Election: 2011 ISSUES by Stuart Communications

EXPLORING THE 

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IN THIS ISSUE: Will gas drilling turn any elections? ...................................1 Will Sullivan lawmakers override tax cap? ......................................2 Damascus campaign pits a challenger against incumbent...4 CANDIDATES BY TOWN Sullivan County ...........................7 Bethel .........................................9 Callicoon................................... 10

Maturity Training Experience

Cochecton ................................ 12 Delaware................................... 13 Highland ................................... 14 Lumberland .............................. 14 Neversink ................................. 15 Thompson ................................. 15 Tusten ....................................... 16 Pike County ...............................17 Lackawaxen ............................. 18 Wayne ....................................... 18 Damascus ................................. 19

VOTE Dr. William Davis

CORONER

www.davisforcoroner.com — Paid for by the candidate —

TRR photo by Fritz Mayer

Election signs, such as these for the supervisor race in Cochecton, show how closely some candidates have tied themselves to the gas drilling issue.

Will gas drilling turn any elections? Candidate’s positions are nuanced By FRITZ MAYER fritzmayer@riverreporter.com REGION — While there are many issues facing elected officials this year, including in New York the reality of the newly imposed two percent property tax cap and reduced municipal revenues from taxes and other sources, the issue that stands out most is gas drilling: are you for or against, and where do you stand? For some politicians, the best answer is to say they are neutral, such as Gary Maas the current supervisor in Cochecton, or undecided, such as Tusten supervisor Peg Harrison. For some residents in those towns, those positions have not been acceptable. In both cases, residents have persistently called on their supervisor to take a stand one way or the other. In past years in Cochecton, Maas, who is running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines and has no opponent on the Democratic line, would have likely faced no opponent. But with passions about gas drilling running high, political newcomer Claudine Luschinger has mounted a campaign for Maas’ job on the Rural

Heritage line. In Tusten, Harrison, a Democrat, who is also running on the Conservative line, would have faced a tough challenge from Republican council member Carol Wingert regardless of the gas drilling issue, because the two have faced off on numerous issues in the past two years. Wingert, who is also running on the Independence and Rural Heritage lines, has said that she is opposed to gas drilling. But in this race, too, the gas drilling issue has produced an unexpected result: another candidate. Andrea Reynosa is running only on the Rural Heritage line, which is generally presumed to be anti-fracking, for a seat on the town council. In answers to questionnaires sent to the candidates by The River Reporter, both Wingert and Reynosa listed gas drilling as one of their top two issues. The gas drilling issue has been prominent in just about all of the towns in Western Sullivan County. In the Town of Delaware, current council member Republican Ed Sykes, who is running for Continued on page 2

supervisor, has said publicly he is in favor of gas drilling if the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation says it can be done safely. His opponent, Stephan Lundgren, running on the Democratic line, says local zoning provisions should be adopted that “regulate, restrict, or prohibit inappropriate and undesirable uses.” The situation is similar in the Town of Callicoon, with supervisor Tom Bose, running on the Republican, Independence and Conservative lines, questioning whether gas drilling will ever come to the town, but also saying that if the DEC does allow it, the town will protect “not only private property rights, but the health, safety, well-being and quality of life of all of our residents.” His challenger Bruce Ferguson, running on the Democratic and Rural Heritage lines, who has been highly visible as an anti-hydraulic fracturing activist, says that fracking represents one of the “biggest threats to our local economy” and there are better ways to get the gas out of the ground. In some towns, such as Bethel, gas drilling has become almost a non-issue because every candidate running for the office of supervisor or a seat on the town council has come out against drilling and fracking. Bethel, like the towns of Lumberland, Highland and Tusten, is actively working on a zoning amendment that would limit or ban gas drilling.

Will it make a difference? With no polls available to track political races at the town level, it’s hard to tell if the gas-drilling issue will spark a discernable reaction among the

electorate, but there is at least some indication that the residents of Sullivan County have a position on the issue. A poll commissioned by Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy, of which Ferguson is a prominent member, found that 69% of Sullivan County respondents oppose fracking in their town, while 27% support it, and 69% support zoning rules that would restrict fracking while 24% oppose them. Critics have questioned the reliability of the poll, but the company that performed it, Pulse Opinion Poll, said in an open letter, “The survey was conducted using an established automated polling methodology. Calls were placed to randomly selected phone numbers through a process that insures appropriate geographic representation.” Bose questioned the validity of a poll that was spread across the entire county as opposed to one focused in only the towns that are likely to see drilling, which he said are Fremont, Delaware, Callicoon and Cochecton. Ferguson countered that the county sits above both the Marcellus and Utica shale formations and if shale gas extraction comes, “it will probably proceed eastward across the entire county within a just a few years.” There are signed gas leases in eight of the 15 towns. Of the 500 county residents who were called for the poll, about nine percent are second home owners, who will most likely not be voting in the election. However, even with that in mind, if the margin against drilling is nearly as wide as reflected, it would not be surprising to see gas drilling having an impact in at least some races.

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Will Sullivan lawmakers override tax cap? Decision may wait until after election By FRITZ MAYER fritzmayer@riverreporter.com

Contributed photo

Incumbent lawmakers in Sullivan County will soon have to decide whether or not to override the two percent property tax cap.

MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County lawmaker Jodi Goodman, who is chair of the budget committee, released a letter on October 21, requesting that county manager David Fanslau create a tentative budget that stays within the new property tax cap increase imposed by Albany of 2%. That came two days after she said it was too early to tell what would happen with the tax cap. Counties have the authority to override the cap with a supermajority vote of the legislature; in Sullivan’s case, that would mean six out of nine legislators. Goodman said, however, that lawmakers should trust governor Andrew Cuomo’s word that Albany will reduce mandated county spending. So far that hasn’t happened to any significant degree. Counties are looking to a fourth year of increased spending due, in part, to the increased costs of state mandated programs, such as Medic-

aid and payments for the pension system, while still looking at weak revenues from sales and property taxes as well as reduced state aid. County manager David Fanslau had earlier said that without specific direction from the legislature, he would develop the tentative budget within the cap. Still, except for Goodman, with all of the seats up for election on November 8, most incumbent county lawmakers have not indicated if they would support the overriding of the cap. The only politician at the county level who is out front in calling for overriding the cap is lawmaker David Sager, who is not running for office this year. At a meeting at the government center on October 13, Sager told his colleagues that they needed Continued on page 3

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the flexibility of being to able to lift the tax higher than that. He said, “Overriding the cap does not mean that we get to spend money in a reckless way. All it says is that the state’s demands are really unreasonable, based on what they’re providing us and what we have to provide to the public, and we need that wiggle room, and people need to understand that.” Lawmaker Alan Sorensen, who does not face an opponent this year, indicated that something would have to change regarding the 2012 budget. He said, “We have a shortfall of about $10 million and an unreserved, undedicated fund balance of approximately $10 million, and so we know other things are going to have to change. We can’t just spend the entire fund balance.” Last year, the legislature voted for no tax increase, and sought to avoid layoffs by withholding raises and longevity payments to unionized county workers. The unions fought the move and eventually the county backed down. But ultimately 17 county workers lost their jobs and some 37 unfilled positions were eliminated. Lawmaker Ron Hiatt, who is not seeking another term this year, said other counties were considering reducing services that are not mandated, such as county-owned nursing homes and departments of community service, which deal

with mental health and drug addiction issues. He once again called on labor to help ease the budget crunch presumably through concessions. He said, “Next year is going to be worse than this year… and labor could provide us with some help, if only temporarily on a year-to-year basis. If they become part of a solution, then people don’t have to be laid off, and we don’t have to reduce services as much.” Sullivan County is not alone in its difficult budget process. In fact, there is so much dissatisfaction with mandates from Albany that some county officials around the state have been discussing holding back Medicaid payments to the state. Fanslau, however, said that could result in some negative impacts. The county’s budget is about $191 million; about $80 million of that comes from federal and state reimbursements. So, if the county withheld Medicaid payments, Fanslau said, “I would suspect that the reimbursement train would stop immediately, and don’t forget they collect our sales tax, so they probably wouldn’t send our sales tax payments.” He said the only way such a move could possibly work was if all 57 counties outside of New York City were on board with it, and judging by the information he’s getting from his colleagues, that is not likely to happen.

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SAVE OUR WATER! I promise to ¿ght to protect your drinking water, your property values and your quality of life! Remember, we are the majority! Seven out of ten Sullivan County residents oppose fracking. TRR photos by Tom Kane

Damascus campaign

Let your voice be heard! On November 8, vote to protect our Rural Heritage.

