Saugerties Times letters (3/15 – 3/22)

I smell HITS…

A $15 million indoor sports complex. While this sounds good, maybe a little too good to be true, the players in the game aren’t or should I say haven’t been named in the Times as of yet. Should I say the “testing of the water”?

While a great idea in concept, the language the alleged “looking for money” and proposed owner uses, is terminology that does not equate with the magnitude of the project. To say that if a young boy or girl aspires to “make it” in the majors, this facility has the foundation for him or her to work every day to get to that level down the road is just too much project for the bang for the buck.

In the business world, I would want to hear more than wishful thinking to make it big time. No, no, if this is true, then smart money has something bigger in mind but is using a likeable man to front what is really a deal too big for us all to understand, let alone, handle.

Quite frankly, the supervisor is correct in asking to hear just a little more. I would want to know “a lot” more about this deal. I would want an overall plan and that should include the promise for jobs as a result of this project before I would move forward with anything of this magnitude. I also would want to hear about the real players, and who and how much they’re willing to put up, and what is the promised impact.

Remember, I believe this property belongs to the town so be careful about leasing town land, and another PILOT plan or pay back of services all equal to a tax-free deal. We’ve done that, gone there. Be careful on this one. And so it goes, but just my humble opinion.

Bob Aiello

Saugerties

For the record

In his letter last week, Bruce Leighton made a factual error that requires correction.

Mr. Leighton wrote “there was no vote to rescind” the terrible tax agreement he helped negotiate with the developer of the Dickerson’s Keep housing project. According to the minutes of the 2/1/12 Town Board meeting, a resolution was introduced to rescind the agreement in 45 days. Deputy supervisor James Bruno made a motion to amend the resolution to rescind the agreement immediately. The motion was defeated with Bruno and Supervisor Myers voting yes and Mr. Leighton and the other board members voting no.

Mr. Leighton also “took offense” at my statement that Supervisor Myers has faced open hostility from her opponents. Here’s a summary of what’s been written about Kelly since her election:

• “(Kelly) is only out for herself and doesn’t care about anyone but herself and the cronies who helped get her elected.” (Paul Rinaldi, 11/28/11 Daily Freeman);
• “Kelly Myers has proven herself, in a very short time, to lack integrity and character…Myers should check her religious education curriculum to refresh her memory about truthfulness, ethical behavior and character.” Assoc. Saugerties Democratic Committee Member Jo Galante Cicale (12/14/11 Daily Freeman);
• Mr. Leighton leaked an e-mail to the press in which he falsely accused Kelly of “illegal” action. (2/3/12 Saugerties Times);
• “Kelly has done more damage in a month than any other known Town Supervisor.” Saugerties Democratic Committee member Beth Murphy (2/6/12 Saugerties Post-Star);
• Klaus Gaebel’s 2/9/12 “An Eagle’s View” article described how an “angry” Patti Kelly, longtime Democratic Party Committee member, tried to “incite” Supervisor Myers into a “battle” at her very first meeting.

It’s a testament to Kelly’s character that she ignores these attacks and continues her work to reform Saugerties town government. Thankfully, she lives by the motto, “Without forgiveness, there’s no future.” (Desmond Tutu)

Joe Roberti, Jr.

Chair, Saugerties GOP

Tell county you oppose fracking

A percentage of used hydro-fracking fluid returns to the surface of each well, complete with the injected toxic chemicals along with heavy metals and radium226 picked up deep in the earth. Official DEC test analysis of this so-called “production brine” reveals benzene, arsenic, cadmium, dimethylphenol, toluene.

The oil/gas corporations have to find solutions for disposal of its toxic waste. NY State has cooperated by labeling it industrial, not hazardous, waste and allowing it (through beneficial use permits) to be legally distributed to NY counties and towns for road de-icing and dust control.

To their credit, the Environmental Committee of the Ulster County Legislature has passed an ordinance which would prevent Ulster County from contracting for this deadly material. If the Rules and Law Committee releases it, a resolution for a Public Hearing will be voted on at the March 20th UC Legislature meeting with the usual three-minute public comment at 7 p.m.

I call it a no-brainer no-brainer, since many of those chemicals cause neuro-pathology, in other words, damaged brains. No matter how inexpensive, that stuff should not be running off county roads into our streams, wells and aquifers. Please call your county legislators or come Tuesday night and tell them.

Joan Walker-Wasylyk

Woodstock

Support the troops

Adopt-a-Soldier would like to thank all who supported our Valentine’s Day Dance. A good time was had by everyone. On March 28 we will be packing our Easter shipping to our soliders. If you would like to help we are starting at 6:30 p.m. Anyone who would like to donate, we need Easter candy and cards of support for our soldiers. Boxes and the item list are at the Elks Lodge on Route 32. Please leave items or boxes by March 26. If you know of any solider who would like to receive one of our boxes please call 246-4247 and we will send a easter box to them.

Adopt-a-Soldier Committee

Saugerties