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Slanted coverage?
On October 9th, our group, Woodstockers United for Change, held a “citizens’ town hall” on the increased presence of toxic “forever chemicals” plaguing our water supply. We had a full house, expert panelists and a lot of important questions asked and answered. Feedback was very positive, and we’ve promised to continue our efforts to demand accountability and proactivity from the town board. So the question is, why was there no coverage of the event by your newspaper? No reporter was present, despite being invited, and nothing was written about it, except for the ad that we purchased out of our own pockets. Your Woodstock reporter did attend and write about the previous “town hall,” the one organized by town board member Anula Courtis and former Woodstock Environmental Commission chair Erin Moran. The very reason we felt obligated to do ours was because in theirs no substantive questions were answered, and the public were restricted to submitting questions on index cards that were then “sifted and filtered,” resulting in no questions on subjects that might cause embarrassment for the town supervisor, such as the likely relationship to the Shady dump, being brought up.
It has appeared to us for some time that HV1 has also tended to slant its reporting of Woodstock’s issues to cast the town supervisor in the most favorable light possible. Is that why no mention of our event or the growing opposition to his handling of these matters haven’t gotten the coverage they deserve? Is that why the town board voted to make HV1 the town’s “official” newspaper? We hope that in the future you will devote more attention to the carcinogenic threat to our citizens posed by the PFOS and other contaminants in our drinking water, and to the groups and individuals who are trying to fill the leadership vacuum when it comes to the health and well being of our townspeople.
Alan M. Weber
for Woodstockers United for Change
Woodstock
The ever-silent Jarmel juggernaut
Poor Neil, I have to do a better job at finding him a competent TDS rehab facility.
Even though I’ve said several times in the past few years that there are many things about Trump that I don’t like, unlike Neil I can separate the flaws in Trump from the concrete achievements of Trump, for the people, that make everyone, but Neil, realize and acknowledge that we were far better off four years ago than we are now.
I have often referred to many of the names and accusations lodged against Trump as either exaggerated, taken out of context, or even fabricated. In Neil’s very first allegation of “Trump not allowed to run a charity in NY because he ‘stole’ kid’s cancer money” falls into one of these distorted categories. It is true that Trump cannot run a charity in NY for ten years (2019 – 2029) , but due to procedural missteps and not for “stealing” kid’s cancer money. How many more of Neil’s past and ongoing verbal assassinations need to be fact checked for complete accuracy? This is Neil’s and his Democratic cohort’s game — repeating inaccurate stories, even when some of them have been actually debunked.
I can look at the pros and cons of Trump, Harris, or anyone else. This is something that Neil has no idea how to do. With all the obvious pitfalls and desperations of Harris — not answering critical questions, repeating exaggerations and lies, needing many celebrities as crutches at her rallies — she has nothing to offer but Trump attacks, ludicrous word salads and incredibly unexplained major flip flops. What do we hear from Neil on these pathetic realities? Not a thing! It’s simple proof that Neil is totally one-sided and has easily earned the title of CEO of the TDS world. He never even mentions the name Kamala Harris, let alone addressing her incompetence and ineptitude.
Again, Tom McGee gives Neil and his ilk hard evidence regarding Harris’s shallowness and weak legal track records as California’s DA, AG and Senator, and even before her weaknesses were greatly magnified as VP for the past four years, for all to see. If Harris had what it takes, not only would she have shown it in the past four years handing her an easy presidency but, at the eleventh hour as we approach the election, she wouldn’t need countless celebrities along with Obama, the Clintons and soon Michelle Obama and Beyonce (everyone’s favorite political wizard) to operate Harris’s puppet strings during her remaining rallies. Obviously, her word salads aren’t cutting it. Even CNN is now using the term “word salad” to describe Harris’s appearances.
Speaking of word salads, how ridiculous and sad was her performance at the recent CNN town hall with Anderson Cooper? Yet again, no intelligent or meaningful answers to anything asked by Anderson — just more loose cannon word salads. By now, I expect croutons, bacon bits, cheeses and a choice of many dressings with Harris’s extensive salad menu.
Finally, what does Neil have to say about all this? We’ll never know because he’s been hiding among the crickets for quite some time. Either that or we must all help Neil try to find his thinking cap which he obviously lost, quite a while ago.
John N. Butz
Modena
Vote yes on Proposition One
This will be short and clear: Remember to turn your ballot over to vote yes on Proposition One. No federal government or state government should be in charge of any woman’s body. Deciding whether to have a child is not anyone’s business but hers.
Doris Chorny
Wallkill
The good German
How does our great nation send billions in weaponry to a country that is committing the worst genocide of the 21st century? The slaughter of civilians is beyond any description. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been bombed, burned and starved to death. Tens of thousands more have been crushed beyond recognition under mountains of twisted concrete and ash. The children who have survived are almost unrecognizable in their rags and wasted bodies. They carry empty pots, looking for food and water amid the massive rubble. Amid the charnel house that is now Gaza.
Should I mention our two party, one genocide political system that pays for these horrors? Or the tens of millions that our weapons makers use to bribe our elected representatives? Or the even greater amounts that the Israel Lobby stuffs in each Congressional pocket? Or the Zionist media that helps us look the other way?
Or should I focus on you who have read this far? Yes, we have a system that only serves the rich, be they political leaders, weapons manufacturers, or billion-dollar religious fanatics. Most people like you want to end the Israel/American genocide. Most can’t believe our national leaders are acting like members of another murderous regime that killed six million in their ovens. Is our political class criminally insane?
And am I absolved by writing this short letter? Or am I still that “good German” who knew something was happening, but did nothing to end the continuous slaughter of the innocents?
Fred Nagel
Rhinebeck
Proposition 1, essential for your family and mine
Activists from the same political party content to deny healthcare to a pregnant ten-year-old rape victim are now spreading misinformation about Proposition 1. Proposition 1 will enshrine anti-discrimination protections into our State Constitution and safeguard reproductive freedom. Proposition 1 will guarantee access to urgent care instead of forcing New Yorkers to travel out-of-state for OBGYN services like that ten-year-old victim in Ohio and so many others denied abortions after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Proposition 1 will also protect LGBT New Yorkers and people with disabilities from discrimination. Proposition 1 will not invalidate parental consent requirements for pediatric medical treatment or override immigration laws.
Parenthood has been my life’s defining joy. I’m sure anti-Proposition 1 activists love their children just the same, but their take on ‘parental rights’ violates real family values. Parental authority doesn’t require other women to bleed out and develop sepsis before receiving post-miscarriage care. Parents shouldn’t rely on discrimination, demonizing transgender Americans or book banning to raise their children. Parents should love and support their kids even if those children come to hold different political or religious beliefs. That’s what being ‘family first’ is all about — not using the law to force all others to replicate your vision of idyllic family life.