Vote for Claudine Luchsinger for Cochecton Town Supervisor

By TOM KANE

tkane@riverreporter.com DAMASCUS, PA — The campaign that pits resident Dolores Keesler against incumbent supervisor Joe Canfield is generating a lot of heat and energy in Damascus Township. The story goes back to March, when Canfield unexpectedly made a motion to remove Keesler as the township representative to the Upper Delaware Council (UDC), saying that she did not represent a majority in the township. Consequently, she was removed. Some residents were so incensed that they embarked on an effort to write in Keesler’s name on the primary ballot. They won. Keesler is now on the ballot, challenging Canfield. Keesler and Canfield have stated their positions on several important issues in the township. On the persistent problem with the roads, Keesler suggests that she would work to establish an effective road management plan that would establish repair priorities that would be followed regularly. On this issue, Canfield said, “I have been actively pursuing alternative paving that is going to be about 50% of the cost of paving done by PennDOT’s superpave spec.” Regarding the traditional role supervisors also serving as road masters, Canfield answers, “The system of supervisor/road master has been working well for more than 100 years and I see no point in changing it.” Keelser said, “It’s clear in the supervisor’s handbook that there is no requirement that the supervisor be a road master.” On the allegation that township decisions are made without adequate public input or open discussion, Canfield said, “In any given situation, the board of supervisors must look at the whole picture and make decisions they believe will benefit the entire township and not just those who may have an agenda of their own.” Keesler, however, said, “During meetings, motions are made, seconded and voted on with no revealing of what factors were used in arriving at the decision. A case in point: at the meeting of March 2011, the agenda item was simply ‘UDC,’with no explanation to promote comments. It turned out that my removal was the order of business, not the UDC itself.” On whether gas drilling is a positive opportunity for the town, Keesler said, “It is an individual’s

right to lease their land, but individuals are still accountable to neighbors and the community for the impact of activity on their land, water, etc.” On this point, Canfield said, “If gas drilling can be done responsibly, with strong regulations, even stronger oversight and respect for property rights, it can benefit our community. Everyone is in favor of safety and quality of life, and we must find ways for all of us to work together to build Damascus Township.” Keesler said that the permits granted to the Newfield Exploration Company to drill in the township should have been handled by the zoning hearing board and not by the supervisors. “Formerly, gas extraction was lumped under mineral extraction and as such a ‘special exception.’ To get a permit, an application had to be reviewed by the zoning hearing board, followed by a public hearing.” This power was taken away from the zoning board and given to the supervisors, all of whom had signed leases, she said. Canfield answers, “The Zoning Hearing Board is not permitted on any site by law. In sum, the responsibility for overseeing the community ultimately lies with the board of supervisors and the planning commission.” Canfield said further, “The biggest issue is building Damascus in a way that recognizes our responsibilities to economic growth, sensitivity to the environment and mutual respect. What we need is people to work together to build Damascus Township. What we don’t need is to have our town pulled apart at the seams by people trying to control what isn’t theirs to control.” On this, Keesler said, “The town is like a boat that is sinking. We need to work together and not take partisan positions in secret that pits one against another.” Keesler said she thinks that the township should “develop sustainable business opportunities like niche farming, artisanal food production, recreational facilities, developing new entrepreneurial businesses, vacation business like camps, spas, retreats, as well as retirement/health facilities (which) can be built on the resources we have in abundance, utilizing the township’s scenic beauty without gas drilling.”

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ELECTION LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Voters’ right to know The Sullivan County Legislature has been considering a client disclosure resolution that, with commonsense exceptions, would require elected and certain appointed county officials to disclose private clients from whom they and/or their firms receive compensation. New York State has recently adopted such a law. At a forum featuring candidates for the Sullivan County Legislature, incumbents and candidates strongly supported a client disclosure resolution— with one notable exception: legislature chairman Jonathan Rouis. While favoring the resolution in principle, Rouis took the position that it couldn’t apply to him. Sullivan County voters (and taxpayers) deserve better than this. We deserve to know, before the legislative elections next month, for whom our representatives are working—in addition to working for us. It’s long past time for us to throw light on the sometimes murky intersection of officials’ private business with their public powers. Any legislator who values client anonymity and private practice over openness and objectivity to his/her constituency can simply choose not to serve. Unlike jury duty, serving in elective office is not mandatory. Joan Thursh Woodbourne, NY

Goodman for District 6 As Election Day draws near, we decided that we really needed to check out what’s happening with the Democratic candidates in Sullivan County. So, like all good Americans, we booted up our computers. Here is what we found. Cora Edwards has somehow convinced Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther that she single-handedly brought grant funding to Sullivan County. What we all know is that Ms. Edwards used to work for Sullivan Renaissance and worked with a team of Renaissance staff and volunteers to bring in funding. Everyone knows that it is not nice to take credit for other people’s work. Also, it seems that she has convinced both Assemblywoman Gunther and Congressman Maurice Hinchey that she supports economic development. I guess she might advocate for economic development as long as it doesn’t develop in her back yard. If you really want to know her record on economic development, jobs creation and tax revenue, ask any of us, her Swan Lake neighbors, about the high-end home development she worked to block rather than help look for alternatives that would work for both the eagles and the developer. So since we have a choice, we will be voting for Jodi Goodman for legislator in District 6. Shawn Comfort, Cynthia Herring, Alice Dabek, Carolyn A. Malone, Marueen Kienan and Natalie Marx Swan Lake, NY

Davis best for coroner The race for coroner this year presents an opportunity to the voters of Wayne County to elect a highly qualified medical doctor with years of experience. The

most populous parts of Pennsylvania make a medical background a requirement for the job of coroner. In rural areas like Wayne County, we don’t always have that luxury, but this year we do. Dr. William Davis has experience in a number of areas that will serve him well as coroner. During his over 30 years of practicing medicine he has developed strong diagnostic abilities that enabled him to make accurate determinations about a person’s health. Experience and training have taught him what to look for and how to evaluate what is important in order to make the correct evaluation of a patient’s condition. These same diagnostic skills are necessary for a good coroner. In addition, the practice of family medicine has frequently placed him with patients and families during their most trying of times. Learning to deal with death and dying comes with experience. Dr. Davis has helped families to deal with difficult situations with kindness and compassion. Both candidates agree that the office of coroner is rather apolitical. The voters should choose based on the qualifications of the candidate. The citizens of Wayne County deserve the best. Bruce Grandjean Honesdale, PA

Luchsinger: ready to lead I’m voting for Claudine Luchsinger for Town of Cochecton Supervisor because she is smart, well informed, committed to our area, and has a wealth of experience that she will bring to the job. She has solid, practical ideas for how to improve Cochecton’s economy and “put us on the map.” What really impresses me about Claudine is that she is the only Cochecton candidate who is not afraid to publicly state an actual opinion on the subject of gas drilling by fracking. She believes the current process is dangerous and supports using zoning to protect our water, property values and way of life. Our present supervisor insists that he is “neutral” on fracking. After all the information that has been circulated, the debates in our newspapers and countless examples of what can go wrong, how can anyone be “neutral?” In his candidate statement, the current supervisor points to a committee he is establishing to advise the town board on fracking and zoning. It’s interesting that this committee is being formed now, in election season, and after the town has already adopted its revised comprehensive and zoning plans. Yet, when several residents previously suggested a similar committee, at a time when a committee’s input could have been meaningful, the suggestion fell on deaf ears. Similarly, when residents filled town meetings asking the board to adopt protective language in the plans, as Bethel and Tusten are doing, these requests also fell on deaf ears. The main job of a town supervisor is to protect the health and welfare of all town residents, not to enable a few large landowners to “cash out,” leaving the rest of us to live with the mess. Luchsinger has the leadership qualities we need. She says what she means and we know where she stands, and I am proud to stand beside her. Laurie McFadden Cochecton, NY

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Absentee Voting Information SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY Registered voters who will be outside of Sullivan County and those who are physically unable to appear at the polls on Election Day are eligible to receive absentee ballots. There are several types of absentee voters: • MILITARY - Members of the Armed Forces and their dependents. • REGULAR - Voters who are out of the county, or ill on Election Day or Primary Day. • PERMANENTLY DISABLED - These voters are on a permanent list and receive a ballot for each election. • SPECIAL BALLOT - For those who are unable to vote in person due to religious scruples, duties for the Board of Elections or a victim of domestic violence. • SPECIAL FEDERAL - U. S. citizens living abroad whose last U. S. address was in Sullivan County are only allowed to vote for Federal Offices. These include President, Vice President, U. S. Senator, and Congress. • SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL - Registered Sullivan County voters who have moved to another jurisdiction after the last day to register are only allowed to vote for President. Download the New York State Absentee Ballot Application at webapps.co.sullivan.ny.us/docs/boe/Absentee06152010.pdf. You may also request an absentee ballot by sending a letter to your County Board of Elections. The letter must be received by the county Board of Elections

no earlier than 30 days before the election. The letter must contain the following information: Your name and date of birth, the address where you are registered, an address where the ballot should be sent, the reason for the request (vacation, permanent or temporary medical disability, caregiver, detention in jail for an offense other than a felony waiting for a trial), the dates that you will be out of the county (optional), and the signature of the voter. If the absentee ballot is mailed back to the Board of Elections, it must be postmarked by the day before the election and received no later than seven days after the election. All forms and applications must be mailed or handdelivered to the Board of Elections at Sullivan County Board of Elections, 100 North Street, Monticello, NY 12701. For further information visit www.co.sullivan.ny.us/ Default.aspx?TabId=3492.

PIKE COUNTY, PA The Election Office maintains and controls all activities relating to voter registration and elections under the supervision of the Pike County Board of Elections. Absentee ballots for registered voters of Pike County are available upon request (written or oral) at the Bureau of Elections. State law provides that you may vote by absentee ballot if you are absent from the

municipality of residence on Election Day. A separate application must be made for each election. The absentee ballots are available for download under the downloadable documents section at www.pikepa.org/el cions.html. The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is the last Tuesday prior to Election Day. For further information, visit or call the Pike County Election Office at 506 Broad Street, Milford, PA 18337, or call 570/296-3426, ext. 1090.

WAYNE COUNTY, PA Any qualified registered elector who will be absent from their municipality or unable to vote due to an illness or physical disability is entitled to vote by absentee ballot. To obtain an absentee ballot application, call the Wayne County Bureau of Elections or send a request for a ballot containing the following information: Name, Wayne County address of residence, address where ballot should be mailed to, date of birth, reason for request and signature of person requesting ballot. For further information, see www.co.wayne. pa.us/?pageid=3 or visit or call the Wayne County Bureau of Elections at 925 Court Street, Honesdale, PA 18431, or call 570/253-5978 or 570/253 5970 ext. 4003 or 570/253-5432 (fax).

Re-elect KATHY LABUDA County Legislator, District #2 As your Legislator for the past 12 years, Kathy has worked very hard for you. She now serves as: Majority Leader - Chairman of Planning & Economic Development & Real Property Committee - Past Chair, Dept. of Public Works Committee & Vice Chair of the Veterans Committee. Kathy refused to take ﬁve of her pay raises,due to County budget constraints!

