I wanted to extend my congratulations to the group of taxpayers who so vigorously campaigned against our school budget. I hope you enjoy your Dark Victory. However, as an educator in Rondout Valley I must say that a victory that is won by misinformation, outright lies and distortions is not much of a victory.

Perhaps you can explain how larger classroom sizes, less support staff and fewer after school activities benefits our students? Every colleague I spoke with today stated they felt assaulted when they drove to the district office to vote and saw the signs (that the oh so clever angry taxpayers hung up at 4:00 a.m. the day of the vote) maligning the teachers and staff of Rondout Valley.

Yes, teachers make a decent living and these are tough times. We need more good paying jobs not less. How does turning a community against itself help?

Furthermore, how dare you imply that teachers interests are different than those of our students. Clearly the orchestrators of this "just say no" crowd are clueless about what educators do. I am an educator, a parent, and a taxpayer in this district. I know first hand how high our taxes are. I understand that it is the system that is broken. I completely agree that property owners should not carry the complete burden of supporting our schools.

What good can possibly come of the mean spirited, ugly and unnecessary attacks on teachers? Your anger and frustration regarding our high taxes is understandable. What I vehemently disagree with are your tactics. How many readers attended the many open budget meetings held over this past winter and spring? Our new superintendent worked tirelessly to cut and trim the budget and there wasn't an item on the budget that wasn't scrutinized.

What the district was asking for was reasonable. The process was fair and transparent. I urge community members to work together to try to get the state to change the way we are taxed. Attacking teachers and school staff is just wrong. What kind of message are you sending to the students you say you are trying to protect? That their teachers are greedy and lazy? I urge taxpayers to become truly informed, to look at the broader picture and to focus on changing an unfair system.

Elizabeth Harrington
Rondout Valley Teacher

This is for Shoprite.

What is your problem?

You just can't leave good enough alone.

You just had to appeal.

Why are you fighting Walmart so much?

Do you think they are a threat to you? Grand Union never hurt you. You didn't bother them.

Why are you so worried about Walmart?

Peters Market doesn't complain about any business that comes to town. That's because they have confidence in his business. You know how much this area needs jobs. Walmart will bring that, plus more stores will come in. That's means more people coming into our area to shop at places already here. That also means business for you.

This area needs building up. Right now many go out of town to Walmart. It would be a lot better if we had one here. It's like you're telling us where to shop. Who do you think you are making our choice for us. No store would be taking business away from you. You all would have your own clientele us, each of you could run different sales. You would alternate, work together. What is wrong with that?

There is nothing wrong with a little competition. Walmart would be the best thing that could happen to this area. So many changes could happen for the best. Many of us know that the stores already here would benefit from these changes. People that go to Middletown, Monticello, and Kingston would shop at our Walmart here plus at the stores already here.

What you are doing is nonsense.

Childs play, it's what you want, not what you want for us.

You're not thinking of the folks in this area. Stop thinking of yourself, think of others for a change. It's not what you want, its' what the public wants.

Open your eyes, take a good look. What do you see in this area? Nothing. It looks like you want to keep it that way.

Why can't you play nice?

There is no reason why two establishments like Shoprite and Walmart couldn't work together. Stop being an opponent.

Why can't we all play together?

Nancy Van Leuven
Ellenville

Our "Old Library" is our "Old Firehouse." That little building has served us faithfully and tirelessly its entire life.

The Firehouse was built in the early 1900s shortly after "The Great Fire" burned down half of the Gardiner hamlet. The Fire house was used as a Polling Place, a Meeting Hall, a home of the Ladies Auxiliary, and of course until recently our Library.

The names of the past Chiefs and Presidents of the company; Moran, Wells, Upright and many others document a history of selfless service to Our Town.

Our Firefighters have always been volunteers. These men and women come to the aid of their neighbors at all hours of the night and day without pay. The current duties of our Firefighter go well beyond fire suppression. Our firefighters respond to car/airplane accidents, lost-injured rockclimbers/parachutists, and hazardous materials incidents. These increased duties require many hours of mandated training yet we still enjoy their volunteer status.

Our Fire Department is an integral component of our County's Disaster Preparedness Response Plan. It's all voluntary.

When the flooding rains fill basements with water, Who comes To pump them out? When Forest Fires threaten, Who responds?? Who provides volunteers for Gardiner Day and Fourth of July celebrations??? Our Gardiner Fire Department!

The men and women who keep you safe and respond every time you call, without fail.

Let's say thank you to them and preserve their heritage. Deed the Old Firehouse back to the Firefighters. It's the right thing to do. Please contact the Town Board and support our heroes.

Jack Hayes, County Legislator District 8
Gardiner