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 9:00am 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.
Why I support Randall Leverette
I have known Randall Leverette for nearly 20 years, since he was a member of the town police commission and I was liaison to the commission as a village trustee. One of the functions of that body was to vet and arbitrate concerns raised by citizens with regard to police conduct. Randall asserted himself as a voice of clarity and leadership on that commission — someone both the citizenry and the police could trust to exercise scrupulous fair judgment in all matters before him.
Randall earned my respect and that respect for him grew as he continued to take on civic responsibilities, serving on the boards of Woodland Pond and Elting Memorial Library, as a member of the Town/Village Consolidation Human Resource Committee and, most recently, as a member of the Ulster County IDA, where, over the course of his decade-long tenure, he has stepped up to serve as vice chair and chairperson.
Randall Leverette is as dedicated a public servant to our community as I have witnessed in the 25 years I have lived here.
A few years ago, when he decided to declare his candidacy for town supervisor, I did something I’d never previously considered (and haven’t done since) as a lifelong registered Democrat. I stepped across party lines to enthusiastically support and campaign for a Republican. I did so because above all ideologies Randall is rock-solid trustworthy in addition to being intelligent, ethical and an eagle-eye when it comes to scrutinizing budgets.
It bears mentioning that Randall’s reasons for his party affiliation have deep roots within his Maryland heritage and the longstanding and at times heartbreaking history of our country. It’s well worth hearing from Randall directly why he became and remains a Republican. Listening to him speak to this has only increased the esteem in which this ardent liberal progressive holds him.
Randall Leverette has my strongest possible support for his town board candidacy. I look forward to voting for him on November 4.
Mark Portier
New Paltz
Tim Rogers has earned my vote
Serving as an elected town councilman and member of the police commission from 2018-2021, I got to see, firsthand, the challenges that the town supervisor and village mayor face in prioritizing and meeting the needs of our community with fiscal responsibility. The task is incredibly challenging
In the upcoming election for New Paltz town supervisor, Tim Rogers has overwhelmingly earned my vote, and I believe he has earned yours too. I believe we can count on Tim to meet the town’s most important future priorities. First, Tim will move New Paltz’s government consolidation plan forward to a voter referendum and implement what is long overdue: one streamlined government in New Paltz. It makes so much sense. The cost savings will be meaningful immediately and the benefits, expansive over time.
Second, Tim has proven, year over year, his ability to pass budgets in the village that require no tax increases to our citizens. His fiscal responsibility in keeping residency affordable in New Paltz is vital to creating an economically diverse community. We must be able to reign in out of control taxes, and Tim is clearly best positioned to meet this challenge. Finally, Tim has the proven ability and expertise in bringing in substantial grant dollars (over $7.65mm) to address the not so exciting sewer and water issues in the village. Tim’s ability to leverage state grants to address our infrastructure challenges ultimately solves our problems without raising taxes to our residents.
Tim has served as a very effective village mayor for ten years with admirable results to show for it. It is a privilege to have such a capable leader in our community. Let’s give Tim the opportunity to serve the entire New Paltz community. These next years will be so crucial in shaping New Paltz’s future. Tim Rogers is the candidate who will best lead the way.
David Brownstein
New Paltz
I am a builder
I, Thom Jenkins, stand for maintaining the Woodstock school as a gateway to the community. If the current elementary school closes, I suggest its replacement by a charter school. People seem to think that if we get rid of the elementary school their taxes will go down, but they will be shifted to new projects.
I want to attract young families by maintaining a good education system, affordable living, a beautiful environment and facilities for everyone to enjoy. I favor affordable housing in appropriate areas.
I want to develop Andy Lee Field with a youth center, swimming pool and facilities benefitting the townspeople on a year-round basis; $1.2 million has already been pledged. Be respectful to the great services we have in this community.
Through stewardship, I want people’s voices to be heard caring for the environment and the beauty of the town. Development is not just about business, it’s about family and community.
I encourage people to vote. Be proud of our town by showing your input by voting.
Even though the Democrats outnumber everyone else, that does not mean that they all agree with identity politics or the extreme end of the party. The Democratic primary victor received 827 votes.
In a general election anyone can vote for any candidate, regardless of political affiliation. Out there are 4000 people registered voters who may have a different opinion. The ballot shows no competition. Woodstock deserves a choice. Write in Thom Jenkins for town supervisor Tuesday, November 4 — building a future that honors the past.
Follow me on Facebook. I am a solid candidate. I am a homeowner, pay taxes and make my living as a carpenter-builder. I have built homes in town that will last for generations.
Thom Jenkins
Woodstock
More Trump delusions
Marty Klein is just the latest of the TDS crowd to paint the picture of Trump being a humongous ogre. Marty says “most people were stunned by his (Trump’s) weird behavior.” I don’t know how this is suddenly possible since the haters despised him even before and after his defeat of Hillary nine years ago..
If the TDSers constant negative depictions of Trump were accurate and realistic, especially after his first term, how in the world could he possibly have been reelected for a second term? If the TDSers accusations were honest and on target, it should have been a Democratic landslide last November. With the hands of big tech and the legacy media heavily tipping the scale to the far left, the Democrats still lost … and quite decidedly!
So, if the TDSers still think they’re on the right track, then the Democrats should easily retake the House and Senate and with Trump being quickly impeached and removed from office next year. And, of course, this would easily come about with no game plans, strategies, or intelligent platform, at all … just the usual non-stop Trump bashing with the extremely worn out Nazi, Hitler, fascist, dictator, king, racist and oligarch monikers. Why would they ever bother thinking they would need clearly outlined programs and policies that would address the concerns of the people and how their approaches would be far better than any Republican successes?
The recent “no kings” protests were much more tongue in cheek than a serious reality, regardless of how many attended. As we all know, kings are most commonly appointed through hereditary succession. I think we also know that there has been no Trump succession reign at any time in history. The protests, however, must have worked because the day after the protests, there were no kings! Of course, on the of the protests and before, there were no kings, either. So, the whole charade was just an imaginary solution to an imaginary problem.
John N. Butz
Modena
McKenna’s missteps: A masterclass in blame-shifting
McKenna must really enjoy my posts — why else would he keep screwing up so reliably, knowing I’ll eventually find out?
Last week’s Hudson Valley One gave us another round of deflection and delay. Let’s start with his attempt to blame Chief Keefe for the failure to bring timely charges against officer Sinagra. The problem? There’s documentary evidence showing it was McKenna himself who failed to initiate disciplinary proceedings on time. That delay allowed Sinagra to win an Article 78 against the town.
Then McKenna tried to spread the blame even wider. He pointed at the town board — only to be publicly refuted by presumptive supervisor-elect Anula Courtis. He also threw the town attorney under the bus, claiming, “We followed the advice of our attorney and the investigation just took too long.” Translation: “It’s everyone’s fault but mine.”