One of the most important decisions the County will soon face, is the the question of “Fracking.” Kathy is opposed to this method of drilling for natural gas. Drilling requires 4000 up to 7000 gallons of water, containing toxic chemicals that pollute underground acquifers and wells. There is no known way to “unpollute” them!!! The real question for the Voters and Taxpayers of District 2 this November: Do you really want to trade 12 years of Legislative Experience, Accomplishments and respected Leadership for the unknown? - Kathy’s knowledge and experience are priceless assets for DISTRICT 2 AND THE COUNTY! ENDORSEMENT: Hudson Valley Labor Federation, Laborers’ Local 17

A - or Conservative LINE C Vote for: Integrity / Experience / Dedication Vote for Kathy on Democrat LINE

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Vote for

GARY MAAS Cochecton Supervisor

â&#x20AC;˘ 10 years experience as a manager for two local businesses. â&#x20AC;˘ Local business owner for the past 23 years. â&#x20AC;˘ 8 Years on the Town Board.

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Candidates on the Issues Where they stand SULLIVAN COUNTY Legislator district 1 Scott Samuelson Dem., Wor.

â&#x20AC;˘ 2 Years as Town Supervisor.

When it comes to important issues,

Experience Counts!

Vote November 8th Row B Republican PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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ELECTION 2011

EXPERIENCE: Owner/ operator of Bradstan Country Hotel, sales associate for Chapin Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty, Director of Luxury Marketing and Sales, Black Creek Development. I have served on numerous boards and committees as a volunteer in Sullivan County over the last 20 years, including past chairman, Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, past member of the board of trustees of Catskill Regional Medical Center, past ex-officio board member of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development and founding board member of the Bethel Business Association TOP TWO ISSUES: Economic development/jobs and taxes. I believe the former helps resolve the later. We are in need of a truly focused, actionable economic development plan that will draw appropriate and viable business to the community that will, in turn, help begin to stabilize taxes in the county. MY STAND: I believe that Sullivan County has to determine where our economic development energies should be focused. How do we perceive what we are today? What do we see ourselves as in the future? I personally believe that our greatest economic development potential lies in agriculture, tourism and healthcare. I assert that these three industries already complement each other and capitalize on the resources and strengths we already have that would then be enhanced and maintained. I also contend that we should rebuild from within and not from without. I am frustrated with our always looking outside of ourselves for the answers. We have far too much to offer and should not sell ourselves out for empty promises. Once we are able to attract the appropriate business into the community through a well focused effort, we will begin to see jobs and smart growth. With that comes a newer, stronger tax base that will help lessen the tax burden that plagues each of us today. The people of Sullivan County are probably our greatest resource. They are diverse, creative, resourceful, hard-working and passionate. I believe that with them all things are possible if the right plan is in place.

Richard O. Lander Rep, Con, Ind.

EXPERIENCE: I was born and raised in Sullivan County; graduating from Narrowsburg Central School and then receiving a BS degree from Fairfield University in Accounting and Finance. I have experience on the county level serving as Tusten town supervisor and a member of the board of supervisors. I have been married 30 years to my wife, Lisa, and we have four children: Heather and Sarah, both medical students; Alex, an engineering student; and Richard, a junior at Sullivan West High School. We own and operate Landerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s River Trips, a family business that offers rafting, canoeing and camping on the Delaware River along with Landerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s River Mart and CafĂŠ. TOP ISSUES: I am running to put my local business experience, work ethic and strong family values to work for Sullivan County. It will be a priority of mine to work together for a common goal of helping all of our residents, for a legislature that gives direction for the future and one that is accountable to its people. My record shows that I worked hard to keep taxes down while always continuing to provide valuable services. I have volunteered in our communities for the past 30 years, and feel that working alongside my fellow residents has given me valuable insight into the struggles we all face. We are now in poor economic times, and we need to tighten our belts and be fiscally responsible. We need to balance the services that our county residents need with that of what we can afford. We need to respect our county work force and maintain open communication while we work as a team to solve the issues ahead. If given the opportunity to serve, I will work diligently to steer us toward a better economic future while always protecting our valuable resources of clean water and air. Feel free to contact me at rolander@ptd.net or call me any time at home, 845/252-7101 or work, 845/252-3925. Together we can continue to keep Sullivan County a great place to work, live and raise a family.

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Legislator district 2 Kathleen M. Labuda Dem., Con.

John C. Sundholm Dem., Con.

EXPERIENCE: BS in Agriculture (Cornell University), MBA (lona College). Lt. Col. USAF (Ret) in civil engineering. Former executive VP of Greenrock Corp., horticulturalist, member American Federation of Musicians. I have been deputy supervisor and Upper Delaware Council representative for the Town of Highland. I am a small business owner, and have management skills—but am not a politician. TWO TOP ISSUES: Finances and business growth, and job creation. Both of these work together. MY STAND: The tough financial condition of Sullivan County is all-encompassing within the county government and services provided. This requires a partnership with towns and residences of District 2 through the office to address their needs and the county. This can be accomplished with thoughtful financial controls and planning with legislative team work. Secondly, it requires working with real property county and NYS offices to monitor tax exempt properties and correct. Certainly, the legislature should evaluate construction projects, promote adequate law enforcement capabilities and address safety issues in the area and county. Business growth and job creation, together, with the support of all the above, would help improve the tax base, increasing revenues to the county, and controlling the tax increases on current business and individuals. Hopefully, this will help encourage new business to move to District 2 and the county and enjoy the rural aspects and improving access and utilities. In turn, jobs would be created and local contractors and business continue to grow. Property tax rates should stabilize with the increasing tax base. Finally, efforts should be made for the review of unfunded mandated state programs to ease the situation

Legislator district 3 Elwin Woody Wood Dem., Con., Ind.

Kathleen Kitty M. Vetter Rep., Wor.

Legislator district 4 Jonathan Rouis Dem,, Con., Ind.

Nicholas M. Salomone Jr. Rep., Wor.

EXPERIENCE: I served on the Mamakating town board for 20 years. TOP ISSUES: I am running for Sullivan County Legislator representing District 4 because in my heart I feel we need new ideas and a new vision for our county. We need to tackle many of the problems we face with new visions and new ideas. When I worked on the Mamakating Town Board, every issue we dealt with, I would look ahead on how that idea would be over the next five, 10 or 20 years. For example: if a grant did not benefit the town for the long haul, I would not vote for it. We don’t need to accept a free item if the town must bear the cost later on in the program. I am very proud of voting for our New York State Police station in Wurtsboro, saving the taxpayers $1.2 million a year had we needed a full-time police department. We consolidated all town departments into one building, freeing rental space around the Village of Wurtsboro for small businesses. On the county level, we must change our legislative meetings to evening to allow the public to participate. .

Legislator district 5 Cindy Kurpil Gieger

Dem., Rural Heritage EXPERIENCE: Seventh generation Sullivan County resident, married to Stefan Gieger, mother of four. Owner/operator Gieger Dairy Farm solar powered operation. Registered nurse, former Sullivan County Public Health Nurse. Co-founder Sullivan County Farm Network, New York State Association Counties “Blue Ribbon Task Force,” Pace University Land Use Leadership Alliance, Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) board member. TWO TOP ISSUES: Taxes: our county’s budget of approximately $200 million is not sustainable. Job Creation/Retention: Rural western Sullivan County needs a voice. Currently efforts are aimed at large job creators while many of our rural businesses may not create additional jobs but are just as valuable to the economic stability of our county. MY STAND: I support moving away from line item budget to budget specifically delineating cost saving measures; increased communication between legislators and department heads; a community budget forum including town assessors/ tax payer advocates; and re-evaluating unfair tax exemptions. For jobs, I support building on current economic winners: tourism, agriculture and healthcare; cerating a food shed for NYC, marketing local products; working with the NYS legislature to re-define “job creation” for small business to capture funding currently realized by big job creators; inventorying available commercial space and linking it to economic development; and the completion of a red meat processing facility to “grow livestock

farmers.” Expand Internet, access creating jobs through an “Internet hub,” and promote renewable energy jobs in fast-growing industries such as solar and methane capture, and growing energy crops to heat homes. I will work to preserve our vital services to our seniors who have contributed so much, our veterans who have sacrificed so much and law enforcement who work to keep our communities safe. I will work across party lines to bring a new mindset of cooperation to the table so we can move beyond our differences to enact much needed change. My hope is great for Sullivan County.

Gregg M. Semenetz

Rep., Con., Ind. EXPERIENCE: Owned and operated three businesses over my 37 years in Jeffersonville. Crop farmer, sawmill and lumberyard, real estate broker. Elected as Town of Callicoon councilman in 1991, elected Town of Callicoon supervisor 1995 to 2007. From 2007 to present, building inspector for towns of Cochecton and Bethel. TWO TOP ISSUES: High property tax burden and lack of decent-paying year-round jobs MY STAND: I will use my years of experience running several businesses and town government, to review and assess all county programs and departments to determine their effectiveness. I will demand accountability at all levels of the administration. I will take my experience of creating and balancing 15 town budgets to the county level and scrutinize all line items of the budget. Job creation is crucial to the future of Sullivan County. Our young people are leaving in large numbers, leaving a huge hole in our local communities. It hurts our elderly, our volunteer organizations and our school systems. In order to encourage businesses to move here or expand existing ones, we must streamline the process within our governments to approve these projects. We must promote a business-friendly environment. One example is to adopt the Town of Bethel agribusiness section of their zoning. This section has allowed several significant projects within the last year, bringing in millions in construction activities and jobs. I have worked closely with these projects as the building inspector of the Town of Bethel. I have been a job creator in Sullivan County since my teenage years, and will use these skills to promote Sullivan County to potential new businesses.

Legislator district 6 Cora Edwards Dem., Wor.

Jodi I. Goodman Rep., Con., Ind.

Legislator district 7 Gene Benson Dem., Wor.

Leni M. Binder Rep., Con., Ind.

