The views and opinions expressed in our letters section are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Hudson Valley One. Submit a letter to the editor at deb@hudsonvalleyone.com.
Letter guidelines:
Hudson Valley One welcomes letters from its readers. Letters should be fewer than 300 words and submitted by noon on Monday. Our policy is to print as many letters to the editor as possible. As with all print publications, available space is determined by ads sold. If there is insufficient space in a given issue, letters will be approved based on established content standards. Points of View will also run at our discretion.
Although Hudson Valley One does not specifically limit the number of letters a reader can submit per month, the publication of letters written by frequent correspondents may be delayed to make room for less-often-heard voices, but they will all appear on our website at hudsonvalleyone.com. All letters should be signed and include the author’s address and telephone number.
Election letters
This week’s issue will be the last issue in which letters criticizing a candidate in the June 24 primary will be printed, so as to allow for a response. If space allows, letters endorsing a candidate that contain no criticism of his or her opponent will be accepted for publication in the June 18 issue. Our policy is to print as many letters to the editor as possible. As with all print publications, available space is determined by ads sold.
Deb Alexsa, Editor
Vote for Anula
We have a critical election coming up. The people of Woodstock will decide the next Woodstock supervisor. The candidates are Anula Courtis, Erin Moran and David Wallis.
With my strong interest in the environment and frequent attendance at Woodstock Environmental Commission (WEC) meetings, I had many interactions with Erin. I am an advocate of WEC accomplishments and was the needed third vote approving the Zena Critical Environmental Area (CEA). Erin repeatedly disrespected me at WEC meetings. One-on-one conversations to try to improve our relationship were followed by more instances of Erin’s public disrespect towards me. Erin’s disrespect towards me worsened when she became WEC acting chair. I stopped attending WEC meetings. A few months later, Erin quit the WEC, citing WEC meetings being too toxic. Town board meetings can also be toxic. We need a supervisor who is respectful, creates an environment where people want to work with them to make Woodstock better, does not drive people away and doesn’t quit when things get tough.
I don’t really know David. His digs at the current supervisor indicate to me that he doesn’t have clear knowledge of our laws, our town, or the realities of what it takes to make things happen. His petitions had easily correctable issues: witness address missing, page number missing, date abnormalities and other gaps that could render signatures invalid. The candidate is the leader of their campaign. David did not correct those issues before submitting those legal documents. When his petitions were challenged, putting David’s position on the ballot at risk, rather than taking responsibility for his petition carelessness, David accused others of not wanting a fair election. We need a supervisor who understands the complexities of Woodstock and the law and takes responsibility for their actions.
Anula is the only candidate with Woodstock Town Board experience. In addition, she has the experience of running her own business. She is continually building her knowledge. As her colleague on the town board, I appreciate her independent thought and insights as we discuss solutions to issues. We collaborate well. She led the STR fee adjustment with a tiered solution helping owner-occupied STR owners pay less while “business” STR owners pay more. She advocated for tax breaks for our long-time volunteer fire-fighters. Her caring about human rights is evident with her building and leadership of the Woodstock Human Rights Commission. In my many conversations with Anula, her caring for Woodstock is clear. She had the largest group of volunteers helping her gather petition signatures and received the most signatures. She is building momentum and is the most qualified candidate to be our next Woodstock supervisor.
Please join me in voting for Anula Courtis for Woodstock Supervisor on or before June 24, 2025.
Laura Ricci
Woodstock Town Council Member
Wallis will put out fires
Many Woodstockers have approached me as tree committee chair expressing fears of a forest fire engulfing our town. With smoke soon to arrive here from Canadian fires, I am sure those fears will be heightened once again. Planning for such an unwanted event has clearly been nonexistent and is long overdue. We clearly are unprepared at this time for such a disaster befalling us.
What many folks may not know is the role and responsibility a town supervisor has with regards to forest fires. Town supervisors lead the efforts to fight those fires and it is listed as one of their official duties in state code.
David Wallis is not only a very experienced professional journalist, he is also a fireman. He comes already equipped with the knowledge and experience to handle managing a forest fire event if it were to happen here.
Woodstock is way past ready for a new direction in leadership and David Wallis is a great choice to be our next supervisor.
And he knows how to fight fires!
Michael Veitch
Woodstock
Setting the record straight
As chairman of the Hurley Democratic Committee, I am writing to set the record straight. A recent letter to HV1 endorsed several candidates and was signed with the writer’s name and “Hurley Democratic Committee.” That writer is not authorized to speak for the committee and further, misrepresented who we had endorsed by the way she signed her letter. The Hurley Democratic Committee has endorsed five candidates, none of whom are mentioned in her letter. The candidates she supports failed to receive endorsement for office due to prior actions contrary to the interests of the committee and Hurley Democrats. I encourage voters to ignore her letter and to reach out to us for more information.
Peter McKnight, Chairman
Hurley Democratic Committee
Elect Ann Peters!
If you live in Legislative District 2 (Village of Saugerties, Malden, West Camp and Barclay Heights), I urge you to vote for Ann Peters for county legislator in the June 24 Democratic primary. Ann is the Ulster County Democratic Committee (UCDC) endorsed candidate and since beginning her campaign a few months ago she’s been tirelessly meeting voters, attending local and county meetings and events, always listening, hearing and caring.
Her boots-on-the-ground, levelheaded approach to learning and knowing what’s important to constituents is what Saugerties and the county need now more than ever. As a nine-year Saugertesian, Ann “gets it” — she cares about the issues that concern us all and brings a refreshingly sincere and selfless approach that will serve Saugerties and the county well.
Vote for Ann on June 24th in the primary to ensure we can all vote for her in the general election in November. Ann’s “in it to win it” — let’s help make it happen!
Andy Cowan, Vice Chair for UCDC Voter Outreach
Saugerties Democratic Committee
Ann Peters for county legislature
When choosing who to represent us in the county legislature, we want someone that is hard working and dedicated to the community, a person who is a self-starter and one that will follow through with results. And most of all, we want an individual that holds our Democratic values, supporting affordable housing and healthcare, job creation, protecting the environment and championing the vulnerable. Ann Peters is that person and I enthusiastically endorse her for county legislature. Please join me on June 24 in voting for Ann Peters.
Bill Barr
Saugerties
Bill Murray for legislator District 20
I am supporting Bill Murray for Ulster County Legislative District 20. I invite voters to join me to support the Ulster County Democratic Committee endorsed candidate in this upcoming primary so we can have Bill on the ballot in November.
I have only lived in the village a short time and have been particularly impressed with Bill’s service to the community. His presence on the village board has championed changes to make us safer like the creation of the local fire sprinkler law which requires new homes and large-home expansions to install fire sprinklers to protect egress routes. So it is no surprise that Bill is also a diligent and active member of our all-volunteer fire department. I have witnessed his passion for improving and expanding the housing stock. His service on the Ulster County planning board has provided him with insight for the need for affordable workforce housing if there is going to be economic development throughout the county.
Bill is also my choice because I found him approachable and available, which I believe makes for a responsive elected legislator. Finally, with early voting starting on June 14 at the New Paltz Community Center, there is the opportunity to let Bill know you appreciate his service to our community by casting your ballot for him. Primary day is June 24th. Don’t miss a chance to support someone who has supported the New Paltz community with his whole heart.
Tara Fitzpatrick, Member
New Paltz Democratic Committee
Bill Murray is the ideal choice to represent the interests of all New Paltzians at the county level
I’m writing to recommend my husband, William Wheeler Murray (the “other” Bill Murray!), for the position of county legislator representing New Paltz’s District 20. Early primary voting begins June 14.
Bill has served New Paltz with distinction for over a decade, first on the village planning board, then on the Ulster County planning board and as a twice-elected village trustee, and for the last nine years as a volunteer certified interior firefighter whom the New Paltz Fire Department twice named Firefighter of the Year. During two terms on the village board, Bill has continually stepped up to do the right thing and make things happen. The new Hasbrouck Playground build he co-organized comes to mind, as does the very successful community program he established for homebound seniors during the pandemic. Bill has smart ideas and follows through, as when he led the quest to save the Joseph Wyncoop house from demolition that resulted in the founding of the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Black History Cultural Center.
County legislators enact local laws and represent the interests of their constituents. Bill already has a record of introducing and getting passed meaningful legislation such as the village’s important fire sprinkler law for new construction and working with then-NY State Senator Jen Metzger to increase statewide the volunteer firefighter service award. His insight, work ethic, character and compassion make him the ideal choice to represent the interests of all New Paltzians at the county level.
