To the Editor:
I am writing this letter in support of Fred Bunnell’s candidacy for re-election as Dutchess County legislator. I have come to know him as a man of integrity. He has no hidden agenda other than making a good faith effort to bring the community together and to serve his constituency.
He has consistently shown his interest in, and concern for all religious, ethnic and racial groups within the greater Dutchess County area. I have seen him at meetings concerning a variety of issues that affect the greater good in the community not only those of us who reside within his geopolitical catchments area. He has said that he attends such hearings and meetings to be better informed about matters that concern us all.
In this day of so many questionable people seeking to “serve,” it is refreshing to have a candidate who not only “talks the talk,” but actually shows an interest in making Dutchess County the best place to live that is possible. Fred has earned our support.
Harriet Fein
Poughkeepsie
To the Editor:
In the Oct 24 Poughkeepsie Journal, letter writer Mike Skriloff (stumping for a Republican for Dutchess County legislator) says: “I have been very concerned recently about wrongheaded ideas Democratic legislators have promoted to let convicted criminals escape serving jail sentences. Democrats advocating so-called ‘alternatives to incarceration’ show they are weak on public safety.” Perhaps Mr. Skriloff should take a look at the Robert G. Rolison (R) page on the Dutchess County Web site.
He has a May 3, 2007 press release that says: “… Public Safety Committee Chairman Rob Rolison says the Legislature will be looking this month at a series of initiatives to lessen jail overcrowding and improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system. Rolison says the first resolution will release funding to the Office of Probation to establish an appropriate residence for electronic monitoring of low-risk offenders without compromising public safety.” I’ll bet Mr. Skriloff didn’t know that.
William Lenhart
Poughkeepsie
To the Editor:
I’ve known Jane Barber Smith as the vice chair of the Dutchess County Democratic Committee. I know she will make an outstanding Dutchess County Legislator because I’ve seen her dedication and leadership. I’m delighted that she has decided to run for public office.
She has the skills, knowledge, determination and sensitivity to be a valued public servant. She has served as president of several organizations where she developed and used her many skills. Dutchess County needs Jane Barber Smith to advance the work on issues that are most important to us, such as: affordable health care and health insurance, improving the quality and cost of public education, lowering taxes, keeping businesses in the area and protecting open space. I’m confident that a vote for Jane Barber Smith is a vote well deserved.
Doug Abramson
Poughkeepsie
To the Editor:
As a single mother, I support Jane Smith for county legislator and not just because she is my mom. Affording health care for our children has become a serious issue for an increasing number of people and it is of personal concern to me. I feel that her proven leadership and life experience can help the Legislature move toward solutions for children’s health care.
I know she is deeply concerned about the welfare of children. In addition to being an educator, she raised three daughters and three step-daughters while teaching full time. She knows the responsibilities of childcare and the assistance that parents need. Children need to be taught personal safety, as her opponent has said, but our children also need to have reliable and consistent health care that their families can afford. I urge District 8 voters to vote for Jane Smith for the Dutchess County Legislature.
Barbara Wood
Poughkeepsie
To the Editor:
Fred Knapp will make a great mayor of the City of Poughkeepsie, and I encourage your support for Fred’s candidacy. As leader of the Democratic Caucus in the County Legislature, I have had the pleasure of working with Fred and I have observed firsthand his commitment to the residents and taxpayers of the City of Poughkeepsie. He is tireless in his efforts to keep government affordable, while at the same time providing the necessary services that taxpayers have come to expect from government.
Fred has shown strong leadership in the Democratic Caucus and on the floor of the county legislature. He is a consensus builder, and he has a proven record of cooperation with members of both political parties. Fred is a good listener and he puts people first. As a parent, he recognizes the importance of a strong educational system, and Fred will make an improved city school system a priority in the Knapp administration.
Fred Knapp has a vision for a City of Poughkeepsie that is poised to move forward. He has a vision of a city that is affordable, cultural, hospitable and safe for the families that live here.
As a county legislator, Fred has always looked out for the residents of the city and as its mayor, Fred Knapp will have the opportunity to lead the city into the future – a future that all county residents will be proud of.
Roger Higgins
Minority Leader, Dutchess County Legislature
To the Editor:
We are writing to strongly urge the voters in the City of Poughkeepsie to support our uncle, Fred Knapp, for mayor.