EXPERIENCE: I hold an MPA from Marist (Masters of Public Administration) and I am the only elected county official certified in county government from Cornell and the Pelletier Institute of NYSAC (New York State Association of Counties). TOP TWO ISSUES: Economic development (including jobs with good wages and benefits), and high tax levels compared to income levels in a relatively poor district MY STAND: As minority leader, I sit on the new Economic Development Council (EDC), am active in seeking new areas of agricultural development, new products, growth and sales. We are also seeking areas of redevelopment; this is also in conjunction with Sullivan Renaissance, where I am a member of the county steering committee and part of the group working with Dr. Tarlow. High taxes and the inability of residents to pay them creates county obligations to make schools and towns whole, and we often issue notes to meet this state obligation. We need to continue to lobby, as I have since the start of this legislature, to change the tax exemption laws. We also need to lobby at the federal level to have them prohibit the state from passing the Medicaid obligation to the county level and restrict unfunded mandates. Our economy also prohibits the jail construction that the state mandates, without funding. I will continue to work in these areas as well as public safety, where we now have a charter guaranteed road patrol. A balanced budget is the current issue to work on.

Legislator district 8 Ira Steingart Dem., Con.

Amanda Ward Rep., Ind.

EXPERIENCE: Native of Sullivan County, national and international women’s figure skating champion. B.A. degree from Wagner College - cum laude, law degree from Hofstra University. Currently the director of Workforce Development at the Center for Discovery. Adjunct professor at SUNY Sullivan, member Fallsburg Library Board of Trustees. TOP TWO ISSUES: Jobs and economic development. Our sales tax base has eroded, while the number of tax exempt properties has continued to expand. MY STAND: To combat high taxes and create jobs the formula is simple: we must grow our economic base. But when it comes to economic development, we can’t seem to get out of our own way. Every major project in Sullivan County, like Kohl’s, the mushroom plant, the Apollo Mall, or the red meat processing plant, has run into unnecessary road blocks. For years we have been focused on casinos, when in reality they are only a small part of the

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T VO

OR F E

Carol Roig

Highland Town Council

Our Economy • Property Rights & Values • Quality of Life

Highly qualiﬁed and dedicated to our Town:

Carol will protect our water, air, and quality of life while working for sustainable, long term economic development. She brings valuable skills to the posi on, having helped secure and manage more than $75,000 in grants for beau ﬁca on and tourism and demonstrated that she can work eﬀec vely with area businesses and civic groups. She saved the Town $1,000s by volunteering her professional services to the recent update of the Highland Comprehensive Plan.

PAID FOR BY HIGHLANDERS FOR CAROL ROIG.

• 25+ years as a grant-writer, project manager and communica ons specialist for non-proﬁt and corporate clients. • President of Highland Renaissance beau ﬁca on volunteers. • Serves on the Highland Commi ee on Energy and Environment. • Chair of the Highland Comprehensive Plan Task Force. Vote for C • Co-founder of Highland Concerned Ci zens. on eithearol r • Endorsed by Highland Democrats and Conserva ves. party line!

VOTE: Protect Our Economy, Our Future, Our Quality of Life

NOV. 8th VOTE: CAROL ROIG and the Highland Democra c Team

economic recovery puzzle that we must solve. That is why I will make sure that projects that have the potential to contribute to our tax base do not get caught up in red tape. Other tough issues that we must deal with include the future of the county’s nursing home and the potential for gas drilling. With my education and life experience, I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to our legislative body and hold people accountable. I have been involved in planning budgets, directing employees and auditing their work. As a taxpaying homeowner I will be on the lookout for waste and fraud.

Legislator district 9 Alan J. Sorensen Rep., Con., Ind.

BETHEL Supervisor Daniel Sturm Dem., Con., Ind.

EXPERIENCE: I have proudly served on the town board for eight years, four years as councilman, and the last three and a half years as supervisor. Before that, I have 20 years of management and human resource experience. I have been Bethel budget officer since 2008, as well as the president of Sullivan County Association of Supervisors since 2009. TOP TWO ISSUES: Taxes and job creation. MY STAND: In spite of these historic tough economic times, the town has been fiscally prudent and responsible every day. We’ve had the lowest tax increases in the county three years in a row, as well as a AAA bond rating. Our expenses are in line with budgets, and we always watch out for our struggling taxpayers. We have improved our banking, budgeting and management procedures, as we strive to be professional, businesslike and efficient. We did town energy improvements, and are now realizing the cost savings, and bought new highway equipment without hurting the budgets. Working with a good town board, we get things done. The zoning that was put in place in 2009 has helped to create jobs and encourage growth in the right areas and protect the farmlands and open spaces at the same time. We are pro business as we have had more ribbon cuttings in the last four years than the last 10 years combined. We have three new cell towers coming this year, and expanded cable service in the more remote areas. During my tenure I have continued to improve the image of Bethel as a place to be and to do business. I work hard every day to serve the residents to the best of my ability, and we are moving in the right direction with a positive future. Running the town is serious business, and you need experience, leadership and vision to get it done right.

Judith Maidenbaum Fat Lady

EXPERIENCE: A psychoanalyst with an interest in dreams, I had many for Kauneonga Lake. Some came true. The town that slept through decades is now awake. I built The Fat Lady Café in 2004. Other restaurants followed. I refurbished the Beekman House this year with three new businesses, four apartments, and a Summer Movie Pavilion. TOP TWO ISSUES: Taking care of business and protecting our natural resources. MY STAND: Business creates jobs and sales tax revenue, attracts young people, and lowers property taxes. However, no business should be allowed to compromise the health of our environment, water sources and citizens. The Bethel Local Development Corporation has not met for six months. Created to nurture business in Bethel, that group begs revitalization. I would direct the BLDC to attract low and hi tech businesses and seek out and award them state and federal grants. The Bethel Farmer’s Market must be expanded and re-visioned to serve Bethel farm business better by staying open late on Fridays and serving as an outreach to market Bethel products outside of Bethel. The Bethel Highway Department needs a comprehensive plan. Roads are the veins that carry lifeblood throughout the town. Regarding taxes, we have not had a re-evaluation for 20 years. The economy slumped. Property taxes must reflect that trend. Town revenues? We must go after tax evaders, invalid exemptions, inequitable tax assessments and unintelligent spending of money on the business of running Bethel. That “business” needs careful scrutinizing. Bethel Woods is a resource. Every ticket sold should have added on a one-dollar “use fee” for Bethel. Fracking has to be zoned out. We are a tourist and weekend attraction dependent on clean air, quiet, and water water everywhere. Fracking puts all that at risk.

Clerk Rita J Sheehan Rep., Con., Ind.

Justice Howard Block Fair and Impartial

EXPERIENCE: As the incumbent Bethel town justice for four years and an attorney for 27 years, I am well versed in the type of professionalism and character necessary to run a fair, impartial and efficient court. In 2009, I was also appointed as acting justice in the Village of Bloomingburg. I was born and raised in Kauneonga Lake. As a life-long resident, I understand what it means to live in Bethel as a volunteer and as a

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professional. I serve my community as a volunteer Kauneonga Lake fireman, a member of Bethel First and worked hard on the Bethel Bicentennial Museum. I graduated from St. Louis University Law School and earned a Masters in social work from SUNY Albany. TOP TWO ISSUES: The most important issue affecting Bethel’s legal system is public confidence in the court. Modern sensibilities have placed stricter ethical expectations on judges, and it is important to follow the rules of ethics. The second top issue is the town’s growth and development. Judges must have a solid understanding of the community and people that they serve. The recent growth has brought more diverse and complicated legal issues before the court. Bethel’s interests will be best served by a judge who has rendered logical and concise decisions and has utilized new technological advances for more secure and efficient case management. Also, my vision is to make sure that my court and staff adhere to the canons of ethics and treat all with dignity and respect. My vision for the future of our justice system is to ensure that Bethel residents understand that our justice court doesn’t exist to be a revenue source, but to fairly and impartially decide cases. I will fight for you till the end and fight to restore your confidence in the fairness and integrity of our court.

Cindy Barber Dem., Wor.

EXPERIENCE: Trial lawyer 17 years, Town of Bethel Judge for 12 years, former OCA senior faculty member training local judges’ continuing education classes (16 years), former confidential attorney for Sullivan County Family Court (six years), former hearing examiner Family Court. I am a lifetime resident of Sullivan County and married to Ed Barber for 34 years. TOP TWO ISSUES: First, availability. Judges must be available 24/7 for arraignments. I live five minutes from the court and I am available around the clock to serve the people of Bethel as their judge. Second, experience on the bench. I have 17 years as a trial attorney in this county and surrounding areas. I have served the people of Bethel as their judge for three terms of office totaling 12 years and have extensive experience having handled over 10,000 cases in the Town of Bethel as judge.

Susan Harte Rep., Con., Ind.

Council Bob Blais Dem., Con.

EXPERIENCE: I have lived in Bethel all my life. I am married to my wife Linda for 36 years. We have 2 grown children, both married and we have four grandchildren. I have served 16 years as councilman, and during the last three years of my service, the town has seen only small tax

increases. I was deputy supervisor for two years, served four years on the Bethel planning board, and was three times past chief for Kauneonga Lake Fire Dept., in which I have spent 45 years and am still active.I am also in the Veterans and DAV and served two tours of duty in Viet Nam. I am honest and always available to talk and listen to our citizens, responsible, and hardworking for our town. TOP ISSUES: Keeping taxes down for our working families, trying to get more business in our area, to keep people working; keeping open communication with Bethel Woods to keep our citizens safe; and keeping our zoning laws and codes and handling noise level complaints.

Bernard Bernie Cohen Dem., Honest Government

Vicky Vassmer Simpson Dem., Ind.

