No On Casinos
Politicians must think we (john q. public) are stupid. If New York voters approve ballot Proposition One, we will prove them right.
Proposition One will alter our NY State constitution to allow for up to seven casinos in New York State. Our politicians, led by Governor Cuomo, have put a rosy spin in the wording of the ballot (imagine, an election day sales pitch in the voting booth), saying it will bring economic prosperity, jobs and help education and lower property taxes.
If we believe that, we have fallen into the trap of thinking casinos are “free” money. Well, I hate to tell you there is no such thing as a free lunch. Yes, Albany needs revenue to correct its past fiscal mismanagement but it will “barely” come from casinos.
I admit that casinos will create building jobs in those seven locations where prominent people/developers have paid off or been paid off. And, once each casino is up and running it will attract people because it is a new venue — like the new girl in town. But very quickly the local casino will face competition as another casino comes on-line (in NY or adjacent states) and thus the “older” one is no longer young and dewy eyed. People (except locals) will desert that “old” casino and travel to the next newest and dewiest casino. And so on.
That is why older casinos across the U.S. are facing rough financial times (and some are even bankrupt.) But the problems they have created will remain. Non-industry research shows casinos cost more than they give because of: increased crime, increased gambling addiction, the costs of additional police, fire and emergency services, extra court cases, plus more low income housing and increased school services needed to serve the thousands of imported low skill, low wage workers casinos employ. Taxpayers pick up the tab.
Casinos are not the answer to New York’s money problems. Vote No to Proposition One!
Susan Puretz
Saugerties
Hall For Lanny
I am writing to express my wholehearted endorsement of Lanny Walter for Saugerties Town Justice.
I know Lanny well from working with him on matters including the Winston Farm Alliance. He is a top-notch attorney, fair and open-minded. His empathy and intellect would serve Saugerties and its people well.
John Hall, Former County Legislator, School Board President, and Congressman
Dover Plains
Friedel And Wood For Olive
I wholeheartedly endorse Peter Friedel for Olive Supervisor and Sharon Wood for Olive Town Clerk.
This is an election where the interests of the Town of Olive are best served by cross-over voting. As a registered Democrat and self-described moderate, I don’t typically endorse Republican candidates and rarely vote for them. But, this time is different. We are not dealing with national issues like abortion, global warming, etc.
We are dealing with a town that is approaching its 200th birthday without direction or purpose. Store after store empty, our elementary school effectively closed, New York City, along with Onteora Central, chopping Olive and its children in half. It is time for a change in our local leadership.
Pete Friedel embodies the skills to take us forward to a better place. He has raised his family here, alongside my own, and is of this place. Pete has the training, experience, dedication, ethics, energy and passion for the job. He has a vision of an Olive that looks better than it does now — an Olive of the future.
Sharon Wood is one of the most capable and professional people I know. Through her volunteer work as President of the Bennett PTA, I have seen her organizational skills, intelligence, attention to detail and diplomatic style up close. She is completely competent and always pleasant.
So, on Election Day, I urge Olive voters to elect people — not party. Vote for Peter Friedel for Supervisor and Sharon Wood for Town Clerk because they are the best choices.
Wendy Wolfenson
West Shokan
Campaigning In The Voting Booth
Legal Criminality is the nicest way to describe what Gov. Cuomo has done in authorizing the wording of Proposition One — the casino referendum. Make no mistake; although the New York Board of Elections issued the wording, they were doing it for the Governor.
A recent poll by Sienna College suggested that the wording of the proposition is significant and will influence voters. Economic loss and community breakdown has followed the siting of casinos across the United States. Cuomo’s rosy wording is intended to hide all that and, unfortunately, it is that rosy wording that will be the campaign advertisement that voters see inside the election booth; this is usually prohibited (criminal) activity. Cuomo has immorally stacked the deck and loaded the dice. It is my hope that voters will be outraged that they are being manipulated by what can only be described as an egotistical, corrupt Governor bent on having his way. Vote No on Proposition One.
Marcus Arthur
Saugerties
In Good Hands
In light of the recent government shutdown and the threats of more disruptions to follow, I strongly suggest that we in Woodstock hold our ground and select those best qualified to fight for our liberties and keep the town solvent. We are already in good hands presently because of the dedicated commitment provided by Town Supervisor Jeremy Wilber, Councilpersons Bill McKenna and Cathy Magarelli. We are fortunate enough to have Justice Richard Husted administering Town court with fairness to all concerned. Ulster County Legislator Don Gregorius has also served our best Interests with honor and also deservers to be re-elected. Richard McNally, candidate for Supreme court Justice needs your vote in order to protect our values. County Clerk Nina Postupack is also being endorsed. Ulster County Comptroller Elliot Auerbach needs your support to continue watching our tax money and how it is spent. This team works together for the good of all citizens. We must re-elect them to continue to serve us in these uncertain times. I strongly urge the voters in Woodstock to come out in numbers to make a stand for Democracy and everything we hold dear to us. Casting your vote is casting your voice, be heard loud and strong on November 5.
Tom Ocker
Woodstock
Good For Woodstock
I was so pleased two years ago when the voters welcomed Jeremy Wilber back as supervisor. No one knows how this town works better than he. And a lot of very good things for Woodstock have happened while under Jeremy’s direction. Bill and Cathy also deserve credit for making progress on town projects possible by their work ethic and cooperative approach to town governance. Woodstock voters, please keep up the forward momentum. Keep Jeremy, Bill and Cathy on the job.
Mary Ann Ahroon
Zena
Some Last Minute Clarification
First the library. I support the library. My family and myself have supported it for years. In fact, the bench in front of the main entrance is dedicated to my mom. I do not however, support the library’s hierarchy’s choice to put itself above the laws of the town they serve (especially The Wetlands & Watercourse Law) and attempt to build an extraordinarily expensive annex that has no relationship to the character of the town.
Second, when I spoke of bad contracts, I was not referring to the town employees finally getting a raise. With the tax increases in 2011 and 2012 totaling almost 25 percent, I thank them for their patience in waiting for an election year to get what they deserve. If Mr. Shapiro would like sit down and discuss bad contracts and huge development fees, we can look over the Onforce Solar contract our Supervisor asked for and received permission to sign, from every board member except Councilman Panza, and we can see both. I think huge is a fair adjective for an $85,000 development fee.
I can answer every one of his points with documentation, but I know that is not what he is interested in. I admire his loyalty, but like the rest of the inner circle, I think it is misplaced.
Lorin Rose
Bearsville
Paws up for Lorin Rose!
On behalf of the Woodstock Dog Park, I would like to send out some very special thanks to Woodstock’s Lorin Rose. Thank you for your skills, heavy equipment, and your very generous spirit! Your know-how has been indispensable in keeping our dog park up and running so smoothly. Lorin, you certainly deserve a serious face-licking from every dog in town!
Lee Danziger
Woodstock