And if that weren’t enough, McKenna ordered officer Sinagra to enforce the Comeau Preserve leash law in uniform — without his firearm. Maybe that doesn’t concern everyone, but sending an officer into the field unarmed, especially in today’s climate, is reckless. It’s not just poor judgment — it’s dangerous.
Howard Harris
Woodstock
Americans don’t like Kings
Within the space of a few weeks, Donald Trump has posted an AI video of himself as King, flying over America and dumping excrement on citizens below. He has directed that federal funds should be withheld from specifically “blue” states that didn’t vote for him…never mind that those states have plenty of “red” voters in them. He commuted the sentence of supporter George Santos, the ex-congressman who was denounced by his colleagues in both parties and convicted in court for crimes of fraud and abuse. He commanded the Department of Justice — our department, not his, the one that was created to be impartial and follow the rule of law — to go after his perceived enemies, including former FBI director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James and former national security advisor John Bolton.
Trump scoffs at the perception of him as a king. King, dictator, tyrant, authoritarian — Americans can argue about the terms, but they’ve picked up the whiff of something they don’t like. A new poll from the Public Religion Research Institute shows a strong majority saying Trump is a “potentially dangerous dictator whose power should be limited before he destroys democracy.” (http://bit.ly/42U7A5E) Most Americans are united around one idea: their freedom — of speech, of mobility, of opportunity, of equality — matters deeply to them. More and more, Trump’s actions in his ten months in office threaten our ideals of freedom.
Trump’s apologists called the No Kings marchers across the country “haters” of America. Hardly. They stood up in defiance of Trump’s grasping attempts to claim authority over American life. They pushed back to defend the right of freedom they recognize, respect and revere.
Tom Denton
New Paltz
No to all Republican candidates
While driving home the other day, I passed a large Republican campaign sign which displayed the following two words: “Common Sense.” I could only laugh. Common sense is certainly not what this Republican Party believes in.
Is it common sense for masked ICE agents to snatch our neighbors off our streets? No, I call it Republican cruelty.
Is it common sense for the Republican regime to prosecute the president’s political foes? No, I call it Republican corruption.
Is it common sense to pay for tax breaks for the millionaire class by cutting Social Security and Medicare? No, I call it Republican disdain for the working class.
The Republican Party has lost its way. Every Ulster County candidate who has chosen to run as a Republican has cloaked themselves with the Republican Party’s cruelty and corruption. We will not be fooled. Vote to keep democracy alive here in Ulster County. Vote for Democratic candidates right down the line.
Jerry Cohen
Saugerties
Vote to keep Randall Leverette on the town board
Current New Paltz town councilmember, Randall Leverette, wants your vote. He has mine, here’s why. First, our town deserves experienced executives in local government. Randall worked with federal legislative policy in Washington, including environmental matters. He supervised initiatives for ABC/Walt Disney and was a vice-president for BEA Enterprises, where he won awards — including for excellence in the medical and healthcare field. He brings seasoned managerial experience to the board.
He served on prior New Paltz Police Commission and the County IDA, where he fostered prohibiting PILOT status for apartment projects. He is effective, a closer and he gets things accomplished.
He holds a master’s degree in community economic development, something that goes well in local government. He is competent and brings programs to fruition. I hope that you will have the opportunity to learn more about him and vote to keep him on the board.
Robert Gabrielli
New Paltz
Road rage: The nation’s barometer
Once, road rage was a personal failing. Now it feels like a national symptom. We’ve become a people measuring our stress in miles per hour and our empathy in inches of clearance. The roads have become our emotional barometers — gauging not just traffic, but the temper of the country itself.
Every honk and flash of lights reveals something larger than frustration. It shows how easily we turn others into obstacles. We speed through life, defending our lanes as if they were ideologies, mistaking movement for progress. Our cars, our screens, our politics — they all reinforce the illusion that we travel alone.
Road rage is no longer confined to asphalt. It leaks into grocery lines, social media threads and family dinners. The anger that erupts behind a steering wheel is the same anger that festers when the truth is inconvenient or when someone disagrees. Its quiet sibling is numbness — the decision not to notice, not to care.
If rage is the thunder, numbness is the fog. Together, they cloud our collective sight. Courtesy — the oil in the engine of the community — has burned away.
A culture that cannot share the road will struggle to share a future. The problem isn’t traffic, it’s temperament. If we want to change the weather, we must slow down, look up and remember that every face we pass is trying to get home, too.
Larry Winters
New Paltz
Upcoming election to UC State Legislature
Concerning our local November 4 election, I have met Lindsey Grossman, one of the Democratic Party candidates for Ulster County Legislature, several times at public events and private gatherings. I have also driven her around our area (she is running in District 19, which covers High Falls, Rosendale and part of Stone Ridge) before the primary election. At most houses we stopped, she already knew about the concerns of the persons living there, because she had visited them before. She mostly listened to people, made notes and promised to do everything in her power to help in case she gets elected to the office. No false promises, no schmalzy stories about her modest background, just clearly stated goals: affordable housing, good jobs and support for small businesses, investment in clean energy. She is one of the most professional and at the same time personable politicians I have ever met. I want her to be my representative in the Ulster County Legislature. Please vote for Lindsey Grossman!
Sabine Roehr
High Falls
Credible threat is right here at home
I write to urgently request the immediate release of Ali Faqirzada, a 31-year-old human rights advocate and U.S. ally seeking asylum in the United States. Ali fled Afghanistan after the Taliban threatened to kill him and his family. ICE detained Ali on October 14.
At a Credible Threat Hearing, a screening process to determine if there was sufficient reason to hold an asylum hearing, Ali made his scheduled appearance. The decision was made that a credible threat does exist for him, and an asylum hearing was scheduled. Ignoring this determination, ICE swooped in, Ali was shackled and sent to the ICE Delaney Hall Detention Center in New Jersey.
Ali poses no threat to the community, as he has no criminal record or prior negative immigration history. He has strong family and community ties in New Paltz and the Hudson Valley. His detention is a complete disruption of his college education as a full-time student at Bard.
There is absolutely no justification for his continued detention. Keeping Ali behind bars only inflicts unnecessary pain and suffering on him and his loved ones.
Ali deserves the opportunity to live freely, continue contributing to his community and pursue his asylum claim in safety. I strongly urge the Department of Homeland Security to release him now so that he can be reunited with his loved ones and supporters.
The disturbing irony contained in this detention is that a credible threat exists for Ali, and for many others in this country, right here at home.
I urge our community members and elected officials to take on this fight to free this valued and respected friend and neighbor.
William Murray
Village of New Paltz
Kudos to Sarahana
I’d like to give a hearty shout-out to my Assemblymember – Sarahana Shrestha. She has been doing many great things as our representative, but my focus today is a piece of legislation known as A1749, the Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA). You can learn about this bill at: https://beyondplastics.org/publications/prria-lobbying. Sarahana is a co-sponsor of this bill and has worked extensively to bring it to the floor of the Assembly for passage. This bill was passed by the State Senate in 2025, but Speaker Heastie refused to bring it to the floor of the Assembly for a vote. Sarahana was one of 15 Assembly members who tried to convince Speaker Heastie to bring it to the floor the final day they were in session. To no avail. It was one of over 30 pieces of environmental legislation the Senate passed in 2025, which the Speaker did not bring to the floor. Such a disappointment. The work to get PRRIA (A1749) passed when the Assembly reconvenes in January of 2026 continues. Let us hope Speaker Heastie has the will bring it to the floor for a vote in the coming year. I am confident Sarahana will be there to support it and encourage her colleagues to do the same.
