Pursue resources
TO THE EDITOR: My name is Dennis LaBombard. I am a Democratic candidate for councilman in the Town of Ellenburg. I graduated, married my wife Phyllis and raised my children, Lori Ann Drown and Darren LaBombard, in Ellenburg. I retired from Wyeth Laboratories after 35 years of service. I served as town justice for 14 years, and I am currently the court clerk. I have a genuine interest in our community and the desire to improve the quality of life for the people who live here.

We need to actively pursue the resources that are available that can enrich our community. Taking advantage of these funds can give us opportunities to make improvements in our town without raising taxes.

Our senior citizen and our children are vital members of our community and I believe their concerns should always be given consideration. Much can be accomplished when we all work together.

If elected, I will work to the best of my ability to represent you, the taxpayer. My family and I would like to thank you for the support you have shown in the past and once again ask for your support on Nov. 3.

Dennis LaBombard

Ellenburg

Honesty, dependability
TO THE EDITOR: I write this letter for two reasons. The first is to inform you that I have endorsed Rickey Collins for Plattsburgh town clerk. The second is for the opportunity to explain some of the reasons why I support Rickey Collins.

Rickey Collins owned and operated his own towing business for 38 years. This is how I came to know Rickey. My wife and I had been longtime customers. I came to depend on Rickey's dependability, honesty and hard work ethic. No matter what the weather or what time of day or night it was, Rickey was always there to help. We would always call on Rickey, because we knew that we could depend on him and be secure in the fact that the service that we would receive was beyond anything the competition could offer.

Rickey still gives the same service now, as he did when he ran that company. He still has the strong work ethic. Anyone can see this, because he is always present at the office, no matter the time of day. He offers his assistance to all who walk through the doors. Each person who enters the town offices is greeted with the same friendliness and courtesy that he showed me then. It is a comfort to know he is there, to help.

I encourage you to support Rickey Collins for town clerk. I believe that his strong work ethic and honesty will benefit our community for years to come.

Ronald and Sue Foster

Plattsburgh

Get town back on track
TO THE EDITOR: Working as the grant coordinator for the past five years for the Town of Peru, I've attended numerous meetings and spent countless hours working at the Town Hall.

Is change needed at the Peru Town Hall? Yes, and I'm really looking forward to the new year. Both major parties have very strong candidates for the four open seats on the Town Council.

I'm looking forward to Pete Glushko as supervisor. He's honest, thinks issues through clearly and works well with people. These characteristics will be sorely lacking if Pete is not elected. The alternative to Pete is four more years of dysfunction at the Town Hall.

There are two elected positions where no change is needed. I support Kathy Flynn as Town Clerk/Tax Collector. When you spend time at the Town Hall you see that Kathy is exactly who you'd want for this position. She really cares about her town, for doing her job well and is available not only during her office hours but whenever she's needed. Kathy is a huge asset to the town and the town hall environment.

And finally, Mike Farrell has been a big success in his first year as Highway Superintendent. He's brought great experience to the position and a proactive and friendly attitude as he works to improve services provided by the highway department.

With these three people and three new councilors Peru will, thankfully, get back on track in 2010.

Adele Douglas

Peru

Honest, willing
TO THE EDITOR: I am writing to express my feeling about Roger Perry, who is running for Beekmantown highway superintendent.

I have known Roger for quite a few years and worked with him for at least three. You won't find a better man to have by your side. If you need a hand, just ask Roger. He is honest and he is always willing to help. Roger is also very knowledgeable especially around heavy equipment.

Roger Perry is a great friend, co-worker and manager. Please vote Roger Perry this Election Day.

Randy Spoor

Beekmantown

Dedicated, hardworking
TO THE EDITOR: I have known Kelly LaFountain for several years now. I met her first in a work environment and have since built a lasting friendship. Kelly is a hardworking and dedicated individual. She can always be depended on to step up, take an active role, and stay to the finish.

While working as a one-to-one student aide in Beekmantown Elementary, Kelly showed great compassion and consistency within the classroom setting. She was willing to go above and beyond to have success with her students. The teachers who worked directly with her spoke highly of her work.

