Schirmer thanks supporters
I would like to extend a sincere thank you to my fellow Republicans who turned out to support me at the caucus on June 19. I am truly honored to have received such overwhelming support as a nominee of the Saugerties Republican Party. I am very grateful that so many people placed their confidence in me as their chosen candidate in November. I look forward to the challenge ahead and embrace the prospect of representing all the residents of Saugerties as a member of the Town Board. When elected I will work diligently to ensure the prosperity and well-being of our great town.
Bill Schirmer
Saugerties
Myer seeks Democratic support
An open letter to all Democrats in the Town of Saugerties:
I am a firm believer in the Democratic process with the inclusion of all political groups, having various points of view, thus incorporating different approaches on how to make our nation operate with a proficient, harmonious and accountable form of government. I believe the position of “Superintendent of Highways” requires extreme emphasis placed upon qualifications, a proven track record in this field, accompanied by firm professional approaches on accomplishing the needs of the town’s infrastructure. Due to the Town Highway Department budget of $3 million and a FEMA budget of $3.5 million, this position has become one that requires complete dedication, professionalism and a 100 percent business-like approach and implementation of both departments.
When taking office in 2012 I promised to bring “Honesty, Integrity and Experience” to these positions that the taxpayers within the town of Saugerties entrusted in me to manage on their behalf. I have done just that. Many decisions have had to be made, some easy and some very difficult. I always incorporate “Honesty, Integrity and Experience” along with sound business principles in making my determinations. I can assure you that the final decision hinges on: “Is this decision in the best interest of the taxpayer and the Town of Saugerties, NOT what is most comfortable for me.”
I have worked tirelessly over the past 18 months to accomplish many positive changes and additions. Safety of our employees is the number one priority, along with maximizing the amount of work completed while staying within or under our current budgets. To date, enormous strides have been accomplished both within the Highway Department and the FEMA Department.
As the 2013 elections begin to approach, I invite scrutiny of my performance to date. I feel that you will be more than satisfied with the outcome of your critique from all sides. American government is a model for the world to be envious of. I for one am very proud to be part of it. Candidates from all walks of life have the opportunity to represent their parties and the taxpayers. This is their right and a very special privilege, but I also strongly maintain that these candidates need to possess the qualifications required to accomplish the tasks that accompany this important position.
In closing I request that you carefully and methodically scrutinize my qualifications and accomplishments to date. I firmly believe that you will find all promises have been kept, sound business principles applied to both departments, along with proven leadership moving forward into the future. Please visit my page on Facebook: Douglas F. Myer-Superintendent of Highways and review the Town of Saugerties Highway Department 2012 year-end report, The FEMA & Major Projects Department Year End Review which can be found towards the bottom of the page. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me. At this time I humbly request your consideration and support at the July 9 Democratic Caucus. This important event will be at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Together we can make a difference!
Douglas F. Myer
Superintendent of Highways
Shame on the state Legislature
In a display of cowardice, the New York State Legislature allowed itself to be bullied into voting for the second time in favor of a constitutional amendment to allow non-Indian gambling casinos. Legislators made no effort at all to protect the people they were elected to protect. They voted yes without ever having held a public hearing to allow their constituents to learn how casino gambling destroys towns, families and individuals, how it drains money out of local economies and crushes local business. They closed their eyes to the outrageous vote-buying and other blatant manipulation by Gov. Cuomo. They made no effort to give towns, families and local businesses any choice or voice. All those who voted in favor of the amendment have covered themselves in shame.
Now that the people of New York have been abandoned by the majority of their elected representatives, we will have to save ourselves by learning for ourselves what it means for a casino to come to town. All the testimony from blighted communities already laboring under the burden of casinos, and all the expert reports are out there. There are no mysteries about just how bad casinos make the lives of everyone except the owners.
We call on those in the Legislature who had the courage and sense to vote against the amendment to help get the truth to light. An informed public will vote NO when the referendum rolls around.
Naomi Rothberg
Saugerties
Dugout project thanks
The Saugerties Athletic Association, (SAA) would like to send its since thanks and appreciation to the following individuals who helped make the SAA Dug Out Project a reality.