Cindy Saporito
Citizens Concerned About Plastic Pollution
Saugerties
My goals for a full term
I was elected to fill out the previous supervisor’s term and obligations. Now I am asking for a full term of my own to accomplish my agenda for meeting the needs of the New Paltz community. In a full four-year term, I will:
• Get at least one totally affordable, all-age housing complex approved and built
• Adopt revised zoning to allow alternate modes of housing — duplexes, quad townhouses, other — on town parcels
• Work with Ulster County and other planners to attract non-tourism jobs — healthcare, film production, tech incubator, etc. — to New Paltz
• Co-locate town and village offices in a new building with plenty of meeting, storage, parking space
• Create a municipal heating/cooling center; Create a municipal food pantry; Install cost-saving municipal rooftop shared meter solar
• Enact code to require cost-saving solar on all new builds
• Support additional opportunities for children’s sports, extracurricular education, recreation
• Get multi-user (NPCSD, nearby municipalities) compost program running
• Expand anti-racism workshops and training
• Enact supervisor two-term limit.
Your vote will give me the opportunity to work for you on these much-needed projects.
Amanda Gotto
Town Supervisor
Unhappy together
Trump “persecutors” Jim Comey and Letitia James have both been indicted by Virginia grand juries. Readers should imagine the following song being sung by Donald Trump as he contemplates the irony of the indictments. This song is dedicated to Neil Jarmel and his fellow fanatical Feedback TDS sufferers. ( To the tune of The Turtles “Happy Together”)
Imagine Jim and James: I do
I think about them looking at a prison loo
They’re wondering what the heck they’re gonna do
unhappy together
George Civile
Gardiner
Proposed bicycle lane
Cutting 100 healthy, mature trees to make room for bicycle lanes through town and out to Bearsville is a bad deal for Woodstock. We will be inviting in a horde of additional tourists — tourists who will not spend a dime while blowing through. Far better that we repair the broken sidewalks that serve everyone and have been in desperate need of repair for more than a decade. If we are sincere about preserving our natural environment, trees must be left to flourish while bikers bike where trees do not have to be sacrificed to accommodate them.
Peter Remler
Bearsville
Freedom/democracy
America is in real trouble! Our freedom, as well as our democratic government, is in jeopardy and rapidly disappearing. Our constitution with three independent branches of government is evaporating. I am feeling apprehensive and not sure if this train can be stopped. Our federal government is being dismantled and our freedom to protest, continuing to live with equal rights for all, is vanishing as I write this.
Arrests and detentions of supposedly “illegal immigrants,” are often physically abused by ICE agency. Our own government brings reminders of SS troops of Nazi Germany. Is history repeating itself? My mom and dad’s family all immigrated from eastern Europe to the United States … the country of freedom, where you could live with your family regardless of where you came from or what your religion or color of your skin.
We made a great deal of progress over the years … fighting for equality for African Americans, women, native Americans, gay rights and against anti-Semitism and many other issues.
Complaining is not enough. Attending peaceful rallies, making phone calls to Senators and Representatives and writing postcards encouraging people to vote and whatever else we can legally do, help the cause of freedom and save our democracy. On October 18, I participated in the nationwide No Kings Day rally and march in Kingston. It was enormously inspiring and felt so wonderful. What a huge turnout!
I love America and all that she stands for: “America the Beautiful,” “We the people,” “Give me your tired your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
This is very meaningful and important. Personally, I shall never give up or give in — I believe in everything this country stands for and will do whatever I can to help maintain it — The land of the free and home of the brave.
Fonda Rothblatt
New Paltz
Let’s shape the future of Gardiner!
This year’s Gardiner election features three exceptional Democratic town board candidates.
Michael Hartner stands out as the top supervisor candidate due to his impressive experience and unwavering dedication to Gardiner’s environmental issues, which has garnered both praise and opposition. That’s precisely why he deserves our support and votes. Check out his track record: https://michaelhartner.com/accomplishments/
Roberta Clements and Wolfe Scandinaro are the outstanding candidates for the two town board seats. Roberta brings expertise as a psychologist and valuable experience on Gardiner’s Environmental Conservation Commission. Wolfe is a dedicated public servant already making a difference in Gardiner. As an active member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and smart housing task force, Wolfe has a proven track record of commitment to our community.
Let’s elect all three of these Democrats to the town board to continue building a better Gardiner for all!
Samuel Cristler
Camille Damico
Mike and Merideth Paff
Gardiner
He f’n big baboon
[“Aba daba daba daba daba daba dab, Said the chimpy to the monk; Baba daba daba daba daba daba dab, Said the monkey to the chimp.”]Yes, I want to live in a world where the flags are lowered for Jane Goodall…an English primatologist and anthropologist who had recently passed. Unfortunately, it didn’t and would never happen … Why? … Not with these Trumpanzees [and their “monkey brain moments”] running the government as if it was a banana republic and doing it on behalf of the “bloated orange-buffoon-baboon” in the oval office of the White House. These elected monkeys only want to throw their shit at the citizenry, plus over all the nation … They stink bigly!
In a world where respect and reverence should reign,
Jane Goodall’s name, a beacon, a gentle refrain,
Deserved flags lowered, a somber, proud stand,
For her work, her wisdom, her compassionate hand.
But shadows cast by chaos and greed’s cruel reign,
Turned flags into mere symbols, indifferent to pain.
The monkey minds, with their childish deceit,
In a banana republic, where truths are incomplete.
Baboons in suits, with their shouts and their bluster,
Treat governance like monkey business, a raucous cluster.
They throw their shit, not just at the ground,
But at hope and decency, till freedom is drowned.
Yet still, in the heart, a whisper persists—
A longing for justice, a world that insists—
That one day, the flags will be lowered with grace,
For heroes like Jane, in a dignified place.
Until then, we remember, we shout, we cry,
For a better tomorrow beneath an honest sky.
And honor the light of those who have gone,
While fighting to right what has gone so wrong.
Neil Jarmel
West Hurley
Vote for Michael Hartner for Gardiner town supervisor
I first met Michael Hartner when we served together on the New Paltz Board of Education. He understood what was and wasn’t the role of the BOE. This is important for an elected official so as to be able to effectively serve.
And Mike served well on the school board and as a town board member.
As a former Gardiner town supervisor, I can state that the position requires a multitude of skills and Mike has them.
Vote for Michael Hartner for Gardiner town supervisor.