EXPERIENCE: Town of Bethel Park Committee member (1991), Town of Bethel Planning Board member (1994-1995), Town of Bethel Councilwoman (1996-2000; 2002- 2003, 2008-present), Town of Bethel Deputy Supervisor (2003), Town of Bethel Supervisor (April 2004-December 2005). I worked in family-owned business all my life. TOP TWO ISSUES: Budgeting and fiscal responsibility in these tough economic times, which will hold the line on taxes; and promoting economic growth/jobs. MY STAND: One of the most important jobs I have is helping to create our town budget. It is imperative in these difficult economic times to hold the line as much as possible on spending. The budget we are currently working on will do just that. This past year, by using conservative budgeting practices and proper fiscal management, I have worked hard with the town to upgrade Bethel’s Moody’s financial rating to Aa3, which is an excellent rating. This ensures that the town qualifies for the best interest rates and will ultimately save thousands of dollars. Next, let me address economic growth. I believe it is important to encourage new business to come to Bethel. During 2011, I attended at least eight ribbon cuttings welcoming new businesses into the town. I have worked hard as a member of the Bethel Local Development Corporation to obtain grant money to help businesses locate in Bethel. I also served on the zoning committee, which has created an “agribusiness friendly” atmosphere. As our town continues to support ways to prohibit an environmentally harmful industry from locating here, we must be just as diligent in promoting what we feel are good, new businesses that will stimulate job growth throughout our town.

Joseph Rossiter Rep., Con., Ind .

EXPERIENCE: I am 74 years old, reside in Kauneonga Lake and have lived in Bethel for 40 years, raising three children, all attending and graduating from the Monticello school system and continuing on to college. I am a veteran, having served four years in the U.S. Air Force, 18 months overseas, discharged honorably with the rank of Staff Sergeant. I am retired from construction,

having been a member in good standing of the Operating Engineers, Local 15 D for 35 years, as a field engineer. I have worked in NYC, New Jersey and overseas.I have a 1993 Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences from Sullivan County Community College in their Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program. Subsequently, I became a NYS-Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. I now work on a per diem basis as a counselor in the Chemically Addicted Unit at Bon Secours Hospital in Port Jervis and The Recovery Center Crisis Unit in Monticello, and have also volunteered at Daytop Village in Parksville, working with their more senior population. I have been a member of the Smallwood/Mongaup Valley Volunteer Fire Company and a past member of the Smallwood Civic Association that was instrumental in acquiring Smallwood Lake for the community. TOP ISSUES: Regarding gas drilling and hydrofracking, I believe they are not in the best interests of the town of Bethel. We should do whatever is necessary to protect the integrity of our water, rural character and scenic beauty. This discussion revolves around money or water. We can always make more money, but never more water. I was also one of a group of people to oppose the extension of our sewer district down Schultz Road, which would place an additional burden on our sewer treatment plant. After much effort, the proposal was rescinded by our town board to extend the sewer line.

Highway Superintendent Lynden Lilley Dem., Con.

William Crumley Rep.

Tax Collector Debra Holt Gabriel Dem., Con.

CALLICOON Supervisor Bruce Fergurson Dem., Rural Heritage

EXPERIENCE: In recent years, I’ve devoted myself entirely to unpaid volunteer work with three local notfor-profit organizations: Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy, Farmhearts and Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Development. Each organization is, in its own way, dedicated to ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for our region. TOP TWO ISSUES: First, we must expand our economy while still preserving the qualities that are most important to the people who live here.

Second, we must carefully evaluate the pros and cons of industrial shale gas extraction and make decisions that are in the best interest of the community as a whole. MY STAND: I believe the town supervisor should be our town’s biggest booster. As supervisor, I’ll go after every penny of public and private money I can lay my hands on and bring it back to the town to build up our local economy and keep our taxes down. I believe one of the biggest threats to our local economy is fracking, the process of injecting three to seven million gallons of poisonous fluid into the ground for each and every gas well. Fracking could seriously harm tourism and agriculture, which are the mainstays of our local economy. There are better ways to get the gas out of the ground and the industry knows it. It’s already working on alternative technologies. If we don’t let the gas corporations get away with fracking, they’ll soon come back to us with a more reasonable way of extracting the gas. In the meantime, I want my town to have the same protection that New York City is getting. New York State says fracking is too dangerous to be permitted in the New York City watershed. As far as I’m concerned, that means it’s also too dangerous to be done in our backyards.

Thomas R. Bose Rep., Con., Ind.

EXPERIENCE: Supervisor in the Town of Callicoon from January 1, 2010 to present. Councilman in the Town of Callicoon from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2009. Planning Board member from 1998 through December 31, 1999. Served as a commissioner for the Youngsville Fire District elected to two five-year terms. TWO TOP ISSUES: 1. Continually increasing costs of services as well as decreasing revenue. 2. Most people would expect gas drilling as one of the top issues. However, there is not a single well being drilled and there may never be, but the ongoing bitter dispute between supporters of natural gas and those who are opposed to it, is affecting our town. MY STAND: I will continue to try to find ways to decrease costs, just as I have in my first term. I, with the other members of the board, have re-financed bonding on the highway garage, saving more than $107,000; switched to a high-deductible health insurance plan which should save approximately $60,000 in 2012; and combined the tax collector with the town clerk position, eliminating health benefits for one position. I will work closely with the new county legislature to encourage economic development as well as smart, well-planned second-home growth without negatively impacting our area’s most valuable and oldest asset, our farms. With the possibility of natural gas drilling, I remain committed to serving the best interest of all the residents of the town. If New York State decides to allow drilling, as well as the process known as “fracking,” and if the gas industry determines that the reserve of gas below the Town of Callicoon is even worth drilling for, our town will do everything within our “home rule” powers to

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THE HIGHLAND HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT

protect not only private property rights, but the health, safety, well-being and quality of life of all of our residents.

I’d like to introduce a man well qualiﬁed and capable, having 30 years of experience with which to lead the Town of Highland’s Highway Department. He was born here, went to school here, married and raised his family here, and lives here full-time.

Clerk

ORSON DAVIS has worked in and around the tri-states area for more than

Rep.

half of his life. We did not see much of him for those many years because of the long hours that kept him on construction jobs away from home. As the economy started to fade, so did the job sites around the nation. He is now here full-time and ready to take on the duties of the Highway Superintendent. Orson’s experiences with paving, ditching, concrete work, operating and repairing heavy machinery and driving construction trucks on jobs and over the roads will give Highland a new look at cost effectiveness and stability. This man has been a foreman and shop steward on union and non-union jobs coupled with the responsibilities of hauling equipment all hours of the day and night to ready jobs starting at daybreak. The duties of the Superintendent of Highways here in Highland will be an easy task for Orson. Please give Orson

Davis your vote on (November 8, 2011) Election Day.

One more thing... I was a member of the committee that appointed the candidate for Supervisor in 2008. I apologize for that mistake. The bickering and many disruptions over the following two years both in-house and throughout the town were countless. She is now a candidate for Councilperson. Please don’t make the same mistake that I did!

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Janet Brahm

Justice James Tuffy Hubert Rep., Con., Ind.

Council Linda M. Babicz Dem.

EXPERIENCE: Town Supervisor, 2008 and 2009. 35 years’ experience in project management for business and for community service. Planning certification from numerous programs, including the Land Use Leadership Alliance, Pace University School of Law. TOP TWO ISSUES: Economic decline and the destruction of property and infrastructure from increasingly devastating incidents of flooding. MY STAND: I advocate the promotion of agriculture, sustainable energy and the arts to revive our economic growth and to maintain our rural character. I will work to eliminate wasteful spending, to take steps for energy conservation for our municipal buildings, to pursue alternative energy technologies to serve our communities, and to adopt all legally feasible measures to protect our infrastructure from the effects of industrial development. A comprehensive plan for stream maintenance and flood mitigation is crucial to our town’s economic future. I will work to obtain inter-municipal and inter-agency cooperation and funding for long-term solutions. There is a need for transparency and inclusiveness in local government. The public must be well informed and must be welcomed as active stakeholders in our future. Our greatest natural resource is the largely untapped energy and talent of our residents. I will work for greater town council interaction with business and community groups to develop a sustainable economy.

Jill Weiner

Dem., Rural Heritage EXPERIENCE: I am a small-business owner with a lifetime of community service as a board member of the Sullivan County Visitors Association, the Sullivan County Farmers’ Markets, Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy, Farmhearts and the Jeffersonville Chamber of Commerce. TOP TWO ISSUES: Improving our local economy must be our main concern. Our town must work to attract and welcome new businesses. To protect human health and our economy, we must make sure that our town is not negatively impacted by dangerous, industrial shale gas operations.

MY STAND: The economy in our beautiful corner of Sullivan County is heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism, including second homes. And tourism and agriculture, in turn, depend upon the unspoiled natural resources of our area. Our farms and hunt clubs preserve the open spaces that both fulltime residents and tourists treasure. I’m convinced farming can become profitable again and tourism is a proven winner. In 2010 tourism in Sullivan County actually grew by more than 10%; not many industries can say that. Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” could contaminate our air and water, industrialize our landscape, lower property values, deter tourists and harm our local economy. Taxpayers could be left holding the bag: paying for water testing, infrastructure repair, increased law enforcement and enhanced medical services necessitated by the influx of out-of-state workers and a dangerous industrial activity. I am looking forward to serving the people of the Town of Callicoon, preserving our rural community and working with public and private sources to grow our economy and area into the prosperous town I know it can be.

David Kuebler Rep., Con., Ind.

Howard Fuchs Rep., Con., Ind.

Highway Superintendent David Erlwein Dem.

Kristopher P. Scullion Rep., Con., Ind.

EXPERIENCE: Current highway superintendent, eight years International Union of Operating Engineers, five years construction including concrete and flood projects, blacktop plant operator, heavy equipment operator, past owner of Scullion’s Cabin, graduate of J.Y.C.S. and D.I.T. Seattle, WA. TOP TWO ISSUES: The top two issues affecting my town are the possibility of drilling for natural gas using high volume hydrofracking and the town budget. MY STAND: My town is doing everything it legally can to prepare and protect its most important assets: our people, our property and our roads. Without the people and the property, there are no taxes to keep up the roads. We are almost done passing a road use agreement/road use law that has been years in the making. I keep up with all the information coming from both the pro-drilling and anti-drilling sides, and have talked in depth with asphalt companies to stay abreast of the best methods and materials to use before, during and after a high-volume project takes place. I am pre-

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pared to handle any extra workload. The budget is not a new issue, but rather a challenge we deal with every year. We are forever paying more and more for insurance and materials, leaving less money to complete the actual work. I promised to do more with less if elected, and I have. I lost a man in January and instead of hiring a new one, I took a plow route myself. We burn almost 4,000 gallons of fuel oil in our town barn every year. This year we will burn a free, renewable energy: wood. The fat has all been trimmed, and now it’s time to get more work out of the men and machines we have.

