Letters to the Editor — Thursday, Oct. 30

Building resilient local community food systems

Since the closure of the ill-fated Millerton Fresh Market in 2019 and the closure of the McEnroe Farm Stand and Eatery in 2024, Millerton and the Town of North East community have been deprived, until recently, of any local store to shop for produce, meat, and other food staples.

A recent article that appeared in The Millerton News updating residents on the ongoing delays faced by the Choe’s led with the statement “Millerton residents eager for new food market will have to wait a little longer,” and yet the article made no mention of the nutrient dense, locally sourced food available at the Tri Corner FEED Market. This omission has been made by other public figures — like Town of North East Supervisor Chrisopher Kennan — who also failed to make any mention of the opening of the market in his remarks about the food desert in Millerton at the North East Community Center’s Chef and Farmer Brunch this summer.

While it is understood that the community will benefit tremendously from the Choe’s market opening, the reporting fails to capture the importance of community supported agriculture and our efforts to strengthen our local food system. Tri Corner FEED offers a wide range of proteins, vegetables and dairy sourced from our local farmers that are healthy staples for everyone. A sliding scale pricing structure ensures all products are available to everyone regardless of their food budget.

It is important to recognize the efforts of the community to support one another and the reporting by The Millerton News and public statements by our civic leaders continue to reinforce that we are reliant on grocery stores that do not create resilience in our food systems and our communities. We need to understand the value of supporting our local farmers and expanding food access while creating a community space where everyone is welcome.

FEED, as the market is called, is located at 56 South Center Street in the heart of the town of Millerton and currently serves over 400 customers a week. I hope more people visit FEED and experience a local, community-based grocery shopping experience.

James A. Quella

Sharon

Support Hamm and Ahearn

I am writing this letter in support of Nicole Ahearn (R) for Amenia Town Board and Rosanna Hamm (D) for Amenia Town Supervisor. Even though these two candidates belong to different parties, they have worked collaboratively to do what is best for Amenia.

Rosanna and Nicole consistently speak up to get information on issues that come before the board. There is a lot to learn after getting elected, and they have put in the time to do that. But most importantly they are working for their community, not their party or their own agendas. And they have approached any issues as leaders and problem-solvers, after years of inaction on needed repairs.

As you go to vote, please resist those who ask you to support your party. Please support the candidates who you think will do their best for Amenia, and please vote!

Judy Moran

Amenia

Elect Kara Gerry for Dutchess County Court Judge

As attacks on the rule of law grow nationwide, Dutchess County needs judges we can trust — fair, steady, and independent. That’s why we need to support Kara Gerry for County Court Judge.

With 18 years of courtroom experience as both a prosecutor and public defender, Kara has a deep understanding of justice from every perspective. She’s the only candidate in this race who has stood on both sides of the aisle — experience that makes her uniquely qualified to deliver fair and consistent rulings.

Still in his first term, her opponent, Judge McLoughlin, is one of the most frequently overturned judges in New York State for unfair and excessive sentencing. These reversals have wasted taxpayer dollars and eroded confidence in the courts.One of those overturned sentences was imposed on Nikki Addimando, a domestic violence survivor.Her story raised important concerns about how our courts treat women and victims of abuse.

Kara Gerry will bring experience, integrity, and real justice to the Dutchess County bench. She will listen, understand, and apply the law with humanity and fairness. Let’s elect a judge who reflects our values: fair, independent, and accountable to the people.

Rich Stalzer

North East

No cannabis dispensary

It is not often that we are presented with a well-informed and knowledgeable candidate for Town Supervisor as Terrence McCauley. His leadership and writing ability are above average.

His communication skills are above average as well and his common sense approach to tasks are invaluable.

He is also against having a cannabis dispensary in town.

Be sure to read the back of the ballot and vote no to allowing any cannabis dispensary in our town.

If we want to have young families in our town, we do not need drug dispensaries of any kind here in Amenia.

Darlene Riemer

Amenia

Truitt deserves reelection

I am writing to offer my strong support of Will Truitt, a personal acquaintance, for Dutchess County Comptroller. Will has the right experience for the job. He graduated from Marist College with a degree in Accounting and Finance. He currently is a financial manager for a successful family-owned commercial construction company in southern Dutchess County.

Will was first elected to the Dutchess County Legislature ten years ago while a college student. Previously an intern for former County Executive Marcus Molinaro, Will rose to become Chair of the Budget Committee and in 2023 his fellow legislators elected him Chairman of the full County Legislature. As Chair he crafted a budget last year that garnered strong bi-partisan support by virtue of an unprecedented 23-2 vote, with eight Democrats joining the Republicans. One might think that our representatives in Washington could learn a thing or two from Will’s efforts!

Since his first election at age 20 in 2015, Will has for 10 straight years delivered for the residents of Dutchess County with property tax rate cuts, a healthy fund balance maintained year in and out, the highest county bond rating (AA+) in all New York State, and an emphasis on public safety through investment in the Sheriff’s Office. These are some of the reasons he is endorsed by the Teamsters Local #445 and the Hudson Valley Building and Trades Council.

