GOP chair is spreading inaccurate info
During this year’s election cycle, as in years past, we hear the Republican chairman, Joe Roberti Jr. spout off on old, and inaccurate topics. His latest misrepresentation of the truth was in his last letter about the proposed housing development in Glasco.
Joe, surely you know about the New York State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (SLIHC)in which the state of New York, not the Town Board, has set the law regarding what low income properties pay in taxes. And surely you know that the PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) that the town board and town supervisor negotiated on behalf of the citizens of Saugerties guarantees that the town, the school and all other taxing authorities will receive more money than under that generic law set in place by the state.
When the Republicans were courting Mike Valarella, current owner of the project site and all proposals of the project, to be your candidate for the Town Board, it appears they had no problem with him as their candidate or the project.
Now that you know the real truth, will you please stop misinforming the readers about the current Town Board?
Joe also touts open government in his letters as the pathway for success. This year, at the Republican caucus, Joe stepped above the established, open political process and refused to allow a nomination being made by members of the Republican Party for endorsement. Is this the kind of open government we should come to expect if the Republicans get elected? Only letting your friends and handpicked people participate?
Greg Helsmoortel , Fred Costello Jr., Leeanne Thornton all work many, many hours in the good of the community. Comparatively the towns taxes are one of the lowest in our region due in large part to the current administration’s stellar financial planning, attracting local business and securing numerous grants.
Instead of focusing on running a smear campaign in the newspapers, why don’t you try to articulate a platform and share it with the voters to show how they will do better? Just a suggestion.
Paul Rinaldi
Saugerties
Luppino promises fresh ideas
As a small-business owner and single mother I know first-hand the challenges of working families in these difficult times. Some of the issues facing us that need sensible and creative consideration are: creation and retention of living wage jobs, tax relief, safeguarding our water from hydro-fracking, preservation of our scenic beauty and natural resources.
By strengthening Ulster County’s historic agricultural base we can create opportunities through the expansion of markets and distribution. We can accomplish this by accessing farm-to-school and farm-to-market initiatives, promoting opportunities for young farmers through identification of niche markets, encourage agricultural tourism, education and most importantly, help prepare for the challenges of our changing climate.
The legislature needs to gather all current information regarding the Golden Hill physical plant, to make informed decisions allowing the county to move forward with needed upgrades. Golden Hill should remain open and in county hands.
Ulster County should focus on growing the local economy from within by encouraging local ingenuity, enhancing our vibrant arts community, and advancing successful models for innovation.
I recently participated in Andrew Cuomo’s New York Works program to represent the interests of Ulster County in these efforts to revitalize the state’s economy. As an Ulster County legislator I will continue to work to make sure that Ulster County gets its fair share of federal and state economic development dollars by helping to put forth forward-thinking, sustainable plans for economic growth that include secure jobs, community rebuilding and affordable housing, fostering a long-term model of economic expansion, built from within our community from the ground up, that will be resilient against the ups and downs of the global economy, a sustainable plan that meets the needs of the present without compromising the potential of future generations.
To learn more about my views please visit my website: www.VoteLuppino.com. I look forward to working with my colleagues to find solutions to these issues. Give some fresh ideas a chance. Vote Luppino on November 8.
Virginia Luppino
Saugerties
Join the family! 
