Generosity appreciated
TO THE EDITOR: The staff and residents of Pine Harbour would like to thank the following people and companies for providing an ice cream social and a cake-decorating demonstration. Jim Williams of Humana, Tracy and Dawn of Price Chopper Bakery. Your generosity and thoughtfulness are very much appreciated and our residents truly enjoyed themselves.

Terrianne D. Pavone

Plattsburgh

Vaccine needed
TO THE EDITOR: Since 2002, I have received my annual flu shot at our local medical group that accepts Medicare — the process is efficient and results in no charge to me. I have a $96 monthly deduction for Medicare from my Social Security check, only time I use Medicare.

The good people at our medical group have advised that they have no vaccine and expect a long delay if any vaccine is received.

I think our media should look into the flu vaccine shortage before we have an epidemic. I'm 75 years old and need my shot to avoid the flu. The shot has worked for me since 1956, USMC provided. Thanks for your attention to this important matter.

Anthony Auer, USMC ret.

Rouses Point

Best choice
TO THE EDITOR: I am writing this letter to show my support for Joe Giroux, our county treasurer. As someone who has worked with Joe as a legislator for a few years, I feel he is the best choice. As legislators, we had to work with the treasurer's office on many financial issues, including the county budget. Joe now has the experience of both sides. He is dedicated to make Clinton County the best it can be.

As the treasurer, he has to be able to see the side of government and the side of the residents of the county. With his open-door policy, if you are having a problem, whether it is paying your taxes or a problem with your tax bill, Joe is there to listen and try to solve your problem. This is important, especially in this economic crisis. He makes you feel that you are as important, as all of the people of Clinton County, not just one person with a small problem. This is the kind of man I want working not only for me but for my children and their children to come.

Please join me on Nov. 3 and vote Joe Giroux, Clinton County treasurer.

Gladys Perry

Plattsburgh

Unique understanding
TO THE EDITOR: I would like to put my full support behind Joe Giroux for county treasurer. Let me take a moment to remind the taxpayers of Clinton County of Joe's extensive experience in county government.

For 11 years, Joe served the towns of Beekmantown, Chazy and beyond as their county legislator. His time on the legislature included roles with the finance department, transportation department and county operations. These committees provided Joe a unique understanding of county government. He uses these acquired skills daily in his current position as county treasurer. He has maintained an excellent synergy with the members of the Clinton County Legislature and county departments.

Join me in voting for Joe Giroux for treasurer on Nov. 3.

Tami Smith

Plattsburgh

Honest, industrious
TO THE EDITOR: We are pleased to write a letter of support for our friend, Kelly LaFountain, who is running for the office of Beekmantown town clerk/tax collector.

Kelly is honest, hardworking and very community-minded. Kelly's value system is from a generation beyond her years when neighbors and friends were there for you when a person was in need. She steps to the plate when people are sick or in need of her help.

Town of Beekmantown residents will be fortunate to have her as their town clerk/tax collector.

Gene and Karen Armstrong

Plattsburgh

Fresh face
TO THE EDITOR: I can celebrate! Anyone can join me in celebrating: anyone who is tired of politics as usual and an out-of-control federal government that is gaining too much control over we, the people.

There is a fresh face on the horizon, coming forward to make a difference. His name is Doug

Hoffman and he is running for the 23rd Congressional District to replace Congressman John McHugh.

Mr. Hoffman's candidacy brings to mind the biblical story of David and Goliath. He is running against the two major party candidates, both of whom have demonstrated extreme liberal views and actions. Mr. Hoffman is the only true conservative is this race. David of old used five smooth stones to defend the name of his God. Mr. Hoffman is defending traditional, conservative values. His 5 smooth stones are 5 simple statements of truth. Without hiding his honor, or an agenda behind rhetoric, he is confidently stating his intentions.

He believes: 1 — in the sanctity of life; 2 — in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a women; 3 — in shrinking the trillion dollar plus national deficit; 4 — that Obama health care will be disastrous to the health care of the American people; 5 — in stopping out-of-control government spending and the resulting raising of taxes.

It is my hope that we in the 23rd Congressional District will claim our rights as Americans on

Nov. 3rd to vote not for a party, but for a man of integrity who will represent those conservative values that are presently being trampled on in Washington. Then we will celebrate!

