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To the Editor: The Plattsburgh Permanent Firefighter's Association values open discussion regarding matters of public concern. It is our hope that the media will provide objective and researched journalism. It is discouraging when the news is dominated by one side's unsubstantiated assertions and personal attacks. While it is expected that we advance our interests, it is essential that we respect the rights and dignity of others in doing so.

The New York State Public Employees Fair Employment Act imposes a requirement on public employers and public employee organizations to engage in good-faith negotiations and to abide by their agreements. If an alleged violation of an agreement arises, it is the duty of the union to represent its members fairly by assessing the merits and filing a timely grievance. If the matter cannot be resolved between the parties, it is brought before a neutral arbitrator for a binding decision.

In our agreement with the city, the losing party bears the expense of the arbitrator's fee. This serves as a deterrent to both frivolous violations and frivolous grievances.

If any member of the press or stakeholder in a matter of public concern wishes to request a statement from our organization, please place your request in writing and address it to Plattsburgh Permanent Firefighter's Association P.O. Box 311 Plattsburgh, NY 12901 or e-mail us at plattsburghfirefighters@charter.net.

Edmund Sanderson

Vice president

Plattsburgh Permanent Firefighters Association

Local 2421 of the IAFF

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TO THE EDITOR: Kiss a delegate good morning and to hell with the voters. You can even add socialism and have the ability of a concrete block and still become president of the strongest and freest nation on earth and step on the American flag.

You can deny the troops who gave their lives for our freedom and still be president but don't say the "f" word, the "n" word or a bunch of other vowels or consonants. Communism started the same way. Aren't you all lucky.

Oh, you'll still have Tim Russert and that nut from Hardball and Shuster, Bonior, Reid, Pellosi, Shumer, CNN and NBC. I guess I'll just go back to work because we'll be paying for this for many years. Congratulations.