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Court tests meaning of equal justice
Kathy Herald-Marlowe
Jun 16, 2026
“We want a Supreme Court which will do justice under the constitution – not over it. In our courts we want a government of laws, not of men.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
John Roberts was nominated to replace Sandra Day O’Connor as a justice on the Supreme Court in July 2005 – three days later Rehnquist died and Roberts was nominated for Chief Justice as his replacement. The most vocal Democratic resister to Roberts’ confirmation was the new Senator Barack Obama who contested that though Roberts would be unquestionably qualified for 95 % of Supreme Court cases, he would be lacking for 5% of cases requiring depth and width of empathy – Roberts was for the strong over the weak. Roberts was confirmed 72 – 22. Four years later, January 20, 2009, Roberts bungled the Presidential oath of office at Obama’s inauguration, the oath was redone on January 21. Both men had been president of the Harvard Law Review – Roberts in 1978 and Obama in 1990.
In 2005 the Supreme Court enjoyed approval ratings over 60% - comfortable, respectable. In 2026, their approval rating is 42%, disapproval 57% - nearly a full reversal. The Court has lost the trust of a majority of the nation, 69% are in favor of term limits for Justices versus lifetime appointments. The stability of the law is in question. Many cases have been overturned, some cases have been decided with extraordinary outcomes for money in elections, for immunity from prosecution for the executive.
In 2010, the Supreme Court announced a decision, so contentious that it had to be re-argued, that overturned bans on corporate independent expenditures to favor unlimited corporate expenditures in elections. In 2016, total expenditures on Presidential and Congressional elections was up from $7 billion in 2008 to $18.3 billion boosted by super PACS and dark money whose donors were non-disclosed. Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission has transformed campaigns and impacted election outcomes. The Roberts Court ruled 5-4 with Roberts writing the opinion.
Voting rights have been struck down by three Supreme Court cases: Shelby County v. Holder (2013), Students for Fair Admissions v Harvard (2023) and Louisiana v. Callais (2026). The first decision eliminated requirements that certain states with histories of discrimination obtain federal preclearance before changing their voting laws. The Harvard case bans Affirmative Action for admissions. The final Louisiana decision limits the Voting Rights Act.
Roberts in his opinion in 2013 wrote: “The conditions that originally justified these measures no longer characterize voting in the covered jurisdictions.” The Roberts Court ruled 5-4 then 6-3.
Dobbs V Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe v Wade reaffirmed by the Supreme Court on four occasions. The Roberts Court ruled 6-3 with a scathing majority opinion written, leaked by Samuel Alito. Abortion is favored by 80% of Americans.
The nation continues to reel as the Supreme Court ruled that all former presidents possess absolute immunity for their core constitutional powers and immune from all official acts. The decision is broadly opposed as it undermines the principle that no one is above the law. The Roberts Court ruled 6-3 with the majority opinion written by Roberts.
Supreme Court overturned decisions have also impacted guns as well as the separation of church and state. An unusually high quantity of case have resulted in “shadow docket” findings which have no vote by the Justices, no explanation, no opinion. Additionally, the Supreme Court has overturned a surprising number of lower courts decisions in favor of the current administration.
The conclusion of the 2025-2026 Supreme Court season is upon us. Expected is another major decision regarding birth right citizenship now guaranteed in Section 1 of the 14th Amendment. Unexpected may be the unfurling of a gigantic Trump poster on the Supreme Court’s 92-foot “greek-temple” on First Avenue in DC. The Trump poster currently on the DOJ is 88 feet long – so a duplicate fits here even though such a Trump image would cover the west facade’s declaration of“ Equal justice under law.” Not all would be bothered or even notice.
“Members of the Supreme Court have lifetime tenure because they’re not suppose to do politics.”
Ben Sasse
Kathy Herald-Marlowe lives in Sharon.
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Letters to the editor — Thursday, June 18
Millerton News
Jun 16, 2026
A case for Sam Hodge in the Democratic primary
I’ve voted for Didi Barrett in every election for the last 14 years, but I’ll be voting for Sam Hodge in the June Democratic primary.
As someone who knows Sam, I believe he is better suited to serve our community in the Assembly. Good elected officials need judgment, integrity, authenticity, the ability to listen, and a willingness to take on difficult challenges. Sam checks every box.
When Sam became Chair of the Columbia County Democratic Committee in 2021, Democrats held little countywide power. Under his leadership, Democrats elected two sheriffs, a district attorney, judges, coroners, and helped send Pat Ryan and, later, Josh Riley to Congress. Fundraising records were broken, and races were won, but what impressed me most was something less measurable: Sam gave people hope. He energized volunteers, built a stronger organization, and helped people believe they could make a difference. The results speak for themselves and offer a preview of the type of Assembly member Sam will be.