These qualities are also reflected in her personal and family life. She has worked on many ventures for her children in support of their endeavors. Kelly has done a variety of fundraising for charities and sporting groups. She volunteers on committees for the school, church, town, and county communities. Kelly continues to meet any tasks asked of her.

I feel that Kelly LaFountain is an outstanding candidate for the Beekmantown town clerk and tax collector position. She will be there to serve our town with dedication. Join us on Election Day, Nov. 3 to give her your support.

Marie Gelwicks

Beekmantown

Saving money
TO THE EDITOR: With Election Day right around the comer, I stopped in to the Town of Beekmantown Highway Garage to lend my support to Roger Perry, who is up for re-election for highway superintendent.

The first thing I noticed was the tandem dump truck in the garage. It looked great. Roger informed me that they had just gone through the truck, sandblasted the rust and repainted it. He showed me pictures of what it looked like before and after. It was an amazing transformation, and he did it at minimal cost. To take a truck that looked old but ran well and put time and dedication into it to make it look better shows that Roger cares about the town's equipment. It shows that he would rather spend the taxpayers' money to keep an older truck running well and looking good than buy a new truck.

It is ideas like this that makes Roger Perry good at his job. Please join me on Nov. 3 and proudly vote to re-elect Roger Perry as the Town of Beekmantown's highway superintendent.

Ernest Rivers

Plattsburgh

Has chosen high road
TO THE EDITOR: Once again, on Nov. 3, we, as American citizens will be privileged to exercise one of our many liberties as we participate in the playing out of the democratic process by going to the polls and casting our votes to elect our chosen public officials.

There are the individuals in whom we place our trust to fulfill the responsibilities of their elected office by serving their constituents with justice and equity. And we have the right to expect them to be persons of proven character and integrity who consider it a high honor to be awarded that sacred trust. The challenging times in which we now live demand a deeper commitment on the part of these public servants to honesty and the highest ethical standard.

In the current race for DA in Essex County, the incumbent, Democratic-endorsed candidate Julie Garcia has a proven record of the above. She is a person of character, not only in her chosen profession but in her personal and family life as well. Consistently, she has chosen the "high road" in difficult and challenging circumstances.

Also, in her very public life, she has refused to stoop to name calling or character/political assassination of those that attack or oppose her. Her personal and political record bear witness to her consistent high-ethical standard and values. In a day and age when our political discourse has sunk to an all-time low, and corruption is rampant, it is indeed refreshing, restoring our faith in government and its leaders.

Finally, Julie has successfully fulfilled her promises to her constituents. Her long list of accomplishments and advances succeeded while maintaining fiscal prudence by lowering overall costs to the budget.

Need we say more? Vote for the candidate of character, Julie Garcia.

Gerald and Donna Fleming

Ticonderoga

More of the same?
TO THE EDITOR: Electing Dede Scozzafava or Bill Owens to Congress is not going to change anything. It would just be more of the same.

Our country is in big trouble. No matter what your party is, please consider voting for Doug Hoffman for Congress. Although one person may not be able to change Washington, it would give other good people across the country hope that things can get better and would encourage other good people to run for Congress.

Robert E. White

Rainbow Lake

Upbeat attitude
TO THE EDITOR: I am writing in support of Roger Perry for Beekmantown highway superintendent.

Having retired from New York state after 35 years as area park manager, I believe I know what it takes to be a good leader. Also, having worked part-time at the highway garage for several years, I got to know and respect Roger as a friend and as an honest, reliable co-worker. Roger can be depended on to make smart, safe decisions in any situation.

He knows and understands the Highway Department and has the necessary means to get the job done right with minimal expense to the taxpayers. Roger enjoys his job and his upbeat attitude reflects throughout the department. He encourages the people to stop by and visit him if they have any questions or concerns in the town.

Roger is doing an exceptional job as highway superintendent — let's votes to keep him there.

Gary Parrott

West Chazy

Positive, committed
TO THE EDITOR: The Town of Beekmantown has been very fortunate to have Roger Perry as their highway superintendent for the past 2½ years. He is positive and thoroughly committed to our town, which is why I feel Roger should be re-elected again this Election Day.