I thought of these qualities the other night after another joyous New Paltz Pride, as I waited for Bill to lower the flags in front of village hall and get them safely stored away. A great many of his community contributions go unrecognized, which is fine with him. But he is the best person for this job and will make a superb legislator. Vote for Bill Murray! Thank you!
June Omura Wheeler
New Paltz
Former town supervisor endorses Bill Murray
As the former Town of New Paltz supervisor who has worked closely with previous county legislators to benefit both the town and village of New Paltz, I am proud to endorse Village of New Paltz trustee William (Bill) Murray for Ulster County Legislative District No. 20, representing the village and town of New Paltz, in the upcoming June primary.
Bill has also earned the endorsement of our county’s Democratic Committee, and for good reason. As a longtime village resident and active community member, he understands the needs of our district firsthand. He has served on the village planning board and has been elected twice to the village board of trustees. He also served nine years on the Ulster County Planning Board.
In addition to his civic leadership, Bill has been twice recognized as Firefighter of the Year by the New Paltz Fire Department — Ulster County’s busiest volunteer fire department, which responds to an average of two calls per day. His dedication to public safety, housing solutions and emergency services is rooted in experience and commitment. Bill Murray knows the challenges our community faces — and how to address them. As a resident of the district, I wholeheartedly support his candidacy and encourage others in District 20 to do the same.
Neil Bettez
New Paltz
Great expectations
Over the years I would listen to what candidates for the Woodstock Town Board had to say and their answers to various questions. Not knowing many of them personally, but based upon their reputations, I would vote for them, expecting the best. Instead, what I got, along with other issues, was the shady dump fiasco, problems regarding the noise and short-term rental regulations, the destruction of the Big and Little Deep, the constant violations of our zoning law and lack of vision from those elected officials.
Finally, there is a candidate who has a vision for our future and who has a vast knowledge of, not only our zoning law, but also the proper procedures involved in how to get things done properly. That candidate I know personally and respect is Marcel Nagele.
Howard Harris
Woodstock
My vote against the sound ordinance
I write to explain why I cast the lone dissenting vote against the proposed sound ordinance at last week’s town board meeting. While I understand my colleagues’ concerns about noise complaints, I believe this ordinance threatens the very soul of our community.
Woodstock has been a beacon for artists and musicians for over a century. From the Maverick concerts in 1916 to the legendary 1969 festival that bore our name, music flows through our town’s DNA. We are not just any municipality — we are a colony of the arts, a place where creativity has always found sanctuary.
The proposed ordinance, with its restrictive decibel limits and early cutoff times on Fridays and Saturdays, would effectively silence the intimate venues and spontaneous performances that make Woodstock special. Where will emerging artists showcase their talents? How can we nurture the next generation of musicians if we legislate away their stages?
Yes, we must be good neighbors and address legitimate concerns about excessive noise. But overly broad restrictions will drive away the artists who define our character and economy. Tourism, local businesses, and our cultural reputation all depend on maintaining Woodstock’s authentic artistic spirit.
I propose we work together on targeted solutions: designated music zones, seasonal variations for outdoor events, and mediation processes for specific complaints. We can protect residents’ quality of life without sacrificing our artistic heritage.
Woodstock’s magic lies in its balance between pastoral tranquility and creative energy. Let’s preserve both, not choose sides in a false battle between silence and song.
Anula Courtis, Town Board Member
Woodstock
An endorsement for David Wallis and Marcel Nagele
I support David Wallis for supervisor and Marcel Nagele for town board.
As to the supervisor’s race, one candidate, in my opinion, is thoroughly unqualified for anything.
The other has been on the town board for at least a year and for the most part voted in lock step with our present supervisor.
Here in Woodstock, we have too many critical issues that have needed to be addressed over the past few years. First there are the likely related issues of the contaminated dump in Shady as well as ever increasing presence of toxins in our drinking water supply. The source of those toxins might be Shady as the dumped contaminates sit on top of our aquifer, but no source testing has been done since the initial dumping in 2019 to see if the leached particulates have travelled as far as our water supply.
Anula has labeled herself the water candidate, but she has voted against immediately cleaning up the environmental disaster and Shady, and has taken no steps to clean up or source test the toxins that are ever increasing and are drinking water supply. She claims she didn’t vote for the cleanup resolution of the town board minority because she thought it was somehow legally infirm. Yet she has never detailed what in particular she thought was improper about the resolution, did nothing to work with the minority to improve on the resolution if it indeed needs that, and she has never come forward with her own resolution to clean up the Shady dump or to do actual source testing.
On the other hand, David Wallis has discussed specifics about cleaning up Shady and has committed to making that happen as a priority. And Marcel Nagele, who is running for town board, has moved heaven and earth as an unelected unaffected resident to try to help the Eighmys who have borne the brunt of this environmental disaster.
Anula and the unqualified (in my opinion) Erin Moran held a town hall on the water problem. I was very pleased to see that it was happening until I actually showed up. While residents of the town were allowed to submit questions, the posed questions were highly edited to minimize the problem of the poison in our water supply, ignored the problem of Shady contamination altogether and didn’t allow residents to ask follow-up questions. It was so ineffective and in some ways misleading that Woodstockers United for Change held a subsequent town hall so residents could get actual water experts to answer all of their questions.
Both David Wallis and Marcele have focused on the active solutions to protect the health and quality of our drinking water. We’ve needed this since 2022 when the poisons were first detected and certainly by 2023 when the amount of poison in our drinking water quadrupled.
Those poisons remain thanks to the inaction of our town board majority of which Anula is a member.
There are other critical issues in town which should have been dealt with years ago. Anyone who has been aligned with McKenna’s inaction cannot be allowed to step into his shoes. We cannot vote based on enticing rhetoric when her record stands in contrast.
Both David Wallis and Marcele Nagele promised prompt action on these and other issues including affordable housing, usable streets, and have discussed specifics that could be followed to put that into effect. They are more than worth a chance. They have my vote.
Stephanie Kaplan
Woodstock
Hold public officials accountable in Hurley
In last weeks edition of HV1, Hurley town supervisor Mike. Boms touted the town’s new highway garage project as a sign of progress. But is it? The proposed new location, in the West Hurley Park on Dug Hill Road, is ill conceived at best. Why should town residents have their 53-acre state designated parklands ruined by a new highway garage facility being situated in the middle of the town park?
Why was there no public hearing on the matter? For lead agencies, in this case the town, it may not be mandatory for a public hearing, but town officials still should feel obligated to explain and justify their decision-making to the public, in a hearing where feedback can be solicited. In the matter of the new town highway garage proposed location, they felt there was no such obligation. Was it simply the path of this resistance, to not encounter any opposition from town residents who might be against the idea?
Requiring a state park lands alienation amendment to state constitution, the project proposal seems both counter intuitive and counter logical. It’s impractical and suggests a lack of serious planning, or consideration for potential consequences. The proposed eight-acre new highway garage facility located, in the town park, currently hosts a network of existing hiking trails, leading to culturally and environmentally sensitive areas. The proposed highway garage location is adjacent to and behind the baseball field and near other park facilities. There will be no avoiding the sights, sounds and smells typical to a town highway garage and maintenance operation. Simply stated: It’s incongruous within a town park, and those using the park will be forever affected by its presence. The town’s attitude seems to be that park users will just get use to it being there.
Right now from the playground looking across the ballfield, the view is of pristine forested woodlands, with some towering pines. In those woods are trails leading to quarries and gorges. Local and regional Indigenous peoples have held events including ceremony, in the park. What will the view be once there’s a highway maintenance facility in the woods beyond the ballfield?
The town is proposing swapping and redesignating eight acres in a contiguous 35-acre vacant lot, for the current eight acres of parkland being alienated by an amendment to the state constitution. But why? Why not look to build the new highway garage on the nearby, adjacent vacant 35-acre parcel and preserve the parklands? Could it be because town officials who currently own lands contiguous to the proposed highway garage location could benefit directly from upgrades in access and services to the proposed location in the park. It’s a glaring appearance of a conflict of interest the town is choosing to ignore. The Ulster County Real Property Tax Office lists the wife of the current town highway supervisor, as the owner the the parcel contiguous to the lot where the new highway garage is proposed. So, there appears to be a conflict of interest in siting the highway garage adjacent to that location.
Make sure by your vote, to hold public officials accountable and ask yourself if your little corner of the our town is better or worse from how it’s been before.
Glenn Kreisberg
Hurley
One board will save time for staff and electeds, to improve delivery of services
(PART 1: five select examples below to keep this letter within word limit. Seven more next week)
Part of being mayor involves managing a never-ending to-do list across various topics, including topics no one anticipated. When I ran for mayor in 2015, I did not know about or understand several issues listed below. I’ve learned on the job.