Nancy Schick

Fulton

Board matter
TO THE EDITOR: Peru residents may have recently wondered a few things about our local roadways, and asked questions such as, "Why all of a sudden speed bumps?"... "Four way stops?"... or "Who makes these decisions, anyway?"

I inquired, and found that the Town Board makes these decisions. I had thought "roadway" decisions were made by our town superintendent. The Town Board decides when and where speed bumps are placed and how many stop signs are required at an intersection, not the highway department led by Mike Farrell's 29 years of roadway experience.

My point is, please know the facts before you cast your votes. Just because a person, or group of people, has placed more signs in the community does not make them the best candidate. Attend a Town Board meeting, talk to current employees, and ask questions that can be answered with facts not just "ideals for the future." Reflect on the past two years of Peru Town controversy and decide where changes are needed and which elected officials need to remain in order to provide continued service for our town in a cohesive manner.

The old adage, "If it's not broke, don't fix it," applies in politics, too.

Thanks Kathy Flynn, for a great job. Mike Farrell has been Town of Peru superintendent for one year, and I am sure you have noticed some of the following: the amount of shoulders cut, ditching, paving of roads, a shared effort with water and sewer department, assistance to youth commission to expand and preserve fields, and the updated maintenance on town trucks and equipment. Mike has expanded the services provided by the highway department, while following the preset budget given to him. Peru roads were clear and safe last winter and the salt-sand and equipment are ready for this year. Thank you, Mike and the Highway Department.

Missy Wright

Peru

People skills
TO THE EDITOR: I write this letter in support of Mr. Michael Morales, who is a candidate for Councilman in the Town of Beekmantown.

I know Mike as an intelligent, honest and hard-working individual who has demonstrated a deep interest in the affairs of our community. He possesses excellent "people" skills, is easy to approach and is an excellent listener. I feel these qualities should be found in anyone serving as an elected official.

I therefore urge my fellow Beekmantown voters to support Mike Morales on Election Day.

David Beebie

Beekmantown

Signs of integrity?
TO THE EDITOR: Hello residents of Beekmantown.

My wife, Stacie Winchell has been out campaigning, as she aspires to be your next town clerk and tax collector. Long story short, as a good husband, when my wife asked me to be her campaign manager, I reluctantly accepted.

We have been working very hard to reach out to each and every one of you regardless of your political affiliations. The position of town clerk and tax collector affects most of us in some way.

I hadn't planned on getting too involved with the whole campaign process until recently. Her signs are disappearing off supporters' lawns, ends of roads, everywhere, it seems. The disturbing part of this tale is it is happening when other candidates' signs are going up, our signs at that location are disappearing, coincidence I'm sure.

It's not the cost of the sign, it's the principle and pettiness of the act. Residents, you have been a part of enough political turmoil, we will not participate in this negative campaign practice. My wife and I are decent and refuse to engage in this behavior.

She is the only candidate running for the position that is qualified to do the job you have all come to expect from that position. Many of you have met her and have her credentials on the pamphlet she placed in your hands. I ask you now fellow residents, "What kind of integrity do you want from your next town clerk and tax collector?" Draw your own conclusions and whether or not you see one of her signs on the side of the road between now and Election Day.

I ask you to emphatically show your support and make the right choice when it counts. Elect Stacie Winchell, Beekmantown town clerk and tax collector.

Thank you for your time and support.

Earl Winchell

West Chazy

Thanks for area
TO THE EDITOR: Having grown up in the North Country, Gary Peacock has a first-hand appreciation for this area and for the people who live here. Having been a successful businessman for 34 years, as owner of Peacock Records, Gary knows about efficiency, achieving results and watching the bottom line for our taxpayers.

Gary Peacock will bring a fresh set of ears and a renewed energy to the position of town supervisor for Beekmantown. I know he will work tirelessly to be an honest representative of the citizens of Beekmantown in our town government.

The future of our town depends on solid management, combined with a new and innovative approach to local government. Gary Peacock will bring, to the position of town supervisor, his sense of compassion, his ethic of hard work, and his ability to look at issues from every angle.

Vote for Gary Peacock for town supervisor of Beekmantown. Expect more for our town.

Russ and Cathy Hartung

Morrisonville

Successful professional
TO THE EDITOR: As an owner of a business in Beekmantown, I would like to express my support for Sam Dyer for highway superintendent. Sam has been a customer of mine for over 25 years at Giroux Bros. Equipment, LLC. He has always supported local businesses whenever possible for his family farm. He has had much success running his own small business in Beekmantown, Shields Vegetable Stand. He is a very successful businessman and is a great candidate for the position of highway superintendent.