When SCOTUS overturned Roe, Justice Thomas separately opined that landmark decisions guaranteeing rights to contraceptives, sexual freedom and marriage equality should be reconsidered. In other words, right-wing activist judges now constitute the SCOTUS majority and may not interpret the U.S. Constitution to protect these rights for long. That is why voting “Yes” on Proposition 1 to incorporate fundamental protections into our New York State Constitution is essential for your family and mine.
Barbara Graves-Poller, Chair-elect
Ulster County Democratic Committee
New Paltz
Apology
We apologize for any instances of brown water or traffic delays in New Paltz that you may be experiencing. We are in the midst of spending several millions of dollars on projects that have taken many years to advance to help this community with its brown water problems and failing pipes that can be over 100 years old. We wish we had more control over third-party contractors and scheduling than we do. Times may feel frustrating but we can assure you that our public works and engineer teams are in regular contact with everyone involved and decisions are being made carefully and thoughtfully.
Old tuberculated watermains are prone to creating turbid (brown) water when they are jostled. This may happen when our municipality is performing work on the system, hydrants are flushed on public or private properties, there is nearby construction shaking the ground, water within the conveyance system needs to change direction, etc. Even small disturbances in New Paltz’s municipal water system can stir things up and send brown water into people’s homes or work.
Our water quality is tested and we have inquired with several experts about our brown water. It is considered common, in fact, an almost normal condition for most systems with older cast iron watermains.
The best we can do when you see brown water, while we’re in the midst of securing grant funds, arranging for debt financing, and completing these large capital projects, is to advise residents to run their taps until water clears.
We are optimistic our concerted efforts will yield improvements but timing will be tricky to predict. We’ll keep pushing.
Mayor Tim Rogers
New Paltz
Stop the starvation
How do you vote when your conscience says there is something terribly wrong? What do you do when the ballot you cast will not stop the arms to an area that by any measure is a genocide? What do you do when you read that the United Nations top Humanitarian official reports that the area’s population in Gaza will all likely die (see/ https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1156171?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email /https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1156171?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email), and these deaths are enabled by your tax dollar? I will vote my conscience and vote for Edgar Rodriguez, the only Democrat on the party line ballot that has spoken directly against this injustice and amoral behavior. Many will say that of course you will. He is your husband. There are many who stand with him on Saturday’s from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Elting Memorial Library. More importantly, just check Substack, an alternative media source not owned by corporate dominated money. You will learn how the history of the region has been bastardized by corporate media to encourage us to drink the kool-aid. It doesn’t take much to learn how immoral this war against innocent people is and how the process is being extended to several countries in the region. Do something! There is an opportunity to vote your conscience.
Maggie Veve
New Paltz
November 5th, Election Day
November 31: Halloween
November 2: Day of the Dead
November 3: Set clocks back
November 5: Save ourselves
It’s as if the passengers on the Titanic were given a vote whether to hit the iceberg. Rent and groceries are high, but I haven’t lost my mind to think putting an incompetent person in office will fix it. Trump said: “What can I say, Stupid people love me,” His words ring true for all to see, brainwashed followers, unable to see, The flaws in his cult mentality.
There’s an implied “effing” in there somewhere …
Even if he croaks,
His crowd still rages and speaks,
Blame echoes like shouts.
Belly-aching loud,
Wrathful whispers fill the air,
Frustration won’t fade.
“They are out of touch,”
I mutter, wishing for peace,
Time to clear my mind.
Forever I seek,
Calm waters where shadows rest,
Leave their storm behind.
Neil Jarmel
West Hurley
The GOP House train wreck
Donald Trump, the traitor who plotted the overthrow of our democratically elected government, is competitive in the presidential race…a good indicator that many Americans have a short memory in politics.
Also forgotten is the record of the Republicans who controlled the House, 2022-24. It has been a period of utter, sadly laughable dysfunction. It’s a misnomer to call the sitting House majority Republican; it is a MAGA uber faction, in thrall to whatever Trump demands. It’s peopled with characters who, a decade ago, would have been ridiculed as presumptuous clowns. They spout conspiracy theories about space lasers and Jews; they brawl with each other and spent weeks fighting about their choice of speaker; their dominating faction tried to stop the government from carrying out its functions; they were servants to Trump’s plan to steal the electoral college. This House has a historically dismal record of legislative achievement.
In our area, the CD 19 incumbent, Marc Molinaro (R), has struggled unsuccessfully to pretend he is a moderate, lashed as he is to the mad emperor of his party and his fellow supplicants, as his voting record proves. The Democrat, Josh Riley, is a smart, experienced, trustworthy man who would certainly vote with his party most of the time, but his fealty would be to sane, patriotic leaders.
In CD 18, incumbent Pat Ryan (D), even in the minority, has demonstrated the desire to get things done in congress. His record shows a commitment to the interests of Hudson Valley residents. His opponent, Alison Esposito, campaigns on pure MAGA.
For Democrats, two public servants whose profiles would have been familiar in elections past. For Republicans, Trump foot soldiers who would accelerate the descent of the once respectable House of Representatives. Voters: remember the past. It can predict our future.
Tom Denton
New Paltz
Vote for the woman of the hour, Kamala Harris
Minds are made up. What remains is to get to the polls to cast ballots.
I am certain the majority of Americans will vote for Kamala Harris. Will this ensure Harris entering the White House? It’s not guaranteed. Donald Trump has played a heads-I-win-tails-you-lose strategy from the beginning. Too many people are speaking out loud about the possibility of violence not to take this threat seriously. We see it in Springfield, Ohio and we see it in the craven cowardice of Republicans. We see it in the cowardice of Jeff Bezos, who personally vetoed Kamala Harris’s expected Washington Post endorsement. Bezos cowers in the shadow of the Trump-Musk double menace. The corrupted Supreme Court gives almost absolute immunity to the president and anoints the first American king. The vicious gathering at Madison Square Garden portends deep waters.
I respect the women of America who say, “We’re not going back!” But will they vote in the numbers required to keep out of office a totally unfit man and the hangers-on who wait their turn on the Trump Tower golden escalator once he’s gone? Will the men who support them put aside their own petty political objections to Harris-Walz to ensure our nation remains in safe hands? I believe they will.
I respect the men and women inside and outside government who work tirelessly to keep us safe, to slow the degradation of our planet, who maintain moral and ethical standards, who seek equality and kindness for all.
I respect the men and woman who trumpet the truth: Every Republican president of recent decades has left an economy in tatters, while the Democrats who succeeded them stitched it back together again. Thanks to Joe Biden, inflation is down, employment is up, and our economy is the envy of the world. America has fallen short of its ideals but retains these ideals nonetheless. Up to now.
Kamala Harris is the woman of the hour. She has defined the issues: invest in America, protect Social Security and Medicare, make the wealthiest pay their share, invest in actual small businesses. Make America safe again — for all. And that’s only the start.