As mayor, I spend a great deal of time keeping track of and figuring out various puzzles. I enjoy the puzzles and think I’m relatively okay at the job. But having now served for the last ten years, I believe New Paltz has a superfluous layer of government.
Incorporated in 1887, the village was created to pay for fire hydrants in the more dense part of town. Lots has changed and been added to the to-do lists required to maintain two boards. Fire hydrants are now located throughout the town and village.
Having two boards involves puzzles that are merely unnecessary, but also ones with unintended consequences that create inequities for different community members. Staff and electeds could spend more of their valuable time on local government tasks that directly serve the community, instead of preserving a propped up bureaucratic layer of government.
New Paltz needs to finalize work on one empowered local government of staff and electeds. Five select examples of unnecessary “funding formulas” needed to run two governments:
1. Mortgage recording tax distribution formula (based on assessed values of ~75% town/25% village). Example of the problem: all transactions could take place outside the village but the village would still receive 25% of this revenue.
2. Cannabis sales tax distribution formula (Per NYS law: 50/50 split between T&V for tax revenue generated in the village. For tax revenue generated outside the village, zero for the village and 100% for the town. Precisely why our village focused on getting one of the first dispensaries in the NYS.)
3. General sales tax distribution formula (per county sales tax sharing agreement and NYS case law: based on assessed values of ~75% town/25% village. Note there is no consideration for the village’s larger population, or hosting the tax-exempt university.)
4. Another example of problematic distribution of revenues: As the town’s tax levy keeps going up, but the village works hard to keep theirs steady, village residents receive a smaller share from PILOTs like Woodland Pond’s.
5. How streetlights are paid for by T&V taxpayers (village pays for all village streetlights plus a portion of the streetlights in town outside the village via the townwide A fund)
Mayor Tim Rogers
New Paltz
RoseAnn (Gypsy) Doherty-Vinicor obituary
Last week, in the obituary I wrote about my beloved wife, Gypsy, I totally blanked and unintentionally failed to mention my wonderful son-in-law, Sean, in the names of survivors. Without Sean, there would have been no Owen, my adorable little grandson. So sorry, Sean!
Mitch Vinicor
Bearsville
Vote for the Endorsed Hurley Candidates
At the January and May meetings of the Hurley Democratic Committee, we endorsed the following candidates for town offices in the June 24th primary:
• Peter Humphries for town supervisor — as a former town board member and deputy supervisor, he took the Hurley Transfer Station from running annual deficits to annual surpluses. He’s been praised by Josh Riley for leading a local food bank and he is opposed to raising town taxes.
• Lynne Bailey for town clerk — Lynne is improving service with extended hours, stability, oversight and record keeping initiatives. She’s the co-founder of Hurley’s Climate Smart Task Force and she’s a tech savvy finance expert.
• John Wiacek for highway superintendent — John knows how to run a highway department because as former deputy superintendent he has done it. He has performed his job with honesty, integrity and humility and has worked alongside his co-workers in service of Hurley residents.
• Griff Liewa for town board — Griff is a valued planning board member, small business owner and a long time Hurley resident. He wants to improve consensus, make the town board more efficient and effective, do more to help our seniors, and bring back the events that celebrate Hurley’s rich history.
• Debbie Dougherty for town board — Debbie’s an active town board member, listening to residents and solving problems. She led in the creation of the Hurley Ambulance Service and established the safety committee.
These candidates were chosen because of their commitment to the betterment of our town, their desire for unity and their ability to do the job. They were also chosen because of their history of supporting their fellow Democrats and they are NOT beholden to the Hurley Republican Party and large developers. Thank you for supporting the endorsed candidates in the primary!
Joseph Letendre
West Hurley
Join me in supporting Ann Peters
In speaking with Ann Peters, I find Ann has demonstrated a thorough grasp of the issues facing our town and county and has shown her concern by reaching out and listening to voters in Legislative District 2.
She will support initiatives that create good-paying jobs and bolster small businesses. She is a strong advocate for social justice and equality for all. While she will push for sustainable affordable and workforce housing, she will work to prevent overdevelopment that threatens our pristine land and safe water.
Ann is a smart, compassionate woman who will represent Saugerties residents on the Ulster County legislature with integrity and dedication.
I am voting for Ann Peters for Legislative District 2 (covering the Village of Saugerties, Malden, West Camp and Barclay Heights) in the Democratic primary in June (early is voting June14-22 and primary day June 24). I hope all eligible Democratic voters in Legislative District 2 will join me in supporting Ann.
Marcus Arthur
Saugerties
Chris Allen has demonstrated a proven ability to serve District 2
To my fellow Democratic voters: Don’t miss out on an opportunity to vote for experience, enthusiasm and commitment on June 24th in the Democratic primary for county legislature, District 2, Saugerties, Malden and West Camp. Chris Allen has demonstrated a proven ability to serve the district. Chris understands the needs of his constituents and has a history of being responsive and available to them. Chris is a native Saugerties resident and has lived in the area for 44 years and has watched as the area has grown and changed over the years. His unique perspectives on what Saugerties once was and what it has become allow him to understand the needs and concerns of residents in the community. Chris is ready to hit the ground running with over a dozen ideas for improved government services and efficiency in 2026 in what will be his third term back in office.
Unfortunately, the other two candidates in the Democratic party primary chose not to participate in a candidates’ forum debate, which would have clarified their positions on the issues that concern residents in District 2; however, Chris being the only candidate who did wish to engage in an open forum debate will attempt to explain his positions to all the voters in District 2 prior to June 24th. Chris believes that people are more important than backroom politics. Don’t forget to vote for Chris Allen on June 24th or during early voting. He is clearly the best choice for county legislature!
Mary Carroll
Saugerties
I thank you for your vote
I want to thank all of the voters in the Village of Saugerties, Barclay Heights, Malden and West Camp with whom I have interacted with since the beginning of the year about my desire to represent the county legislature in District 2 for a second time. I am involved in a Democratic Party primary with two other candidates with early voting to take place at the Community Centers of Woodstock, Kingston and New Paltz from June 14-22 and on Tuesday, June 24 in Saugerties at your normal polling location from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Being a Policy Wonk Democrat, I am running on over a dozen platform ideas about policies, rule changes and laws that I will attempt to implement upon taking office again in 2026. Having served in the county legislature from 2014-2017, I possess a complete understanding about all aspects of county governmental operations. As District 2’s representative from 2014-17, I regularly attended 90% of village board meetings and over half of the town board meetings in Saugerties, and I constantly interact with town and village officials on addressing constituent concerns that were related to town and village government services. This was part of the extra work that I put into the representation of District 2 in addition to having had a 98% attendance record for monthly meetings and a 96% attendance record for committee meetings in the legislature. I took the job very seriously then, as I will now!
Over the last 3 ½ years, I have attended 90% of the county legislature’s meetings in person and watched the other 10% online. During these meetings, I spoke up during public comment a dozen times about issues that affect the residents of District 2; like: increasing services at the Office for the Aging, veterans affairs and with UCAT bus services, improving upon healthcare services and mental health services, protecting our clean air by establishing more air quality monitoring stations and planting trees, protecting our water supplies and having climate-friendly economic and housing development that respects the residents of Ulster County.
In my platform, I am also presenting ideas that will make rule changes in the legislature to create a more professional environment that is filled with less drama. Having followed the legislature so closely since I left office, I am highly aware of the changing needs that Ulster County has since I left office in 2018. The need for more affordable housing and mental health services has increased as has the need for more career-oriented jobs being added to the Ulster County area. I will work to promote our arts, entertainment and film industries, as these are important aspects of our economy as are the educational and health industries. In addition, we need to continue to support our local farmers who provide such high-quality food to New York State!
And, we can’t overlook the need for more computer-based and manufacturing jobs in Ulster County!
Our sources of revenue in Ulster County have changed, as the tourism industry has grown while state and federal grants will likely diminish due to upcoming federal and state budget cuts. Having served on the Ways and Means Committee for three of my four years in the county legislature, I possess the knowledge and experience at analyzing these impending budgetary issues and making the right decisions for the residents of Saugerties. My experience, knowledge, education and the specificity of my ideas is what separates me from the other two candidates. I have attended all of these meetings and presented over a dozen platform ideas; they have not! I thank you for your vote and love hearing “thank you” when I fulfill constituent service requests!
Chris Allen, Candidate
Ulster County Legislature, District 2
Saugerties
My take on the race
There are three candidates running for Woodstock town supervisor. Here is my take on the race.