COCHECTON Supervisor Gary D.Maas Rep., Con., Inc.

EXPERIENCE: Business owner for 23 years of an auto repair center. I have eight years’ experience on the town board, with the past two years serving as supervisor. TOP TWO ISSUES: Gas drilling and property taxes. MY STAND: I have stated that I have taken a neutral position on the issue of gas drilling. It has divided the residents of many of the towns in the river valley. Those who are against fracking have concerns about water quality, property values going down and quality of life. Those that are for are property owners who say they have the right to cash in on their mineral rights and will help the area economically. All this passion on both sides, and the fact is it might never come in the near future. I agree we must be prepared. In Cochecton, the town board is preparing to organize a committee for the purpose of advising the town board. It will be called the Zoning Advisory Committee and will be made up of three members of each side to come up with advice regarding possible zoning in regards to drilling if it does occur. I’m looking forward to this group coming up with some positive ideas. Taxes in Cochecton have been stable over the last two years. Last year’s increase was less than a half percent, with this year’s increase at 1.35%. For the coming year, we are looking at keeping it under the tax cap of 2%. That is with a 15% increase in health benefit costs and a close to 40% increase in retirement costs. There are also expected rising costs in energy and fuel expenses. The town board and I look forward to being prudent in spending your tax dollars.

Claudine L. Luchsinger Rural Heritage

EXPERIENCE: Working at the Department of Public

Works, managing the seasonal operations of Fort Delaware and working at the Department of Family Services in the Special Investigations Unit. I completed a degree at Sullivan County Community College, and since 2008, I have been pursuing a teaching degree, part-time, at Marywood University. TOP TWO ISSUES: First, the threat of gas drilling using hydraulic fracturing, a dangerous heavy industry. Second, the relationship between industry lobbyists and the county’s Industrial Development Agency (IDA). The IDA provided tax breaks to the Millennium gas pipeline. This cost Cochecton $700,000 in tax revenue, created few or no local jobs and caused approximately $1 million in road damage. MY STAND: I am opposed to hydraulic fracturing; it’s too risky. I am also opposed to sweetheart deals given to the industry by county officials. It is up to our elected officials to support Cochecton’s Comprehensive Plan to enhance community growth that protects our environment, promotes tourism and preserves our rural heritage. Sharing our roads with industrial trucks at 1,000 round trips per well, overdeveloping three-to-five-acre well pads, with seven wells per pad, and hearing a well being drilled 24 hours a day, seven days a week for 20-plus consecutive days in glaring bright lights will devastate our area. It will put at risk our second homeowner tax base, along with our tourism industry. It will also seriously jeopardize our health. It is wrong that New York State is considering natural gas drilling when the Environmental Protection Agency has not completed its study on potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing with respect to drinking water and ground water. It is the job of the town board to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community. If elected, I promise to use the town’s zoning authority to put the health and well being of the people who live here first.

Council Larry H. Richardson Dem.

EXPERIENCE: Town Planning Board member 1988-’95, Upper Delaware Council (UDC) representative 1989-present, Manager & V.P. Yaun Company Inc. 1991-present, Cochecton Preservation Society founding member and treasurer 1991-present, Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (UDSB) representative and member of the formation committee, Fosterdale Cemetery Association, Pace University Land Use Alliance management training program. Leadership positions held include deputy town supervisor (appointed); acting town supervisor(appointed); councilman 1996-present (elected); vice chairman for town planning board (elected); three-time chairman, vice chairman and treasurer UDC (elected); chairman, treasurer UDSB (elected); treasurer of the Cochecton Preservation Society(elected); treasurer for the Cochecton Bi-centennial/ Day on the Lake Committee. Recognitions include the Tom Hill Award for Excellence in Public Service, the Pride of Cochecton Award (2002) and the Oak and Gavel Award. TOP ISSUES: Challenges facing the town have

been and continue to be how to encourage more families to settle in Cochecton; how does the board deal with budgets having a 2% cap on the annual tax levy when cost of materials exceed that amount and retirement and health insurances costs continue to soar; and how does the town sensibly deal with the issues of possible gas drilling. I believe my experiences in formulating budgets and safeguarding corporate funds will guide me in dealing with budget limitations going forward. The town’s recently revised zoning ordinance will provide prospective home builders with an opportunity to build “green” and save. The safety of gas drilling needs to be guaranteed.

Anna Story Dem.

EXPERIENCE: I worked at J.P. Morgan Bank as an administrative assistant. I was a substitute teacher and secretary at the Sullivan West Central School. I also worked as the Cochecton Tax Assessor’s Clerk. I presently serve as councilperson in Cochecton. I am the litter-pluck coordinator and I maintain the town website. TOP ISSUES: Financial stability is difficult in these tough economic times. We need to keep taxes down without compromising the everyday functioning of our town. We need to control spending and watch for unnecessary overspending. Gas drilling is a major topic of discussion at all of our meetings. Our first priority is to the quality of our water, quality of life and preservation of our beautiful natural landscapes. Gas drilling needs to be monitored. We need to keep informed and if it does come to our area, we need to be prepared and learn from all the prior mistakes that have been made in other counties and states. Communication is key to running a town well. We all chose to live in this area for our own personal reasons. This is our town, and we are all here to make our town the best it could be. We need to listen to differing opinions, discuss issues and come to a compromise. The board needs to work together as a group and do what’s right for our town.

James P. Crowley Jr. Rep., Con., Ind.

Tony Leone Rep., Con.

Highway Superintendent Brian V. DuBois Dem.

EXPERIENCE: I have been Cochecton highway superintendent for 10-plus years. Previously, I was in construction, where I acquired training in road building, heavy equipment machine operation and maintenance. I applied this experience to my duties as highway superintendent, acquiring further knowledge on budgeting, bidding, working

with and supervising personnel and maintaining our highway system. TOP TWO ISSUES: The issue of gas drilling and, depending on the outcome, the effects it might have on our highway safety and infrastructure and continued maintenance and reconstruction of our town’s highways. MY STAND: As highway superintendent, I do not have any authority as to whether or not gas drilling will be permitted. My concern, however, has always been that our town’s roads are safe for the citizens to travel on. It is my understanding that the operation involved with gas drilling might compromise our highways. Therefore, I would work diligently to insure that there are necessary protections in place not only to maintain our highways at their highest levels, but that it be done without any additional financial burden to our residents. Cochecton is a small municipality, and the major portion of its budget is spent on road maintenance. As highway superintendent, it is of primary importance to me that our highway funds are spent wisely. With the summer months, highway maintenance is concentrated on repairs and construction of roadways, which involves knowledge of the use of heavy equipment, blacktopping, ditching, etc. and supervising personnel in this operation. During the winter, our services are mainly snow removal and related services to keep the roads passable and safe. Keeping Cochecton’s highways at their highest levels will continue to be my goal.

Kevin R. Esselman

Rep., Con., Ind. EXPERIENCE: I have worked in the construction field throughout my employment years, working for companies such as John Bernas and Wagner Masonry, and for the past 12 years I’ve been in business with my father, Esselman Paving. TOP TWO ISSUES: Staying within my budget, and the maintenance of roads and equipment throughout the year. MY STAND: With the rising cost of everything around us, it’s getting harder to maintain the same amount of work on the roads every year. I’m a believer in hot asphalt, but I’m also open to new ideas. A few townships have been using cold mix paving. It’s possible that this could be more cost efficient for the town. Given a crew of only four men, I’d like to start working with these townships. This would enable us to complete road work in a timely manner and possibly pave more sections of roads. Winter time is tough not only on the roads but equipment as well. Maintaining a good maintenance schedule on the equipment and upgrading when the opportunity arises will lead to better safety conditions, not only for the men, but for the residents. If elected I will use my experience in construction, to be cost efficient, while maintaining a safe environment for the Town of Cochecton.

Tax Collector Eileen Hennessy Dem., Con.

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Marc Dubrovsky

Supervisor

Dem.

Stephan Lundgren

JANET R. SIANO Tax Collector Town of Thompson

Council

Dem.

EXPERIENCE: Over 30 years managing construction projects for architects and contractors. Relevant duties and responsibilities included analyzing and implementing complex budgets; controlling costs; negotiating and administering contracts; solving zoning and building code problems; dealing with government agencies and labor issues; and coordinating engineers, suppliers, employees, and contractors. TOP TWO ISSUES: How to protect ourselves from potential harmful impacts of gas drilling while preserving a rural way of life based on agriculture, and how to protect taxpayers and still provide a high level of necessary services such as road maintenance, zoning enforcement, administration of justice and public safety. MY STAND: Remember that the primary responsibility of local government is to protect all of its residents—not to help enrich large landowners or to bail out individuals, businesses, or industries that are struggling. Before drilling begins, we need to install all possible safeguards, including effective and enforceable zoning provisions that regulate, restrict, or prohibit inappropriate and undesirable uses. If these safeguards turn out to be unnecessary, no harm has occurred. I will work hard to search for cost savings and additional sources of revenue, including grants and impact fees where appropriate; to broaden our tax base by promoting infrastructure improvements such as broadband Internet that will help attract “Clean & Green” businesses; to increase public participation in open government by holding office hours and meetings at more convenient days and times when appropriate, by encouraging audio and video recording of town meetings, and by creating an electronic town forum on the town’s website; to promote diversified agriculture, family farms, home businesses, tourism and recreation-related businesses; to preserve farmland and open space; to encourage thoughtful planning, and fair and effective enforcement of our zoning laws and building codes; and to protect our natural resources.

Rep.