We have a new way forward! Get to the polls and vote! Vote Blue all the way: Harris-Walz, Kirstin Gillibrand, Pat Ryan, Josh Riley, Sarahana Shrestha, Michelle Hinchey!
When we really fight, we really win!
William Weinstein
New Paltz
Live the dash
Children do it.
We should too.
Live the dash
without reservation,
without self-doubt.
Born, each hour glass
set in motion
with handfuls of sand,
great or small.
String the days,
precious, without pique.
Live the dash.
From birth, etched
on stone and at grave.
Patrick Hammer, Jr.
Saugerties
Vote Blue
The first time I voted was for Jimmy Carter for president. It was such an exciting time, there was such hope abounding in this country! Had he won a second term we would have been so much further ahead in our quest to solve climate change. This too can be a time of hope and enthusiasm! We have much to solve in our beloved U. S.! This is a pivotal moment in our lives and the future of all Americans
We are in a time period dangerously close to that of 1930’s Germany when Hitler was voted into power with most of the citizenry oblivious to his nefarious plans. Trump is telling us his plans every day, increasingly unafraid to trumpet his misogyny, bigotry, disdain for any who are not billionaires, running his campaign on hate. By stacking the Supreme Court with immoral, unfit judges who dance to his every whim he has created a country in which young women are dying from miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies and having to carry dead fetuses to term, thus endangering their lives and future fertility. All who vote for him are voting for a bleak future for all girls and women.
Kamala Harris has been a champion for women’s rights and promises a future that looks bright, restoring womens’ right to health care, bringing back decency, respect and optimism, looking towards improving the lives of all Americans, not just the top one percent.
This is our time to save democracy in the U.S., there can be no equivocation, if you care about climate change, women’s rights, immigration and an economy that works for all, a future free of the interference of Putin and other dictators that Trump wishes to emulate, VOTE BLUE!!!
Dr. Lori Morris
Gardiner
Proposition One is a win for humanity
Don’t forget to flip your ballot and vote “Yes” on Prop 1. What is Prop 1? Be forewarned, Jim Crow Version 2024 and his tired political machine do not want it to pass and are actively spreading as much false information about it as possible. The proposal would protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy. It also protects against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy. Once approved, this language would be enshrined in the New York State Constitution. It’s a win for humanity. Leave it up to little Jimmy to see a problem with that!
Tim Scott, Jr.
Saugerties
Kamala Harris deserves our vote
Kamala Harris should be our next president. In a few months she became a serious contender for the presidency and the speed of her ascendancy has been remarkable. Her ability to take charge of a monumental undertaking shows leadership qualities found rarely in men and women. She studies and understands complex situations. Hard choices are taken in stride so she never appears overwhelmed. She is socially adept, does not abuse people, but can handle bullies with her quick wit. She will make a fine president who will command the respect of world leaders. They will see her as unflinching in the direst situations, capable of holding her own when bravery and calculated risks are required. She is also positive and likeable, both worthy attributes. She clearly deserves our vote.
Hal Chorny
Gardiner
To be continued
Israeli atrocities continue. The genocide continues. The barbaric bombing, burying, and starvation of tens of thousands of innocent children, women, and babies continues. Our mainstream media lies to us and desensitizes us. Check out electronicintifada.net for the truth and the debunking of Zionist lies, propaganda, and misinformation (known as “hasbara”). Our government supports and funds these atrocities with your tax dollars. If any of this bothers you maybe it’s time to call the White House: 202-456-1111 or Pat Ryan:202-225-5614 and say, “No U.S. weapons or money to fund Israeli genocide.” The Nazis ethnically cleansed, exterminated, and eliminated Jews, Roma, homosexuals and Communists. Israeli leaders like Minister Ben Gavir and Minister Bezalel Smotrich and General Giora Eiland openly admit that the Zionist entity needs to “cleanse” itself of all Palestinians.
Eli Kassirer
New Paltz
The crime of negligence?
The following are a list of Health problems that may be associated with PFAS (forever chemicals) in our drinking water: Fertility issues and pregnancy-induced hypertension/preeclampsia, increased cholesterol, changes in the immune system, increased risk of certain cancers (e.g., testicular and kidney cancer), changes in fetal and child development, liver damage and increased risk of thyroid disease.
If your doctor told you today that all your blood tests indicated that you had cancer but then refused point blankly to investigate the source of that cancer and instead agreed to do quarterly testing in order to monitor the progress of the disease, how would this make you feel?
The Woodstock supervisor and his two colleagues on the town board — Anula Courtis and Laura Ricci — are agreeing to do exactly this when it comes to the threat of forever chemicals to our health that were recently found in Woodstock’s drinking water.
As PFAS levels, otherwise known as forever chemicals, continue to be found in Woodstock’s drinking water with some of those levels found having been above that recommended by the NY Department of Environmental Conservation, the above named town board members sit idly by, refusing repeated requests from Woodstock residents to investigate the source of these poisonous chemicals that presently reside in our drinking water. But just like the doctor referred to above, our town board members have agreed instead to do quarterly testing on our already polluted drinking water.
Is this just cognitive dissidence on behalf of the above mentioned town board members or could it be that the town along with its supervisor are presently named in an ongoing lawsuit that if found guilty, will be deemed negligent in carrying out its own town laws and sworn duties. One of those duties is to protect the taxpaying residents of Woodstock and our right to have access to clean drinking water.
One must ask oneself: could the Woodstock supervisor and his two colleagues be found guilty of the crime of negligence by failing to investigate and refusing to carry out source testing and in doing so ignoring the multiple serious health risks to Woodstock’s residents?
Chris Finlay
Woodstock
Jews, Israel and Hamas
Instead of Nagel and Romine’s usual huff-and-puff rants against Israel, it would be refreshing to read them write about how Hamas uses their own people as human shields by strategically placing their arms and missiles in or near schools and hospitals.
Or how Hamas uses “donor” money intended for food relief for their fellow Palestinians to purchase armaments and build underground bunkers/tunnels.
If, in fact, Israel was contemplating “Palestinian genocide,” would they warn inhabitants in Gaza to leave the area because they are living in an area that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will be invading in search of Hamas terrorists. Is that not advertising their intention to not commit genocide?
And how fortuitous it was for Israel’s IDF to “stumble” accidentally upon Sinwar — giving the remaining terrorists a unique opportunity to negotiate a long-lasting settlement.
It is a pity that Nagel and Romine were not present at the Israeli music festival of October 7, 2023 fame. They might have a different view of the situation.
And finally, why has Hamas stymied efforts for a two-state solution all these years? My guess is because they want what they consider their “Holy Land” to be “Juden” free.
Susan Puretz
Saugerties
Meet the teacher
Heart attack serious: when you went those nights to meet your kid’s teacher, would you have been comfortable with Kamala Harris?