Laura F. Walls
Gardiner
So many great slogans
It was so encouraging to see 600 of my Saugerties neighbors stand up for democracy at the recent No Kings 2.0 ally. They carried so many creative and thoughtful signs. It got me wondering, if MAGA Republicans held a rally what might their signage say?
As Trump continues to slash jobs, maybe they would hold a sign that says ‘Jobs: Who needs Them?’ as Mike Johnson refuses to extend the health-care subsidies so many depend on, MAGA might have a large banner saying ‘Bankruptcy Is Not So Bad.’ MAGA always likes to say that they support our veterans. a sign saying ‘80,000 Job Cuts at the VA is a Good Start’ might get their message across.
Some other signage Republicans might hold:
I’d rather give billionaires a tax break than feed children.
Due process — not all it’s cracked up to be.
Women should just obey their husbands! What’s a little roughing up?
DEMOCRACY! So overrated!
Masked men are sexy!
Ballrooms for billionaires!
Pardons for sale!
Protect the Pedophiles!
Racial profiling — I’m fine with it.
Who needs clean air and water?
Don’t tell me you still believe in science?
Oh, there are just so many great slogans that Republicans can use to let their core beliefs be known!
Virginia Luppino
Saugerties
What’s missing and why
I attended the No Kings Day rally and marches in Kingston. It was amazing, fun and full of terrific signs and costumes — so needed to keep up our spirits. Yet, HVOne didn’t even give this day a nod? Were your folks absent? Did they miss this event or think it wasn’t important?
It certainly was an important event with both local and rational rallies in Kingston, New Paltz, Woodstock and Saugerties to name a few. I think this “ made news” with thousands here at home and millions across the U.S., marching to bring home the all-important idea that a monarchy is really bad — and we rejected that over 250 years ago. You did do some coverage on your Facebook page, and that’s great, but it is not the same as covering it in the HVOne print edition. Think about it — HVOne-ignored the largest demonstration in the U.S. history. Oh, one last thought — the Daily Freeman really outpaced you on this one!
Gavriel D’Andrea
Woodstock
Vote to give Kathy Nolan another term in office
Kathy Nolan, Ulster County Democratic legislator , deserves reelection. Her many years in office have included numerous successes? She successfully advocated for the Ashokan Rail Trail that currently provides the public with recreational opportunities and access to nature and it brings people here from other states and countries increasing business for the area’s merchants.
Kathy Nolan encouraged regional economic development by supporting local film production and worked for expanding broadband access. In addition, she has been active in Physicians for Social Responsibility and the NY chapter of Concerned Health Professionals of NY.
Kathy Nolan has worked hard . Vote to give Kathy another term in office.
Irwin Rosenthal
Woodstock
Gaetana Ciarlante for town supervisor
Faith, family and the future of Saugerties. It is a privilege to endorse Gaetana Ciarlante for town supervisor of Saugerties — a lifelong resident whose character, service and vision reflect the very best of our community.
Gaetana’s family story is woven into Saugerties’ history. Her grandfather worked in the Washburn Brickyards of Glasco; her father harvested ice on the Hudson, selling it locally; and her grandmother, founded and ran a beloved neighborhood bakery, Pesces. From them, Gaetana learned the values of hard work, honesty and faith. She is a proud mother whose son was valedictorian of Saugerties High School and is a graduate of Harvard and Northwestern Law School. She is a loving grandmother of two granddaughters. Gaetana earned her master’s degree from SUNY Albany as a single parent, then served Ulster County in forensics and mental-health services — helping families in crisis and collaborating with law enforcement and the courts.
She founded Operation SOS to support deployed service members and veterans and remains active in local programs addressing substance abuse and domestic safety. She also established Hudson Riverfront Preservation LLC, sharing her family home and the river’s history with visitors while promoting environmental awareness and waterfront stewardship.
As supervisor, Gaetana will champion accountability, fiscal discipline and transparent decision-making. She will protect Saugerties’ historic character while encouraging responsible growth and ensuring that government remains responsive to its people. Traditional American values — faith, family, freedom and personal responsibility — are the living foundation of Saugerties and of our nation. In a time when political winds can feel divisive, Gaetana Ciarlante represents steadiness and conviction.
Vote Gaetana Ciarlante for town supervisor — because Saugerties deserves a leader who reflects its values and its strengths.
Karlyn Knaust Elia
Saugerties
I will be watching
I am confused by the election signs Gardiner. I know that there are candidates on the ballot this year for county legislator, town supervisor, highway superintendent, town justice, town clerk and two town board members.
As a registered Democrat, I am also aware that the Gardiner Democrats did not endorse all of the candidates, and for those running for town board it was a good move. However, the large signs that seem to have popped up overnight list the candidates for county legislator, supervisor and both town board positions, which were not all are endorsed by the GDC. I find this disingenuous and confusing.
Most people know that I ran as a Democrat on the Republican ticket in 2015 and 2017, and I do not feel that party should play a big role in local politics. I think that you should elect the person that you feel is most qualified for the job. To me, that does not mean experience, or boards that a candidate may have served on; it means the candidate that has a fire in their belly to get involved, roll up their sleeves and work hard for the good of the town. To me, those candidates are Deb Clinton, Ryan Wiley Brian Stiscia, Julia Hansen, Alex Hogan and Bob Rich; and I am writing in Ralph Erenzo for the second town board seat. Let’s get some diversity on the town board and watch what can be accomplished.
I have enjoyed serving as Gardiner town supervisor for the past ten years and I hope the incoming supervisor has the love for this town that I have. I will be watching …
Marybeth Majestic
Gardiner Town Supervisor
Vote for Randall Leverette for New Paltz Town Board
I am pleased to endorse Randall Leverette for New Paltz Town Board.
Mr. Leverette is, by far, the most experienced candidate for any elected office in New Paltz.
He is bright, independent and principled. He has served for many years in county government and knows the history, mentality and ways of Ulster County.
At a moment when local politics cries out for real leadership, having Randall Leverette in town government is essential.
Jane Schanberg
New Paltz
Woodstock polling place
In May of this year, Onteora voters rejected Proposition 2 (which would close Woodstock Elementary) by a clear majority. The specific numbers from each polling place are public knowledge and are crucial.
While Boiceville voters leaned toward supporting the proposition, voters in Woodstock turned out in greater numbers, defeating the proposition by a 3-to-1 margin. It’s concerning enough that the Onteora Board of Education is racing to cram in a special election before the end of the year.
To remove Woodstock as a polling place is not only inconceivable, it runs contrary to the voting laws of New York State, which is why so many community members are filing grievances with Education Commissioner Betty Rosa in Albany. I attended the school board meeting. Explanations about added accommodations and the reasoning for closing the Woodstock polling place struck my ear as nervous reactions to community blowback rather than sincere desire for a fair election. Other than a brief mention of extending the hours, none of it appears in the actual language of what was voted on.