Roger takes pride in caring for the roads and bridges in this town. This includes keeping our town roads and bridges in good repair by paving when necessary, and also keeping our roads clean and free from debris such as fallen trees and garbage. He has done an excellent job maintaining our town roads in the winter months. He has proven that keeping the snow and ice cleared from the town roads in winter months is priority to him. It is comforting knowing Roger is in charge of our town roads during winter snow storms. I know the roads in Beekmantown will be safe for myself and my loved ones.

Roger has proven himself in the position as highway superintendent, let's all vote to keep him there.

Joy Thibodeau

Plattsburgh

Responds to problems
TO THE EDITOR: It is with great pride that I support the re-election of Roger Perry as the Town of Beekmantown highway superintendent.

Roger has proven to be dedicated to the safety of our town roads and also to the upkeep of our beautiful town. This year with an overabundance of rain, many culverts were clogged and in need of attention. Roger took the time to check the town culverts and make sure they were clear and in good condition and replaced or repaired if it was necessary.

Roger keeps the Town of Beekmantown's equipment looking like new. For example, the refurbishing of the 1999 International dump truck. It was taken apart, sand blasted and repainted, a substantial difference in its appearance. It looks great and is an example of his pride for the town's appearance.

It is nice to have a highway superintendent who listens to our problems and responds to them in a timely manner. He is doing a great job. Let's all show our support and acknowledge his hard work by voting for Roger Perry on Nov. 3.

Richard Reyelle

West Chazy

Honest, diligent
TO THE EDITOR: In the summer of 1964, my daughter befriended a little boy named Geoffrey Spear. We had just moved into Peru and she discovered that they had a swing set that she could not stay away from. As time has passed, I have had the opportunity to watch this young boy grow into a self-confident, honest, diligent young man.

Geoffrey Spear is running for the two-year unexpired term on the Peru Town Council. I am proud to say that I have known this young man for over 46 years. I believe that he would be an asset to the Town of Peru Town Board in that he has developed an ability to listen to others, he is mature in his decision making and has (in his heart) what is best for the town.

Geoffrey has grown up in Peru. His wife, Annie (Boule) Spear, has her dentistry business in the village, and together they are raising their four children in Peru. Geoff has told me that he feels ready and willing to give back to the community that was such a positive part of his life. He wants what's best, not only for his family, but the town of Peru community as well.

The Spear family is the first family that we met when we moved to Peru. It is comforting to know that he and my daughter (Kathy Flynn, who is running for re-election for town clerk/tax collector) are still very good friends and are looking to work together to get our town back on the wonderful track that it was years ago.

Please join me on Election Day and vote for Geoffrey (Geoff) Spear, Town Council, and Kathleen (Kathy) Flynn, town clerk/tax collector for the Town of Peru.

William (Bill) Kivett

Peru

Able to contribute
TO THE EDITOR: Paul Lamoy is an excellent choice for councilperson in the Town of Plattsburgh. He has had experience on the council and bring a great deal of knowledge to the deliberative process.

Paul spent many, many hours working for the benefit of the town's citizens. Paul has also served on the Planning Board of the town. He has an enthusiastic work ethic and an unmatched dedication to getting the job done. Paul is able to use his experience as an electrician and knowledge of construction to help the council make more informed decisions. Paul is not afraid to stand up for what he believes is good for the town but will listen to and consider others ideas and point of view.

I was privileged to serve with Paul Lamoy during his previous tenure on the Town of Plattsburgh Council. During his term in office, Paul was able to convince the other members of the council to refuse a partial payment from PARC for highway maintenance. That independent stance resulted in the Town of Plattsburgh receiving an additional $500,000 more in funds. Mr. Lamoy was also instrumental in getting the Knox Box Law written and passed, working with Fire Departments to develop the ability to gain access to commercial buildings at all hours without damage to the buildings. Paul worked with the employees of the town to come up with a mutually advantageous contract, saving the town almost $15,000 in costs. These are just a few of the things he has done and an indication of how much more he can contribute to the town.

I urge you to vote for Paul Lamoy for Town Council, Town of Plattsburgh.

Thomas E. Wood Jr.

Town of Plattsburgh

Councilor

Plattsburgh

Concept of teamwork
TO THE EDITOR: We have a very friendly lady with very high human standards serving as our district attorney. Julie Garcia's only desire is to be a hard-working servant for all 38,851 people of the county. She wants justice to always prevail, with the "accused" innocent until proven guilty and then punishment best "fitting" the one who has earned it, including the use of alternate means of punishment whenever wise to employ such.

