May 14, 2008 04:00 am
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&letterheadSalute to Labor
TO THE EDITOR: The date for the annual Salute to Labor Dinner-Awards Banquet has been set for Sunday June 22. The event will be held at the Rainbow Wedding and Banquet Hall in Altona with a cocktail hour set for 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m.
The keynote speaker for the event will be Randi Weingarten, President of the 160,000 member United Federation of Teachers in New York. She also heads the city Municipal Labor Committee, an umbrella organization for 100-plus city unions.
From 1986 to 1998, Weingarten served as counsel to UFT President Sandra Feldman, taking a lead role in contract negotiations and enforcement and in lawsuits in which the union fought for adequate school funding and building conditions.
She assumed the UFT presidency in 1998 after Feldman became president of the AFT. Under Weingarten's leadership, salaries of UFT-represented public school employees have increased by 43 percent.
Her passion as leader of America's largest union local is to make every school a place where parents want to send their children and educators want to work. Weingarten holds degrees from Cornell University and the Cardozo School of Law.
Weingarten has recently announced her candidacy for the presidency of the American Federation of Teachers at its biannual convention in Chicago this July. Her trip to northern New York will provide her an opportunity to share concerns of educators in rural areas.
Two labor leaders will be recognized for their service to bettering the lives of the working men and women of Clinton County. Those honored will be Jeanette Stapley of the New York State United Teachers and Neil Baer of the Operating Engineers.
Additionally, two students of union households will be awarded scholarships by the Salute to Labor Committee.
Information regarding tickets for the event may be obtained by contacting the Salute to Labor Committee at 493-2925.
Jim Gonyo
West Chazy
&letterheadRunning for board
TO THE EDITOR: I would like to introduce myself to the community members of Peru Central School District and ask for your support on May 20 when voters will select members to serve on the Peru CSD BOE.
I'm an ardent supporter of our School District and embrace the opportunity to serve on the board. Having graduated from Union College with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering, being the father of two grown children (who are educators) and raising a son who attends Peru Intermediate School, I have a profound value for education.
I believe our children deserve a quality education, where they can be prepared to compete: in the global marketplace. Our educational system needs to strive to go beyond meeting New York State Learning Standards and assist students in achieving excellence. We need to be sure our school leaders set out clear learning objectives, support professional development in a way that advances best teaching practices, and create responsible spending plans that are fiscally prudent.
Taxpayers are concerned with how our school taxes are being spent. In September 2007, the school board and superintendent proposed a spending plan of around $1.33 million dollars to install artificial turf and stadium lighting on athletic fields. Voters came out in droves to defeat the proposition.
Currently, the board and superintendent have put forth a proposition to purchase three new buses for approximately $310,000. Two of these vehicles are coach buses. Each coach bus costs significantly more than a traditional school bus, yet seats even less students. This kind of irresponsible spending needs to stop.
With the skyrocketing cost of fuel, food and overall cost of living, our school leaders need to get realistic and understand the financial challenges already facing taxpayers.
Let your voice be heard; vote May 20 at Peru High School between 12 and 9 p.m..
Milton Henry
Peru
&letterheadSeeking support
TO THE EDITOR: My name is Scott Hommes and I'm asking your support in my candidacy for Willsboro School Board.
I have given much thought to this venture and do not underestimate the importance of either this position, nor the uphill battle I will have in beating two incumbents to attain it.
I'm a life-long resident of this district, living most of my life in Essex. Just recently, Jessie and I built a home and moved our starter farm to Willsboro. I'm a 1992 graduate of Willsboro Central School, where I learned many of the lessons and values I try to lead my life by today. I see no better reason to run for school board than to ensure that the students of today continue to have the same educational and life opportunities that I had growing up.
Casting your vote for me on May 20 will assure you of certain things. A vote for me will assure you of hard work and fiscal responsibility. I have experience working within the framework of a large but light budget and juggling big numbers doesn't frighten me. A vote for me will assure you of a fair, commonsense approach to handling problems. Issues will be handled on a case-by-case basis and decisions will be made based on facts and research, not on the post Columbine-9/11 social climate we currently live in.
More than anything else, I'm seeking your vote because of my desire to contribute to this community, a community that has done so much for my family and me over the years. I'd like the opportunity to do my part to help maintain and even expand the possibilities for our students, while doing it at a price our taxpayers can afford to live with. I'd appreciate your vote on May 20.
Scott Hommes
Willsboro
&letterheadThanks for support
TO THE EDITOR: The Rouses Point Fire Department would like to thank the community for their support for our breakfast on April 27. The breakfast was a great success especially due to the generous donation of food from Stewart Shops, and the members of the NCCS Key Club who did an outstanding job helping serve and clean up.
J. Bruce Seguin
Chairman
Rouses Point
&letterheadProud of our people
TO THE EDITOR: CVPH is a great place to receive care and work because of great people. It's easy to cite our brick-and-mortar growth or cutting-edge technology as validation that CVPH is a genuine North Country treasure. Both are impressive. However, they represent the tip of the iceberg.
Health care is personal, complex and, at times, if not frightening, then at least intimidating. CVPH is blessed to have capable, compassionate staff members throughout the Medical Center. Every job is important and essential. We all, no matter what our job title, routinely have the opportunity to make a crucial difference in someone else's life. We rely on one another. We shine the most when given the chance to go the extra mile. We're not perfect, but we strive to be.
The Board of Directors and I are extremely proud of the people who are CVPH. They serve our community around the clock, every day of the year. Because National Hospital Week and Nursing Home Week are celebrated May 11 through 17, we want to publicly proclaim our appreciation and admiration for the CVPH team, almost 2,200 strong and growing.
Stephens Mundy
CVPH president
Chief executive officer
Plattsburgh
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