Incidentally, schools are closed on voting day, December 10, so expanded daylight voting could easily have been arranged for Woodstock if the board truly desired full inclusion. There was some discussion of other districts having central polling places, which reminds us of an essential point: Onteora is not like other school districts. Our geographic center is closer to Boiceville but our greater population density is Woodstock. Woodstock Elementary is not an outlier, it’s very much in the center, and as such remains an essential gateway to a school system that is “central” only if you live in the furthest recesses of the county. Woodstock Elementary’s continued existence is a benefit for the entire system, which is one reason we’re fighting to save it.
Adam Snyder
Woodstock
Vote for Amanda
A vote for Amanda Gotto is a vote to get things done and to support positive change. She has accomplished much in her current tenure because of her dedication and hard work. She is the most committed person I know.
Here are just a few of her accomplishments:
Adopting the first town affordable housing law in Ulster County
For her support of Undoing Racism trainings and posting information on how to set up a reward for the arrest of the criminal who vandalized Esi Lewis’ house.
For her support and attendance at Indivisible/No Kings rallies
For getting a grant from the Greenway to evaluate the structural repairs on our iconic rail trail bridge over the Wallkill.
For passing a resolution to uphold the NY state shield law to protect Dr. Maggie Carpenter from arrest by Texas and Louisiana.
For getting the composting aerator out of the box at our Reuse and Recycling Center so more organic waste can be composted
For completing the Henry W Dubois Bike/Ped path despite numerous design flaws.
For serving as liaison to the Community Preservation Fund, which recently purchased a conservation easement on an historic New Paltz Farm.
For opposing building a new dormitory on property in the town, when she has offered better zoning that will create apartments that families, seniors and students everyone can rent.
For opposing PILOTs (tax breaks) for multi-million dollar corporations that don’t need them!
She is ready and committed to do more, not just for Republicans or Democrats, but for her constituents!! Go Amanda!!!!!!
Lindsay DuBois
New Paltz
The demise of our democracy
Some stories just can’t be wished away.
For all the buying up of our corporate media, some stories just can’t be obscured or wished away. One such story is about Israel and the obscene slaughter of the Palestinian people. There is no way to deny the carnage, the homes blown up, or the starving children seeking anything to eat. It’s like a front row seat at Dachau.
Another story is about money. Our “Land of the Free” paid for the genocide in Gaza, sending Israel $21.7 billion in bombs and bullets over this past two years. The US working class paid dearly for this generosity, by going without universal healthcare, daycare and free college education. All the benefits enjoyed by working people in the rest of the industrialized world. Butchering hundreds of thousands of Palestinians isn’t cheap.
A third horror story is how our Congress is paid off by the Israel Lobby. Our own “war hero,” Pat Ryan, raked in $223,000 in bribes for last year (opensecrets.org). Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand did even better. And their booty doesn’t even include the “dark” money given by Zionist groups. Congress is simply bribed to support Israel’s carnage in the Holy Land.
The last story is the demise of our democracy. With billionaire backing, Trump is attacking the last vestiges of our Constitution. We all know that Trump will win the next election no matter who runs. With ICE and the US Army at his command, America will pay the ultimate price for becoming an empire.
Fred Nagel
Rhinebeck
Vote for Amanda Gotto on Row B
Reasons to reelect Amanda Gotto for town supervisor:
She:
• Opposes PILOTs (tax breaks) for multi-million dollar corporations that don’t need them!
• Adopted the first town affordable housing law in Ulster County.
• Funded Undoing Racism trainings.
• Supports town policy that the New Paltz Police Department shall not perform the functions of a federal immigration officer or otherwise engage in the enforcement of federal immigration law.
• Got a grant from the Greenway to evaluate the structural integrity of our rail trail bridge.
• Upheld the NY State Shield Law to protect a local women’s health care doctor from arrest.
• Completed the Henry W Dubois Bike/Ped path despite numerous design flaws.
• Supports the Community Preservation Fund purchase of a conservation easement on an historic New Paltz Farm.
• Supports building apartments for families, seniors and students, not dormitories.
150 words aren’t enough to describe her achievements.
Vote for Amanda Gotto on Row B.
Kitty Brown
New Paltz
Reelect Aaron J. Levine
I’ve watched Aaron Levine go from being a polite young man quick to help his neighbors — from carrying packages for senior citizens to listening and mentoring kids — to an insightful and effective legislator who always has what’s best for his constituents front and center. His colleagues on the Ulster County Legislature have clearly seen his emergence as a leader as demonstrated by his appointments as deputy majority leader and deputy chair of the Laws, Rules & Government Services Committee. Recently, I heard Aaron’s closing remarks at a legislative meeting where he spoke about the importance of community, civic engagement and elected officials as role models for volunteerism in local organizations. He urged his fellow legislators — both Democratic and Republican —to volunteer together on a project that would lift up the community and foster bipartisanship instead of one-upmanship. Aaron is a stand-up guy. He is in government for all the right reasons — service, transparency, careful financial stewardship and representing the best in us. In these politically divisive times fraught with anger, insults and corruption, I urge the people in Legislative District 1 (parts of the towns of Saugerties and Woodstock) to vote for decency. Vote for Aaron J. Levine.
Christine Dinsmore
Saugerties
Halloween Hoots
Walking past the boneyard
too scared to whistle. Shaking
in the dark in grandfather’s
old room. Moving through
the cellar of an empty house
and hearing creaks. Walking
back streets alone at 3 a.m.
thinking about aliens from
outer space the whole time.
Wishing instead you could
think about peanut butter
and jelly on toast or candy.
Watching spiders weave their
webs beside you so artfully.
Hoping not to be included.
Seeing the sky drain of light
and lightning begin to flicker
but you cannot find your home.
All these Halloween Hoots
you can, boo, do without.
Patrick Hammer, Jr.
Saugerties
The license of age
“Artistic license” refers to the permission artists have to override the rules and forms of the past. I think there is something we might call “age license” that has a similar permission not to conform to previous expectations.
If there is a role model for “age license,” it might well be the poet Donald Hall, whose two books, Essays After Eighty and A Carnival of Losses: Notes Nearing Ninety could be showing him as a man who can celebrate what another poet, Yeats, when writing about himself as an old man called him something like a scarecrow, a “tattered coat upon a stick.” Not for Hall.
The word “carnival” in the title of that last book of prose has “carnal” at its heart, and there is no doubt that he was a carnal, carnivorous old coot. Hall was shameless without being in any way ostentatious. He never sought to hide his age; on the contrary it was a great source of self-amusement to him and to others. Out of the loss of his wife Jane Kenyon sprang his howls of grief, collected in “Without” in 1995. The man held nothing back. Bearded, smoking, in his wheelchair and still giving public readings, he seemed always to say his “yes” before any “no.” He put his age on the page from a self-acceptance I find inspiring.
Age gets its license because social expectations loosen for the elderly. We are permitted our lapses, our moods, our crankiness. We can be eccentric, off center, wobbling. If I can give myself permission that others are willing to give me, I can enjoy a fuller sense of my life and even discover, to my surprise, that spontaneity is ageless.
Peter Pitzele
New Paltz
Anula for Woodstock!
