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 Phoenicia 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,
My name is Cindy O’Connor and this May I will be running for the Onteora Board of Education. I have lived In the Onteora School District since 1966 and graduated from Onteora in 1976. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree In Marketing from Kings Col/ege in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. My husband and I own and operate Sheldon Hill Forestry Supplies in Shoken, New York, which we started in 1984. I currently reside In Olivebridge with my husband Brian and two children, Tara and Troy. My daughter Tara attends the Onteara Middle School and is in eighth grade. while my son Troy attends Bennett Elementary and is in first grade. My oldest son Kevin, who would have been eighteen this March, was killed in 2002. Kevin is a great inspiration to me and will always live with us in our hearts.
I believe that the Onteora Board of Education needs members who are not afraid to ask and answer tough question, have common sense, are willing to be a hands-on board member, communicate with all members of our community and strive to create and build trust with an attitude of honesty. We must be concerned about the education and safety of our children. A Board of Education’s job is to make policy and utilize those policies to guide and determine decisions. A competent Board member must be willing to research all the facts in order to make knowledgeable and important decisions facing the future of Onteora. I believe I would be just that kind of Board Member. Therefore, I ask for your support in May by voting for me.
My personal experience has brought me on a journey I never would have believed. In 2003 I researched and learned all about New York State Pupil Transportation and the agencies that govern them, NYSED, NYS DMV and the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations. In 2004, I spoke before the New York State Assembly on dangerous and fatigued drivers and worked with Assemblyman Jonathan Bing of Manhattan and Senator John Bonaclc to introduce drowsy driving legislation. 2005 has lead me to starting an Ulster County Chapter of VOIDD, Victims Of Irresponsible Drowsy Drivers, called VOIDD “72” and an Ulster County Wide Drowsy Driving Education Program.
My many years of experience as a business owner have given me the knowledge of the importance for a sound budget and the need of spending funds in the correct place to benefit all. Since 1992 I have been involved with the Bennett Elementary School PT A. starting as a kindergarten parent and holding officer positions of President, Vice President and Treasurer. In 1996 I join the Bennett Playground Subcommittee and we raised nearly $60,000.00 in approximately eight short months for brand new playground equipment. This year I have been involved with forming the Communications Committee In order to increase the channels of communication between all stakeholders of the school community. My personal experience as student, parent, volunteer, business owner, and taxpayer has kept me in the know as to what this district needs, and what the stakeholders would like to see for the future of Onteora.
I want you to know that the passion and drive I carry in my heart for our children, school, community and what I believe; will be brought to the Onteora Central School District. Please make the right decision and choose me as Board Member of the Onteora School District.
Cindy O’Connor
Olivebridge, 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 Jack Jordan and I am a candidate for the Board of Education because I would like to continue to promote quality education in a positive and cost effective manner. I will be retiring in September 2005 after 35 years as an educator. In my career I have had many experiences in the field of education that should assist me in being a productive member of the board.
I taught high school social studies and coached varsity basketball and golf at neighboring Tri Valley C.S. During that time I also served as President of the Teacher’s Association and successfully negotiated a new contract. I served as Dean of Students at T. V. prior to becoming H.S. principal. After four years as principal at T. V. I moved to Jeffersonville NY and assumed the post of high school principal at Jeffersonville-Youngsville C.S. I held that job for 3 1/2 years until I was selected as Superintendent of Schools for J-Y.
As superintendent I was responsible for facilitating referendums and three building projects. I had the opportunity to negotiate new contracts with the teachers and support staff. Responsible budget planning and implementation were key areas of my job. One of my major efforts was to lead the reorganization of our district with neighboring Narrowsburg and Delaware Valley. My tenure at J-Y ended with the successful merger and subsequent forming of the new Sullivan West C.S. For the past 5 1⁄2 years I have been the Director of Secondary Programs for Sullivan County B.O.C.E.S.
If elected, my educational philosophy will be the same as that which I have followed throughout my career and that is, the bottom line in decision-making must be what is in the best interest of the majority of the students. That’s why I have been in the education business and why I hope to be able to continue to make a positive impact as a member of your Board of Education. In addition, I believe it is important that each of the towns within the district have proportionately equal representation.
My wife Kathy and I live in Pine Hill. Kathy has lived in the Onteora district for most of her life. We each have one grown child. My daughter, Jennifer Jordan works for the Department of Social Services in Sullivan County and Kathy’s son, Dan Aley Jr. is a police officer in Binghamton. We have two granddaughters who attend Tri Valley C.S.
If elected I will do my part to support the continuing excellence in education that Onteora is widely recognized as having earned.
Communication + Teamwork = Success
Jack Jordan
Pine Hill, 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 am Lisa Childers and on May 17, 2005, I will be running for the Onteora School Board. Because I have a son in the Onteora school system I became involved with the board of education and joined committees. Therefore, I am very aware of the strengths and weaknesses of our school district. Through my attendance of countless board meetings over the past four years, I have developed a strong understanding of policy, the budget process and the means to attain the
educational and cultural standards that we all strive for.
I am currently in my second year as a Site Team parent representative at
Woodstock Elementary School. To highlight some of my experience, I have introduced a Writing Workshop program and requested an integrated anti-bully program. This is where parents and teachers spent the day at a workshop designed to promote positive behavior. I also organize Woodstock and West Hurley families on Thanksgiving Day for Family of Woodstock annual dinner. We decorate
the community center with art work by Woodstock Elementary school children. The Site Team is currently working with the county on a child run recycle program. As a Site Team Rep, I enjoy working with teachers, administrators and other parents.
I also have experience as an assistant teacher. I am on the Future of the District Committee where we toured the schools, worked with the administration and made decisions for the school board to consider.
We should be very proud of Onteora's cultural achievements, especially in music. In addition, I understand the value of athletics and extra curricular activities, because my husband Keith Anderson is regional commissioner of American Youth Soccer Organization in Woodstock. I also acknowledge the hard work and attention that is needed to keep our programs successful.
The current board has shown wisdom in their choice of Superintendent, Justine Winters, who has given us a fiscally sound school budget while listening to the needs of all our towns and promoting quality education. As your representative on the school board, I will work diligently with the board and administration to promote public education that is not only affordable but of the highest caliber. Every school board election is important,
but I believe this one will be a turning point for our future.
Lisa Childers
Woodstock, NY

