Independent vs. Independence
Over the past several years I’ve had many voters ask me questions about political parities and one of the questions asked most often is about the Independence Party. The Independence Party is a political party. It has its own set of principles and platforms, as do all the other political parties.
Many people prefer not to belong to any political party per se— they do not select a party and are, therefore, classified as non-enrolled voters (NE). Unfortunately, on Election Day, many of these NE voters will vote on the Independence line believing (erroneously) that they have chosen that line as an “independent voter.” Of course, that is not the case and they have actually voted on a political party line, the Independence Party, not an independent line.
Again, each political party (Republican, Democrat, Conservative, Independence, Working Family, etc.) has its own views, values and beliefs. Look to see where your favorite candidates appear on other lines and make your selections accordingly. And remember, an “independent voter” is exactly that — an independent voter who does not belong to any particular political party, and not a member of the Independence Party.
All this has been said before but it bears repeating each and every election season. It is being shared here to help those who may not have noticed, or misunderstood, the difference between The Independence Party and an “independent” voter.
Every political party has its own views, values and beliefs. When a voter decides to cast his or her vote on any political line, that generally means that person agrees with and accepts that party’s views, values and beliefs. It may help to Google each one of these parties to familiarize yourself with what its political views and beliefs are before you vote— lest you be hoodwinked into a vote that goes against your own personal principles and beliefs.
Don’t forget to get out and vote—carefully. Remember, every vote counts.
George Heidcamp
Chairman, Town of Saugerties Conservative Party
False accusations
This is in response to the disgracefully false accusation made in this newspaper last week that I support the Democratic candidate for governor.
A simple Internet, Facebook or Twitter search would confirm no such support exists. Sadly, this paper printed the attack without requiring an iota of proof. This is troubling because this publication requires me to document my submissions in exacting detail. Unfortunately, this is not the first time this newspaper has printed similar unfounded attacks.
The accuser is well-known for twisting or making up facts to suit her purposes — as has been noted in this very newspaper! She rails against the evils of the Democratic Party but eagerly sought its endorsement last year while sabotaging Republican candidates.
The accuser causes turmoil and dissent wherever she goes. The Saugerties Republican Club, where I got my start in politics, disbanded due to her unwillingness to use club funds to support GOP candidates. I know for a fact she was removed as a Republican committee person for disloyalty and there are pending charges to remove her from the state committee.
I hope this newspaper will take the time to fact-check allegations made by this individual in the future.
Joe Roberti, Jr.
Chair, Saugerties Republican Committee
Editor’s note: The letter in question was written by Gaetana Ciarlante.
Ulster bottling plant proposal affects Saugerties
Niagara Bottling is currently looking to open a plant in the town of Ulster and use Kingston’s water to bottle and ship outside New York.
Traditionally, a reservoir is designed to reserve water for community, irrigation, farming, livestock and survival. Water bottling companies are notorious for using millions of gallons of water a day, depleting aquifers which supply our reservoirs, offering few low-paying jobs, increasing truck traffic and wear and tear to our highways, air pollution, and lawsuits which fall on taxpayer pockets. Niagara Bottling Company has the potential to dump 350,000 gallons of toxic plastic bottle manufacturing byproduct in the Esopus which affects our streams, fish, and daily lives.
I urge Saugerties citizens to get involved and educated in the impact of these bottling companies and the waste which will flow through Saugerties in the Esopus!
Join KingstonCitizens.org and write to Martin Brand at the DEC urging them to become the lead agency in this matter and important review: (845) 256-3033.
Jenn Nelson
Lake Hill
Cahill 5k thanks
On Saturday, Oct. 18, Cahill Elementary School PTA held its sixth annual 5K race. The race was a huge success, raising nearly $20,000. On behalf of the Cahill Classic committee, I would like to thank the people that made this happen. Co-PTA President Jamie Monroe’s organizational skills and behind the scenes efforts made the actual race day stress-free and fun for all that attended. The fundraising talents of Daisy Bolle cannot be overstated as we received close to $9,000 just with sponsorship this year. Macy Krauss, brings Chrysler on board for an additional $2,100 and co chairs as president of our PTA with Jamie. Last, but not least is Ronda Swart, head of our PTA food committee, who organized donations from our wonderful PTA parents such as water, food for runners and the delicious edible prizes that set the Cahill Classic apart from all other races. There are many other parents, teachers and volunteers that deserve credit as well. Whether you were baking goods, helping on race day or even cheering, your efforts help make this a community event not only for Cahill, but for all of Saugerties.
We were fortunate to have the support of our local business community. Foremost in support were Chrysler Drive for Kids, Sawyer Motors, Sawyer Chevrolet and Markertek. Dig, Saugerties Teacher Association, Giant Steps Pre-K, Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty, Saugerties Chamber of Commerce, Saugerties Skating School, the law firm of Maynard, O’Connor, Smith and Catalinotto and Mountain T-Shirts formed the next tier of support. Thank you also to the following sponsors:
Cahill Staff, Krause’s Chocolates, Dent Works, Town of Ulster PBA, Kiwanis Club of Saugerties, LUX Hair Studio, Partition Street Wine Shop, Lucky Chocolates, Vetere Surveyors, Allure Salon of Rhinebeck, Sebsi Studio, Saugerties Farmers Market, The Dutch Ale House, Mirabella, Saugerties Electric, Nacarrato Insurance, the Village Diner, Genter’s Jewelers, Light House, Dallas Hot Weiners, Miller Building Group, Smith Hardware, Diamond Mills, Mike Schatzel Construction, Grist Mill Real Estate, Speedy Mart, Benzenhoefer Construction, Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Village of Saugerties, McDonald’s, Montano’s Shoe Store, Guys N Gals, Dwyer Contracting, Noah’s Arc Nursery School, Saugerties Animal Hospital, Collette A. VanDerbeck Esq, Annarella Ristorante, Woodstock Trading Post, Leighton’s Water Treatment, Slices of Saugerties, Broadview Production Ltd, Jeffery and Jessica Riozzi, Betty’s Place, Dr. Debra Koehn, Ward Backhaus Collision, Gabby’s AWESOME, Village Apothecary, Stella’s Station, Krauss Kids, Sawyer Savings Bank, Sakinah Irizarry, LMT.
Thank you to Doug Freese and Steve Schallenkamp of the Onteora Runners Club who help oversee the race and provide technical support. A special hank you to Greg DeCelle for making the plaques for our top three male and female runners
We are also grateful for to the town, village and the Police Department for keeping our runners safe and for their continued support of our event.
This race drew families, students K-12, cross country team runners, teachers and running enthusiasts from all over the Hudson Valley. We had 175 participants, many of whom run the event each year.
The tenor of the day was best summed up by a runner who told me that her cheeks hurt from smiling so much. This is what the day is about, cheering on the runners young and old and bringing together neighbors and new faces to support our Cahill students.
Look forward to seeing you all on race day Oct. 17, 2015.
Jennifer Mangione
Saugerties
Join the family! 