We are writing to express our strong support for Anula Courtis for Woodstock supervisor! In our too-fractious small town, we need someone now who exemplifies calm in the face of controversy, thoughtful consideration in the face of complex challenges and commitment to community to help us come together as Woodstockers into the future.
We greatly appreciate Anula’s approach to issues since she joined the town board: gathering the facts, considering all the angles, talking to all the stakeholders, and ultimately bringing her own sense of what is necessary for the good of Woodstock. She also embodies kindness, open-mindedness and a willingness to learn. She has demonstrated all this with courage to speak out when it’s called for. Woodstock needs this now more than ever!
While she does not have a formal opponent on the ballot, it is important that everyone come out and vote for Anula, as well as for Lily Korolkoff and Laurie Osmond, to ensure we have a harmonious team from day one to tackle the real issues on our collective plate. We must bring down the temperature and heal the toxicity — Anula, Lily and Laurie are ready, willing and able to lead us on a better path together.
Deborah Meyer DeWan and Michael DeWan
Bearsville
Blurring the lines
State police ok
Police state no way
Bruce Grund
Kingston
No town tax increase
Thank you Supervisor Gotto for finally heeding our advice to more appropriately manage the town’s giant fund balance, as we have repeatedly recommended. It’s great for us taxpayers that you’ve now realized how budgeting must work.
Mayor Tim Rogers
New Paltz
Voting to re-elect Fred Costello
I’ve known Saugerties town supervisor Fred Costello for decades, and I don’t know anyone with more integrity, or a better work ethic, or a more consistent record of economic and policy accomplishments than him. He’s doing a great job, and I will proudly vote for his re-election.
Christian Kelly
Saugerties
Local elections
I’m writing to draw attention to the huge differences between the positions of the Democratic candidates for the Saugerties town board and the Ulster County legislature and those of Republican candidates everywhere in the U.S. Our local Democrats support efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing in Ulster County, to ensure that infrastructure development benefits the entire community and to ameliorate the effects of climate change in our area. Republicans (and their ilk, such as so-called Conservative party), on the other hand, oppose any efforts to support affordable housing, think unrestricted development will magically improve everybody’s lives and think climate change is a hoax perpetrated by radical leftists. Thoughtful voters know who is more in touch with reality.
John Bassler
Saugerties
Debate no more
If you missed it, there is a chance to see why Tim Rogers has been endorsed by the Democratic Committee, the Working Families Party, unions and a slew of respected community leaders. Watch the debate for New Paltz town supervisor on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/live/mSQA6sYHPTw?si=OETV71Nmije9UEAq&t=3397
There’s a lot to celebrate about Tim Rogers’ candidacy, but highlighting just two can suffice.
In the debate recording, you’ll see that his choice to limit expenditures and fundraising speaks volumes about election integrity. Following the money, or lack thereof, has value.
Tim Rogers does not express surprise nor shock about the recent racist defaming of the home of our African-American female town board member. He is consistent. He knows this happens in our town and is genuine in talking about the ongoing problem and need for constant vigilance. It was the village that quickly announced and provided a forum for community to organize responses. He’s not excusing the need for keeping “Black Lives Matter” front and center with the typical non-empathic MAGA mantra that “All Lives Matter.” Consequently, it’s no surprise that the village board quickly created a resolution to help our New Paltz Muslim brother recently kidnapped by ICE, a Republican, MAGA-driven effort. To the contrary, the town board ignored the call to amend the agenda to include a discussion about the possibility of its own resolution.
There are many more reasons Tim is the better choice. You’ll find them on his campaign website, electTimRogers.com
Maggie Veve
New Paltz
Rounding out my list
We must have progress on environmental protection, affordability and a sustainable future for all. We must also have transparency and justice. Here in Saugerties, I have already made clear in prior letters that our town supervisor (Fred Costello), and a candidate for town board (Stephanie Bassler), support those things. Now I will round out the list: Bill Barr for Saugerties town board, Ann Peters for county legislature District 2 (Aaron Levine if you’re in District 1), March Gallagher for county comptroller, Lara Olivieri for family court judge, Will Little for supreme court judicial District 3 and Taylor Bruck for county clerk. Join me in supporting them in their respective races! Early voting continues through November 2 with Election Day on November 4.
Tim Scott, Jr.
Saugerties
Déjà vu
After attending the New Paltz Central School District board meeting last week, I am convinced that the board will close Duzine School despite the disadvantages and disruption to the education of the students K-12. I was impressed with the comments of the teachers who obviously care deeply about the quality of the education of the students they teach. The impact of closing Duzine on education in NPCSD reaches far beyond grades pre K to 3. The high school teacher described the forward-thinking programming that could be offered to our high schoolers in the wing that will be repurposed to house the district offices — a repurposing that is déjà vu for us taxpayers. We have already paid for the repurposing of classrooms to offices in Lenape. They will have to be repurposed back to classrooms when Duzine is closed. Instead, the teacher proposed a pod cast studio and other hands-on engaging educational real-life curricula that could be enacted in the area slated to be district offices in the high school. His suggestions that he tried to get the BOE to envision fell on deaf ears and closed minds. The BOE and administration did not address the impact of the closing on the quality of education. It is alarming that the plan is to move the fifth grade to the middle school. There is very little research to support that educationally and much research against it, especially in the social, emotional and developmental impact on the fifth-grade students. Closing Duzine and moving its children like pieces on a chess board is not sound educational policy. The BOE/administration never mentioned the option of floating a bond to make emergency repairs to the Duzine building, as is allowed by NY State law. Unlike previous proposals, that bond would pass if offered to voters.
Dr. Rose Rudnitski
New Paltz
Mike Hartner for Gardiner town supervisor
I am writing in support of Mike Hartner’s candidacy for Gardiner town supervisor. I have worked closely with Mike for several years on Gardiner’s Drinking Water Protection Committee. Throughout that time, I have been impressed by his capability as an administrator, his diligence in educating himself, his honesty and principled nature, and his dedication to improving the lives of Gardiner’s citizens. I am confident that Gardiner would be well served by Mike as supervisor.
Jon Benner
Gardiner
Contradictions
Overdevelopment, but a lack of affordable housing. Crazy rush hour traffic but a paucity of local jobs. Social media posts ridiculing newcomers while in-person enjoying the creativity and vision of NYC transplants.
Friendly Saugerties, we must reevaluate our road to the future. We need to stop electing people based on who we went to high school with and instead who brings the skills and insights into moving us forward. We need to elect Bill Barr and Stephanie Bassler for town board. I’m voting for Bill and Stephanie because they will listen to and work for all of Saugerties.
Ruth Levine
Saugerties
I urge voters to support the election of Tim Rogers
As a current member of the New Paltz town board, I urge voters to support the election of Tim Rogers for town supervisor.
I have a unique perspective on this election as a town board member because Tim and I work together on joint village and town issues.
I served with him on a town budget committee last year where he demonstrated superior administrative skills in finance and planning. He had more budgetary knowledge than our entire board and town comptroller.