Erin Moran has been embroiled in controversies, from her claim to one-dollar ownership of Yankeetown Pond and her denial of its use to neighbors who have enjoyed it for years, to the demeaning and obscene way she’s communicated in public toward neighbors, including a child and on email. At the candidates’ forums, her answers have demonstrated her unsuitability for the position. In response to a question about tracing the source of the carcinogenic chemicals in our drinking water, her bewildering answer was that “after several years you’re left with not much more information than when you started.” And when the question was about NIMBYism as it pertains to developing affordable housing, her response, “NIMBYism… I don’t think there are many people in Woodstock who are NIMBYism people,” drew widespread laughter from the otherwise silent audience.
Anula Courtis has produced a rash of proposals since the kickoff to her candidacy. While some seem devoid of real content, others of her ideas have serious merit. But where were they during the one-and-a-half years she has served on the town board, when little has been accomplished and she voted almost entirely in lockstep with Supervisor McKenna? That includes her vote against a resolution to clean up the Shady dump and abetting the supervisor’s avoidance of real source tracing of our PFAS contamination. So here, to me, is the big issue. Because candidate Moran is such a close friend of Supervisor McKenna and because candidate Courtis has been his colleague, supporting him faithfully on these issues during her tenure, can either truly be relied on to actually trace the carcinogenic contamination perhaps to its single most likely source, the Shady dump, and take the legal steps necessary to do what Supervisor McKenna refused to do? Would they be willing to expose the negligence, intransparency and disinformation by the supervisor and his board that have led us to where we are?
David Wallis has promised to do just that. He is not tied to the outgoing administration, nor the network of people that have held undue influence over our town’s direction for too long, nor the conflicts of interest that have raised concerns. He is a lifelong Democrat, not one of convenience, whose focus is not so much on the wealthy Woodstockers who don’t need the help of governance, but on the struggling individuals and families who are the backbone of what Woodstock once was and could, at least to some degree, be again. His platform includes doing whatever it takes to clean up Shady, remediate the contamination of our drinking water, facilitate the building of affordable housing, oppose the zoning changes that will not bring us that affordable housing but will open up Woodstock to predatory overdevelopment, establish a warming/cooling center for our homeless and vulnerable populations, set up an emergency alert system, draft a real, principled and concrete human rights resolution and bring humane, democratic, participatory government back to Woodstock. Yes, I disagree with him on closing Woodstock Elementary, but that’s not in the purview of the Supervisor, and at least he had the integrity to not waffle the way politicians do in order to pander for votes. For these reasons, he has earned mine.
Alan M. Weber
Woodstock
The beautification committee needs to be revived
I noticed that there was an empty space on the sign on Route 299 near the Thruway exit that has all the religious information. I called the New Paltz town clerk and was transferred to Amy in the building department. I explained that I passed by the sign saying that there should be a Quaker sign there.
In fact, we were offered that spot, but never followed through.
At 10 a.m., Amy said very enthusiastically that she would get right on it. At 4 p.m., she called me back to say that she had spoken to six committees and apparently it was under the auspices of the beautification committee, but unfortunately there was no one on it. But she informed me that I could write a letter of intent to join it.
So I brought my letter of intent to the town clerk and the issue of reviving the committee was put on the agenda for the next town board meeting. Despite the meeting lasting five hours, they apparently could not spend a few minutes to do the no brainer of reviving the much-needed beautification committee.
Every day when I go by the Welcome to New Paltz sign, there is garbage in front of it. Also the sign needs to be repainted and the sign below is filthy. Fortunately, with the help of some Woodland Pond volunteers and people like myself, Route 299 has become pristine, but we still have to pick up new litter every day.
In HV1 every week for many months there is a notice that the Town on New Paltz is seeking volunteers to serve on the ethics board, planning board, public access committee and recreation committee. When I met with Amanda, the town supervisor, I was told that the beautification committee no longer exists, although she did admit it would be a good idea.
I am completely baffled why in HV1 a call for volunteers to serve on the beautification committee is not listed and why the committee as of now doesn’t actually exist.
Although I am all in favor of turning tourists away even if it means local business will lose a significant amount of revenue, I would think that the town government should think differently. Apparently they do not. I think it is time for a change and I fully support Tim Rogers, a man who I think would have the good sense to revive the much-needed beautification committee.
Johanan Rosett
New Paltz
Chris Allen will offer transparency and accountability
At a recent meeting of the Saugerties Democratic Committee, I witnessed a revealing debate about whether the committee should host a public forum for the three candidates running for Ulster County Legislature in District 2. One would assume that giving voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates would be an obvious “yes.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case — especially when the favored candidate might be asked tough questions.
Anne Peters received the committee’s endorsement, not through broad consensus, but from just four individuals. Two of whom do not live in the legislative district, District 2. That’s not representative democracy — it’s backroom politics.
More concerning was Ms. Peters’ dismissive attitude. She grew defensive and admitted that she didn’t respond to a questionnaire by a local political group because the questions were “too broad.” Engaging with the press is a basic responsibility for anyone seeking office.
To her credit, candidate Nina Schmidbauer noted that a public forum should have taken place before any endorsements. Still, neither she nor Ms. Peters seemed interested in participating.
In contrast, Chris Allen welcomed the idea. He showed a clear willingness to engage with voters, spoke thoughtfully and demonstrated genuine passion for the role. His openness and enthusiasm are refreshing.
Regardless of where you stand politically, voters deserve transparency and accountability. Chris Allen has shown he’s ready to offer both. He may be the one truly prepared to represent us — openly and honestly.
Janice Avery
Saugerties
Chris Allen is the best candidate hands down!
I am writing this letter urging Democratic voters in the Village of Saugerties, Barclay Heights, Malden and West Camp to vote on Tuesday June 24th for Chris Allen for Ulster County Legislature or during early voting in Kingston or Woodstock from June 14-22. Chris is running to get back into the county legislature after serving as the District 2 legislator from 2014-17.
Chris is highly intelligent, very well educated and knowledgeable about all aspects of county government operations. Chris has over a dozen ideas to work towards implementing upon his return to the county legislature. Chris is very responsive to the needs of the constituents he serves and regularly attends extra governmental meetings in the village and town of Saugerties. Chris takes the job very seriously and is always available to assist constituents with any requests for service or questions that they may have. It is rare to find elected officials who are as accessible and knowledgeable as Chris.
If voters have ever engaged Chris in conversation, they immediately hear his knowledge, experience and drive to serve his constituents. Chris was the only candidate out of the three who passionately pressed for a candidates’ forum debate to be held in Saugerties and sponsored by the local Democratic Committee. Unfortunately, the other two candidates, their campaign managers and supporters, all voted against having such an open forum. Consequently, the voters in District 2 will have to base their decisions on which candidate to vote for based upon their perceptions of who has the best ideas the deepest understanding of county government and the most experience in addressing the needs of residents in District 2. The choice is clear: vote for Chris Allen for Ulster County Legislature in the District 2 Democratic primary, he is the best candidate hands down!
Dave Tomlins
Saugerties
Ignored by the insiders, respected by the voters: Chris Allen for legislature
I’m also writing to express my support for Chris Allen, candidate for Ulster County Legislature in District 2. Chris isn’t just running to hold a title — he knows the job, and more importantly, he knows why he’s running. He makes a difference — positively!
Chris has served in the legislature before and it shows. He understands how county government works and how things get done. What sets him apart is that he’s not just talking in vague terms — he has real ideas and specific goals he wants to put into action. That tells me he’s thought about the issues, done the work and is ready to serve.
He’s also one of the most available and responsive candidates I’ve seen. Chris listens to constituents, follows up and takes their concerns seriously. That kind of accessibility and follow-through is exactly what we need in our local government.
Dr. Ken Germano
Saugerties
Chris Allen sees people like me
As a senior citizen and longtime resident of Saugerties, I’ve watched this area change a lot over the years — and not always for the better. Lately, it feels like people like me, who’ve spent decades working, raising families and supporting this community, are being pushed aside. The cost of living is through the roof, housing is going up that none of us can afford, and the people in power don’t seem to notice — or care.
In the Ulster County Legislature District 2 race, the other candidates may be nice enough, but when asked what they’ll do or why they’re running, their answers are vague and uninspired. It feels like they just want to be part of the system — not change it.
That’s why I’m supporting Chris Allen. He actually sees us. He understands that seniors deserve to age in place with dignity, not be priced out or ignored. He’s committed to expanding Office for the Aging services and fighting for those of us the current political class often overlooks.
We need someone who speaks up, not just fits in. Vote for Chris Allen because real representation means not forgetting the people who’ve been here all along.
Patricia McCoy
Saugerties
Powerful words from Larry Winters
Thank you to Larry Winters for writing from the depths of his soul, and thank you to Hudson Valley One for printing his letters every week. I save them and reread them whenever I feel like the world around me is becoming just a little too much to tolerate. His words are the delicate thread I reach for and hang onto when I need to keep myself from falling into the ugly abyss of today’s harsh reality.
