On Friday evening, August 14th, at the Ellenville Hospital swing unit there was a gathering of Gary Hill and Mauro Carraccia's families and some close friends.

At this time Gary presented a plaque to Mauro that read, "In recognition of the quick thinking and action of Mauro Carraccia that saved the life of his best friend Gary Hill". Gary's loving family and good friends will forever be grateful. Thank you, Mauro! There wasn't a dry eye in the room.

On July 20th, Gary was cutting a tree down when a "widow maker" struck him on the head. As a result, his back and neck were fractured in several places. A shoulder, three ribs and a hip were also fractured. Last, but certainly not least, the little bones in his foot were all broken, and Gary needed two surgeries to repair the snapped leg bone. At the accident site, Mauro immediately reacted by removing the tree from Gary. He found Gary was unresponsive and not breathing, so he immediately started C.P.R. Once Mauro was sure that Gary was breathing again, he called 911. As Mauro was unsure of Gary's stability, he moved him to the only flat surface available in case C.P.R. needed to be administered again.

Neversink fire and ambulance responded along with mobile medic. They were able to stabilize Gary for transport. Gary was transported by helicopter, provided by Harris Hospital to Westchester trauma unit where he stayed for two grueling weeks. Then Gary was transported to the Ellenville Hospital Swing Unit where he is now staying, completing his rehabilitation. Gary finds the Ellenville swing unit a wonderful place to be, and highly recommends it to anyone who needs rehab. He would like to extend a special thanks to Barbara Drew, Ashima Butler, and the exceptionally wonderful nursing staff.

Gary salutes all who helped him that day. They are all heroes in his eyes. Thank you all ever so much.

Gary Hill
Hurleyville

I'm writing to give my support to Glenn Noonan for another term as Ulster County Legislator. In these economic hard times, we need somebody who has a track record of fighting for the taxpayers of Ulster County.

Back in 2006 when the Charter was approved by the voters of this County, there was a plan developed by the Charter Transition Team that called for certain number of staff to be hired by the County Executive. Well, at the 11th hour in this past budget that was adopted by the legislature, the Democrat's played politics as usual and shoved through another Deputy County Executive position, 2 Assistant Deputy County Executive positions, and a Deputy Director of Planning for Economic Development. Why is money given to the Ulster County Development Corporation if a position is being created in-house? This wasteful spending must be halted, and Legislator Noonan has been working hard to try to stop this run-away spending.

While Legislator Noonan has been watching spending real hard and fighting on behalf of the taxpayers of Ulster County, he has been supportive of many other important initiatives, like supporting a resolution that was recently adopted by the Ulster County Legislature, making "Timothy's Law" permanent. Legislator Noonan has been very supportive of programs that improve the quality of life of the disabled population of this County.

I urge all resident's in Legislative District 8 to come out and vote to support Legislator Glenn Noonan for another term. He's the right person to serve the people of District 8.

Vincent McLaughlin
Saugerties

Independence and Conservative voters will have an opportunity to ballot while the Republican's primary on September 15th . I have been asked why I am supporting Cathy Terrizzi, Ken Ronk and John "Jack" Hayes for the Ulster County Legislature in District 8 ­ Gardiner and parts of Shawangunk and New Paltz. More to the point ­ I was asked why I am not supporting my former running mate, Glenn Noonan.

I have the distinct advantage of knowing the 4 people running for the GOP slots. I watched them work. I told my old friend, Noonan, that I wished he would step aside and allow us to throw him a retirement dinner. No one is all good or all bad and I would rather talk about the things he did that were good ­ but his ego would not allow it. His primary challenge forces me and many others to tell people why we no longer support him. Noonan seem to have lost touch with the reasons he first entered public service. He developed a Dr Jekyll / Mr. Hyde persona of late attacking anyone who dares to question him or his motives.

I am disappointed when someone tells me something they know isn't true in an effort to sway my opinion. I am outraged when they make a promise they have no intention of keeping. It only exasperates the situation when that person makes some sarcastic remark when "caught in the act" to explain this violation or egotistically challenges us to "do something about it."

On the other hand, I have three individuals of quality and high moral character who have proven themselves. Ken Ronk, Cathy Terrizzi, and Jack Hayes are running for this office because they want to serve our community. We share many goals about open government, cutting taxes, and developing opportunities for sustainable growth. They are people that have earned my trust and support.

