Support for Bill Schirmer
As has been pointed out—ad nauseam, I might add—Bill Schirmer is the son-in-law of George Heidcamp…and me. Under ordinary circumstances I would not expect a support letter from a family member to carry much weight and would be reluctant to write one; but in this case, I feel somewhat differently.
To begin with, the constant references to the familial relationship composed with negative and somewhat underhanded intentions are unfair and just beg to be contested. And on the other hand, since Bill is my son-in-law, you can expect that as a parent of the other spouse, a good review should carry a great deal of weight.
Second, the premise that each person connected to the family tree whether by blood or marriage has identical beliefs, thoughts, and points of view as the others, and further, to suggest a “lockstep” voting relationship isn’t giving the reader much credit. We are all free thinkers in this family. For instance, I will be voting for Ray Mayone, in spite of the fact that he is not the Conservative candidate. I’ve known him for years as a hard-working, polite and decent person who will do a good job. And Bill Schirmer is just as much the freethinker. During the many years that I’ve known Bill on a personal level, we’ve engaged in many long and deep knowledgeable, intelligent and enjoyable conversations frequently centered around politics—federal and state as well as the local goings-on. He has great ideas about bringing Saugerties back to a self-sustaining town bustling with industry. During those talks, I’ve been impressed over and over by his strong principles. “Dependability,” “man of his word,” “civic-minded,” “mind of his own” and “honesty” are the thoughts and words that pepper those conversations. I also see the same positive aspects of his makeup in the principles he conveys to his children on a daily basis. He never shrinks from doing his part with family or with others. As a man of action, rather than just words, he willingly gets involved whenever help is needed.
Yes, I’ve really gotten to know him on an actual personal level, the side of someone running for office that is not often seen. Does he forget to take out the garbage? He sure does. But on the positive side, I’ve gotten to know a genuinely decent person who is dependable, reliable, honest and ethical; the one person in the conversation who never speaks ill of others—a fun-loving outdoorsy type of person who gets involved. I’m proud to have him as a son-in-law and I’ll be just as proud to have him as a board member.
Arnette Heidcamp
Saugerties
Block has a unique love for Saugerties
I have had the great pleasure to get to know Marjorie Block the last couple of years. Her love for Saugerties drives her like no one else I have ever met. She strives to make Saugerties a fun and inviting place to visit and live while ensuring the beauty and historical integrity of our quaint town. Marjorie’s goals of supporting all the facets in our community by creating and running events is inspiring. Through Marjorie’s wealth of volunteer support there is not an aspect of our community that she hasn’t touched. Marjorie is also very concerned about our families being able to afford to live, work and run a business in our town. She has the voice that will fight for all of us as she has always done.
Marjorie’s long line of accomplishments are as follows: six years as the president of the Historical Society, five years as the village of Saugerties historian, chairperson of Saugerties 200th anniversary celebration, creator of Saugerties Bed Races, serves on the Board of the Saugerties Chamber of Commerce, 2012 chair for the Holiday in the Village, 2012 co-chair of Saugerties Economic Development Committee, 2013 chair of Saugerties Tourism and the co-chair for 2013 Shine on Saugerties Auction.
If you own a home or business, support the arts, cherish our heritage or are concerned about the economic development of Saugerties, you should consider voting for Marjorie Block. She will fight for what is right as she continues to work for Saugerties.
Susan Sachar
Saugerties
Block will keep an open mind
I am writing to ask for your vote. This is the first time I’ve ever run for elected office and it’s been a terrific experience. Meeting fellow residents of Saugerties, hearing people’s concerns, receiving their good wishes and support has been very rewarding.
I have lived in Saugerties all of my life. My family has been here for generations. It is our home. Our family is a working class family and like so many of the families here, we’ve had to make sacrifices and struggled to get by. I believe people, like me and my family, need a voice. That’s why I’m running for the Town Board.
I’m someone who knows how to work hard and have over a decade of community service in Saugerties. As a member of the Saugerties Town Board I will take that experience and help shape the policies and decisions that will benefit all of our residents and businesses. I believe that my experience has taught me the importance of listening to other people’s point of view and keeping an open mind to accomplish what needs to be done.