So, the choice on merit, experience and contrast cannot be clearer. I am voting Will Truitt for County Comptroller. He has the right priorities and will continue demonstrating energetic and excellent service in the public interest.

David L. Smith

Fishkill

Aymar-Blair brings facts, efficiency

I’m writing to urge voters to reelect our excellent County comptroller, Dan Aymar-Blair. In his short time on the job, Dan has made real progress giving us a better sense of how our tax dollars are being spent. A man who prizes facts and efficiency, he is a perfect financial watchdog.A previous comptroller, Robin Lois, now deputy comptroller for the state, said upon Dan’s first election that he would do “a fantastic job.” He has, and will continue to do so. Dan said himself in this newspaper “I’m motivated by the belief that government can — and must — help out. People are hurting. People are struggling. The prescription is good management.” His priorities include an annual review of progress in increasing affordable housing in the County.

Dan worked for New York City Public Schools for 15 years in finance and operations, where as COO he oversaw a $600 million budget, the largest public-school budget in the U.S. While there, Dan implemented cost-saving measures, improved financial oversight, and strengthened accountability.

Dan is a sixth-generation New Yorker. His father was a Hudson River tugboat captain, his mother a nurse. He graduated from George Washington University, majoring in political science and government. He lives in Beacon with his wife and two sons.

Tom Parrett

Millerton

Positive change takes time, vote Dietrich

I am writing a letter of endorsement for Walter Dietrich for Amenia Town Board.Walter has been a friend and neighbor since he arrived in Amenia 8 years ago. I know Walter as someone who consistently goes out of his way to help his neighbors and community whatever the need. Walter has demonstrated great passion through his actions and involvement in the Amenia Planning Board, Wastewater Committee, and many local events. Walter understands what makes our small-town community great and has a vision for what it can become.

Positive change isn’t easy, it takes time, persistence, engagement, and regular outreach. Small towns are not a place for party politics.We need friendly people, with passion who have demonstrated through community involvement that they are in it for the long haul. I truly believe Walter has that passion and is that person.

Please join me in voting for Walter Dietrich for Amenia Town Board on November 4th.

Peter McCaffrey

Amenia

Doyle champions preservation of countryside

If there is a single issue that unites recent and longtime residents of northeast Dutchess County, it’s the urgent need to preserve our natural landscape and environmental resources. Not surprisingly, nearly every candidate seeking membership on the Amenia Town Board in the upcoming election has paid lip service to this concern as outside developers and mining interests threaten to degrade our vistas, farmland and streams. Among these aspirant office-seekers, only one, Vicki Doyle, has the background, credentials, and record that are hallmarks of a genuine environmentalist. During her two decades on the Town Board, Vicki consistently championed the preservation of our countryside in ways large and small. Beyond her diligent work on the Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Committee, she organized town-wide trash clean-ups (securing a grant for one of them), headed Earth Day events, and tirelessly maintained seasonal flower arrangements in the center of Amenia. The scenic extension that connects Wassaic to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail owes its existence to Vicki’s vision and persistence. As she seeks re-election to the Board, she continues to serve on groups that are centrally concerned with environmental protection: the Conservation Advisory Committee, the Enhancement Committee, and the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee. In her ongoing position at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Vicki works with conservation experts to ensure the protection of water and soil throughout Dutchess County.No candidate from either party who is running for the Town Board or Supervisorship approaches Vicki’s degree of knowledge, commitment and accomplishment.And no other candidate has shown her willingness to stand up to corporate aggressors and economic opportunists. At a time when our climate-change-denying president giddily abolishes federal conservation protections, it becomes increasingly incumbent on local communities to maintain and enforce our zoning codes and to hold violators accountable. If you share our exigent concern with the future of the beautiful area we call home, we urge you to vote for Vicki Doyle on November 4.

Philip Sicker

Diane Zahler

Amenia

Dietrich helpful, kind

Walter Dietrich is my next-door neighbor in Amenia.Walter is running for Amenia town board in this upcoming election.

Walter is a dedicated member of the community and cares a great deal about Amenia and its residents. He has long volunteered in Amenia and is a hard working member of the town planning board.

Walter lives in the village, walking distance to “main street” and downtown Amenia. He is focused on supporting the success of our small town and the business district and making Amenia an even better place to live.

Walter is also a respectful, helpful and kind neighbor. He is always happy to lend a hand or offer assistance.

Walter would be a great addition to the town board and would have a positive impact on Amenia.

I hope you’ll join me in supporting Walter Dietrich for Amenia town board.

Michael Brasher

Amenia

Vote yes for library

Our NorthEast-Millerton Library goes so far beyond being simply a building full of books. It’s a portal to a larger world, stuffed full of ways to explore truth, and fiction, with information that can be practical, thought- provoking, inspirational or data-driven. From stacks and cubbies, with books, digital resources, vast magazines, and music, to its programs, network, kids groups, Library of Things and public computers, we just need to get a Library card to explore this huge world beyond those walls.

The opportunity to invest in our Library, to sustain and enhance what it offers us as individuals and to help build a vibrant healthycommunity, is on the ballot on November 4. When you support that budget increase, you help build a stronger future for all of us! Vote yes on Proposition 2 on the back of theballot.

Holly J. Nelson

Millerton