Clerk/Tax Collector Dem.

Justice H. John Kramer Dem., Rep., Con., Ind.

John Murphy Dem.

Harold Roeder Jr. Rep.

Cindy Herbert Rep.

Council

Edward T. Sykes

Tess McBeath

EXPERIENCE: I am a managing member and owner of several different companies, and am in good practice of making decisions based on the best interest of my companies and not myself personally. I have been, and remain willing to make the appropriate and sometimes difficult decisions, even at my personal expense if need be. TOP TWO ISSUES: Economic vitality and transparency. MY STAND: We must work harder to create jobs, encourage business development, encourage others to move here, and be proud leaders for other towns to follow. Of course, we need to trim anywhere we can, and there are definitely such places. The bottom line is, we need to offer opportunities for success to everyone (of any age group) for jobs, safety, public spaces and programs. I don’t take this charge lightly as it is no easy task, but I am willing to put forth above and beyond to make it happen. We all have to work harder in order to accomplish so much for our town, and I am prepared to be the first one to step up and work harder. Transparency is the easier task. We can create a better system of transparent dialogue and decision-making with more opportunity for input. This is 2011. If I (from Kenoza Lake) can rebuild a house for a client living in Hong Kong, it should not prove too difficult to create videos of our town board meetings and place them on our town’s website for easy access to the complete minutes for all residents to view at their convenience. It should also not be too difficult to take comments from the public on any topic by email, fax, or mail to be read and discussed aloud during each meeting. I also welcome the idea of incorporating Saturday meetings into the schedule to be more available to those who are not available during the week.

Richard Ried Dem.

EXPERIENCE: Served on Delaware town board 12 years. World War II Army Veteran. Graduated with a master’s degree in history from Binghamton University. Retired member of the faculty of Sullivan County Community College TOP TWO ISSUES: Gas drilling and agriculture. MY STAND: I believe that we must do everything

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to prevent drilling. In addition to the harmful environmental effects of drilling, I believe that it wii have a negative effect on property values. We may be able to prevent drilling by enacting zoning laws that prevent this practice. If zoning cannot completely achieve this, we must use zoning to confine drilling to areas that cause the least damage. Our farmers are facing difficult times. They need our support. I will work with farmers to keep farming here. Agriculture is in a transitional period. There is a potential market for our produce in New York City. We must develop this market. Because of the current recession, local governments must spend wisely, only for the things we need. We must try to save money any way we can.

Alfred Steppich Rep.

Highway Superintendent William G. Eschenberg Rep., Con.

Assessor Sandra L. Burn Rep.

HIGHLAND Supervisor Andrew Boyar Dem.

EXPERIENCE: I previously served as supervisor of the Town of Highland from 1983 to 1995 and then from 2010 to present. I also served as chairman of the Board of Supervisors, two terms as town justice and several years as town attorney. TOP TWO ISSUES: We are currently challenged with assuring that our land use regulations are as finely tuned as possible to protect our quality of life. We must complete our Comprehensive Plan and an update of our zoning law. Managing these projects and maintaining a zero increase budget are the top challenges. MY STAND: I believe that the town has the right of home rule, and we can and must update the zoning to protect against an industrial assault on our quality of life. This task must be properly and evenhandedly administered. The process must be an open one and it’s vitally important that the public be heard. Any changes to the Zoning Law must be absolutely defensible. In addition to avoiding costly litigation, we must contain everyday costs. This is why I have consistently advocated for a zero taxincrease budget and have a long record of success on the town and on the county level achieving that goal. It is the voters’ job, however, to give me a town board equally committed to protecting the town and holding down taxes. The last thing we

need in the Town of Highland is another round of partisan politics. I implore the voter to give me a town board that is pro-Highland and nothing less. Help me with this and we can achieve a model for good governance on the town level.

Council James P. Gutekunst Dem., Con.

EXPERIENCE: Town board member since December, 2010. Member of the town’s board of assessment review for 18 years, the majority as chairman. Successful business owner for over 25 years in Sullivan County. Resident of the town for over 30 years. Graduate of Fordham University and University of Wisconsin, school of banking. TWO TOP ISSUES: Gas drilling and taxes. MY STAND: I believe strongly in property owners’ rights. However, I do not believe they trump the rights of other citizens to have clean water, air and a relatively toxic free environment. This is particularly important to the Town of Highland, since the town’s economy and its citizens’ lifestyles depend on its environmental purity. The reason most citizens select our town to live in and visit is due to the pureness of its woods, rivers, lakes and streams. Hence, it’s imperative that the town board exercise its home rule powers by eliminating high impact industries (gas drilling) through land use controls and zoning. Town expenses and costs are items that every board member needs to be diligent about every year, 365 days a year. My background lends itself to ensure that our town has a fiscally conservative member representing our taxpayers. Taxpayer dollars should be spent as if they are coming out of your own pocket. I will continue my crusade to assure that our taxpayers are obtaining the best value at the best cost. Additionally, in this economic environment, it is mandatory that next year’s budget have a zero percent increase. We cannot allow real estate taxes to reach a point where it is unaffordable for both primary and second home residents to live in our beautiful town..

Carol A. Roig Dem., Con.

EXPERIENCE: 25-plus years as a grant writer, project manager, communications specialist for nonprofit and corporate clients; president, Highland Renaissance; chair, Highland Comprehensive Plan Task Force; Highland Committee on Energy and the Environment; co-founder, Highland Concerned Citizens; land use and planning coursework led by the Pace University Land Use Law Center. TOP TWO ISSUES: First, how do we build a sustainable economy while protecting our air and water, property rights, property values and our quality of life? Second, how do we hold the budget line for our taxpayers while continuing to move forward on meeting the needs of our residents? MY STAND: Our economic health and our environmental integrity go hand in hand. We can protect our air, our water and our forests, and build

prosperity, by pursuing economic opportunities that respect our quality of life and are sustainable in the long term. In spite of tough times across the state, local tourism has actually grown in recent years. We should work to continue that trend, building on our natural and cultural assets while protecting property values for all residents. I’ve worked to help secure and manage more than $75,000 in grants for beautification and tourismrelated projects in the Town of Highland. I worked with local businesses and some extraordinary volunteers who have donated countless hours of work to make these projects a success without adding to the tax burden of the citizens of Highland. Teamwork is key to the success of these efforts. In my work I help people come together to set goals and achieve them. I know how to keep a tight budget and still get important things done. I’m a team player and a team builder.

Frederick E. Bosch Rep.

EXPERIENCE: Current town councilman (four years), deputy town supervisor (two years), U.S. Army (three years), Multi Municipal Task Force (three years), Sullivan County DPW Engineering Dept. (37 years), DPW Supervisory Unit Chief Steward (nine years), volunteer fireman (48 years), scouting (24 years), delegate to Federation of Sportsman’s Clubs, school board, VFW and Knights of Columbus. TOP TWO ISSUES: The potential degradation of our water and the environment if natural gas drilling and fracking comes to our area, and growing our economy. MY STAND: Although the United States needs more domestic energy, including natural gas, the current natural gas industry exemptions to the Federal Clean Air and Clean Water acts makes drilling and fracking for natural gas so hazardous to our clean air, water and environment that we must oppose it every way we can. The largest sector of our economy is directly related to our outstanding scenery, water, wildlife habitat and environment and we must do all we can to protect and enhance our natural environment.

Tina M. Palecek Rep.

Highway Superintendent Thomas H. Ebers Dem., Con.

EXPERIENCE: Operating engineer in the NYC school system – 17 years. Foreman in the NYC school system for 10 of those years. Responsibilities included supervising a crew of up to 20, budgeting and payroll. Employee in the Town of Highland Highway Department – three years. Knowing the job from the inside out gives me a distinct advantage. TOP ISSUES: I am a lifelong resident of the Town of Highland and as I see it, the top issues affect-

ing the roadways in the Town of Highland are flooding, snow removal, and general maintenance. As we have seen in the last few years, flooding has become possibly the largest issue for the community. I will be working with the existing flood emergency plan to make improvements on locating the areas that may be most affected and implementing work efforts that help to control water volume prior to the heavy rains. Our snow removal operation has always been great. I will continue to keep the roadways as clear as possible during snow storms, so that those who have to get to work can do so safely. In regard to general maintenance, I am committed to exploring cost cutting alternatives that will allow us to improve our roadways and make our tax dollars work harder. I would be proud to represent my community as highway superintendent.

Orson J. Davis Jr. Con., Rep.

EXPERIENCE: More than 30 years of construction experience working with asphalt, different types of stone, the trucking end and operating different types of equipment. I have chosen to work for local contractors in the past two years in order to be closer to family. Town of Highland taxpayer for more than 19 years. TOP TWO ISSUES: Improper use of equipment and proper maintenance of equipment MY STAND: Instead of running a backhoe or sweeper from the shop to the job site, it would be moved by trailer, thus saving wear and tear on equipment. I will personally patrol roads twice per day, thereby freeing an employee to work in other areas. Equipment and trucks would be checked over by the driver/operator and myself. Worn parts would be fi xed/replaced. In the long run, this would save the taxpayers unnecessary expenditures buying new equipment.

LUMBERLAND Justice David Leamon Dem.

EXPERIENCE: I have nearly 10 years’ experience as a full-time practicing attorney with experience representing clients ranging from individuals and small business to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies, before a variety of state and federal courts on both civil and criminal matters. TOP TWO ISSUES: Interpretation and enforcement of the new zoning code Lumberland is preparing to enact, which contains extensive revisions, most importantly regarding heavy industrial use. Ensuring the correct, consistent and fair application of the law to all citizens. MY STAND: Lumberland stands poised to enact

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serious, substantial and often complex changes to the town zoning code. The overhaul of these laws has been conducted with the assistance of sophisticated legal counsel, and many provisions will be new and untested. Legal disputes over the interpretation and application of these laws will most assuredly arise; the stakes are high. It is therefore vital that judges be able to understand, interpret and apply the law properly and consistently in all cases, without passion or prejudice. To the extent those disputes are within the jurisdiction of the town justice, my extensive education, training and experience as a full-time practicing attorney enable me to understand, interpret and apply the law better than a non-attorney can. This holds true for all matters that come before the town justice. Citizens having cases heard in town court can be ordered to pay thousands of dollars in civil damages, lose their driving privileges and be jailed for extensive lengths of time. All citizens who appear before the court deserve to present their case to the person most qualified to correctly, consistently and fairly interpret and apply the law. My extensive legal education, training and experience make me that person.