She works many hours every day throughout the county in the execution of the responsibilities to which she was elected. This includes being the lead prosecutor, yet a member of a very effective justice team as Essex County DA. She also brings out the concept of teamwork with other agencies and organizations striving to improve life within the county such as school programs.

The New York Criminal Justice internet address (http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/crimnet/ojsa/dispos/essex.pdf) shows every statement she has made regarding the DA Office accomplishments is absolutely true even if the challenger from Clinton Court challenges every fact. The same applies to the Clinton County record. The Internet also shows how vastly different these two counties are.

The state information also shows how very inferior the previous Briggs and Sprague dynasty were by comparison in every area of justice activity. It also shows the continuing progress each year in so many areas of justice.

Furthermore, when clearly shown the error of her statements at the Aug. 27 debate, the challenger simply ignored the facts and continued her very hostile, cruel, deceptive assertions and attacks upon the very open, calm, congenial and effective public servant in the Essex County DA Office.

Yes, folks, an almost unbelievable choice is being forced upon us. Only Julie Garcia meets the very high standards and skills we cherish in our district attorney.

Jack Vitvitsky

(Retired law enforcement and military)

Lake Placid

Questions on race
TO THE EDITOR: All Essex County voters should ask these questions about the district attorney's race:

  When and why did Kristy Sprague decide to run for DA in Essex County?

  Why did the Essex County Republican Party have no complaints about DA Julie Garcia's performance from January, 2006 to March of 2009?

  Why did the Essex County Republican Party, which supported Julie Garcia four years ago, suddenly turn against her after March 9?

  Was the incumbent Republican DA Julie Garcia punished by her own party for asking questions of a few Essex County officials?

On Monday, March 9, Julie Garcia appeared before the Essex County Board of Supervisors and asked questions about the spending of DWI fines aid forfeitures. Forty-eight hours later, on March 11, the Press-Republican ran this headline "Sprague Announces Bid for Essex County DA." The actual minutes from the March 9 Board of Supervisors meeting are available at the Essex County website http://www.co.essex.ny.us/.

Harry Gough

(Republican)

New Russia

Pro-life vote discarded
TO THE EDITOR: Shame, shame, shame on the Republican Party for throwing away their pro-life vote in the Congress. Shame on the Republicans for electing a chairwoman who doesn't follow the party platform. Shame on the Republican leadership for selecting a candidate who is so far left that she is said to be even worse than Silver in the Assembly.

The Republican Party Platform is ideal for the nation and particularly for the North Country. Even Democrats, said by Howard Philips of the Conservative Caucus, to be 68 percent conservative, who stop to read the issues, will favor it.

Doug Hoffman is a candidate who endorses the Republican Party Platform but has to run as a Conservative and will be on that line. All the thinking people in the 23rd Congressional District will vote for Doug Hoffman as their real representative. Nov. 3 vote Doug Hoffman.

John Middleton

Chazy

Proven ability
TO THE EDITOR: We are pleased to write to you in support of our neighbor, Paul Lamoy, and his bid for town of Plattsburgh Town Council.

Paul has the proven ability to make the tough decisions and do so with all of us in mind. Paul has always taken on the difficult task and gotten it done. His list of accomplishments as a councilman include the Knox Box Law, contract negotiations and helping to come up with a plan that would bring water to the Moffitt Road residents.

I can tell you that Paul will work tirelessly for all of us, and do the right thing when voting, even if it's not the popular thing to do.

In a time of economic downturn we need a community leader not a politician. Please join us in voting for Paul Lamoy on Nov. 3.

Michelle and Glen Burdick

Plattsburgh

Dedicated to region
TO THE EDITOR: I am pleased to endorse Paul Lamoy for Town of Plattsburgh Town Council. During his tenure as a councilman, Paul was able to introduce the Knox Box Law providing a more efficient way for Fire Departments to enter a commercial building after hours. This saves time and gets our fire equipment back in service for the next emergency. We are also able to get our over-worked volunteer staff back to their homes and families without a lengthy wait for a property owner.

