Letters to the Editor - The Millerton News - 10-12-23

Thanks for Amenia Free Library support

I would like to thank the many residents of Amenia who have recently signed petitions supporting the placement on the municipal ballot in November, for a proposition requesting additional annual funding for the library.

The funding increase requested under Proposition #3 will allow the library, in its new and expanded space, to meet the community’s needs for programs for all patrons, an increase in our operating hours, and additional print and digital materials that the public has been asking for. To meet our goals for community service, a part-time assistant needs to be added to our staff which will allow us to increase our hours of operation. In the last year, everyone, including the library, has experienced an increase in costs. Fuel, electricity, cleaning services, insurance, books, materials, and supplies have all increased substantially.

Voters should be aware that NO taxpayer dollars were used for land purchase or construction of the newly expanded and renovated Library. Our expansion is the result of 25+ years of fundraising as well as a significant grant from the New York State Education Department. We have been blessed with the support of many generous donors, to whom I offer our sincerest thanks and appreciation.

The funding would only be used for operating expenses — salaries, materials & supplies, programming for all ages, maintenance, and utilities. The increase requested ($50,000) in Proposition #3, would result in a tax increase of $14.01 for an average residence assessed for $300,000 in Amenia…that’s about $1.17 per month for expanded Library services which our community deserves.

We invite the public to preview our newly expanded library on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Members of the Board of Trustees and our Director will be happy to provide a tour and answer any questions you may have. At 1:00 p.m., the Library and the Public will have a reception to honor our Trustee Emerita, Charlotte Murphy, who has served the library for more than 50 years. Call the library right away (845) 373-8273 if you would like to stay to honor Charlotte.

We have faith that you have seen the Board of Trustees as good stewards of the public trust, and will support our funding request, Proposition #3 on the back of the ballot, on Election Day, Nov. 7.

Alan Gamble

President, Board of Trustees, Amenia Free Library Association

Stella Isaza for Pine Plains Town Justice

Small towns such as Pine Plains do not always have lawyers willing to devote time to serving as town justices. Fortunately for our town, Stella Isaza is willing — and more than able— to do the job. Just because New York state does not require town justices to be lawyers does not mean that we should ignore the opportunity to elect a willing lawyer to the town justice position. Clearly, a lawyer with 30 years experience as a lawyer is the best qualified candidate for the town justice position. 

Stella, a 21-year Pine Plains resident, has a rich and varied legal back ground, obtained here in the Hudson Valley and is a member of the Dutchess County Bar Association as well as the New York State Bar Association. Her extensive courtroom experiences include criminal defense, housing, family law and general litigation work. 

Stella’s concern and commitment to Pine Plains is not new: she is an active member and past president of the Pine Plains Lions Club. 

We are fortunate that a busy lawyer such as Stella is willing to put the time and energy into sitting as a Pine Plains Town Justice. We should elect Stella Isasza, the most qualified candidate for the job. 

Sarah Jones

Pine Plains

Supporting Leo Blackman for Supervisor

I am writing to support wholeheartedly Leo Blackman’s campaign for Supervisor. I have know Leo since he first became a resident of Amenia 20 years ago.  He has always impressed me with his optimistic outlook and desire to make our town a better place. He has volunteered in many ways to help his fellow citizens. He has long worked Fridays at the St. Thomas food pantry, where I am the garden coordinator, and designed the new building (at no cost) required by Covid. He has also dedicated many evening to workforce housing, wastewater, zoning and planning.

My neighbors and I were elated to have elected him to the Town Board two years ago. He cares about the needs and hopes of all different residents of Amenia and has made a genuine long-time effort towards meeting them.  He understands the broken promise of prosperity from Silo Ridge and is wary of more luxury developments. With his background in architecture and demonstrated commitment to our town, I trust him to lead us into the future and fully endorse him.

Marsha Kaufman

Wassaic