Scott Bair

Plattsburgh

Negative politics
TO THE EDITOR: Dear Peru, I have been involved in our town government for the past six years (most recently as deputy supervisor) and understand the issues facing the Town of Peru. This election provides us with a solution to our current problem that will bring respectability back to Peru.

It is essential we elect candidates with experience, ability and trustworthiness. There are three town councilor positions on the ballot this year and several good candidates running. Town Clerk Kathy Flynn has collected your taxes to the penny for the past eight years. She is extremely organized and her work meticulous. She is dedicated to her family and community. She has put up with much political nonsense but continues to persevere.

Highway Superintendent Mike Farrell has done a tremendous job for our town during the past year. His experience and knowledge regarding equipment operation, road building, drainage, snow removal and the management of his workers are important assets to Peru.

Peter Glushko is an excellent candidate for town supervisor who is honest, trustworthy and ethical. He understands the issues. During the last 12 years on the town board, Pete has never wavered when faced with adversity. He is the best candidate to help us bring back order in our town.

Although Tom Powers deserves credit for his volunteerism and his contributions to the Town Board, I cannot support him in his bid for supervisor. He and others in a small group continues to bring our town down. In my opinion, Tom Powers and Fred Hoffman are running very negative campaigns, full of misinformation, misleading and inaccurate political spin.

Our town is sick of this political nonsense and the negative environment it supports. Now is the time to put an end to this rhetoric. Please support Peter Glushko, Kathy Flynn, and Mike Farrell in this most important election!

Cortland ForrEnce

Peru

Decisive leader
TO THE EDITOR: I have had the pleasure of working with Roger Perry at the Beekmantown Highway Department for the past nine years and as our highway superintendent for two-and-a-half years. Working alongside Roger as a fellow crewman and as his deputy superintendent during his term as highway superintendent affords me the right to attest to his strength as a compassionate, responsible team member, as well as his strength as a decisive leader.

The men respect Roger. They know he wouldn't ask them to do anything he wouldn't do himself. They know that Roger has the background and knowledge to make the right

decisions and that their safety comes first.

I know that Roger is always accessible — that he will answer the phone weekends and in the middle of the night. This spring he was out helping our men pick garbage on the roadsides. In the summer, he was out weed-whacking and pulling brush in the heat because we were short on men.

Further, Roger has his CDL license. If one of the guys is out for any reason (we only have a crew of nine men to cover the whole town), Roger can fill the void. He helped out last year when we were down on men during a snowstorm. That means our roads get plowed and sanded on time!

I am certain that of the two candidates running for highway superintendent, Roger Perry is the most qualified. Please join me on Nov. 3 to vote for Roger Perry!

Lester Aylward

West Chazy

Professional standards
TO THE EDITOR: I am writing in support of Dennis Relation. Dennis has been the Town of Beekmantown supervisor for the past 14 years and has shown his ability to lead. He has always kept his high standards of professionalism in all the heated debates that have occurred in the town the past few years.

Dennis always has the town's best interests in mind and definitely works for the people of Beekmantown. Please join me in voting for Dennis on Nov. 3.

Roger Forgette

West Chazy

Desire, personality
TO THE EDITOR: I endorse Mike Farrell for re-election to the position of highway superintendent in the Town of Peru.

Mike has done an excellent job during his first year in office. After working for private contractors doing road construction and maintenance for 28 years, it was an easy transition for Mike to undertake the responsibilities of the Town Highway Department.

Mike knows how to get a job done right within the budget allocated. He understands the long hours and dedication needed to assure timely snow removal. He has already proven that he is willing to work as many hours and as hard as necessary to protect the safety of the people traveling the roads of Peru.

I ask Peru voters to join me in supporting Mike Farrell to continue with a well-qualified man who can handle the many facets of the highway superintendent job. He has the right personality and desire to serve the residents. With Mike's re-election the taxpayers will continue to be well served.

Elmer C. Duprey

Peru

Better rate of convictions
TO THE EDITOR: On Tuesday Nov. 3 in the year of our Lord two thousand and nine, all the good people of Essex County, Republicans, Democrats and Independents, will have the privilege and opportunity to vote for and elect the people who will serve them for the next two or four years. I'm sure most people have put a good deal of thought into who they will be voting for, I know I have, and my choice for district attorney is the incumbent, Julie Garcia.