I do not live in District 8. As an officer in the Independence Party I had the opportunity to interview over 60 candidates running for the county legislature in various towns. In District 8 the choice was clear for me ­ Ken Ronk, Cathy Terrizzii and John "Jack" Hayes. It is time to sweep out the barn. I hope Independence, Conservative and Republicans will join me and support these fine candidates on September 15.

Fawn Tantillo
Former Ulster County Legislator, New Paltz

Everyone has their own opinion, but when false statements are being thrown around by bitter people, the line has been crossed. Fawn Tantillo has been dominating area newspapers with one goal, to slander the name of Glenn Noonan. I think it is about time that Fawn takes the time to research a little before writing letters filled with false information. I have grown up surrounded by politics my whole life, and what I hate most is all of the back stabbing and bitterness that surrounds it. As Glenn's daughter, I know how dedicated my father is to Ulster County. I know that he is dedicated many years to the people of Ulster County and does what is best for all, not what is best for the political bosses. For a politician, I can say that he has kept his integrity throughout his political career, unlike many of other current and former politicians. It is truly disheartening that there are so many false and negative statements being said about my father that I have to write this letter. Shame on you Tantillo and followers.

Please come out and vote for my dad on September 15th 2009 in the Primary. I thank you for your support. Vote for integrity.

Kimberly Noonan
Gardiner

The Town of Shawangunk Republican Committee recently moved boldly forward at the Ulster County Republican Nominating Convention in nominating and electing Former Town of Gardiner Town Supervisor John "Jack" Hayes to replace Legislator Glenn Noonan on the District 8 ballot along with incumbents Cathy Terizzi and Ken Ronk. When asked that evening by reporters, I as Town Chairman stated, "Glenn Noonan has alienated too many people at too many levels." My recent quote to another reporter was, "Glenn Noonan has been a one-man wrecking ball through the political process in Ulster County and through the Republican Party," These quotes came naturally after dealing with Noonan's disloyal, erratic and oftentimes abrasive and demeaning manner of working with people.

The 8th Legislative district was formed after the last census and carved five out of seven election districts from Shawangunk, the entire Town of Gardiner and two election districts in New Paltz. Noonan and other Republicans were part of that process and allowed the Town of Shawangunk to be cut up. Shawangunk now has two election districts connect to the Town of Marborough, a community we have very little in common with except that they too remain a strong Republican legislative district. Soon after that re-districting, we started losing Legislative seats to Democrats from Gardiner. Since that re-districting, an informal agreement has existed between the Republican Committees from Gardiner, New Paltz and Shawangunk that provided for two legislators to be from Shawangunk and one for Gardiner. In keeping that agreement, Glenn Noonan has had a free ride on the coat tails of a strong Republican vote in Shawangunk and was able to stay in office. Through-out that time, Shawangunk certainly could have fielded three Republican candidates but we supported Noonan only through our loyalty and respect to that unwritten agreement.

Well, we now have a strong candidate from Gardiner in Jack Hayes and can honor our commitment to our unwritten agreement. Jack Hayes will work well with our incumbent legislators Cathy Terizzi and Ken Ronk. Noonan, ignoring the wishes of the Republican Committee men that represent District 8, has forced a primary. After learning of the real reasons responsible Republican Committee men dumped him, the voters of this district will defeat him soundly. This year Shawangunk voters along with support from the good people of Gardiner and New Paltz will help Noonan out of that predicament.

God has blessed America and our town with the freedom to exercise our right to vote and we will prevail this September and November in electing the Team of Terizzi, Ronk and Hayes.

Roger Rascoe
Town of Shawangunk Republican Chairman, Wallkill

Manuela Michailescu, the Republican candidate for Ulster County Legislator District 1, is consistent in her stand for democracy. She has lived under Communism in her life time, and that experience gives her the strength to fight against the dictatorial-style deal made against the District 1 voters. Manuela has no personal agenda of her own.

As a Town of Rochester Councilman for 12 years I was pleased to see how fast Manuela learned on the job, and how much she contributed to solving problems in her two years as Councilwoman, already making a difference in various areas.

Active at both Town and County levels, Manuela has all the right qualifications for Legislator.

Her hands-on experience as an Elected Official and as a very active member of the Ulster County Tourism Advisory Board ­ as well as her expertise in marketing and advertising ­ would be invaluable assets for her as an Ulster County Legislator.

The people of Rochester would be proud of Manuela Michailescu as their representative in the Ulster County Legislature.

Her name appears first on the Republican line ­ which is the right place to be for a true Republican. Please vote for Manuela Michailescu in the September 15th primary, and give yourself, and all voters, a choice in the November 3rd election.

Ronald Santosky
Accord