Support United Way
The economy hasn’t rebounded as we hoped, but those of us with jobs, and health insurance, and a roof over our heads; those of us with kids in our families who are healthy and thriving; those of us with support systems we can count on — we are blessed.
There are many in our community who don’t have these things. They’ve recently lost a job, or foreclosed on a house. There are those who have no health insurance, or experienced a traumatic illness (or, in the worst case, both). There are children born into families that don’t nurture them, or care for them properly. And those challenged with serious disabilities continue to persevere in a world that is not always accommodating.
When considering these facts, our perspective changes, doesn’t it? We realize that we are, in fact, very lucky. We have the resources we need to live comfortably, and the ability to help others who don’t. This is a tremendous gift.
I’m hoping that all Ulster County residents will consider sharing their gift by contributing to the Ulster County United Way during our 2011 fund drive. Even $1 a week will make a difference. If every one in Ulster County gave $1/week we’d raise $7,500,000 to provide help to those in need. Every individual donation you make to the Ulster United Way stays in Ulster County. And with only three staff people, our administrative costs are minimal. People can donate on-line at our website, through payroll deduction at their place of work, or by sending a check.
We believe it is the right of every individual to ask for help, and to have it granted by compassionate, knowledgeable people. This mission is what drives us to ask those we know, and those we don’t to join us.
Please, do what you can. Thank you.
Stacey Rein, President, United Way of Ulster County
Kingston
With a frown
The way justice is served in this town is like a waiter bringing you your dinner without any utensils.
Howard Harris
Bearsville
Olive Comp Plan Valuable And Sensible
In Mitchell Langbert’s letter in the October 13 Woodstock Times, I found a mixture of fact and fantasy and thought that I would add a different view point. In the first paragraph he made some good points in my opinion, but after that I believe that much of what he said is from a different universe than I live in. I have read the draft [i.e. not yet complete] comprehensive plan line by line and find it a valuable and sensible document that, while some errors need correcting and some sentences need a competent editor, makes a good basis for a long range plan.
Langbert is dead wrong that its development was ‘minimally’ advertised. Apparently he was asleep or otherwise occupied but it is good that he is now awake and speaking up. He is also wrong that ‘conservation easements’ [CE’s] are ‘tax concessions.’ CE’s are voluntarily given by land holders for their own purposes and have no direct effect on taxation. As a matter of fact, land preserved in its rural state is often increased in its taxable value. I hope Langbert is not proposing that these land holders be prohibited from donating CE’s on their own property! Perhaps Langbert is confusing CE’s with the purchase of land by tax exempt organizations [which are not mentioned in the comp plan] which do receive ‘tax concessions,’ but which are granted by the state, not by local governments. He is wrong again about the plan ‘suppressing’ local home building. In fact it proposes ways to increase the possibility of work for local construction workers via the idea of cluster housing modifications to the zoning regulations which would have the effect of making housing more affordable for those who chose this course which is now not allowed.
While Langbert has an interesting point about the somewhat strange statement made by the board members that they are putting this plan together with little interest in actually implementing it, it does have a very good purpose for Olive’s finances which will be a great help to us as taxpayers, as the board clearly stated in the meetings Langbert attended. Perhaps he again went to sleep during the last half of their statement. And, while life does go through changes on a regular basis, I saw nothing in the plan that would be more of a financial burden on ‘the elderly’ (a group of which I am most definitely a member) than not having this plan in place which would allow Olive to apply for a host of grants and programs which would help to hold our tax increases within reasonable bounds.
Finally, Langbert’s choice of huffy and inflammatory language does nothing to assist in a thoughtful and respectful dialogue in Olive over our future. The draft comprehensive plan clearly states its over all purpose which is to keep Olive a primarily rural place with a quality of life which has attracted us all here. Please Mr. Langbert, help us all to have a focused and respectful community discussion.
Jac Conaway
Olivebridge
Sell Golden Hill To Keep It Open
I applaud County Executive Mike Hein’s compassionate plan to keep Golden Hill open by selling it. Counties all over NYS have closed their nursing homes, because the truth is, counties can no longer afford to operate them. Dutchess County closed its years ago and Orange County is closing its nursing home this year. If Golden Hill closes, the residents will be displaced and the staff will be out of work. By selling Golden Hill, residents can stay in their home and Golden Hill’s employees can find jobs with the new owner.
Gil Lobell
New Paltz
For more letters, see print edition.
Join the family! 