Brenda Elliott
New Paltz
Ee-elect Mike Boms as Town of Hurley supervisor
This letter is in high support of re-electing Mike Boms as Town of Hurley supervisor, based on his accomplishments during time on the Hurley Town Board (six years), and his last two years as town supervisor. Please vote for him in this month’s Democratic primary.
In 2016, because up to a third of Town of Hurley residents did not have access to cable (and therefore hi-speed internet), Mike got interested in Hurley politics. In his mind, this was something that simply had to be fixed. He spearheaded the charge, pestering Spectrum relentlessly and worked with the town government to demand every resident in Hurley receive service. Although deemed “impossible!” by most, fortunately, by the time Covid hit, every resident of our town had access to Spectrum and high-speed internet.
During his time as Hurley’s town supervisor, Mike has cemented his “get-it-done” reputation. In fact, once Melinda McKnight’s (with deputy supervisor Peter Humphries) divisive and disastrous two-year administration left, Mike walked into a town office literally stripped of furniture and computer equipment. And worse, a town staff, stripped of its morale and team spirit. He began immediately with an inviting and collaborative approach.
Although shocked to discover the town’s financial books were in complete disarray, with unpaid bills and funds up to $500,000 unaccounted for, he didn’t flinch. Putting finances into order with the help of consulting experts and the town board, Hurley’s accounting is now following best practices and clear procedures. Currently, the Office of the State Comptroller is performing a financial review of the 22-23 McKnight-Humphries administration budget. Throughout this process, he refused to publicly shame or blame those who preceded him.
More recently, Mike and his administration have secured a $1.325 million NYS DEC grant to fund a solution to the 20-year-old problem of serious pollutants in the leachate surrounding the closed Town of Hurley landfill. In addition, a pilot study to remove serious PFOA and PFAS pollutants from the leachate has been conducted, with a promising solution at hand. This was done with zero cost to the Town of Hurley!
Other remarkable achievements during Mike Boms’ administration include 1) Establishing a town-wide ambulance service, to be up and running this year, 2) Siting and building a new highway garage by end of year, after the old building was condemned in 2022, 3) Rehabilitating the town park on Dug Hill Road, while initiating a recreation program, 4) Converting the vacant old Hurley library, into a new Hurley Heritage Community Center, to be shared by all Hurley residents.
I urge Hurley Democrats — vote for Mike Boms.
Ellen Levine
Hurley
And just like that
The government passes a law, and suddenly the next day, there are hundreds of thousands of new criminals.
Sparrow
Phoenicia
I urge Saugerties to vote for Chris Allen for Legislative District 2
I have known Chris Allen for many years.
I recall vividly his time as a legislator. Despite being actively involved in caring for aging parents, he spent more time on his job than most other elected officials; constituent services; writing legislation; partnering with other officials on initiatives. He is a one of a kind … extremely smart, highly knowledgeable and seriously committed to finding productive solutions to the problems that face Ulster County. Also, if you want an answer, he is extremely forthcoming in describing the problem and the solution. He will be an asset to the legislature and Saugerties.
Although I live in Gardiner, Saugerties has a special place in my heart, as my grandparents lived there.
I urge Saugerties to vote for Chris Allen for Legislative District 2 in the June 24 Democratic primary.
Tim Hunter
Gardiner
Wallis for Woodstock
After 3 ½ terms of Bill McKenna, Woodstock clearly needs change. Fortunately, David Wallis is the right candidate to help heal the divisiveness and take this town in a healthier direction.
Supervisor McKenna’s cronyism and disregard for town and state laws has left a legacy of:
Multiple lawsuits and settlements from his handling of police department disciplinary matters and his failure to correct an atmosphere of hostility and discrimination.
Failure to notify residents drinking town water of the initial determination of dangerous ‘forever chemicals’(PFAS) in the water supply until concerned citizens made the problem known.
Incurring lawsuits against the town for failing to enforce the town’s own strong law regarding illegal dumping of construction waste.
Paying huge legal fees — your tax dollars — to prevent the clean-up of Shady dump in opposition to his Church and Reynolds roads neighbors who have fought at their own expense for the town to enforce its own solid waste laws.
Promoting a new noise ordinance that seeks to criminalize outdoor music instead of providing a constructive framework to satisfy complaints and concerns. (Just bring neighbors and venue owners together to solve problems instead of magnifying problems that can be avoided.)
Dismissing the chair of the Woodstock Environmental Commission right after the commission issued a letter to the town board indicating Shady dump had to be cleaned up. And, replacing her with Erin Moran (also running for supervisor) who would not even allow discussion of the illegal dump and did everything she could to protect the supervisor as she presided over the dissolution of the commission.
And to top it off, a sham “Water Town Hall” held by Town Board Member Anula Courtis (also a candidate for supervisor) which featured a panel that minimized the significance of the forever chemicals in our water supply, with no hydrologist present as had been advertised, and prevented any questions being asked except in written form so that her cohort Erin Moran could remove any relevant question before it could be asked of the panel.
Enough is enough. Of the three individuals running for the Woodstock supervisor’s position — one a current town board member that has supported the supervisor’s destructive agenda throughout her term, another who mismanaged the Woodstock Environmental Commission until it disbanded, and is allegedly stealing water rights from her neighbors around Yankeetown Pond, and journalist David Wallis, who is willing to demonstrate the courage of his convictions by inheriting this mess. For the Town of Woodstock, the power of your vote may never again be so important.
Vince Mow
Saugerties
Wholeheartedly for Gotto
In my mind there is no question … Amanda Gotto is the best choice for New Paltz Town Supervisor. Since Amanda took office, she’s been working tirelessly to do the right thing for our town. Open communication with us constituents, honest about the challenges and creative with solutions, she deserves to complete the job she started.
Her opponent can continue serving as mayor until the consolidation happens, if it happens. Win-win.
Sherrill Silver
New Paltz
Vote for Amanda for New Paltz supervisor on June 24
I first met Amanda Gotto when she was involved in the New Paltz Climate Smart group. I had sent an inquiry to the group looking for people to help build a compost system for our community center. Amanda jumped right in and was instrumental in making the project happen. I remember her saying, “I want to stop talking about doing stuff and start doing!” She’s taken this attitude to her supervisor position, working full force and long hours, managing the complex Henry DuBois project or looking to solarize the town’s electricity usage, always careful to minimize the increase in the town budget.
We are lucky to have Amanda working so hard for us. Tim Rogers is working hard for us on other projects as mayor. Why not keep them both? Vote for Amanda for New Paltz supervisor, June 24th.
Joanna Dempsey
New Paltz
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are solely my own and not those of the Town of New Paltz.
Tim Rogers leads with clarity, truth and fairness
Tim Rogers’ proven track record is clear: he has demonstrated for over a decade that he leads with clarity, truth and fairness. He’s been mayor for ten years and during his tenure the tax rate has remained flat, village services have been reliable and infrastructure has been updated, $20 million in grants have been garnered to improve systems and reduce tax burden and residents know so much more about how local government works because of his consistent and readily understandable communications with the community.
Tim is approachable and an excellent listener. Agree or disagree with him, constituents feel comfortable seeking his input, counsel and help because they know he will take what he has learned from them to better lead our community. Tim does not shy away from complicated or tricky issues and problems. Want to know his point of view on any of the many challenges facing local government? A quick search will likely find you your answers in one of his many letters to the editor or social media posts. There’s no secrets as to where Tim stands. He is responsive and transparent.
Tim is fully present. I regularly see him walking down Main Street, chatting and engaging with members of the community. He is not hard to find if you have a question or request. And I often do. His accessibility is deeply appreciated by many. As a small business owner of three businesses, I hear this all the time from my customers, as well as from the many volunteers I work with on community events. In times of uncertainty his presence and responsiveness is valued now more than ever. I feel extremely fortunate to live in a place with a vested and diligent mayor like Tim.
Tim has already delivered for us, let’s make sure we can continue to have such a competent and committed leader moving forward. As a lifelong New Paltz resident, I absolutely trust Tim’s deeply informed vision for our town’s future. Please join me in voting for him in the Democratic primary for New Paltz town supervisor. Early voting starts on June 14th, info here: https://elections.ulstercountyny.gov/early-voting/ and you can look up your enrollment and poll location for June 24th here: https://vic.ntsdata.com/home/ulster.
Theresa Fall
Proprietor Jar’d Wine Pub
Co-owner the Parish Restaurant
New Paltz
Vote no on Erin Mo!
