Gambling, not gaming
It would be amusing if it weren’t so sad.
A recent TV ad by Revel Casino in Atlantic City (showing in the Hudson Valley on Time Warner) flies in the face of all the double-talk that the gambling industry has been putting out for some time, namely soft-balling what they do as “gaming” versus what it really is– “gambling.” They were so touchy on this point in the past.
In the ad, Revel offers the deal that if you lose, you get your money back, and if you win, you get to keep your winnings. So how can you lose, right? Ah, but for how long?
The very last part of the ad invites everyone to participate, with this appeal– “Gamblers Wanted.” No pussy-footing here … Revel finally calls it what it is: Gambling.
But what they preferred to call gaming is not like some abstract computer game; you don’t shoot blurpies out of the air with your blapp gun. It’s not a game, it’s not gaming, it’s gambling.
And gamblers eventually make poor choices and they lose. And the house wins. A lot.
Gambling and casinos bring chaos and misery as local businesses are forced out, seediness creeps in, traffic stultifies and the uniqueness and individuality of a town begins to disappear. This is not the kind of stuff that should be imposed on people.
There may be towns that want a gambling casino in their midst. I don’t want it and I sincerely hope that my fellow New Yorkers feel the same way on Nov. 5. When the casino amendment is voted down, then perhaps some wisdom will come to the governor and the legislature. Gambling money is not the way to easy money, it is not money that will save the shortfalls in their budget.
Vote No on the Casino Amendment.
Ernie Mortuzans
Saugerties
Helsmoortel puts Saugerties first
Up until last year I was not registered in a political party, I was considered independent, no political party affiliation. I am now registered in the Independence party, a registered New York State political party. This is very confusing. Many people register in the Independence Party assume they are independent of a party, they are not, they are in a powerful political party. I know I represent the Independent citizen and the Independence Party registered citizen. I have proven over my 12 years as town supervisor that I am not controlled by a political party, I represent the citizens in the way I feel is best for Saugerties.
The Independence Party Primary is Sept. 10, from noon until 9 p.m. at three locations you were or will be notified of by the Ulster County Board of Elections. I want to return as supervisor of the town of Saugerties and your support at the primary is critical to my success. Vote for the person that does not put himself first.
Thank you for your support.
Greg Helsmoortel
Saugerties
Vote Myers to stay on right track
I am writing to encourage all Saugerties voters enrolled in the Independence Party to write in Kelly Myers for supervisor on Primary Day, Tuesday, Sept. 10.
Kelly’s predecessor, Greg Helsmoortel, left behind $400,000 in unpaid bills and a negative fund balance. Kelly paid the bills and enacted other reforms that will restore Saugerties’ financial health. Helsmoortel tried to ram through the Dickinson’s Keep taxpayer-subsidized housing project despite widespread community opposition. Kelly kept her campaign promise and blocked the project.
To ensure Saugerties remains on the right track, please write in Kelly Myers for Supervisor in the Independence Party Primary on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Please also support Jimmy Bruno and Bill Schirmer for Town Council and Ray Mayone for highway superintendent.
Joe Roberti Jr.
Chair, Saugerties GOP
Myers exemplifies spirit of independence
I am writing to ask Independence Party voters to write my name on their ballot for the Independence Party primary on Sept. 10.
This election is a real opportunity to set the course and the direction of our local government. It’s too bad that Independence Party voters aren’t getting the chance to pick their own candidates. Even though Saugerties Independence Party voters elected me as their candidate in the last election, your Independence Party Chairman Len Bernardo, put only one name on the ballot for town supervisor this year. Really? Wonder why?
I believe voters deserve to make the choice themselves. There was no local caucus, and despite my request, candidate interviews weren’t even conducted. So why does some guy named Lenny who lives in Accord get to pick your candidate?
The fact is he doesn’t get to decide– you do. That’s why I petitioned the Ulster County Board of Elections to allow you to write in my name. I believe voters deserve a choice.
On your behalf, I have demonstrated the values of the Independence Party. There were numerous occasions over the past two years where I stood firm and voted against the grain. I did this because it was the right thing to do. I am an independent thinker, not a sheep. I am not someone who will be told what to do and how to vote by party bosses.
I voted to reject the rushed through “SAFE Act”, that violates your constitutional rights. I voted no to more tax breaks for developer Steve Aaron. I proposed $400,000 in tax cuts that were voted down by the board. I voted no on a large settlement employee payoff. I stood up to George Heidcamp when he attempted to direct the work of my office. I bid out town contracts instead of doling them out as political favors. We can’t do this stuff. I guess this makes me unpopular with the party bosses. I don’t just “go along.” Well, that’s ok with me.
I haven’t forgotten who I work for, I work for you, I work for the whole town of Saugerties and all of the people here that work hard trying to make a living every day.
Please write me in as your candidate. I want to continue to represent you. The people of Saugerties deserve a supervisor that’s independent and looks out for you.
Kelly Myers
Town Supervisor
Ciarlante will end cycle of borrowing and spending
I wish to thank the Conservative Party voters and the Conservative Party leadership for their overwhelming 54-17 endorsement of me as the next Saugerties town supervisor. Prior to the caucus I met with many rank and file members of the Conservative Party; I am impressed by their level of patriotism and their level of awareness of the issues which plague Saugerties.
The Conservative and Democrat party leaders have formally agreed to keep this election campaign focused on the issues and, in respect to you the voters of Saugerties, avoid personal attacks. In the weeks ahead I will expound on issues essential to the survival of the Saugerties taxpayers. My campaign is a grassroots campaign. I have chosen to run for town supervisor to halt the devastation inflicted on many of our residents by the proliferation of property taxes created in large part by our elected leaders squandering our tax money, and disrespecting the wishes of the Saugerties taxpayer.
For the past 13 years Saugerties town supervisors have exemplified the meaning of “Nero fiddled while Rome burned.” Local government continues to weigh down private property owners with bonds and more debt while holding our homes and land as the ultimate collateral should we fail to pay our taxes. So while Republican and Democrat town nominees point to their great accomplishments, we remember how their spending has placed our ability to continue to live in Saugerties at risk.
On Tuesday, Sept. 10 Independence Party members will have the opportunity to select their candidates for county and town offices including town supervisor. If you are familiar with my message of reducing taxes, reducing expenditures and attracting employers to Saugerties, you may vote for me, Gaetana Ciarlante, as a write-in candidate for Town Supervisor.
Thank you for your support and together we will place Saugerties as first and foremost.
Gaetana Ciarlante
Saugerties
Mayone seeks Independence nod
I am respectfully asking for support from the Independence Party as we approach the Independence Primary scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 10. Voting will be from noon to 9 p.m. at three locations: Saugerties Senior Center, Grant D. Morse and Glasco Firehouse. I am grateful to the Independence Party Committee for their support and recommendation as you will find my name placed on the ballot. I would appreciate your vote. I know I can make a difference and have a positive impact on the Highway Department, and you can believe that I will be committed to you, the taxpayers. I would be honored to be your town of Saugerties highway superintendent. Thank you.
Ray Mayone
Saugerties
Join the family! 
