As you know, the job losses in the Town of Wawarsing continue to be horrendous. Hardly a day goes by when we don't hear of another business closing its doors. We are facing unprecedented financial challenges. Revenues continue to decline while the need for services, keep rising. Because of unfunded mandates, and escalating costs, the State of New York and Ulster County, as well, persistently try to shift significant burdens on the Town of Wawarsing, and its residents, which makes it increasingly difficult in preparing our annual budget.

As a result, all levels of government must change and make the same incredibly hard choices American families are making every single day and here in the Town of Wawarsing we are doing exactly that even though we are near the breaking point. We are tightening our belt, we are cutting costs, and we are streamlining all departments and face difficult problems head on.

While there are no layoffs in the 2010 Town Budget, we were able to drop four positions through attrition and retirement saving over $100,000.00 in salary and benefits. Employee wages were kept to a minimum, and elected personnel received no wage increases. The overall tax levy for the 2010 Town of Wawarsing residents was reduced from last year's budget, by 9 percent. This is welcome news especially in light of our current economic disaster.

I am especially thankful to Town of Wawarsing comptroller, Mrs. Patricia Althouse for her commitment and dedication in preparing the 2010 Town Budget. This would have been a near impossible task without her guidance and advice, thank you Pat.

If anyone has any questions about the 2010 budget please contact the Supervisors office at any convenient time.

Edward Jennings, Supervisor
Town of Wawarsing

L has been a student in the Ellenville School District since 9th grade. She lost a year of school before coming here, due to being homeless. I have had the opportunity to work with this student and watch her blossom, despite the poverty, disability, and adversity, she faces in her life.

L has excellent attendance, good grades and a positive attitude towards school and life. To her credit she was inducted into the National Honor Society during the last school year. In order for L to participate in after school sports and activities on days when the school bus wasn't doing runs, plans had to be made by staff and other students so L could be transported. L lives rurally. Sometimes there is a car but most times there is no money for gas.

L has never purchased clothing at a mall. She understands what hunger is. She knows what it is like to live in conditions similar to people in third world countries. There is no hot water in her home and sometimes no heat.

On October 14, 2009, I inquired about her status concerning the senior trip. I was hoping to pay for it with the help of my colleagues. I was too late. The trip is already booked and even though L's mother came to the school to ask for help to have L attend, she was turned away. I was told that L did very little fundraising. For some of our students, survival takes up much of their time. Fundraising is not an option for many who live rurally and have the responsibility of taking care of their families.

It is too late for L to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity with her senior class. Perhaps something can be put in place so in the future others don't miss out on the wonderful activities we plan at Ellenville High School. I would certainly be willing to contribute towards a fund that enabled ALL students to participate in trips.

Public schools are supposed to be the great equalizer.

Shame on us for allowing this to go on.

Maureen Crocker
New Paltz

Our family's business had a recent experience that reinforced my feeling that Ulster County's change to an executive form of government (a) was the right decision and (b) we elected the right person to lead it: Mike Hein.

At Rocking Horse Ranch Resort, we have just completed a substantial investment in expansion including "Big Splash" our indoor water park. As everyone is aware, construction rarely goes as planned. We were about ready to open Big Splash Saturday October 24th but were lacking a critical, big circulation pump and final approval by Department of Health Officials.

The Department of Health had come earlier in the week, but could not do the approval without the missing pump. They returned on Friday at 4 PM. With 400 guests in the house, we were still awaiting expedited delivery of the big pump. The pump arrived after the DOH Officials left. I called the County Executive's Office and explained the situation.

The County Executive personally returned my call on Friday night and directed the Department of Health staff to return on Saturday morning after we installed the pump late Friday night. This extra measure of effort and service by our County's Officials at the direction of County Executive Hein ensured that our weekend guests were able to enjoy the new water park as promised.

In these difficult economic times it took fortitude to expand our business. It is important that we have a business friendly administration that understands Ulster County is not just a Monday through Friday operation, but like its residents and businesses runs 24/7.

County Executive Hein "gets it", he and his staff understand how to help the business sector in Ulster County grow without compromising safety. I want to thank Mr Hein and the Officials at the Ulster County Dept. of Health for their cooperation and patience in getting our new facility up and operating safely for the enjoyment of our guests.

Steven Turk

Rocking Horse Ranch Resort
Highland, NY