I would not have been, at any grade level.
Paul Raymond
New Paltz
Thinking About JFK!
Our nation has had to handle so much over the last few years. Thousands of lives have been through such upheaval from floods, fires and hurricanes, varied diseases, increased intimidation with threats of violence, and uncertainty at every corner. It’s been a tough go of it for sure. But we are a gritty society. We have had to bend a lot. But most of us are still here. We all are seeking some kind of a more peaceful and stable future, so we can continue to chase our dreams and desires. Our flag stands for freedom, and our right to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What I see when I look around are people everywhere, just trying their best to carve out a half-way decent life for themselves and their families. That’s the beauty of our country and our democracy. In spite of all the struggles, we still have the right to go after our dreams. What a gift!
There are many countries in our world where it is not so easy to pursue one’s dreams and desires. There are some countries where the people are constantly beaten down by the leaders. Where the idea of dreaming for a better life is discouraged. Where lives are in danger and where music and dancing can lead to nothing but trouble.
Maybe that’s why the United States of America is still recognized as the country where opportunity exists. Where you can dream, and just maybe your dreams can still come true.
Although many of us who were born here may take for granted the blessings of freedom, it’s time to realize that our freedom could be taken away. There’s an old saying that pops up in my brain. “You don’t know what you got until you lose it.” I know this very well because I once had sight. Twenty-twenty vision. But now I am blind. Totally blind. I lost something precious, never to get it back. Your freedom is precious. I would hate to look back and be reminded of the expression, “None were so blind as those who would not see.”
Please ask yourself these two questions. Who am I as an American, and what do I want for America? Do you remember what JFK said at his inauguration? “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”
Marty Klein
Kingston, NY
Sarasota, FL
Justifying genocide
Recently Eylon Levy, former Netanyahu spokesperson, debated British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan on the show Open Debate where the theme was “Were Israel’s Actions in Gaza Justified.”
Mr. Levy declared that “Israel faced a choice as Hamas immediately threatened to do it [October 7th] again and again until Israel was destroyed” (5:30-5:39 https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=DQzKw30LeTA&t=1682s), or annihilate Gaza. What Mr. Levy fails to convey is that October 7th would have never happened if Netanyahu would have paid attention to the exact Hamas invasion plan it had obtained covertly a year in advance (https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-06-18/ty-rticle/report)(https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/30/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-attack-intelligence.html).
Instead, Israel would not have curiously moved to the West Bank all military personal from that part of the $3.5 billion dollar hi-tech border wall to be under attack, but instead it would have beefed up that location with some of its combat ready Apache helicopters of which it has 28. The ragtag Hamas convoy of small pick-up trucks and motorcycles could have been stopped in five minutes according to former IDF soldiers, The hi-tech border wall turrets and Apache helicopters both had very advanced machine guns mounted on them that fire 600 rounds per minute (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M230_chain_gun), not to mention the hellfire rockets on the copters (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AGM-114_Hellfire). Hamas would not have had a chance. Instead of committing genocide, all Israel would have to do to protects its people is pay attention to its top notch intelligence department and use all the hi-tech defense devices on its border wall, which curiously it didn’t do for 8-13 hours on October 7th (nytimes.com). Israel has more than enough defense mechanisms to protect the citizens of its country and does not need to annihilate 200,000 people so far (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01169-3/fulltext). To say that the flattening of Gaza and slaughter and maiming of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians is justified in order to stop Hamas is pure fiction. There is no way that Hamas could do an October7th “again and again” unless Israel drops its defenses like it curiously did on October 7th. What boggles the imagination is that somehow Israel is able to handle a war on multiple fronts but for some reason couldn’t handle what happened on October 7th.
Steve Romine
Woodstock
Recognizing Saugerties leaders for supporting economic development and affordable housing
Thank you to Town of Saugerties Supervisor Fred Costello, Village Mayor Bill Murphy and the members of the Saugerties town and village boards who voted in favor of the Pro-Housing Resolution this month.
As noted in a 2023 report by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, “Over the past five years, rents across our region have increased by anywhere between 25-45%. With inflation hitting a 40-year peak in 2022, the basic costs of living — food, transportation, healthcare, and more — are also out of reach.”
Recognizing this alarming trend, Governor Kathy Hochul issued Executive Order 30 in 2023 allocating funding to municipalities that promote the construction of housing, and facilitating sharing of data on local housing production, planning, land use and zoning practices.
Mr. Costello and Mr. Murphy demonstrated leadership and commitment to the welfare of Saugerties residents in pursuing a $10 million grant opportunity that, if awarded to Saugerties, could be a transformational force for the economic health of the community. In order to qualify for this grant, the town and village were required to approve Gov. Hochul’s Pro-Housing Resolution, a vote which renews commitments to affordable housing already in place via the town/village comprehensive plan.
In addition to the leadership displayed by Mr. Costello and Mr. Murphy, community leaders have also been instrumental in gathering input toward a shared vision for Saugerties for the grant application. The town and village hosted a community engagement session and circulated an online survey created by the grant writing team. ShoutOut Saugerties, a volunteer organization supporting regional artistic talent, and Upstate Films co-hosted several community conversations at the Orpheum Theater. These events encouraged dialogue and creative thinking about Saugerties and what balanced growth might look like.
The problem of excessively high costs of living will not be solved quickly, but I am so encouraged by the work already underway in Saugerties and by the commitment of elected officials and community members to effect positive change.
Stephanie Bassler
Saugerties
Let’s not put politics over taxpayers
The Kingston Common Council is considering legislation to require any city project expected to be $1 million or more in labor costs to hire a “feasibility consultant.” They would determine if the city may benefit by signing Project Labor Agreements (PLA) on public projects which would only allow union contractors and would ultimately shut out open shop contractors and their workers from the bidding process.
The county jail and Dietz Stadium projects, both examples of PLA mandated projects, went over time and cost estimates. The county jail project went over budget by $30 million, and the Dietz Stadium project had to be increased $7 million after bids were opened with PLA mandates. Dietz is still awaiting locker rooms, bathrooms and a finished tunnel despite promises that the PLA would ensure that the contractual completion date of August 30 would be met.
Current state laws already level the playing field and require that ‘prevailing wages’ be paid whenever public money is used, whether a business is union or not. There is little pay differential, but because open shops can operate more flexibly, they often are very competitively priced. If this resolution is passed and open shop contractors are removed from the bidding process, the taxpayers will ultimately pay the price. A comparison of bid results with the city over the last few years revealed this and was presented to the Common Council last year.
The city’s PLA proposal would make Kingston unique as I am unaware of any other municipality that has a similar law on the books. This proposed law would dramatically limit competition, significantly increase costs to taxpayers, and sideline good business, many of which are local. Let’s not put politics over taxpayers.
