Lack of debate on casino issue
Why have there been no public hearings on one of the most important legislative events of our lifetimes? We mean the proposed amendment of the New York Constitution to allow full-scale casino gambling. The amendment requires two legislative votes and then a referendum. The first vote took place out of the public eye and without debate or community input in an all-night session. It is no secret that the gambling industry poured millions upon millions of dollars in contributions to legislators in the hope of securing a positive vote. They got it, the first vote was affirmative.
Now it’s time and past time to bring this issue out into the light of day. Legislators can’t be allowed to decide, unchallenged, that casinos build the economy. Let the people of New York hear the other side, that casinos suck money out of the pockets of citizens and into the hands of casino owners like a vacuum cleaner. So what if the state gets a cut of this virtual theft? Let’s confront the fact that entering into a compact with a predatory industry is completely contrary to the state’s duty to safeguard the well-being of the people. Let’s discuss the mess that will have to be cleaned up all around the casinos. Will the state help with the increased crime, bankruptcy, and social services needed to ease the devastation of families, all of which research has shown follows in the wake of casinos? Will the state help local businesses which are shut down by the in-house casino restaurants and mall-like stores? Or will it leave all this up to municipalities and counties? Either way, it will hurt people, cost money, and suck cash out of the economy. Let’s at the very least have a public discussion before we take this terrible step.
Lanny Walter, president; Naomi Rothberg, secretary;
Susan Puretz, treasurer; Arnie Lieber; Mark Knaust
Executive Committee of No Saugerties Casino
Brick company mystery
I read with interest the article entitled: “Team Effort: Moving the old Dutch Barn to the Kiersted House” (11-1-12), but was puzzled by the statement therein that “The old Walsh brickworks were once located in Glasco and made bricks by hand about 100 years ago.”
As a collector and student of Hudson River impressed or branded bricks for over 30 year I was not aware of a Walsh brickyard having been located at Glasco, NY, in Ulster County. Not claiming expertise in the matter I double checked my source materials and reference papers on brick manufacturers but could find no Walsh brickyard in the literature as existing at Glasco, Town of Saugerties.
I did find however that Elijah and Jerome Walsh of Walsh Bros. & CO. had two 1890’s yards in Columbia County, one at Coxsackie Station (a.k.a. Little Nutten or Newton Hook) and the other at Stockport, NY, until 1902 when the yards were sold. Also, there is one reference to Jerome Walsh’s yard at Catskill, Greene County, a decade or so earlier. Finally, Charles E. Walsh was a brick manufacturer at Hackensack, NJ circa 1905.
Is it possible I missed something in my attempt to verify a Walsh brickyard at Glasco, Ulster County?
Gerard M. Mastropaolo
Port Ewen
Editor’s reply: We checked with village historian Marjorie Block, and the letter writer’s puzzlement was indeed warranted: the bricks were Washburn, not Walsh. We apologize for the error and thank Mr. Mastropaolo for bringing it to our attention.
Supervisor is thankful
This is my first year as town supervisor and my sixth year in public service. It has been a blessing and a privilege to represent the people of Saugerties. We have worked together, compromised, supported each other, forthrightly exchanged ideas, weathered storms, celebrated successes and mourned losses together. With Thanksgiving coming in just a few days my thoughts turn to what I’m most thankful for.
Each year I do this as a way of anticipating the celebration, making it more meaningful than just a special meal. I’ve travelled to many places and participated in discussions and workshops in other municipalities; what continually impresses me is that the community character of Saugerties is different. People in Saugerties demonstrate a level of generosity and caring for each other that is unsurpassed.
Thank you for being full participants in your community. Thank you for caring enough to be part of the process of working toward solutions. Thank you for volunteering your time to make our hometown a better place to live. Thank you for looking out for your neighbors, keeping a watchful eye on children and helping them develop their full potential, and for being stewards of the environment and the economy we share.
This is a community where people rise to challenges. Saugerties is a place where people step up and help without being asked. This week when I thanked fire department volunteers, the chief responded by saying, “That’s what we’re here for.” This level of commitment and passion for service is life’s highest calling.
We’re all in this together, and it’s good to be here doing this work, with you. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Thanks for being my neighbors and my friends. I feel very blessed and very grateful for the goodness in Saugerties.Wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving.
God Bless us, every one!
Kelly Myers
Saugerties town supervisor
A hidden gem
Living in Saugerties for 40 years, we have watched it change and become a more diverse place to live and visit. One of the new hidden gems is an Asian restaurant called “Ruyi,” which means “Everything is perfect” in Chinese. In addition to a menu of Chinese, Japanese and Thai food prepared by excellent chefs, it has a unique feature. The dining room area overlooks the Esopus Creek and affords a beautiful view in every season and sunsets.
This family of young, creative and energetic people are an asset to the community and we hope you will welcome them and check out their authentic food and lovely view. And don’t miss the sushi bar with delicacies prepared by Chef Chen.
Joan Monastero and Alan Spivack
Saugerties
Join the family! 