When he exposed that the town had millions of dollars in reserve funds, it meant that property taxes did not have to be raised for 2025. In fact, there is no tax increase for 2026 — not because of the New Paltz town board, but because of the New Paltz village mayor.
Please vote for Tim!
Edgar Rodriguez
New Paltz
Re-elect Aaron Levine
I’m writing to encourage your vote for Aaron Levine’s re-election as your Ulster County legislator in District 1(Saugerties and Woodstock). I first met Aaron as a past chair of the Saugerties Democratic Committee. I saw an earnest, young man, diligently fulfilling his duties as a Saugerties Democratic committeeperson. With experience, he went on to win a seat in the Ulster County Legislature in 2021 and was re-elected in 2023 without opposition. He was honored to be selected by his Democratic colleagues as deputy majority leader in 2024 and was re-elected in 2025. He is the deputy chair of the Laws, Rules and Government Services Committee and also serves on the Audit and Law Enforcement and Safety Committees. As a member of the ARPA committee, he shared the responsibility of dispersing $34 million dollars of federal Covid relief funds allocated to Ulster County. While Aaron’s credentials are impressive, what I admire most, is that he approaches his legislative work without seeking the limelight. His humility is his strength. Please cast your vote for Aaron Levine during early voting or on Election Day.
Mike Harkavy
Saugerties
Injustice breeds violence
In previous letters to the editor, genocide denier John Butz consistently tries to cast a shadow on the world’s genocide experts. John would have us disregard the U.N. Commission of Human Rights, The International Association of Genocide Scholars (which include 500 of the world’s foremost experts on genocide) and almost every humanitarian agency in the world. Evidently, John and fellow genocide denier Susan Puretz both need a lesson on scholarly academics, the criteria for genocide and what BS propaganda is because their letters are full of the latter. Responding to John about the culpability of Hamas, they certainly committed war crimes but they don’t come anywhere near Israel’s blatant crime against humanity the experts have agreed is “genocide.”. Furthermore, when you maintain an apartheid system of inequality by caging up two-million Palestinian people and treating them like dogs, imprisoning their children or shooting them in the back, depriving them of the basic necessities of life and any hope for a better future, don’t be surprised if they retaliate with brutal violence and devise a plan to free their families from Israeli prisons. Hasn’t the government of Israel seen what happened in South Africa? Apartheid breeds violence, period. Every American citizen should know this country’s emblematic founding principles: “All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” (Declaration of Independence). That goes for every person in the world, including Palestinians. The government of Israel can’t take away the inalienable rights of Palestinians by enforcing a brutal apartheid system and then claim “self-defense” against Palestinians who are fighting to get their God given rights back.
Steve Romine
Woodstock
I am endorsing Kate Ryan
Kate Ryan is running for town board to serve the working families of New Paltz and ensure that our vibrant town is affordable, ecologically and economically sustainable, and liveable for ALL residents.
She is a dedicated public interest lawyer serving the families of Ulster County, and a social justice activist with decades of experience organizing for our most vulnerable.
She jumps in to help wherever there is a need, from bringing programming to our schools with the PTA, to running a books to prisons nonprofit. She believes that robust participation in local politics is the key to building the political power we need to create a more just and equitable society.
I am endorsing Kate because she brings an energy for progressive democracy and an attention to justice and equity that New Paltz desperately needs, to help New Paltz become what we know it can and must be.
Stana Weisburd
New Paltz
Getting to know me
Thank you for last week’s article highlighting a bit about my background and run for Kingston’s Ward 8. I would like to add a little more information. I have a long track record in non-profit management and community development, including work with Hudson Valley farmers and other regional food sector independent businesses, non-profits and government agencies. The people with whom my colleagues and I collaborated were stellar in their service to the greater good through creative problem-solving and hard work. Together we started, expanded and improved upon programs that brought healthful, local food to thousands of New Yorkers while improving profitable markets for farms and other businesses.
I hope to bring this mix of vision, practicality and respectful collaboration to the role of Ward 8 Alderman. To find out more about my background, please see KatzforKingstonWard8.com.
Ruth Katz
Kingston
Bassler/Barr for town board
Stephanie Bassler — With housing being a major issue facing Saugerties, Stephanie Bassler, an architect and member of the comprehensive planning board, having led projects balancing affordability, land use, smart design, conservation, is well positioned to address the issue. She will pursue updated zoning, limits on short term rental, as well granting opportunities and town/village shared services to create savings that will advantage our town’s people.
Bill Barr — His life has been about service to the community from serving in the Navy, working for the secretary of the Army, treasurer of the Saugerties Democratic Committee, member of the village planning board and tree commission, Bill has earned the endorsement of the Upper Hudson Labor Council for his work and positions on labor and community.
These two will offer diverse skills and perspectives when dealing with issues coming before the town board and deserve your vote.
Marcus Arthur
Saugerties
Well-qualified candidates are running in Gardiner
Gardiner residents are fortunate to live in a town with wonderful natural amenities, working historical farms, a great library, rail trail, parks and natural recreational features including a State Park Preserve . We are also fortunate to have exceptionally well qualified candidates running for supervisor and town board.
Michael Hartner, candidate for town supervisor, is currently serving on the town board and has also served on several other town committees, some of which include the environmental Conservation Commission, the Drinking Water Protection committee, and Board of Assessment Review. He has extensive experience in public education administration as a NYS School Superintendent, an occupation with many transferable skills to managing town government, most importantly prudent fiscal management.
Roberta Clements has a love of the natural world and has a long history of helping Gardiner protect its wonderful natural amenities. She has served for ten years on the Gardiner environmental conservation commission, including four years as chair, and is a long-standing member of Friends of the Shawangunks. She is the running to become a member of the Gardiner town council.
Gardiner residents are fortunate to have such passionate and well qualified candidates to vote for in next week’s election.
Don Lipton
Gardiner
We need Amanda Gotto to keep working for the Town of New Paltz
I am writing my first letter to the editor because I feel passionate about the election happening right now in our town. We have an amazingly efficient and highly committed town supervisor right now who is doing such good things for our community. I would like to see her have the opportunity to complete the work she has begun in New Paltz. Amanda Gotto is a true community activist, who not only stands with us at Indivisible weekly events; she works tirelessly all week long to implement the ideals into the community. She has helped to implement the first Ulster County affordable housing law, supported protecting women’s health rights (protecting Dr. Maggie Carpenter) and she is working to make a positive impact on our environment (the Recycling Center is finally using the composting accelerator that has been sitting in a box not being used for too long). Amanda also is working to make our town more fiscally sound and help to create affordable housing for town residents — not dormitory buildings that neither create tax income for the town or provide housing for families that desperately need options. We need Amanda Gotto to keep working for the Town of New Paltz as supervisor. Please vote wisely. She did not change from being a registered Democrat. She found a way to stay on the ballot, so she can keep providing her invaluable service to our town. We must do better as a community and as a country and learn to work together to get the important work that needs to happen for us to thrive. She is willing to do that so she can do the work she has committed to do — with honesty, transparency and soft-spoken grace.