Paul has previous experience as a firefighter, emergency medical technician and Red Cross CPR and first-aid instructor. His dedication to his community is unparalleled.

I would hope you will all join me in electing a Town Councilman who will work to make our community a better and safer place to live. Please vote for Paul Lamoy this Nov. 3.

Bernard and

Wanda Blair

Plattsburgh

Sincerity, ability
TO THE EDITOR: We need Paul Lamoy as a councilman in the Town of Plattsburgh. Paul will keep bringing fresh ideas to our town.

Paul is a hard worker, and he can identify with the working man. Paul is a union electrician and understands the many building projects that are always going on in our town. Paul isn't afraid to pitch in and learn. We need a "nuts and bolts" guy who wants to charge into problems head on. We need to elect someone like Paul who sees our town with new eyes, and a new attitude.

If you doubt Paul's sincerity or ability, visit with him for a while. He's got my vote on Nov. 3.

Lawrence G. Senecal

Plattsburgh

Right kind of person
TO THE EDITOR: I have had the pleasure of meeting Paul Lamoy and would like to offer this letter in support of his candidacy for Town of Plattsburgh Town Council.

Mr. Lamoy is exactly the kind of person we need working for us in town government. All too often, politicians are swayed by special interests, instead of doing what they know is right. Paul Lamoy has proven during his time as a councilman that he is not afraid to vote for what he believes is the right thing, even going against the grain for our benefit. He refused a deal with PARC and stood his ground with other councilors, convincing them to refuse an offer for road maintenance. The end result was the town gaining over $500,000 in additional funds. This is the kind of person I want looking out for me and my tax dollars.

This Nov. 3, let's put someone in office who is not looking for an additional pension, health insurance or any other town perk. Let's support Paul Lamoy for Town of Plattsburgh Town Council.

Art Carter

Plattsburgh

Leadership, sense
TO THE EDITOR: This Nov. 3 we have the opportunity to elect a town councilman who will always watch out for us, the taxpayer.

During his tenure as town councilman, Paul Lamoy refused to accept a partial payment from PARC for highway maintenance that was discovered to have not been paid for a few years. Paul convinced members of both parties to turn down the settlement and as a result gained over $500,000 in additional revenue. Paul will work for all of us to make sure we don't pay for services we don't receive. Paul has the leadership skills we need in town government, and the common sense to do the right thing with our tax dollars. Paul Lamoy is not looking for a New York State pension, health insurance, or a supplement to his retirement. Paul is looking to continue his long history of community service by working for all of us.

Please join me in supporting an individual who will put our interests ahead of all others, and vote for Paul Lamoy for Town of Plattsburgh Town Council this Nov. 3.

Lyle DeLong

Plattsburgh

Hearsay police
TO THE EDITOR: I have been employed by the Town of Peru for the last 11 years. That said, I feel I know what it will take to bring our town back to being one of the best municipalities.

Peru voters will have the opportunity to elect a supervisor, three new councilors, a highway superintendent and a town clerk. This is a critical election, and people should decide on who to vote for based on qualifications, not the town's hearsay police.

In good times, we had names like Ken Jahn, Nancy Long, Tina Calkins Covey and Mike Zerrahn. Now we have names like Tom Powers, Fred Hoffman and Bob Duquette.

The Partners of Peru, a mean-spirited political group headed by Tom Powers and Fred Hoffman, have taken it upon themselves to bring our town to a new low. They have a Web site with half-truths and twisted and libelous words that need to be addressed.

I am directly involved because my wife, Kathy, is running again for the town clerk-tax collector position. She has held this position for seven years and has put her heart and soul into her job. The "partners" decided to go after her on their Web site. They say she was responsible for tens of thousands of dollars missing and she doesn't do her job correctly in line with state statutes, that she only works a couple hours a day and is suing the town for a million dollars. All untrue.

She is responsible for a over $2 million a year in taxes and is always balanced to the penny. Her hours have doubled in the last four years and is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. She has tried to heal the town, and for this group to try to ruin that effort is inexcusable. We need Kathy as a calming, stable voice for the new administration.

There is no room for Powers and Hoffman in our town, and when Election Day comes let's keep it that way.

John Flynn

Peru