Valerie M. Dwyer, President
Arold Construction Company
Kingston
Election
Do you think they’d cheer for me
If I ever did that?
Clap their hands and stamp for me
If I ever did that?
Turn a blind eye for me
If I ever did that?
Do you think they’d celebrate me
If I ever did that?
Throw their money to me
If I ever did that?
Vilify my enemies
If I ever did that?
It’s not clear what they see
As they fall to bended knee
Foolish minds just can’t see
Through the lies, hypocrisy
Do you think they’d gather for me
If I ever did that?
Would they attack for me
If I ever did that?
Do you think I’d be walking free
If I ever did that?
from the EP Scratching My Itch
Peter Nobile
Gardiner
Let’s support the zoning change and support the Winston Farm project
It is surprising to me that every 15 years or so someone or something comes along that involves the Winston Farm in Saugerties. Yes, I do feel that a dump or a casino were not the right choices for this area. But when three well-respected local business owners purchase the property and asked the town to amend the “outdated” zoning law, it is meet with so much distaste and anger from Beautiful Saugerties and Catskill Mountainkeeper.
Why can’t these organizations sit down and have an “open dialogue” with the owners and the town to see if there is a happy common ground? It is so funny that a group of people have the nerve to tell owners of a property what they can and cannot do with their own property. Whether they want to lease or sell it off, that is their right! The development of the Winston Farm will happen. No matter what the area thinks. If it is not done by locals who have the right vision, it could be a global juggernaut like Goggle or Amazon. And if those companies had gotten their hands on the farm, no one would have anything to say. They would have went straight to your governor’s office and struck up a deal.
I have always said that if this property is so important to save, then why oh why didn’t the town, county or state ever step in and buy it!!! It sat there for years. Now that it has been bought and the wheels are turning everyone wants to stop any change that would be helpful to our town. In the current zoning law these guys could start doing stuff now. But they have a different vision instead of the outdated zoning law. So let’s support the zoning change and support the Winston Farm project. It is time to merge the classic character of Saugerties with the change of the future. Let’s be the town that got it right and help keep our children here so they can raise their families.
Marty Martin
Saugerties
Character is destiny
Consider some of the differences between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. One exudes empathy and humanity, the other narcissism and cruelty. One tries to answer tough questions; the other, when he feels cornered, changes the subject and filibusters — often, and increasingly, nonsensically, on random subjects, hurling random insults: signs of his cognitive decline and lack of impulse control (for further examples, watch his rallies). One will admit to having changed a position; the other admits to nothing: no shortcoming, no lie, no crime, no defeat.
I agree with the Greek philosopher Heraclitus that “Character is destiny” (Senator John McCain did too, using the phrase as the title of one of his books), so I worry for America’s destiny should it elect Donald Trump again — this time with Elon Musk his apparent Svengali and Project 2025 his playbook.
It’s not just blue voters who worry; googling “character/destiny/Trump” turns up endless entries of every color — for instance, the American Conservative magazine article titled “Unfortunately, Character is Destiny: Trump and wondering how and when the crash will come.” Its author wrote: “Richard Nixon was a brilliant man who was undone by his own insecurity, anger, and paranoia. Trump has none of Nixon’s brilliance, and ten times his insecurity, anger, and paranoia.”
If a country’s leader is of bad character, he’ll make bad — and momentous — decisions; think of the catastrophic results of Trump’s cocksuredly downplaying the pandemic in order to appear in control, a strongman, the image this insecure man most covets. Think of some of his threats: to imprison and/or deport many millions of immigrants, to punish his enemies (primarily “the enemy from within”), to use the military against protesters — and perhaps most frighteningly, to purge the government of lifelong civil servants and replace them with loyalists who, like JD Vance, will rubber-stamp his worst impulses and most destructive policies and decisions rather than rein him in, as so many of Trump’s first-term appointees felt compelled to do in order to save us from the dire consequences.
Character is destiny. Bad character in a leader is catastrophe. The election is next week. Let the voter beware. And let America show its character, and make its destiny great again.
Tom Cherwin
Saugerties
Vote yes on ERA on November 5
It doesn’t matter that New York is a really progressive state: we have to be proactive about protecting our rights. That means voting yes on Proposition 1 in the upcoming election. Proposition 1, the Equal Rights Amendment, would enshrine anti-discrimination laws in our state constitution and make New York safer for the millions of people who live here. As a young voter in New Paltz who grew up here and plans to be here for the extended future, I want to see my community stand up for our core values and vote yes on Proposition 1.
For a long time, I was very apolitical and turned off by the whole idea of politics because, to me, that meant national politics. But over the last two years, since Roe vs. Wade was overturned, I started to see local politics as an avenue for real change that can be made and felt immediately, for better or worse. With the right to bodily autonomy hinging on the presidential election, I see an opportunity for us to take local action to make sure it’s protected in New York. By voting for the ERA, we’re making sure nobody in our state can be discriminated against because of where they were born, how old they are, or whether they’ve had an abortion. This is about our rights and our future. Vote yes on ERA November 5th.
Kyle Bredberg
New Paltz
The Maya Gold Foundation’s annual Fundraising Event on November 13
Join the Maya Gold Foundation for the third annual fundraising event, “The Candle and the Heart: Dreaming the Future Together” on November 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Greenhouses in Wallkill. Proceeds from this event will be used to provide mental health and wellness programs for Hudson Valley teens.
Come hear from teens about the Maya Gold Foundation’s work in the Hudson Valley and enjoy live music by New Paltz’s own Soul Purpose, who will bring their brand of Soul, New Orleans funk and swing to the celebration. We will also have an all-girl punk group to open the event, the Mona Freaka Band, with middle school and high school members from Saugerties and Woodstock.
This year we will be recognizing two important supporters of our mission. Honored with our Spirit of Service Award this year will be Sarah Snow, who has graciously volunteered her graphic design services since the Maya Gold Foundation began. Aileen Gunther, chair of NYS Assembly’s Committee of Mental Health, will be honored with this year’s Spirit of Community Award. Aileen works tirelessly in her role to increase funding, resources and accessibility for mental health care across the Hudson Valley.
Tickets are $135 per person, $250 per couple. Your entry fee includes tabled hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and soft drinks. Our event raffle and silent auction will include contributions from local businesses and artists.
A portion of your ticket price may be tax-deductible as per IRS regulations.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. To purchase a ticket or to become a sponsor, visit bit.ly/candle2024.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Emma Murphy
on behalf of the Maya Gold Foundation
ERA will protect all New Yorkers
The Equal Rights Amendment is on the ballot this year as Proposition 1, and I’m urging everyone who cares about fairness and the future to vote yes. The ERA would give anti-discrimination protections to groups that are often left out of advocacy or not covered by existing laws, specifically older people and pregnant people. Naming these demographics in a constitutional amendment could open up important discussions about what other infrastructure we can build to care for people as they age, change and grow.