The true owners of Yankeetown Pond urge you not to vote for Erin Moran for town supervisor. Effective leadership requires strong decision-making, communication, problem-solving, financial management and community engagement. We believe Erin lacks these essential qualifications and have outlined examples that in our view demonstrate her unfitness for the role.
For instance:
Leadership and decision-making failures
• At a candidate forum, Erin dismissed the need for an independent grant writer, instead suggesting a college student could handle the task.
Based upon pond water overflowing from Yankeetown Pond onto Pond Road, Erin installed a water leveler, without anyone’s consent which was detrimental to the pond itself. The overflow of water had previously been maintained by digging out the ditch along Pond Road.
• Erin called police on two property owners lawfully clearing debris to prevent overflowing — one elderly resident was even arrested despite his long history of controlling the pond’s overflow.
Unprofessional and aggressive behavior
• Erin routinely harasses residents, including seniors and adolescents. She once made obscene gestures toward a 12-year-old and directed him to relay an offensive message to his mother (https://m.facebook.com/groups/678854045580383/permalink/3768333013299122/?).
• She falsely claimed ownership of a neighbor’s property, tore down “for sale” signs and pushed a legal battle outside Woodstock to avoid local bias due to her husband’s position as a Woodstock town justice.
• Erin allegedly tried to hit a senior resident with her car — twice. (Police report available.)
• Suspiciously, poison ivy growing near her mailbox was cut down and left where community members hold weekly gatherings.
Problem-solving and crisis management failures
• Erin disrupted a community gathering at Yankeetown Pond, attempting to provoke attendees. When unsuccessful, she used her influence with police to block access — wasting taxpayer resources.
Lack of transparency and community engagement
• Erin fraudulently claimed ownership of Yankeetown Pond by filing a quitclaim deed for $1, though the land legally belongs to 29 Woodstock taxpayers. This is now in litigation.
• She installed a fence without consulting rightful owners, posted no-trespassing signs and violated permit requirements. The pond has always been open for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Unfit to Govern
• At the May 8 and May 22 candidate nights, Erin was unprepared, offering vague and superficial responses. She talks about kindness and civility, yet her behavior contradicts those principles.
Woodstock deserves better. A town supervisor must lead with integrity and fairness — and in our contention Erin has repeatedly failed to meet that standard. With three candidates in the primary, we urge voters to make this a two-person race.
For these reasons, vote no on Erin Moran for town supervisor!
Sandra Harris
on behalf of Yankeetown Pond true owners
Moving Woodstock forward
A long-awaited time has come! The opportunity is here to chart a caring and transparent future for Woodstock. David Wallis and Marcel Nagele both have the qualities that can lead our town into years that will be guided by genuine concern for senior citizens and disabled residents, the town’s infrastructure, the environment, affordable housing and accessibility to town recreational resources. Whether through technological improvements or just in the manner of public discussion, these candidates offer a chance for transparency, ethics and complete commitment to the well-being of every town resident and visitor to Woodstock. For too long, those affiliated with the current administration appear to just reinforce the process and policies that have avoided making difficult decisions. Instead of finding ways to sidestep having to deal with uncomfortable situations, David and Marcel will confront issues in a straightforward and fully researched manner. Both are well-known to possess the skills to do so. David has the life experience and background to guide our town in a direction that will improve the quality of life for all. Marcel has the depth of knowledge and caring for Woodstock that can assure every resident that their successes will be cheered by him and that any of their concerns will be addressed. Additionally and importantly, both of these candidates know very well the meaning of the phrase “proactive governance” and can be trusted to work for our community in this manner.
So, now is the time to seize this opportunity to chart a new path forward for Woodstock! Turn what many have been saying in many circles around town: “A change of direction in our town government is needed, a direction that will usher in ethics, transparency and a knowledgeable and genuine concern for every resident and visitor”. Make your voice heard!
Linda and Terry Lover
Woodstock
Sara Pasti for Ward 1
I want to add my voice of support for Sara Pasti, running for re-election to Kingston Common Council. As alderwoman, her service to this community has been tireless and exemplary. She has responded to every constituent issue, from traffic safety to tenant complaints. She has made thoughtful changes to signage in our ward in response to constituent concerns, making our roads safer for everyone. She has provided advocacy for renters in our community when they have issues with landlords and has helped resolve difficult problems in the best way for everyone. She serves on three committees working tirelessly for Kingston, and is a team player, helping everyone work together for the common good of our community. Please vote for Sara Pasti on June 24!
Margot Leverett
Kingston
I’ll be casting my vote for Ann Peters
I’ve thought long and hard about putting my two cents in when it comes to the Legislative District 2 Democratic primary here in Saugerties. When it comes to how many degrees one has or whether they own a business, sorry but like Shania Twain once said, “That don’t impress me much.” Neither of those things entitle an individual to political power or office. What has helped me make a decision is a simple matter of ethics. Who doesn’t have ethically challenged folks (some of whom have publicly bashed Saugerties and the working class), in the political scene backing them? That would be Ann Peters. At no point have I encountered anything but positivity from her campaign and its vision for Saugerties. I’ll be casting my vote for her. Early voting runs June 14 through 22 with the primary election date on June 24. There you have it!
Tim Scott, Jr.
Saugerties
Tacos 4 Trump
Donald Trump has a new business venture (at which he’s sure to fail bigly): Taco Don’s Chicken-out. Good morning and yes! We have finally revealed who the chicken is! He can’t take it because it is the truth. He’s got some nerve after he calls people names and nicknames — not nice ones either. But the crook still landed up with more money extorted from other nations than he had before!!! Don’t you get it? Good grief. Crash the markets with tariffs put on hold 90 days – insider trading when they crash and make a profit when they go up
Poor baby Taco Belle said: Stop calling me names! I will not tolerate being called TACO, Ole Yamtits, Orange Shitgibbon, Man-Baby, Tiny Hands, Diaper Don, Toupe’d Fuckttrumpet, Trumplethinskin, Dòn Cheeto, Grifter-in-Chief, Don the Con, DonOld, The Lyin’ King, Coppertone Caligula, Der Pumpkinfuhrer, Shitstain McTreasonweasel, manchurian cantaloupe, agent orange, Impotus Farty-Seven, The Orange Shitler, mobster Donnie Two-Dolls, Mango Mussolini, Assolini, Cheetolini, Felon47, Perpetraitor, beenadickdonald, Private BoneSpurs or That Neanderthal Orange-utan, Trumpo the Clown!, Donnie VonShitzhispantz, and of course, Trumpanzee! Don’t make me break out the Heinz ketchup grenade and throw it at the wall, because I will.
But, your Heilness! — butt, butt, butt — every name fits you. You’re all that and more! Pity you can’t take what you’ve dished out to so many who were less deserving than you! Taco man doesn’t like to be called names. You reap what you see. He’s such a spoiled whiny little bitch. He thinks that respect is given but respect is earned, and he hasn’t earned anything. Oh, and you forgot to include “The Orange Menace” — or do you like that one?
From now on please refer to any of Trump’s rambling speeches as taco salad. Yeah, his head is filled with taco salad, but mostly lettuce. That’s right — LetUs, ignore him. However, never ever ignore or remain silent about his extreme right-wing national and foreign policies … always push back!
Neil Jarmel
West Hurley
Saugerties Library street fair was a huge hit
Despite the looming weather the library street fair, hosted by the Friends of the Saugerties Public Library, was a wonderful success. There seemed to be a dome over the library that day protecting us from the rain that surrounded our area.
Kicked off by the library’s own talented ukulele group there was never a dull moment. It was no surprise that Saugerties Sings drew a crowd with their talented musical stylings. Another performance by Ulster Dance Company members, along with a story time for toddlers, got the kids up on their feet for a quick and fun dance lesson.
The Friends would like to thank the above-mentioned groups along with Bob Siracusano and his Good Humor Ice Cream Truck, Tammy Drost and Hope Farm’s petting zoo, the Saugerties Police Department, Rae Stang and the Lucky Carnival Games, Shout Out’s alphabet art and facepainting Ttio Tina VanVoorhis, Emily Arter and Bonnie Klein for braving the weather and being flexible as we made the best of what mother nature threw our way. Many of the volunteers came from our own membership but we also had several students from the Saugerties High School Key Club as well as the religious education program of St. Mary, Joseph and John’s churches that were invaluable to the day’s success.
There were several generous organizations and individuals that deserve recognition for the donations made towards our event as well. For our refreshments and bake sale we appreciate all the goodies that came from our local businesses including Lox of Bagels, Meltaway Bakery, Hudson Valley Dessert Company, as well as all our home bakers with their delicious additions. Our plant sale would not have been the same without the contributions from Adams Fairacre Farms, Story Farm, Boices Farm and all our home gardening friends. For all those organizations that were willing but had to bow out because of the weather, we understand and hope to see you next year along with the sun.