Serving as a county legislator for many years has given him the necessary experience needed to lead the City of Poughkeepsie in a positive direction, and being a member of our family has shaped him to be the kind and compassionate individual he is today. Fred is not only always willing to help us solve problems and lend a listening ear, but he is a constant presence that we look to in our daily lives.
We know that Fred will use these remarkable qualities as he shows Poughkeepsie, “We can do better.” Poughkeepsie has only once choice for mayor in November: Fred Knapp.
Lindsay Roth, Olivia Roth, Jacob Roth, Heather Short, Samantha Short, Zachary Short, Daniel Ducey, Dustin Ducey
To the Editor:
It was an honor and privilege to serve as Dutchess County clerk four years ago. While I was clerk many changes were introduced to make the office more efficient. Among other things, file maps were installed in the GIS System to allow surveyors and engineers the ability to obtain a copy without having to go to the county office building. Software was being implemented to make public records available through the Internet. I want to return to the clerk’s office so your public records can also be available online
We have companies out in the private sector that want to charge you ridiculous amounts of money to get a copy of these records. The sitting clerk does not want to make these records available to you online, although there are companies that will provide you this information for the right price. Where are his priorities?
I would also like to have these records filed electronically. This would speed up the process for real estate transactions and save those people trying to buy or sell a home at a time when real estate prices have gone out of sight.
As taxes continue to rise, we need to improve the processing of records through the use of available technology that will not only speed up the process but save our residents time and money.
Please vote for me on Nov. 6 so that I can continue to make technology improvements in the Dutchess County Clerks office.
Richard M Anderson
Hyde Park
To the Editor:
It is time to reinstate Richard M. Anderson to the Dutchess County clerk’s office. He implemented new technology to automate public record processing in his term four years ago but never had the opportunity to complete what he started. The last elected county clerk never finished the term and our current county clerk was appointed before our last governor left office. Neither demonstrated any intent or interest in completing the technology upgrades established by Mr. Anderson, which would not take much to finish upgrades for document access. Record keeping, copying, faxing, mailing and equipment maintenance are very costly. Online capability would significantly reduce cost and save county expense, benefiting county residents.
Automating access and authorized use of the public records online would expedite legal and real estate transactions to county residents buying, selling or refinancing homes. Additionally, Richard would work with the state office of technology to provide for the electronic filing of legal documents, including deeds. We should use current technology, reduce cost and lower our taxes.
I have known Richard Anderson for many years; he is hardworking, committed and someone with integrity that you can count on and trust. We need to elect people to office that will do the best job for county residents. I encourage you to vote for Richard Anderson so that we can move the Dutchess County clerk’s office into the 21st century.
Wayne Southworth
Pleasant Valley
To the Editor:
As you all know, it’s budget time in the city. This year they’re starting with 7.4 percent – too much, you say. Absolutely, but they keep hiring and spending and bonding.
Were we better off over these past two years with a Democratic majority? Most of the improvements that were completed were started with the past Republican majority, but there is more to be done.
We need John Tkazyik as mayor. He has been involved with city government for the past six years. He tries to control spending, but with a Democratic majority, it’s difficult with only three votes by Republicans.
It’s time to make a big decision this year, whether we want to continue like we are or improve the quality of life of the Poughkeepsie taxpayer. John Tkazyik is a city native and really cares for the city. He lives in the city and works in the city at a family business. If you want improvements, vote Republican, not only in the city but also in the county. Let’s get back to reality and help the taxpayers breathe a little easier.
Betty Chapland
Poughkeepsie
To the Editor:
This past Sunday evening was a first. Two Poughkeepsie art galleries co-hosted and organized a free and open public forum with the two mayoral candidates, Democrat Fred Knapp and Rebublican John Tkazyik.
Over 50 concerned citizens jammed the Cabaret Voltaire Art Center on Main Street for an hour of lively and informative questions and answers concerning the arts community and quality of life issues. The Poughkeepsie art community is poised for a real Renaissance and we wanted to know which candidate will help us get there, without delay!
We want to thank the candidates for their time and the audience for showing their support and interest in what happens in their community. We hope the next mayor will realize that the arts and culture matter and it is in everybody’s interest that Poughkeepsie prospers.
We are not endorsing any particular candidate at this time, because according to an old Chinese proverb, “It doesn’t matter what color the cat is, as long as it catches the mouse.”
Franc Palaia
G.A.S. Visual Art & Performance Space
Sukran Aziz
Cabaret Voltaire Art Center