I say this because I am pleased with the job she has been doing over the past three-and-one-half years. After reading some of her opponents' rhetoric on arrests, convictions and dismissal rates, I personally checked the New York State Division of Criminal Justice records and figures and found the true figures which shows that Julie actually has a better record regarding convictions and a lower rate of dismissals than Clinton County.

Joseph E. Boone

Captain NYSP, retired

Elizabethtown

Active in community
TO THE EDITOR: I would like to endorse Martin Mannix for Clinton County treasurer. Marty has all the qualifications for this position. He has been engaged on many community boards; been in a longtime position in the insurance business; has aligned himself with Albany in assuring the proper credentialing for statewide offices in the Democratic party.

I am casting my vote for Martin Mannix for Clinton County treasurer, and hope you will also. Thank you.

Francesca Hartnett

Plattsburgh

Consistent, efficient
TO THE EDITOR: With Election Day right around the corner, I would like to express my appreciation to the residents of Clinton County for your support throughout the years. I would also like to encourage everyone to cast their votes on Nov. 3 for Joe Giroux for treasurer.

I have known Joe Giroux most of my life — more importantly, as a legislator, I have worked with Joe for the last three years. Joe knows the treasurer's job well and carries out the duties consistently and efficiently. He conducts himself as a team player, demonstrating a professional manner in any situation.

Joe's opponent has stated that he lacks leadership, work ethics and a vision for the county; well I'm stating just the opposite. Joe's leadership speaks for itself. He is a leader in the farming industry as a past president of Clinton County Farm Bureau, and director of the New York State Farm Bureau. Joe is also trustee at his local church and as for government, he has been both a leader as a legislator and county treasurer.

As for work ethics, Joe has run a successful business for over 40 years and still finds time to help his son while putting in a full day at the treasurer's office. Finally Joe has a vision for Clinton County and that is to do the job he has been elected to do and help the people of Clinton County. So as you can see, Joe is a leader, has work ethics and has a vision. He is experienced, dedicated and knows how to be our treasurer.

Please join me on Nov. 3 and vote to re-elect Joe Giroux, county treasurer.

E. Tom Sears

Morrisonville

Integrity, ability
TO THE EDITOR: After the last three tumultuous years, the Town of Peru can finally close the book on this chapter of its history and can start a new chapter by electing Geoff Spear as our new town councilman.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Geoff and his family for the better part of my life. From his dad and mom (Dr. Merritt and Joan Spear) and his three sisters, to his wife, Dr. Anne Boule-Spear, and their four children, a nicer and more respected family cannot be found in Peru.

Geoff and I became good friends while in high school, playing soccer together for four years. Whether at a home game or one away, Geoff was always the consummate gentleman. I cannot recall one time where Geoff ever lost his cool.

Geoff has been very active in the Town of Peru devoting countless hours in coaching youth programs. Geoff possesses the integrity and ability to make the "right" decisions for Peru. It is this strong community idealism that our town needs to reorganize and move forward. Please join me in electing Geoff Spear for town councilman.

Richard H. Barber Jr.

Peru

Work ethic, intelligence
TO THE EDITOR: I am pleased to endorse my friend and colleague Dede Scozzafava as the best candidate to represent us in the 23rd Congressional District.

Dede has been a member of the NYS Assembly for 11 years. During the years that I've had the opportunity to work with Dede, I have been impressed by her work ethic, intelligence, ability to articulate her point of view and willingness to listen to all sides of an issue with respect. The first woman to serve as a floor leader in the Assembly, Dede has earned the respect of the members in the Assembly regardless of the location of their Assembly District or their political affiliation. She is a principled leader whose integrity and ethics meet the highest standards. She represents her constituents well, and she will take these same qualities to Congress.

There is no doubt that Dede is a fiscal conservative. Having owned a small business, Dede knows how important it is for government to support business. She has consistently voted against the tax-and-spend budgets and proposals presented in Albany. Dede will fight for good-paying jobs throughout the Congressional District. As a lifelong resident of the North Country, a former village trustee and mayor of Governeur, Dede understands the issues facing the families who live here. Dede has proven she is responsive to the needs of the people she serves, and she will take that responsiveness and compassion to Congress.

