To the Editor:
With the economy faltering, costs rising and Albany hopelessly gridlocked, it is time to send a true progressive to the Assembly to represent us in the 102nd district. Both the Dutchess County Democratic Committee and the Working Families Party have endorsed Jonathan Smith because they know he will fight for the working men and women of the district to create universal healthcare and a more equitable way to fund our schools. It is time to elect someone who wants to fundamentally change the way that government does business. He is interested in true change to help the residents in our district, rather than someone who is satisfied with the status quo. That is why I am supporting Jonathan Smith in his campaign for state Assembly.
Jonathan’s commitment to these ideals is based on his beliefs and values, not on political expediency. I hope that you will join me in supporting Jonathan’s dynamic, grassroots campaign in November.
Edward L McCormick
LaGrange
To the Editor:
On behalf of the American Red Cross of Dutchess County, I would like to thank everyone who helped make our fourth annual golf outing a success. On June 23, more than 120 golfers enjoyed a great day of golf and food at the Links at Union Vale. With the support of local business and individuals, we were able to raise critical funds vital to our mission of providing immediate emergency assistance to the citizens of Dutchess County. In an average year, the Dutchess County chapter provides assistance to more than 1,000 people in Dutchess County, transmits over 120 emergency messages for military families, provides lifesaving CPR and First Aid training to 4,500 people and 7,500 pints of blood to patients in Dutchess County hospitals. Please accept our heartfelt thanks for helping us help our community.
Robert G. Rolison
American Red Cross of Dutchess County
To the Editor:
I am writing to support Jonathan Smith for Assembly in the 102nd District. He has proven his commitment, organizational skills and hard work ethic through his efforts on a number of projects to benefit the Hyde Park community – Visual Environment, Riverfront Access, Board of Assessment Review and Stop the Sprawl. I know that if we send Jonathan to Albany he will be a tenacious advocate for the things we care about like property tax reform, improving healthcare and creating jobs with the new energy economy. Jonathan Smith will be the dynamic leader in Albany that Dutchess County needs. His youth, energy and dedication to public service are great assets for us constituents – join me in supporting Jonathan.
Elizabeth Hart
Hyde Park
To the Editor:
In such an exciting election year, as we get a chance to elect a true candidate of change into the White House, we can not forget about the race for State Assembly in the 102nd District. As a member of the Hyde Park Town Board, I’ve seen firsthand how we need new, progressive leadership representing us in Albany. That is why I am supporting Jonathan Smith for State Assembly. Jonathan wants to work closely with the local governments and community groups to ensure they get what they need from the state. He has experience working on the local level as a founding member of Stop the Sprawl and as chairman of the Hyde Park Visual Environment committee. Jonathan will also fight to fix our broken property tax system and create jobs for Dutchess County with the new energy economy.
We are facing a critical choice in November and I hope you will join me in supporting Jonathan Smith’s dynamic campaign for Assembly in the 102nd District.
Hannah Black
Hyde Park Councilwoman (D-3rd Ward)
To the Editor:
The Board of Education meeting that I attended on April 23 was very informative on a lot of topics that are going on in our school systems. One topic that was brought up by the public really caught my attention right away. This topic was about after-school programs, and why there are little to none in Poughkeepsie schools. One woman spoke on this topic and stressed that she has to pay a great deal of money in order for her daughter to attend an after-school program.
I do agree that there should be more, not just after-school programs and homework help, but also just a place where kids can go to have fun. I do understand that in order to have all of these after-school programs, the school needs funding. But I believe that if the schools and parents of these children put in work and go to a number of different boards, it is more than possible for more programs to be put into action.
Christian Johnson
Poughkeepsie High School
To the Editor:
I am a Poughkeepsie High School student who recently attended a county Legislature meeting in May. One topic brought to my attention was the citizen who brought up the fact that electricians should be licensed. I agree with them: all electricians should be licensed because without this, anyone can claim to be an electrician and work on a house or building. Having a licenses will help probe who is professional and who isn’t, which will help customers know who is working on their home and who will do a legit job. This should be passed, and it would really help concerned citizens.
Maureen Tilton
Poughkeepsie High School