The Masons: Albert Riozzi, Pat Tiano, Steve Costello, Peter Petramale, Pat Mitchell, Michael Riozzi, Jeff Hutton, Tom Sperl, Les Bach, Jason Bach, Danny Bach, Bill Bach, Dave Mauro, Toby Delair
The Carpenters:, Steve Bogart, Scott Demarest, John Mayr Jr., Steve Yeager, Steve Ahrens, Charles Winters 4th, Richard Teitter , Brian Short, Josh Medick, Robbie Andreassen, Dylan LaComb
The Electrician: Kevin Brown
Pictures: Frank Blundell
The Painters and Primers:, Bob Martin, Tina Winters, Jeanette Pleugh, Cookie Pilz, Charlie Bach, Joe Brocco Jr., Kari Valk
General Helpers: Robert Sutton, John Winters Jr., Ron Pilz, Dave Fuller, Mike Hopf, Mike Trees, Rich Mayr, Jay McDonald, James Valk, Scott Grandstaff, Tim Smith, Nick Granwehr, Drew Wood, Jeff Tomaseski, Greg Ducker, Jim Alberts, Earl Cogswell, Frank Short, Kevin Michaels, Matthew Demarest, Jacob Demarest, Ron Bisco, Terry Valk, Greg Chorvas, Randy Nilsen, Dan Kogel, Brett Baschnagel, Brian Hicks
Installation of the SAA Scorekeeper Room Enclosures: John Benson, Beau Brink, Artie Russell, Chuck Brink
Special thank you goes out to: Kingston Block for donating all of the concrete blocks
John Benson of Benson Steel for not only installing the SAA Scorekeeper Room Enclosure but also Donating all of the materials
Blue Mountain Paving for a donation towards this project
Steve Bogart, Tom Sperl and Albert Riozzi, my go-to guys for all of their extra assistance they gave me in making this project a reality.
Joe Brocco Jr., my co–chairman during this project, for all of your extra efforts and hard work.
On behalf of the Saugerties Athletic Association, (SAA) – I would personally like to thank everyone for all of their efforts and hard work in making the SAA Dug Out Project a reality. This project couldn’t have been completed without everyone’s assistance. Thank you again.
John J. Winters Sr.
SAA Dugout chairman
Historical markers for rail trail
Plans for the Catskill Mountain Rail Trail should include markers and plaques along the route to highlight sites of significant natural and human history through which the trail passes. There is overwhelming evidence that the proposed rail trail will bring far many more visitors and regular users than the existing railroad or even the railroad that is dreamed up by the current railroad company. Telling our local history to these visitors and to our own local residents would be yet one more benefit of having this incredible resource. After reading a marker or plaque a visitor may be inspired and motivated to explore the towns and villages around the rail trail as well a frequent the shops and merchants in those towns.
The proposed Rail Trail provides an opportunity to make the Ulster & Delaware Railroad more alive today than it has been over the past 34 years. At the same time the opportunity exists to tell a wider public the larger story of the Catskills, the Esopus valley, the Ashokan Reservoir, the hotels, towns and people this trail will touch.
Plans should include telling the history with plaques along the way. This will make the present day experience of the rail trail that much richer and will keep alive the history of the railroad and all else that had made our county great.
Michael Drillinger
Woodstock
Films about Palestine
Middle East Crisis Response (MECR) has been sponsoring a Films of Palestine Series on the first Friday of every month – both documentaries and feature films. The films have been interesting, provocative and informative providing facts and insight into a world that is kept hidden from the American public but that is maintained by our tax dollars. The next film, The Color of Olives” was filmed in a Palestinian village 15 miles from Tel Aviv. Mexican director Carolina Rivas focuses on a Palestinian family of eight, whose olive groves have been separated by electrified fences, a military road and a checkpoint. “ A special guest from the West Bank will answer questions at the end of the film. The free screening is at 7 p.m. on July 5 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Sawkill Rd in Kingston. Hope to see you there.
Judith Simon
Saugerties
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