Please join me in supporting Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava as our congresswoman on Nov. 3. Let us be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to send to Congress a person who will represent us all in the manner we have become accustomed with John McHugh.

Janet L. Duprey

Peru

Member of Assembly

114th District

Change jobs, pay
TO THE EDITOR: Why is SUNY Plattsburgh's President John Ettling allowing administrators he publicly indicates to be qualified and successful to move into faculty positions when it costs the college tens of thousands of dollars to do so?

Under his authority, he has allowed former Provost Golden and Stein, and Dean Read to all choose to move to faculty positions. Then, this month, it was announced that Dean Hill is also choosing to move to a faculty position. Although administrators' salaries are adjusted down to reflect the 10 months they will work as a faculty instead of the 12 they were working as an administrator, they continue to receive the same monthly salary rate. This practice costs the taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars each year. It is my understanding that had former Provost Stein not chosen to leave his newly created faculty position at the last minute he would have been paid close to $100,000 per year more than the average newly hired faculty.

President Ettling reports that the college is experiencing such financial limitations that it is under a hiring freeze, yet is allowing administrators to choose to be faculty at administrative pay rate. I recall being told that when administrators are hired they are provided job security by being guaranteed tenure into an academic department, but are they also given the discretion to choose to be a faculty member? If so, then the policy should be changed. If not, keep administrators like Dean Hill in their administrative jobs or give them the option to move to a faculty position only if they agree to be paid the going rate for faculty. If they aren't doing their job, then the president should do his job and use due process to make that case.

Paul Bardis

Plattsburgh

Jail problems
TO THE EDITOR: Despite what is being propagated, the Essex County Jail is not "making money" for taxpayers, which was the intention in building it so large. The revenue being generated by boarding outside prisoners is not even enough to cover the $1.5 million annual bond payment for the new facility, which was built only because we needed a new jail. And the costs of running it have increased dramatically, mainly because of the increased staffing requirements imposed upon us by the state for having a facility of this size.

In 2006, the total jail budget was $3,344,712, including $750,00 for the cost of boarding inmates elsewhere. In 2009, the new jail is fully operational and the approved budget is $4,242,883, a sizeable increase of $898,171 (27 percent), but this doesn't include the bond payment and we no longer board out prisoners! Worse, deputies are frequently used to make up for the additional staffing requirement, taking them off of the street where we need them. There is absolutely no benefit to Essex County taxpayers in doing all of this. Indeed, it is now costing us much more to operate our jail than it should have. That's why I decided to run for sheriff.

My experience as a retired police officer and master-level trainer, business owner, town justice and volunteer EMT/first responder will enable me to resolve these problems and make our Sheriff's Office do once again what it's supposed to: provide for the safety, and benefit, of Essex County citizens, and to do it transparently, because citizens have a right to know what is going on. I explain all of this in much greater detail on my Web site www.kirbyforsheriff.com.

Robert Kirby

Wilmington

Courteous, professional
TO THE EDITOR: This letter is written in support of Kathy Flynn for Peru Town Clerk. Kathy has successfully served in this position for seven years. The last several years have been a very difficult time for all employees working for the residents of Peru.

My experience is Kathy Flynn has remained professional and courteous throughout these difficult times. She is responsible for attending the numerous town meetings, preparing the minutes, organizing and collecting taxes (totaling more than $2 million per year), and issuing licenses and assisting residents and visitors to the town with various requests and needs.

Her financial records are balanced to the penny and she maintains excellent accounting practices necessary for the proper completion of her duties and responsibilities. Since being elected to this position, Kathy has maintained the office hours set by the town board and makes herself available after hours and on weekends for special request and needs. Although available to her, she does not opt for the town health insurance, and her salary remains relatively low when compared to other towns of a similar size.

I encourage all the residents in Peru to spend time getting to know each of the candidates in the upcoming election — then vote your conscience. Do not be guided by hearsay and easy talk of change. Confirm what people tell you, and look at the facts for yourself. Although change can be a good thing, electing someone without the experience and firsthand knowledge Kathy Flynn possesses would be a mistake.

Kathy Flynn has served the town well and her future efforts will help ensure Peru remains a great place to live and work. Please vote to re-elect Kathy Flynn to the office of town clerk.

Roger Bonner

Former Peru town councilor