I would like to respond to a flyer that was paid for by the Town of Crawford Democrats and mailed to many town residents. The omission of related figures distorts the true picture. The flyer states that Town spending has increased 70% during the current administration, and I do not know where this number is coming from. Since I have taken office in 2002 revenues are up 86%, spending is up 52%, and your taxes have gone from $9.51 per thousand to $11.91 per thousand for a total increase of about 3.60% per year. In this same timeframe we have increased police funding by 63% and senior funding by over 100%.

I have long complained about the broken system at the State and Federal level of government as witnessed by a 159% increase in pension costs and a 142% increase in medical costs.

Town of Crawford residents voted against a proposed $3 million dollar Highway Garage, the need for a new highway garage was never in question due to environmental, safety and space limitations. The current facility was reduced in size and cost from the original proposal.

The Town is run in a very fiscally conservative manner and we only control about 16% of your tax bill. The Town is then subject to state and federal mandates and organized labor union contracts, which have to be negotiated.

We have reviewed every department and cost in the Town and have taken and will continue to take appropriate actions while maintaining services that you deserve, and which make the Town of Crawford a great place to live and raise family.

Charles E. Carnes
Supervisor, Town of Crawford

The reason I want Tracey Bartels to be elected to the Ulster County Legislature again is that she takes NO for an answer. New taxes, as in a new lodging tax: NO. Mismanagement of capital expenditures, like the jail debacle for which Ulster County residents will pay 6 million dollars a year in taxes every year for many years to come: also a NO.

But Tracey also likes YES. Clean green energy: YES. New jobs and businesses: YES. Water and environmental protection: YES.

Tracey Bartels and Carl Zatz for County Legislature proven leadership YES.

Barbara Sides
Gardiner

Town Clerks know the value of a good deputy clerk - one who supports your ideals and helps to maintain your sense of fairness and accommodation to a constituency, whether large or small. Good becomes better over time; a deputy will mimic rules and regulations and help maintain the status quo. Pay varies from community to community, but the tasks are the same. The bureauocratic system is the same, but is sometimes handled differently.

Better becomes best, however, when a deputy clerk,often with decades of good service tucked under her belt (deputies are mostly "hers") decides to succeed an out-going Clerk and run for the position herself. Her on-the-job training is unparalleled; her ethics and ideals have been honed, she knows her constituency and has their love and respect. She will carry on the tradition that she has been taught, and carry it well.

It is for this reason that I encourage voters in the community of Wawarsing to support and vote for Roxanne Shamro for Town Clerk on Election Day, November 3rd. Roxanne, with her 16 years of service, is the perfect candidate for Town Clerk. She is kind, fair, attentive and knows what it takes to get the job done. Janie taught her well, and now Roxanne can stand on her own. Please put her into office and you'll see what I mean.

Marian Cappillino
Town Clerk, Town of New Paltz

Of the two candidates running for Ulster County Court Judge, only one actually has experience as a court judge: incumbent Judge Deborah Schneer. Before Judge Schneer was appointed by the Governor to fill the vacant County Court Judge position - making history as the first woman to hold that position in Ulster County - she served for almost four years as a town justice in the Town of Rochester. Part of her responsibilities as a town justice included periodically serving as Acting City Court Judge in the City of Kingston and presiding over full criminal and civil dockets.

Judge Deborah Schneer has 25 years experience as a practicing attorney, handling everything from civil rights and discrimination cases, general civil matters, and employment and labor cases. Her broad range of judicial and legal experience and her strong sense of personal integrity will ensure that all parties are given their day in court, all sides of an issue will be listened to, and that justice will be served in Ulster County's toughest court.

I'm proud to support Judge Deborah Schneer for Ulster County Court Judge and urge all fair-minded voters to cast their ballot for her on Nov 3.

Suzanne McHugh
Kerhonkson

As many of you know, Don Williams is a candidate for Ulster County Court Judge. In his previous position as Ulster County District Attorney, I witnessed first-hand his ability, his professionalism and his integrity.

My sister was killed in a hit and run accident in January of 2004. In August of that year, the driver pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and was sentenced to prison. Immediately before this took place, I sat in D.A. Williams' office with my family and was overwhelmed by his warmth and compassion for us and for his passion that justice be done.

As victims of a tragedy which changed our family's lives forever, we experienced Don Williams' dedication to his job and the intensity with which he performed it. I am honored to support the person who was a refuge for us during this very difficult time and for his expertise in prosecuting the case.

Don Williams' morals and values are second to none. His strength as a prosecutor and his gentleness for the clients he represents are qualities any person in his capacity would be proud to emulate. His knowledge of the legal system, in addition to the attributes I have included in this letter, qualifies him for the position of Ulster County Court Judge. I know if he is elected he will continue to faithfully serve the people of Ulster County and bring to justice those who are a threat to their safety and welfare.

Jean Steuding
Kingston

Election Day is coming and I'd like to express my full support for Manuela Michailescu for Ulster County Legislator from District 1.

From attending the same church in Kerhonkson to sharing activities related to the Historic Preservation Commission, from past election campaigns to town board meetings, I had plenty of opportunities to know Manuela. Hard working, enthusiastic, always paying attention to details, always following up, Manuela is a fighter for the right causes. Once involved, she uses her knowledge and dedicates her energy to the project or issue at hand.