While the ERA has been described as a way to protect abortion for the long-term — which is reason enough to vote for it — it will also protect aging New Yorkers. These are people who have built our communities and now need help staying in them because of the housing crisis. If we want a better future, we have to take steps now to address the needs of New York’s aging population. That starts with protecting people from discrimination.
Being surrounded by people of my generation as a student at SUNY New Paltz and intern at For the Many has given me a fair amount of faith that the ERA is the beginning of legislation that will be truly inclusive. There’s a strong desire among young people who are voting for the first time that we achieve equity. There’s a clear way to do that: voting yes on Proposition 1. We have a chance to acknowledge our shared humanity and look out for ourselves and our neighbors. Let’s take it.
Alex Adrieta
New Paltz
Abortion is an economic issue
Recently, senate candidate Bernie Merino of Ohio questioned why women over 50 should be concerned about abortion access. First, women care about the rights of all women. This is especially true of the women who fought for and won those rights. Second, abortion is an economic issue that affects everyone.
According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, it is estimated that abortion bans will cost the US economy billions of dollars each year due to people with young children leaving the workforce, having inconsistent employment and businesses experiencing high employee turnover. According to the CDC, 60% of those who have abortions are already parents; and half of those have two or more children. Most cite they chose abortion for financial reasons or to be better parents to the children they have. The cost of travel to obtain abortion care can be burdensome or prohibitive. According to the Joint Economic Committee, in 2023, more than 171,000 people traveled to less restrictive states. This puts a significant financial burden on families. Receiving time off, which may be unpaid, finding childcare, the cost of travel and medical expenses is undoubtedly a hardship for many.
College education is considered an economic leg up in the U.S. Abortion restrictions are impacting when, whether, and where people attend college. A survey in 2023 found that almost three quarters of college students considered reproductive health laws when choosing their schools. The financial impact on higher education centers in states with abortion bans — especially in the health care fields — cannot be overstated.
One study estimates that states with abortion bans had worse health outcomes for women and babies, totaling over $34 million in higher health costs per year.
States with restrictive laws are seeing decreased access to maternity care as obstetrician/gynecologists and midwives are moving to less restrictive states. This means many states are becoming maternity care deserts, leading to catastrophic shortages of providers and rising maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Republicans like Bernie Merino, once champions business, seem to be completely tone deaf about the economic impact of abortion bans. Many businesses are leaving states with bans. The decision to plan or continue an unplanned pregnancy has enormous ramifications for individuals, families, communities and the greater economy. Pat Ryan and Josh Riley recognize the complex impact of extreme abortion restrictions and support the protections of Roe v Wade. Restoration of these protections will help individuals, families and the economy. Simple as that.
Susanrachel B. Condon
New Paltz
A vote for Ryan and Riley
It’s nearing the end of silly season when politicians who have repeatedly voted to cut Social Security and Medicare, privatize it, raise the eligibility age and weaken the social safety net in other ways make empty promises to protect those needed benefits. Please do not fall for it.
Pat Ryan, running for re-election in New York’s 18th Congressional District and Josh Riley, running to represent residents in NY-19, have repeatedly worked to strengthen Social Security and Medicare as well as to shore up existing programs targeted toward the middle class and poor. They are the only ones who will protect these benefits against the continual threats to cut them in order to “save” them.
Others will play you for a fool, but Ryan and Riley respect your intelligence and will protect the interests of those of us who are not rich.
Tom Kruglinski
Gardiner
Local color
As early voters vote, trees lose their leaves.
Sparrow
Phoenicia
Winston Farm would benefit Saugerties for generations
Winston Farm is a bold opportunity that the Town of Saugerties must optimize. It will generate a huge volume of jobs, substantial and consistent economic growth and vital tax revenue giving relief to Saugerties taxpayers in an era of ever-increasing costs.
The developers commissioned comprehensive studies of characteristics of the property that would help shape development possibilities. These are now under deservedly careful review by the Town of Saugerties and its experts. What’s planned — housing, tourism destinations, shopping, office space, recreational options and more — will easily blend into the community and inject new vitality.
It’s important to note that this project would be built in phases over many years, and the Town of Saugerties would retain control over what’s built, and when, through site-plan reviews. The community also would have the opportunity to offer comments throughout the process.
It’s important to think big. Winston Farm would benefit Saugerties for generations. Let’s support this project.
Jim Ferraro
Saugerties
Waste of time
McKenna’s answer to my question (why did he recently spend eight hours at Yankeetown Pond cutting trees and weed-whacking the day that the beaver deceivers (levelers) were installed?) was: “Having participated, I now have the knowledge to construct a leveler should the town need one somewhere else.”
According to Woodstock’s wetland and water course inspector, the installation [by licensed professionals] was allowed, provided the adjustment of water elevations was no greater than 18 inches from existing levels. Hudsonia, a non-profit organization that was founded 40 years ago to protect the natural heritage of the greater Hudson Valley, suggested that the leveler be adjusted as soon as possible so that the pond water level is no more than six inches below the normal springtime high water level. Neither our wetland and water course law or the Hudsonia suggestion was adhered too. To date, the water level has dropped more than 21 inches and the pond continues to lose water.
So what knowledge did he gain after being out of his office for eight hours, that a licensed professional is required to construct a leveler?
Howard Harris
Woodstock
Still doing
An aging woodworker and his shop are like an old dog — eager to go outside but soon ready to return, worn out by the world’s chill. Standing in my basement, I survey the mess I’ve created over the summer: sawdust clinging to the air, screws and nails scattered like fallen leaves and scraps of wood leaning precariously on the bench. The clutter feels familiar, reflecting my internal state — disorganized yet still alive with the memory of hands at work.
I once wrote about the day when I’d no longer be able to step into this space, when the tools would lie dormant, waiting for hands that wouldn’t return. Today, as I stand here, the weight of that fear presses against me, a reminder of what I’ve always dreaded: the day when I can no longer fix or create. My brothers feel it, too, though we rarely speak of it. Raised in a world where we grew our food and fixed what was broken, we learned that the ability to create wasn’t just a skill but a lifeline.
Now, I feel a growing distance from the younger generation, whose repairs are made on screens rather than with tools. They build virtual worlds while I still cling to the tangible. I wonder if their satisfaction fades as quickly as a screen’s glow or if they ever feel the grounding satisfaction of hammering a nail into wood.
Today’s task of reorganizing the cellar was supposed to ground me, to remind me I still had it. But the weight of it felt heavy. My desk and bench, like my thoughts, are cluttered. And yet, standing here, I realize it’s not about completing everything or cleaning the mess all at once. It’s about slowing down — appreciating each act, however small. Each turn of the screw, each cut of wood, becomes a quiet reminder that I’m still doing, even at a slower pace.