Outside politics, Sam has dedicated his career to public service. As a Special Victims Prosecutor, he handled domestic violence, child abuse, and sex crimes cases, stood with survivors, and held offenders accountable. It was difficult work that demanded compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to justice. Those qualities matter in public office.
I’ve also been fortunate to know Sam as a friend. He’s hardworking, quick to smile, kind, reliable, thoughtful, and genuinely motivated by helping others. What you see is what you get.
As for this Assembly race, I believe it’s time for a change.
I respect Didi Barrett’s years of service, but I don’t believe she should be reelected. It is a matter of public record that, while serving as Assembly Energy Chair, she accepted tens of thousands of dollars from utility and energy company PACs. It’s a conflict of interest. Democrats rightly criticize the influence of money in politics. We shouldn’t ignore it when politicians on our side of the aisle cash the checks.
It’s time to elect a new generation of leaders. Albany and our politics need fresh perspectives, new energy, and a renewed focus on delivering results.
When Sam engages with voters, I’m struck by his curiosity, thoughtfulness, and genuine commitment to solving problems. He approaches challenges with a determination to improve people’s lives. At a time when the cost-of-living crisis is worsening, we need leaders who are independent of corporate influence, effective, and unafraid to fight for what’s right.
The challenges facing New York today demand new ideas and strong leadership. I know Sam; I can say with confidence that he is ready to serve and deliver. He will be an outstanding Assemblymember. Vote for Sam Hodge on June 23.
Lloyd Marks
Claverack
Party leaders should stay neutral
On June 3rd I, and apparently every Democrat in District 106, received a “personal letter from the desk of Michael Dupree, Chair of the Dutchess County Democrats.” It was a blatant use of his position of power to canonize Didi Barrett and put down Sam Hodge. As a leader in the party, that crosses a line that should not have been crossed. Actions like this are why the Democratic Party [not the individual Democratic candidates] has the lowest approval rating of any party and any candidate.
Primaries are an opportunity for voters to have choices in who they feel will best represent them and push hardest to serve their needs. Party officials need to respect that not everyone looks for the same thing in their elected officials and not pressure them in their choices. Many are ready for change in Albany and that may be uncomfortable to some. The letter I received insinuates that Sam doesn’t understand how Albany works. Actually, I would say he knows how Albany has worked for far too long and he’s running to work for the change that so many of us desperately want to see.
Louise Meryman
Pine Plains (Shekomeko)
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Fallen trees cause power outages in southern Dutchess County
Nathan Miller
Jun 12, 2026
Pawling Road Crews work to clear debris from fallen trees from North Quaker Hill Road in Pawling, New York, after heavy winds felled trees across the area. Six roads are currently closed, causing delays as utility company crews attempt to restore electricity service to customers in Pawling and Dover after a day without power.
Photo provided
This story has been updated.
Heavy winds and severe storm conditions caused widespread power outages Thursday, June 11.Over 600 customers in Dutchess County were still without power in the towns of Pawling and Dover through Saturday.
NYSEG Communications Manager Mike Baggerman said the lasting outage was caused by fallen trees that downed poles and blocked multiple roads, slowing repair efforts. Power was restored by 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 13.
Baggerman said municipal road crews had to clear the roadways so NYSEG crews could re-install poles and restore service.
Severe winds downed trees along Quaker Hill Road, North Quaker Hill Road, Old Quaker Hill Road, Reservoir Road, Hurds Corner Road and Tracy Road in the Town of Pawling, according to the town’s Highway Department.
Baggerman reminded customers to stay away from downed power lines and to alert NYSEG and local authorities when downed trees or lines are spotted. Reports of downed trees, downed power lines and power outages can be sent to NYSEG online at www.nyseg.com/outages or by calling 800-572-1131.
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After conquering Netflix, a local actor tackles high school
Graham Corrigan
Jun 10, 2026
Ivan Howe, 13, performs as Peter Pan at the Sharon Playhouse in Sharon, Connecticut. Howe began his acting career on stage at the Playhouse in “Oliver!” in 2023 and has since performed on stage and even taken a supporting role in the Netflix miniseries “Eric” starring British actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
Photo Provided
MILLBROOK — Ivan Howe’s acting career might be growing faster than he is.
In 2023, the Indian Mountain School student and Millbrook native landed his first title role in Sharon Playhouse’s production of “Oliver!” Three years later, he’s about to start high school having shared the screen with Marvel superheroes.