Dear Editor,
Next month's election for seats on the Onteora School Board is one of great importance, it will determine the course of local education for years to come. With stakes so high, we need to elect qualified individuals who will uphold educational standards while keeping us taxpayers in mind. I can think of no other candidate more capable and up to the task than Lisa Childers. I have worked closely with Lisa for many years and have relied upon her expertise and knowledge school district issues in order to keep myself informed and up to date. Ms. Childer's is energetic, intelligent and highly motivated. I know she will represent us on the Onteora School Board with great distinction and integrity.
Please join me and spread the good news about Lisa's campaign to your friends and family. Get out the vote - support Lisa Childers in this all important school board election on May 17th!
Brian Shapiro
Ulster County Legislator
Woodstock, 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,
I read the article in the last paper about the town meeting which was in favor of cell phone towers in Shandanken. It said that at the meeting even the people who were opposed to cell phones were in favor of them. How can that be? How do these meetings work anyway, do politicians stack the meeting with people in favor of their policy then say, "well look, the town wants this?"
I doubt most people living here want cell phone towers of any size on top of the mountains, it is a desecration. Those in favor say you need it for business, that it is progress. I have a business and I don't have a cell phone, I don't need it. If someone wants to call they call on the regular phone during business hours and if I'm not there they leave a message. You don't need a cell phone for business. Those in favor say you need a cell phone in case your car breaks down on the highway. My car has broken down more than once on route 28 and I went to the nearest house and knocked on the door to borrow a phone, what's wrong with that? I guess it is not really needed for this either. Supporters say it is progress, you need cell phones because it is now the social norm, everyone else is doing it. Well, Route 17 in New Jersey used to be an idyllic country two lane road winding through farm, pasture and woodlands. Progress transformed it into a polluted, traffic congested six lane nightmare of a road, traveling through an endless quagmire of blacktop, malls, gas stations and commercial developments. Do we really want to subject the Catskills to this type of progress? I don't call it progress, words like degeneration, deterioration and destruction are more fitting.
I moved to the Catskills in 1980 to escape the congestion of New Jersey and to enjoy what the Catskills has to offer, fresh air, woodlands, mountains and streams. Ruin this and you have nothing left. I have a better solution for those people who want to bring money to the Catskills in the form of casinos, golf courses, condominiums and cell phone towers (soon to be followed by Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, IKEA, Home Depot, highway expansion and environmental ruin). If you want New Jersey money and New York City money so bad, move to Paramus or Manhattan. You can make all the money you want down there. You can buy a Mercedes SUV and drive up on the weekends. You can sit down next to a stream, put your feet in the water, lean back and feel the sun on your face. Then you can remember some important business, whip out your cell phone and -- lucky you -- it won't work.
Tim Slowinski
Phoenicia, 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 Phoenicia Times for your efforts to highlight local events and personalities.
John Peebles
Saugerties, NY

Dear Editor,
I have been asked to clarify some tower siting recommendations for residents living near the Quarry in Woodstock in light of the fact that Jeremy Wilber, Supervisor of Woodstock, has been quoting from my book, Cell Towers, Wireless Convenience? or Environmental Hazard? (New Century, 2002). The information is pertinent to all towns wrestling with cell towers.
There is more to safe tower siting than just linear feet measurements from dwellings. Tower sites are complicated areas. Several factors should be considered. When possible, towers should be located near main roads to accommodate 911 calls from motorists - the primary reason people have cell phones - preferably on land that can allow for at least a 1,500-foot setback from dwellings or places where people congregate. Towers should not be located in environmentally sensitive areas with scenic or recreational value. It is my understanding that the quarry land abuts important state owned forests with popular hiking trails. Also, for simple safety reasons, towers should be kept in regions where firefighters can have easy access. Towers attract lightening. Forest fires are common. Remote locations are problematic. Equipment buildings also contain potential pollutants such as battery sulfuric acid.
In addition, water and certain mineral content in soil, as well as certain rock types, can all direct RF energy in ways that simple computer models do not predict, resulting in potential RF "hotspots" that will not be detected unless the town has a monitoring policy.
Wildlife can also be affected by the presence of towers. Migrating birds in particular are of concern, as well as water species.
Shandaken, like Woodstock, is a large geographical area. Surely an appropriate parcel can be found to accommodate those who want cell phone service without jeopardizing those who chose not to take the risks of living near the infrastructure, or place sensitive environments in harm's way. The town will be held liable for poor siting decisions. Such decisions will affect the town for generations to come.
B. Blake Levitt
Author & Medical/Science Journalist
Warren, CT

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