I’ve learned that life isn’t a race to the finish but a slow walk through familiar spaces. I’m not stopping — just moving more gently, savoring the time I have left to keep creating.
Larry Winters
New Paltz
Ok, so here it is …
FYI, our democracy and related electoral processes are not to be lauded and gushed over as the best ever or as an example to other democracies!
Our system is in need of change and is embarrassing.
The electoral college is outdated and does not truly reflect the will of the majority of voters.
The monied classes from the left and right dominate and grossly over-influence elections.
Our primary system is a thriving economy of its own and, in addition to spending way too much money, it gives us, the voters, very limited choices that are made by only 30% of the eligible electorate (only Republicans and Democrats can vote!).
Some states have open primaries and that certainly is a step in a true democratic direction.
The standard counter argument is that everyone should join a party, but why?
Why should independents or new voters be forced to choose a party or not have any say in choosing candidates?
Cases in point are Trump and Harris — both selectees are what most surveyed people would not choose, and that was even more so with Biden/Trump!
These are not our best and brightest!
Could you see either one of them arguing policies as they do in the English Parliament, toe to toe with the opposition and no name calling allowed?
We have certainly had presidents — JFK, Nixon, Obama and Clinton — who could publicly, without prompters, survive a toe-to-toe real debate. And Harris, with her prosecutorial background, maybe could, but her word salad mumbo jumbo is not evidence of that capability.
Trump would be lost in having to cite stats and explanations for policies and be subject to cross examination like they are in Parliamentary debates!
Remember George Bush Jr. who verbally flubbed everything and Ronald Reagan who, as an actor, was able to memorize lines but did not have the intellectuality we need for a president.
A friend of mine said he voted for Trump, but he held his nose because he likes his policies better but not his character.
What about his policy of not accepting the certified and court-proven final results and maintaining the policy of the “Big Lie?”
Who cares about his better immigration policy if he is sending a mob to the capitol to overturn the government!
To me, it’s like a voter in post WW1 Germany, saying they don’t like the socialist views of a candidate running against Hitler!
If you choose to ignore his mocking of disabled people, verbally and physically abusing women and bragging about it, never going to church, mocking veterans as losers and saying John McCain wasn’t a hero because he got captured, bragging he paid no taxes because he’s smart, bragging that he didn’t pay contractors but made them settle for less after dragging them through courts, having an extra-marital affair with a porn star, giving tax breaks to the wealthy only and his proven fake charities; if you can explain to your children what “grab ’em by their pussies” means; if you also think there are good people on both sides (KKK/Nazis tiki torch … antisemites!), if you agree that Putin, who murders, jails and poisons his opposition is an honest “strong leader” and that “we kill people too, ”etc., etc., then you do not believe in this country and are not a patriot!
As poor a candidate, in my opinion, as Kamala Harris is, she has, at the least, a strong moral and ethical base, as does her running mate.
The system sucks, but there is a reason so many conservative Republicans and former staff condemn Trump!
Ronald Stonitsch
New Paltz
We are dealing with tribal warfare
What the critics of Israel miss is that Hamas and Hezbollah provoke Israel fully knowing that the response will be ruinous to the non-combatants under their control. It’s like you are walking in a dangerous area with a “friend,” and your friend goes over to a group of local gang members and insults them. When they beat you up, do you blame your friend? That’s why many Gazans hold Sinwar responsible for the Israeli response to October 7! It’s the same for Lebanon and Hezbollah except even more clearly. Lebanon has been taken over by lran/Hezbollah and the Lebanese are helpless. Iran, who is behind both groups, suffers not at all. Although the Israeli response to the rockets which they shot into Israel may result in some damage that may be significant. Will the critics of Israel be more satisfied if more Israelis are killed?
We are dealing with tribal warfare. Screaming “genocide,” misses the point. Sinwar has said that the deaths of 100,000 is justified for the elimination of Israel, which is what Hamas/Hezbollah/Iran is hoping to achieve. Even with the help of Allah, they cannot achieve that. Not while the U.S. supports them.
Meyer Rothberg
Saugerties
What will cause World War III?
From reading the many letters Steve Romine has written regarding Israel, I am still not certain if he believes Israel has a right to exist. If Steve believes they do have this right, I will assume that his solution to the conflict is for two States (Palestine and Israel) to exist peacefully side by side. With this in view, since Israel does, indeed, exist and will continue to do so — unless they are destroyed by their enemies — what historical evidence can Steve present that indicates that the Palestinians and their elected officials would accept such a solution?
I submit that the evidence overwhelmingly suggests Israel’s enemies will settle for nothing less than the destruction of Israel as a solution to the conflict: This evidence includes the refusal of Palestinian representatives to accept any treaty proposals negotiated since they began, the continued attacks by Arab states against the Jewish state since its establishment and the announced purpose of Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran and others to eliminate Israel as a nation. In his continuous diatribes about Israel’s conduct against the latest attempts by its enemies to destroy it, Steve decries Israel’s tactics as genocide despite the deliberate sacrifice of Palestinian lives guaranteed by Hamas’ fighting and hiding within the civilian population. Moreover, Steve never criticizes Hamas for employing this deplorable practice. Apparently, despite Israel’s efforts to avoid civilian casualties, Steve thinks that as long as Hamas attacks Israel from within their civilian populations, Israel should allow Hamas to wage war against them with impunity. Mr. Romine once quoted “Blessed are the peacemakers” from the Sermon on the Mount to support his notion that Israel and America should seek peace with Hamas because Hamas’ fighting within Palestinian civilian populations leads to civilian casualties. While the Bible speaks of a time when swords will be turned into plowshares and men will not practice war any more, Jesus said that there will be wars and rumors of wars until the Kingdom of God is established on the earth at his second coming. Because of this reality, he was able to reference the following practice for kings waging wars: “…suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.” The reason “Kings” followed that practice was because the consequences of waging a war, without the reasonable expectation of winning, were dire. And although this has been the common practice of kings, dictators, presidents and leaders throughout history, apparently, Israel’s enemies are not expected to follow this sage and practical advice: Israel’s enemies, even knowing they cannot win, will “go to war” against Her because they are confident they will not suffer the expected dire consequences of total defeat. Indeed, they will even insist that any land lost, because of their ill-advised attacks, be returned.
In closing, while Steve chooses to believe that WWIII will come about because of Netanyahu, perhaps this dreaded war will occur because the “kings” of Israel’s enemies and their supporters have not counted the cost of going to war against a country whose citizens know that throughout history (before the attacks of October 7th occurred or modern Israel existed) people were willing to kill Jews-simply because they were Jews — even putting them in gas chambers and ovens. And, because of this, Israel will fight against its enemies as those whose very existence demands victory, world wars notwithstanding.
