Letters to the Editor - March 22

Civil political debate at last

I attended a local political debate for the State Assembly seat in Dutchess and Columbia counties with candidates Didi Barrett, Democrat, and Rick Wager, Republican. If only our presidential debates were as civilized, informed, intelligent and mutually respectful. Although I disagreed on several points with Wager, in this election, I wish there were two seats, because I saw two candidates who appeared to be two public servants who sincerely want to bring about change in Albany.

Although I still support Didi Barrett, I hope to see more moderate and thoughtful Republicans in our state and federal government. We might actually get something done if we had the choice of local candidates like these.

Joan Daidone
Millerton

Thanks for donations

The FRIENDS of the Pine Plains Free Library would like to thank all those who donated to our February Libri Grant Fundraiser. Our goal was to raise $350. We went over the top with a total of $682.

The Libri Foundation is granting the library $1,050 for children’s literature, as well as an additional $350 to purchase math and science books. The extra funds will be used to enhance our children’s collection of media materials.

Your support is greatly appreciated by Mrs. Hill, library director, and the FRIENDS!

Jean Osofsky, FRIENDS treasurer
Pine Plains

Pancake appreciation

On Sunday, March 18, the Amenia Fire Company held its monthly pancake breakfast. We were happy to have a crowd of 187 customers. We rely on the breakfast to raise much-needed money for general operations, and we much appreciate the support of the community. Thanks to all who attended our meal and we hope to see you all again at our last meal of the season on Sunday, April 15, from 7:30 to 11 a.m., at the firehouse.

Andy Murphy, on behalf of the breakfast committee
Amenia Fire Company & Auxiliary
Amenia

 

Freedom of speech

 

Peter asks Jesus the question, “Quo vadis?” (“Where are you going?” or “Whither goest thou?”)   Jesus answers, “Romam vado iterum crucifigi” (“I am going to Rome to be crucified again”).

Say goodbye to your freedom of speech in Stanford!

Did you know that during Stanford Town Board meetings there is what’s called  “privileges of the floor”? This is a time set aside where you, as a Stanford resident, have the right to speak directly to your town council during a meeting; to express your  ideas, concerns or to question your town council’s decisions on anything.

Were you also aware that on March 15 of this year, half of this privilege had been taken away from you? That’s right. At the Stanford Town Board meeting of March 15, your Town Board by majority — Mark D’agostino, Thomas Dewhirst and Joe Norton — voted to cut your privilege of the floor from six minutes in total down to only three minutes in total.                                         

Where there had previously been three minutes per resident to speak at the beginning of the meeting and another three minutes at the end of the meeting, there is now only three minutes at the beginning; thus taking away half of your privilege, and furthermore making it so you are unable to speak or question any decisions made by the board during that meeting. You must now wait until the next month’s meeting to speak regarding the previous month’s meeting.                                        

I have found that three minutes is barely enough time to express a thought, idea or to pose a question. Are we no longer allowed to question?                                                                                          

As our town has become terribly divided along political party lines, I have witnessed many Stanford residents more than willing to give up their personal privileges as long as it is in agreement with the agenda of their party’s elected officials in an attempt to censor opposing views; even if it means cutting one’s own throat.                                

Have we now forgotten our forefathers who not long ago gave their lives?

So much for freedom of speech in Stanford!

David Albenda
Stanfordville

 

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