquarian Exposition" to be a shining moment in human evolution. In 1969 the tide of war turned in Viet Nam. I think Woodstock was a cosmic celebration of this event. I believe that when enough people want peace we will all get it. Only love can conquer hate.
The last time I was at the corner of West Shore and Hurd Road where the celebration took place my feet found an old three-inch diameter pipe with a cast aluminum road sign holder gizmo on the end! It was buried under old weeds and mud in the ditch at that sacred cosmic intersection. I put it in my truck with the trash I was collecting and took it home. Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane said in her book that she wore white when she graced us at Woodstock. I think a lot of us feel that way. So I planted that pipe in the ground in a flower garden in the front of our home and butterfly bushes started growing all over the yard. And sometimes when I think of Joni's dream I get a rush wondering if those butterfly bushes are getting ready for Joni's dream to flower.
All One, All Win. Happy anniversary, Woodstock Nation.
William DeVoe
Woodstock, NY