Addition
Saranac School District residents, are you aware the Board of Education is proposing a 3,000-square-foot addition to the Saranac Elementary School and numerous upgrades to the other buildings within the district at a cost of $17.5 million? The district closed two schools, Dannemora and Cadyville; why can't one or both of these schools be utilized rather than expand the Elementary School? In these economic times, residents cannot afford additional taxes. Voting will take place Feb. 9 at Saranac Middle School.

Supplies
About the poor teachers having to pay for school supplies out-of-pocket. Here's a thought. Have the teachers pay the $15,000 a year for health care that us poor taxpayers that are not in a government-subsidized union pay yearly out-of-pocket. Then the school districts would have plenty of money for supplies. Better yet, how about my school district pay my health care, and I'll gladly donate a $100 out-of-pocket for school supplies. Where do I sign up?

Convention
A constitutional convention is a great idea, but no currently elected officials should be included. Nobody with taxpayer-funded benefits or pension. Nobody belonging to any civil service employees union. They will only look out for themselves, at our expense. Guaranteed benefit and pension packages have already picked our pockets clean and created the financial mess our local, state and federal governments find themselves in now. These contracts must be broken and rewritten if there is to be any true health-care reform in this country.

Smoking
Complain about the sight of CVPH employees smoking? Petition the hospital to put the smoking hut back. On their unpaid half-hour break they're legally allowed to smoke or do whatever else they like while not on the property. Don't like the lingering smell? Deal with it; they don't have a smoking hut that's away from your nose. Don't like the thought of someone smelling like smoke? They wash their hands, but sorry, there's not a law out there yet that makes it so you can chose what type of perfume or cologne they wear. Lynch them for legal activity.

Feeding
I'm one of those people who feed deer apples and corn, always will be. They love it, and it helps them to survive. Maybe the hunter that saw only eight deer all season should realize he might have only saw three deer if it wasn't for the cheaters feeding them. It's apple orchard, corn field and food plot in a bag, and it's portable. Consider it a soup kitchen for wildlife. I support local businesses — apple orchards, farms, sporting-goods stores — and I support wildlife.

Dictate
Pledge of Allegiance and so on — what seems to be missed is that a vocal few can dictate what the majority do. Isn't this what our elected officials are doing as well? Do you find their decisions against the mainstream public opinion? Vote — let's get control back; let the majority rule. Is this not what a democracy is supposed to be? Prayer at graduation gone, Pledge of Allegiance gone — what next besides personal rights.

Driver
I am a designated driver. When we go to a certain bar to listen to our favorite band, the owner will not give me my water free. He said only if I am driving for three or more. All the other bars give me water, juice or even coffee, but not this guy — not even tap water. I drive for my husband, who is a CO. He spends a lot of money there, and so do our friends; that's why I drive. What is wrong with this owner? Tap water doesn't cost anything "¦ you think he would care about the DD's.

Gambling
People of Altona are really missing the boat. I don't understand why you haven't taken advantage of your tax-free status. It's OK to set up an illegal gambling hall. It's OK to have slot machines, high-stakes bingo and tax-free gas. It's OK not to pay tax, fees or have permits. It's OK to sell cigs to minors in your town. Set up shop now, and bring in more business. You're missing out! State Police, Clinton County, Betty Little, Janet Duprey and the governor could care less.

Bridge
The Crown Point bridge was blown up by an out-of-state non-union demolition company, and the public-service unions are up in arms. New York state is circling the drain in debt, and once again the unions don't care about the taxpayers' need to ensure the state is run efficiently and in the most cost-effective manner. The unions truly live in Peter Pan Land. Sorry, but bloatedness always deflates, and your golden parachutes can't be afforded any longer.

Clerk
I would like to take the time to thank Brooke Helwig, who helped me out a great deal this holiday season with my Christmas shopping. I was in Old Navy trying to buy clothing for my grandchildren, and I had no clue what their sizes were or what type of clothing I should buy them. She approached me with a smile in an outgoing manner and worked with me to complete my shopping. She was a great help to me, and I would like to thank her again for a job well done.