In addition to multiple performances on stage, the 13-year-old rising freshman has already logged a credit on a Netflix show — a 2024 miniseries starring Benedict Cumberbatch called “Eric.”
It didn’t happen by design — Howe’s parents are educators, and his older siblings had other interests. It was a trip to the Playhouse that originally sparked the idea of acting. “I wanted to be an actor because my best friend acted in plays,” Howe said. “I thought that was the coolest thing ever.”
Ivan’s parents Jeni and Jonathan were supportive of the idea. Jonathan had acted in college, and Sharon Playhouse provided a great place to learn. A role in “Elf Jr.” was Ivan’s first role, and “Oliver!” happened soon after. “The Sharon Playhouse is where I found my feet as an actor,” Howe said. “I did my first show there, and I’ve met so many friends and mentors there.”
Ivan’s optimistic perspective may have landed him big roles, but onscreen, he’s become known for something quite different. With dark curly hair and a quiet, commanding presence, he’s often been cast as the brooding, troubled character.
That’s especially true in “Eric,” the 2024 Netflix series that introduced Howe to a much larger audience. He plays Edgar, the son of troubled parents who disappears mysteriously in the streets of New York City. “Edgar wasn’t necessarily a bright and cheerful character,” Howe said, “and I really like characters like that. It would be fun to be in a comedy, but I like the characters who have more depth.”
The series was filmed in Budapest and co-stars Gabby Hoffman and Benedict Cumberbatch, who Ivan idolized from his role as Dr. Strange in the Marvel movies. “I’m obsessed with all things Marvel,” he says, and relished the opportunity to talk shop with one of its tentpole characters. Cumberbatch is a professed fan of the original comic books, too, and by the end of shooting “Eric,” the two actors were sharing meals at a local Hungarian restaurant near the set.
“It was amazing to see all these professional actors, like Gabby and Benedict, in their environment,” he said. “It was a big inspiration for me.”
The cameras represented a big change for Howe, whose previous acting experience had mostly been onstage. The scale of a major Netflix production required him to adapt quickly.
“I was the only kid on set,” Howe said. “It taught me that it’s really a professional workplace, and I learned how to tune out everything except for the scene.”
Easier said than done — especially compared to the live energy of a stage. “In theater, you just have to go with it…but with screen, you have the chance to adjust things.”
After the success of “Eric,” Howe returned to the stage. He played two lead roles: Josh Baskin in “Big” at Sheldrake’s Stagedoor Manor, then returned to the Sharon Playhouse stage as Peter Pan. He’ll be performing in “The Saviors” at the Atlantic Theater Company before starting high school in the fall. In between rehearsals, Howe likes to volunteer at the Trevor Zoo.
As for advice for other aspiring actors — Howe said that feeling uncomfortable is a sign you’re headed in the right direction.
“The hardest part of acting, to me, can be feeling self-conscious,” he said. “Sometimes I can feel myself not acting to the fullest because of thatbarrier. But when I finally do, it’s so much easier. Fight your way into whatever you want to do.”
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Village officials expect new Water Department building by summer’s end
Nathan Miller
Jun 10, 2026
Caroline Farr-Killmer has been leading the effort to rebuild Millerton’s fire-ravaged Water Department building since last February.
Photo by Aly Morrissey
MILLERTON — Village officials expect a rebuild of the fire-ravaged Water Department building to begin soon, with the aim of completing it before the end of summer.
Fire project manager Caroline Farr-Killmer has been managing the effort to demolish and rebuild the village’s Public Works Department building since a fire destroyed it and all the equipment inside last winter. She said that Dutchess County Department of Health approval is the last hurdle for a new Water Department building before construction can start.
Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek said she expects construction to start as soon as the designs get approval from the health department.
Officials described the new Water Department building as an urgent need. Farr-Killmer explained the village’s water system has been operating with just one operational well, causing concerns about potential water shortages at that wellhead and its longevity. The village cannot operate the second well until it is enclosed in a structure, Farr-Killmer said.
Najdek doesn’t expect Millerton’s upcoming 175th anniversary celebration to impact the construction. She said health department approval should be arriving within the week, and the 400-square-foot building likely wouldn’t take long to construct. She clarified that there is no clear timeline at this moment, but expects to get work started as soon as approvals come in.
Millerton’s Water and Highway building caught fire last February, destroying the structure and all of the village’s road maintenance and police equipment. Since then, property restoration firm BELFOR has been working to clear and prep the site for a brand new set of buildings.
Farr-Killmer explained the Water Department building, which will house one of Millerton’s municipal wells, must now be a separate structure from the Highway Department building due to environmental and health regulations. Municipal wells require up to a 200-foot buffer from other structures to prevent drinking water contamination.
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