Thank you for your time and consideration and I would be grateful if you honored me with your vote.
Marjorie Block
Saugerties
Schirmer will chart a new course
As we make the final approach to Election Day, I’m writing one last time to appeal for your support. Being a newcomer to the political process, I have no public service record to run on. What I bring to the table is proven leadership in the private sector, both in business and community organizations. My family has a long history of community involvement in our town. I am seeking a seat on the Town Council to carry on that tradition of public service. I believe my foresight and common sense approach will be valuable tools in my desire to bring fair and effective government to the people of Saugerties.
I must admit this has been quite a learning experience. I’m proud to say I’ve risen above the negativity that seems to be pervading this election cycle. I’ve remained focused on the issues and avoided the mudslinging. I thank the other Town Board candidates for doing the same. Negative campaigning may sometimes produce the desired results, but it’s important to remember that when the campaign is over the victors must work together for the collective good of the community. I’ve maintained all along that it’s possible to find common ground, where appropriate, and compromise, where necessary, without abandoning one’s principles. Unity is the key to progress on our Town Council.
I am pleased to say that I’ve run my campaign on my own merits and my own message, sometimes to the chagrin of others. I’ve aligned myself with an economic development plan that can be implemented at very little cost and utilized by almost any new business looking to locate here, as well as existing businesses looking to expand. I will push for a conservative approach to budgeting and spending in hopes of controlling the ever increasing tax burden placed on our residents. I intend to make plausible attempts to recover the fund balance and return the town to a preferred bond rating. I advocate for term limits in government and vow to serve no more than two terms on the Town Council. I firmly believe in open government and promise to make myself accessible to the public to the best of my abilities. Most importantly, I pledge to set aside the partisan politics and serve in a manner that I feel best suits the interests of our town as a whole, while always placing the rights of the individual above all.
I believe we need impassioned, free-thinking representatives on our Town Council. If you share my belief that it’s time for a new voice and fresh ideas, please favor me with your vote. Help me chart a new course for the future of Saugerties.
Bill Schirmer
Saugerties
Leighton should be re-elected
As a resident of Saugerties I want a town councilperson who is an independent thinker, who puts Saugerties first and has a strong sense of our current economic conditions. Bruce Leighton totally matches those qualifications and that is why he should be re-elected to the job. As the owner of a local business he faces the tough decisions regarding local and state taxes, wages, and budgets. As a former village trustee and current councilman, Bruce has the unique experience of having served on two levels of local government as department liaison to the most vital departments impacting economic development: water/sewer, zoning, planning, and the building dept. Bruce has promoted the development of our shovel ready site for new business development on Kings Highway and as the liaison to the Ethics Committee worked to see that the ethics policy is adhered too. Bruce is totally committed to promoting Saugerties as a community that is business friendly and a great place to raise a family. He and Kate have raised three sons, all graduates of the Saugerties Central School. Bruce Leighton loves this town and I believe will continue to be a positive nonpartisan voice for all our residents.
Leeanne Thornton
Saugerties
A unique understanding of property tax impact
Bill Schirmer…I really can’t say enough about him. I have known Bill for what seems like forever. We grew up together, we worked together at Mr. Geick’s store in Hyde Park sorting returnables, and, for the last 14 years, I have trusted Bill hundreds of times in insuring my clients in the most important purchases of their lives– their homes. Bill is intelligent, fair, reasonable, and of tremendous integrity. Bill has the ability to say “no” which I know firsthand because he has said it to me. In the alternative, Bill also will do everything he can to be of assistance. Bill’s knowledge of real property and taxes will be a great asset to the Saugerties Town Board especially in their efforts to be innovative in attracting businesses that will enhance the quality of life in Saugerties. Every day, Bill sees the taxes people pay and is well aware of what effect taxes have on people’s lives. Consequently, each time Bill will make decision as a Town Councilman, he is going to be mindful of the impact of that decision on you. Saugerties needs a new voice on the Town Board and Bill is just what we need. Please vote for Bill Schirmer on Nov. 5.
Erica Fick Guerin
Saugerties
Join the family! 
