Please allow me the opportunity to clarify what is a somewhat confused version of what happened regarding the arrest of Joseph Olivera as reported in [Shawangunk Jourtnal's] Police Blotter.

Mr. Olivera was arrested in York, Pennsylvania on an assault warrant issued by my court. He was then returned to New York, arraigned by me and sent to Ulster County jail in lieu of $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond. When he returned to my court the following Tuesday the felony charges were reduced to misdemeanors and bail was reduced to an appropriate level of $1,000 for those charges. This was done on motion from the District Attorney's office. At no time was Mr. Olivera held in York on any amount of bail. Other charges against him were waived to the grand jury.

Matt Parker
Ellenville

You've written an editorial accusing people who don't agree with you, who don't want the same thing you want, and who don't come to the same conclusions from the data, of not paying attention.

The very people you call "nutso", having realized that those in power will do or say anything to stay in power, including lie to those to whom they owe their office are taking your advice to wise up and rise up. This summer, in town halls across the country, an aware American people have done just what you've asked them to do.

Hank Harwood
Montela

I find it very disconcerting that the current owner of the Nevele property has applied to the planning board for a logging permit to remove acres of trees all the way to Route 52.

Let's see, besides that sickening prospect, and the fact that Country Club road can barely support golf carts, let alone logging trucks, begs the question that if I had a signed contract on my property and then started removing all the landscaping, windows, shingles etc. I would expect a little problem from the new buyer.

This phantom "mystery owner" must be a very easy going fella who maybe hates trees or is perhaps a little short on closing costs? Not quite Auction America's characterization of a multi millionaire successful five star hotel developer.

What's next? Are they going to dig up what's left of the golf course and sell it for topsoil? Better hurry on that one!

We are being played big-time, next we will be told that the "mystery buyer" backed out because of bad press or disgruntled non paid employees. Then they will try the auction idea again hoping the phantom bid ups the ante.

It is a tragedy that legitimate offers from reputable developers were tossed out so this sham could be inflicted on the citizens of Ellenville, a lot of people were counting on a real change and the possibility of new investment and revitalization of the Nevele, instead we have an owner orchestrated ongoing fiasco!

Bob Raynor
Ellenville

As many local residents are salivating at what the prospect of a new Nevele may bring, try and chew on this. The landscape of the Catskills was once dotted with numerous hotels and a thriving tourist industry. By the time I graduated High School in 1965 the Golden Age of the Borscht Belt was a distant memory.

Out of desperation, in the 1970s the few remaining resorts lobbied for casino gaming, only to be disappointed. The last few hotels hung around until the inevitable occurred.

In the 1990s, the Nevele facing its eventual demise, the Slutsky family decided to exit the business. Today, as we are in the worst economic downturn since the great depression, a mysterious buyer has miraculously appeared to save the Nevele.

Let's all take deep breath for a moment and digest how difficult it's going to be in rebuilding the Nevele. The damage done by Joel Hoffman (owner) and his cohorts is reprehensible. Undoubtedly, it would be a tragic mistake for the hotel to reopen upon completion of the sale. The hotel should remain closed until the renovations are completed. Then and only then can you begin to rebuild the goodwill and positive publicity in order to overcome the previous negativity.

The Nevele needs a fresh start. Unfortunately, this will take months if not years to restore an aging dinosaur.

For years Ellenville has lived with empty promises form its local politicians. Perhaps, the local leaders will seize the moment and become actively involved to insure the Nevele success and secure a brighter future.

Jack Godfrey
Former resident and hotel executive