Of course a library fair would not be complete without books. All books are donated from our community and we thank all those readers out there who have shared their love of reading and passed on their gently used books to benefit the Friends of SPL and their mission of supporting the library. To become a Friend check us out at https://www.saugertiespubliclibrary.org/friends.
Jo Cicale
Saugerties
The proposed development behind Elm Street would be detrimental
The proposed development behind Elm Street would indeed level five acres of trees, as pointed out by Marty Martin in last week’s publication. This proposed destruction of a habitat corridor would be detrimental to the wildlife, both animals and plants which enhance biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem, would result in the loss of at least five acres of trees, shrubs and other plant life, negatively impacting the health and integrity of what remains. It would also have a negative impact on public health: trees regulate temperatures, remove pollutants from the air, not to mention absorb carbon dioxide.
The negative impact on human health — respiratory, cardiac and mental health, and morbidity and mortality rates — from heat and poor air quality due to the loss of surrounding trees — has been well documented in science and public health research. Paving over impervious surfaces adds to the risk of flash flooding from heavy rains, which we have all experienced more and more over the last several years. This has been acknowledged even by the likes of home insurance companies. There are many, many more points to be made and I hope others will chime in.
The climate and weather patterns are changing, right before our eyes (if we have them open) and the staggering loss of biodiversity and resulting degraded ecosystems, which humans and our precious economic systems are inextricably linked with, accelerates with every new development project. To stick our heads in the sand and continue with a “build baby build” mentality is short-sighted and reckless, and will have future generations cursing our names. Younger generations already are.
To briefly preempt the argument that we need housing — obviously everyone should have a roof over their heads, but “affordable” housing is not guaranteed unless the project has state funding, and so far as I understand it, the project behind Elm Street is private, which means market rate housing with zero obligation to put it within the reach of low(er) income, or these days, even mid-level income earners.
But back to the acreage that graces Elm Street and is the last remaining such space in the Village of Saugerties. Mr. Martin is correct that there have been no public statements from Beautiful Saugerties as yet, which is not to say there’s been no involvement; there has been. After all, the mission statement which can be found on the Citizens for a Beautiful Saugerties website (www.beautifulsaugerties.com), addresses the preservation of a healthy ecosystem for all of Saugerties, and that can mean more than one campaign at a time. I extend thanks to Mr. Martin for kickstarting what I hope will be many more letters to the editor — all of which should be forwarded to the village board as official comments!
Margarita Asiain
Saugerties
What will we tell our children?
The other day, I was in conversation with a father of a first-grader and we talked about what adults could possibly tell children about the unabashed corruption taking place in our federal government. How, for example, could we explain that the president of the United States recently pardoned Larry Hoover, a gang leader of one of the most notorious street gangs? A man convicted of murder, conspiracy, extortion and continuing to engage in a criminal enterprise while serving six life sentences? For now, at least, the father I spoke with isn’t being asked questions about government corruption. But one day his son will.
All of our children will be asking questions (if they aren’t already), and we will have to give them answers. We will have to explain, for example, what our role was in the downward spiral that is now taking place. Will we tell them that we just sat back and watched it happen? Or will we tell them that we took an active role in the resistance — whatever the outcome? The time to stand up is now. And you can do that on Saturday, June 14th by joining the No Kings Nationwide Day of Resistance — the day Trump is throwing himself a $45-million military parade in Washington, D.C. But we who oppose this blatant corruption won’t be in D.C. We will be demonstrating everywhere else in the country. Indivisible Ulster NY 18-19 will be holding a rally and parade in Kingston from 2:30 to 4 p.m., starting at Academy Green Park. Join us. And bring your children.
Charlotte Adamis
Kingston
Kingston School Board should reconsider, keep GW Montessori
Last Wednesday’s impromptu decision to end the beloved Montessori program at George Washington Elementary was deceptive and regretful, but I’m hopeful that the school board will reconsider and give the public an opportunity to respond.
After years of patronizing parents and staff at GW by insisting that he had no intention of ending the Montessori program, Superintendent Padalino didn’t blindside us with his recent actions, but he did undoubtedly betray us.
Despite having no place on Wednesday’s board agenda, Padalino showed up to the meeting prepared with “17 years of data” intended to persuade the board to strike down GW’s Montessori program then and there. Why?
Why was a vote which undoes 17 years of work by the GW community not on the agenda? Why was Dr. Padalino the only person who came prepared to speak on this topic? Why wasn’t the GW PTO, or anyone else, made aware that this vote would be taking place? Why was there no period for deliberation and public comment? Why was the vote taken almost immediately after the school board elections and just weeks before summer break?
As a parent, I’m at GW every school day. I can’t recall hearing anyone complain about the Montessori program. I hear people complain about lead in the water, the drainage ditch filled with debris outside of Children’s House, the crumbling retaining wall, the lack of air conditioning, collapsing ceilings, etc.
If the superintendent were genuinely concerned about the wellbeing of GW’s students, he could start there — but he only shows up to GW to pay lip service to the parents who have been fighting, with good reason, to defend the Montessori program.
Dr. Padalino, test scores and dollar signs don’t tell you everything.
The parents and teachers of GW deserved an opportunity to share our side of the story before such an important decision was made.
We still deserve it.
Kingston Board of Education, please reconsider.
Alex Billig
Kingston
The trance we call truth
He stood at the edge of a late-autumn field where the light clung like old lace to the bones of trees. The wind stirred leaves and echoes — words once said, stories believed, illusions inherited.
His wife had been reading beside him, her voice brushing through the hush. A detective novel. Nothing weighty. But one line stuck:
“People see what they want to believe.”
A throwaway line from a fictional sleuth, maybe. But it moved through his chest like a slow shiver, truer than most sermons. It felt like someone whispering something he’d nearly forgotten: that we’re not watching the world so much as watching what we need the world to be.
Memory, too, is molded by hunger — what the heart feared, what it hoped to preserve. If truth has bones, they lie buried beneath the surface of belief, like relics beneath cathedral floors — walked over, prayed upon, never exhumed.
Then the thought reversed: People don’t see what they don’t believe.
And that blindness — moral, political, even sensory — had calcified into a civic religion. They smelled the fires of war and called it barbecue. They heard the cries of the disinherited and mistook them for sirens. They felt democracy tremble beneath their feet and said, “It’s just the subway.”
In a world dressed in digital garb, reality had become a costume party of surplus truths — each lacquered and filtered until nothing naked remained. Belief was no longer a lens; it had become a wall. And through its cracks slipped only what had already been approved: a flag waving in slow motion, a speech dressed as salvation, a leader wrapped in the right colors.
He remembered the word truth — from Old English trēowþ: faith, fidelity. Not fact, but trust. And maybe that was the wound — the betrayal of the ancient contract between seeing and knowing.
“How long,” he asked the field, “before the trance breaks?”
But what breaks the trance when the trance keeps us safe?
Truth was no longer a sword in the mythology of his own making. It was a whisper behind a locked door. And the key? Not revelation. Not proof. But unlearning.
Only in that quiet unraveling — when the script frays — could something older slip in. A knowing that wasn’t taught. A light that didn’t blind.
“The real voyage of discovery,” wrote Proust, “is not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
And so he walked, not to find truth but to become porous to it.
Larry Winters
New Paltz
Dicitatotial decrees
Donald Trump is a delusional agitator whose lack of remorse for his actions, absence of empathy for others and criminal tendencies are psychopathic traits clearly defined in the pages of Webster’s dictionary for all to see. His simulated swagger is fueled by a fixation with lies and conspiracy theories intended to silence critical thinkers and distract from his personal incompetence and insecurities. Being president of the United States requires a person to be presidential not predatory so why is it so hard for so many, including enabling members of Congress, to accept the fact that handing him absolute power sets a dangerous precedent for our system of justice and threatens the safety and security of all people around the world.
As this perpetrator and chief condemns the true meaning of diversity, equity and inclusion, he takes away the constitutional rights of people with different social and ethnic backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations. Fairness and justice are essential in providing equal access to opportunities and resources for those who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, but these stated liberties challenge Trump’s hostile mandates. Whether you’re asleep or oblivious to this administration’s immoral, illegal dictatorial decrees, know that when you become the target of its malicious intent, you will be punished along with those who have already been deprived of their rights, freedom and identity.
Paul K. Maloney
West Shokan
Graceful aging: Mindfulness?
