Letters to the Editor: Oct. 3, 2024

About worsening road conditions in Amenia

I am writing this to bring awareness and express my growing concern for the road conditions in the Amenia Union area. In the past 5 years, the roads have been in terrible shape which not only causes expensive car repairs but it also poses a huge safety risk for everyone who travels on these roads. Specifically, the streets in deteriorating condition are in Amenia Union, South Amenia, and Kent Road.

I have been a resident of Amenia Union Road for 22 years, and the last time the roads were completely resurfaced was when I was born in 2002. Over this time, temporary repairs have only put a bandaid on a wound. I have had conversations with the road workers who have done these repairs about resurfacing these roads and they think the road needs to be paved but their supervisors do not think it is necessary. This is extremely disappointing to hear as it keeps getting worse every year because of the traffic of heavy trucks and the winters.

The immediate concern is the safety of everyone who uses these roads. During the summer months, some cyclists use these roads but the shoulder in most spots has eroded and there are constant potholes in the road that they must avoid. This forces them to use the entire lane and with continuous turns, which causes a lot of blind spots for drivers leading to extremely dangerous situations.

Action needs to be taken by transportation authorities to protect the children and residents who use the roads. The patchwork is insufficient and a comprehensive resurfacing job must be done. I understand this is a costly project but in the long term, it will save money and help ensure the safety of the residents.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope this letter brings awareness to local officials to take immediate action to improve our roads.

Josh Romanowski

Amenia

Supporting Didi Barrett Nov. 5

I write in support of Didi Barrett for New York State Assembly, where she has served the 106th Assembly District since 2012, garnering experience that contributes to her value as our representative. Didi serves as Chair of the Assembly’s Energy Committee and she sits on many other committees whose work is critical to our region: Agriculture, Environmental Conservation, Town, Parks, Arts and Sports Development. She has supported important legislation on such issues as reproductive freedom, mental health services, and the environment.

Didi’s work goes far beyond her strictly legislative roles. She created the Dutchess Girls Collaborative to support girls and young women, and has helped to launch the North East Dutchess Fund, leading to the creation of the North East Dutchess Corps program which delivers social services to rural areas of the region. She has worked diligently on communities’ important day-to-day needs like road repairs, education on tick-borne illnesses, funding for non-profit organizations and veterans’ benefits. Her goals include new job creation, focusing on our region’s agricultural, environmental, historical and cultural resources.

It is hard to imagine a representative who could be as energetic, committed and effective as Didi Barrett. Let’s get her re-elected!

Amy Rothstein

Pine Plains