Professionally, she is passionate about marketing tourism. She would apply her experience to improve tourism to Ulster County, especially to our neglected area.

Manuela Michailescu is the only candidate not endorsed by parties or politicians. Your votes on Primary Day put her on the ballot. She is your candidate.

If you want a strong voice for real change, the name to remember in the voting booth is Manuela Michailescu. You'll find her on Row B.

Diana Puglisi-Cilenti, MD
Accord

For the past two decades, our local Town of Crawford's boards have been ruled by one party. There is feeling of distrust of openness and transparency. Now with the formation of a club named the Crawford Democrats, made up of Democrats, Independent, and disgruntled Republicans, the voters will have a choice this election.

Go to our website www.crawforddemocrats.org for more information on the issues and the qualification of our candidates. There is a Blog on our website for your input. Our main purpose is to promote a better local government for our children, seniors and our community to live in.

Joe DeJong, Former Supervisor of the Town of Crawford
Montgomery

As an elected official in the Town of Shawangunk, I have worked with Kevin Hunt as he has served in his various positions of Supervisor, County Legislator and now for the last five years Town Justice. Kevin brings his thirty-five years of experience in the criminal justice system to this position which shows as anyone can attest to that has been in his court. He continues to strive for improvement and manages his court in a smooth and efficient manner. Please join with me and support Kevin Hunt for reelection on November 3rd.

John Valk
Town of Shawangunk Supervisor

I would like to take a moment to say "thank you" for your support over the past eight (8) years that I have served this Town. I know that this past year has been a very difficult one for all of us.

While campaigning I was most frequently asked two (2) questions; "How does our town stand financially?" and "How much are taxes going to go up?" I would like to take a minute and address your concerns.

Financially our town is in relatively good shape. This town board took pro active steps prior to the economic demise to keep services at 100% while keeping expenses down. We mandated all departments curb spending and reduce their budgets by a minimum of 5%.

It is important that the tax payer knows how much control the town board, in reality, has over their tax bill. Contrary to what my wife and I believed prior to my being elected to serve this town, approximately sixteen (16%) percent of your tax bill is controlled by the town. Sixty four and one quarter (64.25%) is the Pine Bush School District, fourteen and one half (14.5%) is the County and the remaining five (5%) is the Fire District. Your Town Board, over the past eight years worked diligently to keep our tax increases to an average of just under four (4%) a year, which in comparison to other towns, is significant. We have been financially responsible with the town spending of your hard earned money while maintaining the highest level of services.

I am proud [of the many] projects completed over these past eight (8) years and believe that my strong will and the determination of this town board will continue.

My promise to you the tax payer is to continue to give you and our town my very best, to keep you informed and keep the tax increases to a minimum.

In closing I would like to ask for your vote and continued support in the upcoming election.

Daniel S. Flanick
Pine Bush

In a few short days you will have the opportunity to go to the polls and elect town and county representatives who will serve you during an extremely challenging period of time. Our entire nation is in the midst of an economic emergency. 2010 will be a time of tough decisions and there is a need to focus on the responses to this emergency.

I have spent a large period of my life as an Emergency Manager and I have seen communities in disarray. There is a need for a unified approach to surviving and recovering from the current recession. Governments at all levels must put aside their personal and public differences and work for the good of the people. The cooperation of Towns, Villages and County representatives is essential. Lines of communication need to be established and a free flow of information is imperative.

The power struggle existing between the County Executive and the Legislature is very non-productive. The good of the people must come before petty politics. Other counties in the Mid-Hudson are adjusting to the current financial crisis and so must we.

I promise you I will fight to establish a comprehensive plan to create an efficient and effective county government that will be responsive to the needs of the people of Ulster County. I promise I will work to reestablish Ulster County as a technological center of the United States. We had this distinction before and we can regain it if we are focused and willing to work together.

The road ahead will have some bumps, curves and long pull hills but I am confident we can survive the journey if we assume a positive and realistic attitude. We need to utilize our current assets and resources in ways that will optimize output and performance. Our community members have an abundance of skills and experience. We must encourage the participation of all our citizens to address cost saving and waste reduction measures while at the same time promote Ulster County as a good place to do business.

I would appreciate your support on Election Day, Tuesday November 3, 2009. You can begin to elect people who want to do the right things. You can start by going out to vote this Election Day. I am running with Cathy Terrizzi and Ken Ronk who also share my sense of urgency and commitment to the people of Ulster County, please give them your support.

Jack Hayes
Gardiner

Joe Katz has proven himself to be an excellent leader, a team player, and a concerned citizen of Gardiner. I have watched, for almost two years, as Joe responded immediately to urgent calls, Sunday or any other day. It didn't matter if it was dinner time or late at night, Joe was there for Gardiner.

I've watched Joe respond to criticism and accolades alike. Of course, the accolades are great, but he listens to the criticisms with equal interest and an open mind. He is smart, honest, and hardworking. He never sways in his belief that one's actions should be for the good of Gardiner. I truly believe that Gardiner could not have a more responsible and caring Supervisor. I'm very proud of Joe and his achievements. He's a good man to have on our side.

As his wife, I know first hand how hard he has worked for Gardiner. He's a winner!

Pattie Eakin
Gardiner