After breakfast this morning, I doled out my morning pills into a small saki cup and my evening pills into another small saki cup. I have done this ritual for years. My wife says something, and I answer her; then pick up my glass of water and swallow down the pills. Only too late do I realize I have swallowed my evening pills. Apparently, even habit can be obliterated in a moment of distraction. What became of my vaunted practice of “mindfulness”?
Mindfulness as a life-style, a fetish and since the turn of the century, a brand has penetrated individual lives and institutions. I began a practice in my early sixties, regular but rarely intensive. The fruits of this practice have been salutary, but how “mindful” can I be in my old age? Swallowing the wrong pills is trivial, but it is a sign of things to come. So much an aspect of our aging is how a little thing can seem portentous
Clearly, aging wears away the capacity for confidence in predictable attention. We who have put stock in the process of an observing self discover that this self may well desert us in late age. Our pride in our intelligence, our reliance on our ability to make choices and manage our attitudes are chastened by our mistakes. Try as we might to look where we are walking, we stumble; we fall. Sometimes, not yet but soon perhaps, a single misstep will usher us into the rough terrain of disability.
What we see now more and more is that the uncontrolled — call it by any other name — is an undercurrent that can rise into a wave. I find I blurt out things I should have kept to myself; my judgments and reflexes pass by the censors; sometimes my needs are stronger than my ability to negotiate them. I cannot promise I won’t be a mess to deal with as I get older. I cannot truly say I can be responsible for myself to the very end. None of us can.
I am reminded of an incident so full of foreboding and anxiety that I have buried it deep in oblivion until these present reflections bring it to the surface: My wife, then in her late 60’s and showing no signs of aging, woke up one morning not knowing what day it was, not knowing where she was and just barely recognizing who I was. At the end of a frantic 12 hours in the ER, it turned out that this was an episode of Transient Global Amnesia, but in its duration, my Susan was, to an unimaginable degree, not herself.
Peter Pitzele
New Paltz
What I Didn’t See
out walking over
Esopus Creek Bridge
were unicorns gamboling
near the falls.
What I didn’t see
were them flagging
when too near
the downwards pull
of fast waters.
What I didn’t hear
resting on the beach
in the lush green park
was the rustle and
ruffle of feathered wings:
white, red, black, yellow,
brown—all the multi-colored
unicorns in unison, singing
below the pitch of human
ears, invisible to human
eyes, their song of love,
the power in their stately
horn. I didn’t see them
but I sense, everyday,
they are there.
Patrick Hammer, Jr.
Saugerties
A divided country serves our enemies instead of ourselves
There is a way forward if both sides worked together. We could solve our problems, if Democrats and Republicans joined forces. It is impossible now with a president who sews dissension at every turn. He specializes in criticism, controversy, vengeance and taking sides. He is the wrong leader to make peace. We need a leader who will help us get beyond our hard held differences. A divided country serves our enemies instead of ourselves.
Hal Chorny
Gardiner
Governmental lawlessness and criminality
For two months now, Israel has deprived Palestinians food, water and medicine, the necessities of life needed to survive. Never mind that mostly all residential structures and hospitals in Gaza have been completely destroyed into ruble eliminating shelter or medical help to two-million people. This is not in any way shape or form self defense, but is without question the intent to commit genocide as the self incriminating words of Israeli leaders corroborate (https://mecouncil.org/blog_posts/israels-admission-of-genocide/).
Even former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, has admitted recently that Israel is indeed committing “war crimes” being “indiscriminate. unrestrained and brutal” (Haaretz.com). Yet, in spite of this clear cut case of ongoing genocide, President Trump back in March, bypassed congressional review and fast-tracked $3 billion to Israel (timesofisrael.com). That money was part of 7.5 billion approved of by Trump in February (reuters.com), earmarked with the intended purpose of purchasing more of those 2,000-pound neighborhood busting bombs and armored bulldozers so the world can witness more destruction and carnage of innocent Palestinian civilians and children. Make no mistake, former President Biden was complicit in doing the very same thing when he was in office.
How can we forget when war criminal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited and addressed the US Congress in July 2024. That was during the Biden administration’s tenure, that Netanyahu was applauded once every minute and given 15 standing ovations during his speech by complicit congressional legislators, while simultaneously and mutually committing genocide of innocent Palestinian civilians and children.
It should be plainly obvious now, if it wasn’t before, that what we have as governments in the US and Israel are bonafide criminal organizations posing as alleged democracies. It doesn’t matter whether it be Netanyahu, Biden or Trump, but especially with the latter, governmental lawlessness is reaching new heights with the complete disregard of people’s constitutional rights and international laws. Kinda all fits the scenario described in the Bible, in the Old and New Testaments, of what’s to happen with the advent of the final “antichrist” figure, also called the “Lawless One,” who will according to the Bible eventually rule the world with an iron fist. The “good news” is that according to biblical prophecies the antichrist will actually only rule for “3¾ years” before he is ultimately destroyed by the power of God and the return of Jesus Christ.
Steve Romine
Woodstock
Celebrate Flag Day, June 14th
How will you be celebrating Flag Day next Saturday, June 14th? Flag Day commemorates the adoption by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, of the Stars and Stripes, a symbol of the end of the rule of the colonies by the tyrannical King George III.
On June 14, join Indivisible and our pro-democracy partners in a nationwide No Kings Day of Defiance as we celebrate the American flag, a symbol of freedom and liberty for all. According to the organizers, “This country doesn’t belong to a king — and we’re not letting him throw himself a parade funded by tens of millions of our taxpayer dollars while stealing from us and stripping away our rights, our freedoms and the programs our families rely on. On June 14th, we’re coming together to send one clear message: No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.” Bring your friends, family and flags for a fun and enlightening rally and parade starting at 2:30 p.m. at Academy Green Park in Kingston. There will be music, singing, dancing in the streets and much more!
Maxine Kamin
Port Ewen
Pat Ryan, Palantir Tech Bro
Pat Ryan, our representative from West Point, is also Pat Ryan, Palantir Technology’s favorite bro in Congress. His second largest campaign donor in 2024, they gave him $49,513, almost double what they gave anyone else in the House. (AIPAC was his top donor at $220,662.) Since he first ran and lost in the 2018 congressional primary, they’ve invested $76,538 in our local hero.
Why this bromance?
In 2004, Peter Thiel, fresh from making a fortune as a PayPal founder, recruited Alex Webb, his Stanford Law School roommate, to a start a company that used PayPal’s methods for exposing fraud to fight terrorism. They chose their name from The Lord of the Rings. At first, they failed to impress Washington DC bureaucrats — not as a “freak-show motely crew of 12-year-old looking mostly dudes,” as Webb has said — but persistence paid off. By the Obama administration they had contracts in both the military and intelligence agencies.
After serving two tours in military intelligence in Iraq, Pat Ryan worked for a private contractor in Afghanistan under Palantir. Back home he got caught up in a scandal when his employer, as well as Palantir, pitched a plan to the Chamber of Commerce to spy on unions and activists. After his emails were exposed along with thousands of others, public outrage killed the plan. He went on to work in data surveillance for the police. When he first ran for office in 2018, he had Palantir at his side. CEO Alex Webb and CTO Shyan Sa Sankar maxed out with $5,400 donations to his campaign.
To jump ahead, the Trump administration has ushered in Palantir’s Golden Age. Stock value up 140%. $113 million in federal payments so far, plus a brand new $795 million contract with the Pentagon. Negotiations with the IRS and Social Security Administration. The New York Times has reported the fear that Palantir could compile a master list of all the government knows about all of us, something you’d hate to see in Donald Trump’s hands.
Peter Theil, of course, has long been a dark villain of the Silicon Valley right, the sponsor of J.D. Vance’s Ohio Senate campaign. But Alex Webb has now emerged as a scary geek overlord in his own right, mocked on Jon Stewart the other night for his wild mop of corkscrew curls and his bug-eyed pronouncements: “The most effective way for social change is humiliate your enemy and make them poorer.” And: “I don’t think in win/lose. I think in domination.” He has been an unabashed supporter of Elon Musk’s chainsaw crusade and an unrepentant defense contractor for the IDF’s wanton slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza, perhaps providing AI to target hospitals and tents. Back home, Palantir provides Big Brother know-how to ICE in its quasi-constitutional hunt for immigrants who speak Spanish and have tattoos.
As co-chair of the Defense Modernization Caucus, Pat Ryan is in an ideal position to promote Palantir. In March he said, “I think we have a huge opportunity in the new administration. I’m very optimistic that there’s broad, bipartisan and sort of non-partisan recognition of the urgencies here.” Lo and behold, the Big, Beautiful Bill adds $120 billion to push the total Pentagon budget to a trillion dollars.
Why do I find all of this so disheartening? Where is the Democrat I can trust?
Will Nixon
Kingston
Join the family! 