George Civile
Gardiner
Trump’s triumphant rally
Regardless of how you feel about Donald Trump, you have to admit he outdid himself, in so many ways, at his October 27 rally at Madison Square Garden. Always the consummate showman, he managed to practically duplicate the pro-Nazi rally on February 20, 1939 at the very same location, displaying his uncanny ability to measure the public’s mood and say things that appeal to all Americans of every political persuasion.
Fritz Kuhn, the leader of the German American Bund, the organizer and main speaker of that evening, advocated for: an America ruled by white gentiles; freedom from what he called “Jewish Hollywood and news” and closed his rally with chants of “free America, free America.”
We have to admit that Trump cleverly managed to repeat remarkably similar comments, substituting “immigrants” for Jews and this was received with great enthusiasm by his sophisticated New York audience. He spoke for 80 minutes and only a few thousand people left The garden before he finished, proving once again his amazing oratory skills and ability to captivate a crowd anywhere.
The icing on the cake was his incredibly wise selection of speakers who preceded him, notably the wonderful comic Tony Hinchcliffe who managed to regale the crowd with remarks calling Puerto Rico “a floating island of garbage.” This was an especially appropriate remark to make in the city with the largest Puerto Rican population in the world, and I know we can assume that Latinos everywhere found this hysterically funny. As if this wasn’t enough ethnic humor for one night, he then went on to tell us how Puerto Ricans “love making babies,” the punchline being an extremely off color witticism. Then he denigrated black people with a remark about “carving watermelons” with his black friend. I’m sure the three or four African Americans at the rally found this to be a brilliant joke and we know it will give Trump a boost in black and minority communities throughout the country. More kudos for Trump’s uncanny ability to choose advocates.
Another stroke of Trump’s genius was his selection of Sid Rosenberg, a Jewish radio host in New York, who said Democrats are “a bunch of degenerates. Lowlifes; Jew haters and lowlifes.” Every one of them.” We all know how effective this kind of speech is among all groups of Americans, especially those voters still on the fence, trying to evaluate the politics and humanity of the candidates and their followers.
Tucker Carlson didn’t disappoint, as Trump brilliantly planned. He started his speech calling Harris a “Samoan-Malaysian,” knowing she is neither Samoan or Malaysian, but the crowd saw the intrinsic brilliance of this remark and applauded wildly. He then pointed out her obvious low I.Q. Score a few more points for Trump and his superlative ability to choose boosters.
Then, after four hours of this non-stop display of dazzling declamations, we were treated to the star of the evening, Donald Trump. Not to be outdone by the previous hyper intelligent speakers, he then denounced his political rivals, telling us what should obviously be done to them and how he would invoke the Alien and Sedition Act of 1798, displaying not only his astonishing grasp of American history but his empathy and assistance to families fleeing economic hardship, war and political oppression. This was, perhaps, his most brilliant statement of the evening, spoken in the American city with the greatest population of immigrants, from its inception in the 1600’s to the present.
So, say what you will about Donald Trump, you have to admit this is a man of obvious integrity, unmatched oratorical skills and will undoubtedly follow in the footsteps of those world leaders he admires.
Eric Glass
Saugerties
Vote yes on Proposition 4
Back during the pandemic lockdown in the spring of 2020 after I completed my quarantine for a cough (and later tested negative thanks to a nose swab while in my car in a parking lot crowded with people dressed in medical moon suits), I set off on a quirky adventure. I lived in the Shirt Factory at the time, still rather new to town. Since there was little else to do with my afternoons, I set out to walk every street in Kingston, nor could I resist the alleyways and woods paths, the old trolley tunnel with a great echo, or my favorite discovery, the huge cave that our local Neanderthals
The big thing I learned: if you don’t plan ahead, as I don’t, you never know where you’ll wind up. One afternoon I was huffing up the steep streets of San Francisco (the Rondout). Another: wandering an obscure lane back into a little pocket of Montana (a secret). A third: skirting the railroad tracks (like a hobo) that started to sing moments before the train came round the bend.
The other thing I learned: this town has so many more special places than have yet been preserved by our parks. So I’m excited to vote for the Community Preservation Fund (Proposition 4) that will raise money from wealthier real estate sales. (The 1.25% tax only applies to the portion of the sale above the Ulster County median sales price.) If this tax had been created by 2021, this fund would already have $2 million to help Kingston acquire more parks and wild spaces. (Wait until they see my suggested shopping list.)
Marbletown, Red Hook and New Paltz are nearby communities with relatively recent community preservation funds already being used to create new parks or protect wetlands for their drinking water supplies.
To me, this has been a grim election season. Proposition 4 is the one vote I’ll cast with a sense of joy. Then I’ll go for a walk to visit a wild hideaway that may one day belong to us all.
Will Nixon
Kingston
Point of view | March Gallagher
Vote against Proposition 2
As the current comptroller of Ulster County, I urge voters to reject Proposition 2. While there may be positive parts of this proposal, cloaked in this measure are restrictive provisions that target the comptroller’s office, undermining its effectiveness and independence in ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely.
The Charter Revision Commission, which convened in 2022 and 2023, sought to update our county’s governing document. However, the proposed amendments considered by the legislature diverged significantly from the commission’s original recommendations. Most notably, the changes that did not require voter approval failed due to a controversial shift of appointment authority over the county planner to the county executive.
While I supported various necessary changes to the Charter, including banning outside income for the commissioner of finance — who recently pleaded guilty to grand larceny — Proposition 2 imposes these restrictions solely on the comptroller’s office. I do not hold outside employment and I do not object to the proposal applying to the comptroller’s position; however, there should be parity with the most senior financial position in Ulster County government — the commissioner of finance
Additionally, Proposition 2 mandates legislative approval of the comptroller’s succession plan, a requirement not imposed on the county clerk, county sheriff or county executive. Why should the county’s financial oversight be subject to a political approval process while the public safety or leadership of the county itself is not?
This inconsistency suggests a troubling trend of undermining the comptroller’s authority. These changes will hamper the effectiveness of the comptroller’s office and appears punitive for doing the job of oversight on the other branches of government.
Moreover, the proposition introduces a residency requirement for those named in the succession plan. While I believe that the comptroller should reside in Ulster County, mandating residency for potential successors limits the talent pool and complicates an already challenging recruitment landscape. It’s important to remember that current law already requires the comptroller to live in the county. This new requirement is redundant and unnecessary.
Ballot initiatives often pass with little opposition, and I acknowledge that I lack the resources for a large campaign against this one. However, I urge you to consider the implications of these proposed changes. Do they truly serve to enhance our government’s efficiency or accountability? Or are they an attempt to undermine the independence of the comptroller’s office for reasons that remain unclear?
I ask you to join me in voting no on Proposition 2. And then call your county legislator to create a sensible and fair approach that doesn’t restrict the independence of the comptroller’s office. Let’s ensure that our county government remains fair and effective for all.
Join the family! 