Pierrette Farber
Co-leader, Indivisible New Paltz
Vote Democrat in Gardiner
When a prior town board appointed Michael Hartner to Gardiner’s Environmental Conservation Commission — as chairman — without prior introduction or opportunity for discussion, he therefore arrived under some suspicion. The ECC was not a favorite of the town board. We expected the worst. We got the best.
With no trace of arrogance, he gracefully assumed leadership: diligently learning the issues, range, resources and sometimes conflicting parameters of zoning, property ownership and environmental protection.
Michael Hartner brings intelligence, integrity, work ethic and civility to community service. In concert with the fearless candor and passion of town board candidates Roberta Clements and Wolf Scandinaro, our beloved Gardiner will thrive with renewed creativity and vision.
Vote Democrat!
Janet Kern
Gardiner
Narrative control
The influence of Zionism, beyond Aipac’s bribery of almost the entire US Congress, beyond whatever leverage it employs on the leaders of the European Union who publically voice support for Palestinian liberation while continuing to send arms and equipment to Israel. Beyond England’s recent fascist laws prosecuting protest as a terrorist act.
Beyond the U.S. State Department’s Zionist upper echelons. Beyond the forced removal of university presidents for allowing the protest of genocide on their campuses. Beyond Zionist billionaires contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to Trump’s campaigns.
Beyond these and many more examples of extremist Zionist’s influence in so many aspects of contemporary life, is the “deafening silence” of the US mainstream media, starting with the New York Times and ranging through all major print and broadcast outlets — the absence of any mention of the presentation of a most significant letter entitled “Join the Worldwide Jewish Call.”
This letter, cosigned by 450 prominent Jews, acknowledged leaders in many fields, calls for an end to the wonton butchery and starvation in Gaza. Prominent Jews calling for reparations and full restoration of Gaza for Palestinians, rather than the Trumpian / Zionist Mediterranean resort of the proposed “peace plan.” Prominent Jews calling for war crimes tribunals for the Zionist fanatics who have turned Israel into an abhorrent pariah state on the world stage (yet, Netanyahu received 57 standing ovations from the full presence of the US Congress).
Not a word in all the Western media, The Guardian being the one exception. The omission of significant news is as insidious as the commission of blatantly false propaganda. We would be well advised to become aware of both these tools in the matrix of narrative control under which we spend our lives, form our opinions, and make our choices.
Liam Watt
Phoenicia
Re-elect Aaron Levine
Aaron is the Saugerties/Woodstock candidate for the county legislature’s District 1, including Saugerties west of the Thruway and one election district in Woodstock. Aaron has been a resident of this District from the age of four, and a 2006 graduate from Saugerties High School.
In high school Aaron decided that a career in government and public service was what he wanted. He attended St. John’s University, graduating in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in government and politics. After graduating, Aaron went to work in the office of Senator Schumer. He then helped Didi Barrett get elected to the State Assembly, followed by a position with the Assembly in its majority’s communications and information services office.
Based upon Aaron’s experience, in 2017 he ran for the first legislative district and came within six votes of winning. This encouraged him to run again in 2019,and he has served since 2020. He now is deputy minority leader.
Aaron has been a productive legislator:
• He was the main sponsor of a local law recently passed unanimously that will enhance cyclist and pedestrian safety by requiring vehicles passing cyclists and pedestrians to give three feet of clearance.
• He has supported the Ulster County Housing Action Fund, which is a $15 million fund being used to support the building of affordable, workforce and senior housing projects.
• He has served as deputy chair of the laws, rules and government services committee, the audit committee and the law enforcement and public safety committee.
• He sponsored a resolution that recently passed that will require mandated minimum staffing levels at the Ulster County Board of Elections.
Aaron is running for re-election to continue to advocates for his constituents to address the top issues facing our county.
Lanny Walter
Saugerties
Jack Dejohnette was a giant of a human being
We not only lost a beloved member of our community, besides being an icon and pioneer in jazz, he was a giant of a human being. He was conscientious, generous and kind. I know of several initiatives he backed in our community that made all of our lives better. Jack, along with his lovely wife Lydia, was benevolent. Like Hundreds here in Woodstock, I could call him a “friend” and loved to “get into it” about politics, with him. What a first set the band in the after life is about to play. God Bless you for coming our way.
John & Ann Crowley
Lake Hill
Setting the record straight on my commitment to Gardiner
Setting the record straight: My diverse career — from NYC Council staffer for Dan Garodnick on constituent outreach, to Michael Bloomberg’s “Service in School” initiative at the DOE developing inner-city extracurriculars to DOJ litigating tariffs — taught me government’s inner workings and change-making challenges.
In the private sector, I developed energy-efficiency programs for utilities like Central Hudson, and scaled the program to DelMarVa, ConEd and Eversource. Family growth drew me back to my roots in construction: historic restorations, renovations, real estate investment and now our non-GMO farm.
These experiences honed my problem-solving, collaboration and open-mindedness — qualities Gardiner’s supervisor needs.
I’m running to preserve our scenic beauty, expand landowner conservation, attract small businesses to hamlets and ease tax pressure via naming rights/sponsorships for facilities, funding public recreation without new burdens.
Above all, I’ll lead with neighborly spirit.
“Gardiner First” (14 characters max required for independents) captures my Gardiner-focused campaign — unanimously chosen by non-partisan peers over alternatives.
Vote for pragmatic leadership. Choose wisely, vote Wiley!
Ryan Wiley
Gardiner Supervisor Candidate
I can help my community
I am running for town council in Saugerties because I believe I can help my community.
When we moved to Saugerties 20 years ago, we had a special-needs toddler, had sunk our last dollars into buying a rundown farmhouse and my husband was under-employed for several years. He did eventually get a job, and we were fortunate that my parents moved to Saugerties to help us get on our feet as young parents and first-time homeowners. Not everyone is that lucky.
But with the work I do as an architect, helping people plan houses and fund housing, I have special insight into home ownership. Our neighbors, friends and families are being priced out of Saugerties. Young people can’t afford to work here because they can’t afford to find housing. Our older residents can’t afford to stay here. We have to do more to help families stay, live and thrive in Saugerties.
What can we do? We have to start with better zoning. Right now, our zoning code encourages builders to build affordable housing, which isn’t enough. We need to require them to do so. Any project that builds more than six homes or apartments should be required to include affordable housing, or pay into a town-managed fund that will support affordable homes. A comprehensive solution to housing affordability also has to include a closer look at clustered developments with generous green spaces, investing in public transit, expanding public utilities and prioritizing housing rehabilitation.
As a community, we have to create pathways to housing affordability — housing is the foundation of a community, and we will all reap the benefits, including family and neighborhood stability, and successful local businesses and retail districts. I believe that I have the life experience and professional experience to help Saugerties meet this challenge.
Stephanie Bassler
Saugerties
Join the family! 
