A recently filed lawsuit against the Ellenville School District claims civil rights violations and has my interest spiked. I couldn't help but notice the tones of segregation. My family dealt with the district more than 10 years ago with trying to get my sister included in the regular ED classes. This fight lasted for at least a decade, maybe more. It cultivated with a settlement and that settlement was basically to get my family out of Ellenville, the district was unwilling to come up with even a small compromise.

What angers me about this lawsuit is the fact that the district went above and beyond the law here by contacting DCF. DCF not only has no jurisdiction over a school district but the complaint filed with the DCF was without merit. The parents went to the school complaining about an issue with how their children were being treated and instead of trying to fix the problem, this is what the school chose to do. I am not a fan of people, entities and establishments choosing to cause trouble.

What the district did here was deplorable at best. I am only able to wish the Oglesby family luck and good fortune in their federal lawsuit. This situation, though unfortunate, could have been avoided had the district been willing to work with the Oglesby family and swayed from their "policy to retaliate." With that said, these teachers are being paid more than $90,000 a year to work with these students to achieve greatness. Why then is it so difficult for these teachers to just that, work with the students to achieve greatness?

There is no such thing as free money yet all I'm seeing is these teachers collecting their paychecks while little Suzy or little Jimmy sit home without a proper education wondering why?

Nicholas Searles
Center Rutland, VT

I would like to thank Coach Phil Althouse for encouraging all the boys and girls on the cross country team to go out there and do the best they can. While they aren't in first place they are a strong dedicated team who root for each and every team member no matter what place the finish in. They also are physically fit and in top shape thanks to their vigorous workouts.

The sportsmanship displayed by this team is so nice to see. I wish each and every player continued success with their personal records and to continue to make Ellenville proud to have such a great bunch of athletics. I enjoyed having the opportunity to cheer on our cross country athletics and again thanks Coach Althouse for being an outstanding coach.

Gloria Stephens

I wish to thank the voters of Gardiner for my re-election as Supervisor. As I have stated many times, political parties have no place in local government. In Gardiner, we all care about the quality of life and protecting our surroundings. At times we may disagree as to methods, but I never question the sincerity and community care of all our citizens.

I promise to continue to listen to all opinions and remain open to new ideas. In addition, I will continue to make the town's finances transparent and report regularly to the public. I want to invite greater participation of all residents in Town Government.

Please attend Town Board meetings and volunteer for committee openings as they occur. Feel free to contact me at town hall with questions and concerns. Thank you again,

Joe Katz
Supervisor, Town of Gardiner

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of District 8, Gardiner, Shawangunk and New Paltz along with all the people of Ulster County for allowing me to represent them in the Ulster County Legislature for the past 16 years. It has been an honor and privilege to have served the community. I have worked diligently for the people of Ulster County with no personal gains or agendas.

In light of the rumors and lies spread throughout the primary process about myself, my wife, and daughters, I know I ran a clean and positive campaign based on my many accomplishments and have no regrets. That's how politics should be. I know I can look everyone in the eyes and assure them that I fought for the best interests of the people and not the party bosses.

Other people have their reasons why they get involved in the political process; whether it's for a spouse to get (or keep) a political patronage job, a spouse to run unopposed to assure health benefits are paid by the taxpayer, or simply for a person's ego. These should not be the reasons people run for political office, nor were they the reasons I chose to run for office. I served the public to make Ulster County a better place for people to live. I ran for the 102 year old lady who lost her meals on wheels and I was able to help. I ran for the disable men in the Gardiner UARC house that I was proud to help build to give them and their families a better life. I am proud of my years of service and all the things I was able to do for the community. I missed many family oriented functions but they understood why I was not able to participate in them. I have a beautiful family that made many sacrifices for me to be a public servant, and I am real proud of them. Again, no regrets.

I would like to extend an offer to all the people of Ulster County of any political affiliation the opportunity to contact me with any problems they may encounter and I will be happy to try and continue to assist you.

As I close, with the elections coming up on us, be sure to ask the candidates the hard questions. Incumbents: What have you done for us? New candidates: What will you do for us? All candidates: Do you talk and fight or just sit on your hands? Do you answer to the people you represent, or to the party bosses? Remember their answers. They will be back in two (2) years for their grades.

Glenn Noonan
Gardiner