William H. McKerrell Jr. Rep., Con., Ind.

EXPERIENCE: Over the past 26 years I have presided over hundreds of vehicle and traffic, civil and criminal cases as town justice. I am a member and past Vice President of the Sullivan County Magistrates Association, a member of the New York State Magistrates Association. a 49-year resident of the Town Of Lumberland, past member of the Lumberland Planning Board, past president of the Eldred Central School Board, and have 45 years as a small buisness owner. I meet or exceed the yearly continuing education program mandated by the New York State Office of Court Administration.

Council Greg Bodnaruik Dem., Con.

EXPERIENCE: As a child growing up here, I was no stranger to politics. Both of my parents served our town; Walter and Christina held offices here for many years. I returned to the area in 1995 with my wife, Cheri, and am raising my daughters, Tomara and Adeline, here. TOP ISSUES: Since returning to our area, I’ve seen many changes in our Lumberland. Some good, and others, well, not so much. While I feel our town board is moving in a positive direction, upcoming changes threaten this track. I would like to be part of keeping this momentum. Being a committee member of the zoning rewrite, I’ve helped to shape the future of our town, and while serving on our planning board, I’ve been able to help enforce our current guidelines. In addition to being a planning board and zoning rewrite com-

mittee member, I also sit on our town’s Environmental Council, and participate in Earth Day and Litterpluck annually. I feel I would be able to bring this experience to the board table to help guide our town on a path that’s good for all.

Heather S. Worzel

Van Krzywicki

NEVERSINK

Dem., Con.

Supervisor

Joseph F. Carr Jr.

Mark W. McCarthy

Ron Thiele

Joseph H. Pond

Rep. Rep.

Edward Gavalla People’s Choice

EXPERIENCE: College education, sole proprietor of Jesse G’s Nursery for over 30 years, NYS licensed nurseryman, president of the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Planning Board in the Town of Lumberland and Sullivan County Visitors Association. TOP TWO ISSUES: Residential and commercial development and how it impacts our town, and taxes and the necessity of budget control—comprehensive decision on public bids. MY STAND: I am focused on the importance of creating an affordable and inviting community that aids and encourages both residential and commercial development but monitors and controls the industrial impact to the town’s infrastructure. I desire to promote tourism. Tourists visiting our area could purchase land and build on it and this could be a way of easing our property tax burden by increasing the number of taxpayers. Not for profit and religious organizations which are tax exempt own large tracts of land and operate a for profit business under the not for profit veil. Tax exemption for religious organizations must be based upon a limited amount of acreage surrounding the place of worship. An undue burden exists upon the current taxpayers of Lumberland, which has no industrial or commercial development. A profitable organization needs to be held accountable and pay its fair share of taxes. I strongly encourage the people to become more proactive and attend town zoning and natural gas development meetings to educate themselves of pertinent issues concerning the town and its taxpayers. We need to come together to help create a community and protect our environment and promote the tourism industry.

Highway Superintendent James Michael Akt Rep.

Don Bosco Hunt Jr. Rep.

Tax Collector

Donald W. TerBush

Dem.

Christopher J. Mathews Rep., Con., Ind.

Michael S. Mullen Rep., Ind.

Highway Superintendent Preston S. Kelly

Dem., Con. Rep., Ind.

Dem., Rep., Con.

Clerk/Tax Collector

THOMPSON

Lisa M. Garigliano

Supervisor

Dem., Rep., Con.

Anthony Cellini

Justice

Dem., Rep., Con., Ind.

Barbara A. Garigliano Dem., Rep., Con.

Ramon M. Cedeira Change for Thompson

Council

Justice

Bryan M. Delaney

Perry Meltzer

Dem., Con.

EXPERIENCE: I have served as councilman in Neversink for the past eight years (two terms). I am a Sullivan County Community College graduate, and work in Rock Hill as the VP of Information Technology at Irwin Siegel Agency Inc. since 1996. TOP TWO ISSUES: Planning and zoning, and town budget/taxes. MY STAND: In the eight years I’ve been on the town board, I’ve paid especially close attention to planning and zoning. We have amended our existing zoning several times to address issues such as cell towers, wind towers and outdoor boilers. While many of these changes were controversial and have since been amended from their original draft, I believe they were addressed properly, timely and professionally weighing all options and opinions available. This is key to where our town will be in the future years and what it will become. We need to make sure our planning and zoning is well thought out to preserve our community as it is, as well as allowing for affordable housing for our children to live in our town in years to come. Our town budget and its impact on property taxes of our constituents is of utmost importance in these economic times. With many companies laying off employees, imposing furloughs and even cutting wages, we have to make sure our budget is thin enough to have our taxes be affordable. This will be especially difficult with the increases in the state retirement system, healthcare and the reductions of mortgage taxes coming in to the town as revenue. I will work hard with our board to make sure any increases in our tax levy are as minimal as possible without sacrificing the services necessary for our community.

Dem.

John R.Kelly

Dem., Independent Justice

Philip E.Conaty Rep., Con., Ind.

Council Peter Briggs Dem., Con., Ind.

Moniquka Diaz Corley Dem., Con., Ind.

EXPERIENCE: I have attended the NYS Association of Towns and received many hours of training on how a town should run. I also am a former deputy county clerk of the DMV and the county clerk’s office. Currently, I sell Insurance as a licensed representative at a local agency in Monticello. TOP TWO ISSUES: Economic development/unemployment; and zoning MY STAND: I encounter residents of our town almost everyday who are out of work. Many people who normally would have enough money to pay their bills are finding themselves out of their homes, vehicles and even finding it hard to pay bills or buy food. Our town needs smart economic development that will provide sustainable employment and livable wages. This is not easy, although with the new exit 106 off Route 17, businesses are once again looking in our area. I have contacted Pilot to inquire if they felt our town would be a good location for a truck stop. (I have not heard back on

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this issue to date). Regarding zoning, the Town of Thompson is a wonderful place to live and many developers look at it and see a great community with a lot of potential, as do I. Most people in our town do not want to live in a cluster community or even near a densely populated development. I agree with this thinking, and believe our residents have the right to say what they feel to be true, when it comes to issues regarding their backyards. By opening the doors to all of our boards, we can all stand to hear an option worth considering. Having more activities for our youth is always an issue. I know the new Community Building at the Town Park will be utilized to host many upcoming events for our youth, including benefiting our town camp in the summer of 2012.

Scott S. Mace

Rep., People’s Choice EXPERIENCE: I own Rock Hill Pharmacy, and have built it into a $10 million corporation since opening it in 2004. I have done it by thinking outside the box and finding ways to succeed in a very difficult economy. I would like to do the same for our community. TOP ISSUES: The Town of Thompson needs to find a way to create jobs while keeping our identity. It is a great area with great people. However, we are forcing out people that we should be trying to help. We need the experience of our older generation and the enthusiasm of our younger generation. Small businesses like mine are job creators. My little pharmacy, which started with three people in a converted house, has now created four businesses in Rock Hill and provides over 30 jobs. With my wife, I also own Miss Abigail’s Gift Shop and Flowers by Miss Abigail. The success of our businesses attracted Provident Bank to open a branch near us to utilize our customer base. Thompson needs to encourage people with business ideas, big or small, and help them any way they can. I believe that needs to be our main priority. We also need to retain good people and encourage our students to stay in the area and be a part of this growth. I would like to start a business incubator, a place where young professionals, like lawyers, engineers, and accountants, can work together with little overhead. They can share office space, office staff, rent and other expenses that can cripple new businesses. They need help getting started, we need to keep them in our area. We already have empty stores and open office space; let’s do something with it.

Receiver of Taxes Doreen Huebner Dem., Rep., Con., Ind.

Janet R. Siano Dem.

EXPERIENCE: I have been in the financial/banking fields for over 30 years.

These years included customer service dealings, record keeping and financial accountability and the balancing of various ledger entries. TOP TWO ISSUES: I have been a resident of Sullivan County for my entire life. In the beginning jobs were centered around the farming, hospitality, educational and municipal environments. Over the course of time, jobs in the farming and hospitality arenas have dwindled. During this same time frame, taxes have continued to rise, forcing residents to seek employment elsewhere. We need to branch out into different areas of employment and industry to bring people back to Sullivan County and to keep the student population from leaving.

TUSTEN Supervisor Margaret Harrison Dem., Con.

EXPERIENCE: Supervisor for the Town of Tusten (since 2010), owner of Rasmussen Furniture and Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Homes with my husband, 20 years of finance and banking experience, director of finance for Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc., Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Scranton. TOP TWO ISSUES: Fiscal responsibility and economic stability. Fixed incomes are being stretched by higher county, school and town expenses. In these unprecedented economic times, we are faced with limited revenue generation outside of real estate taxes. We need to foster small commercial business growth. MY STAND: During my first term I have held strong on reducing expenses. These decisions are not easy, but they are necessary. I will continue to evaluate our spending to ensure that your tax dollars are spent wisely. We need to allow small business to grow in our community. If we continue to have fear of big box stores and larger-than-life industries, we will stifle the business that is here. We need to open the door for possibilities. As to gas drilling, I understand the anxiety over its potential impact on our lives and our children’s. I have worked on the Multi Municipal Task Force to ensure our infrastructure is safeguarded, and on the county committee for the forums held last summer to inform the community on impacts. I have educated myself on how to ensure the wellbeing and safety of our residents within the constraints of current law. Now more than ever we need leaders. We need individuals who open the door for the discussion, who are willing to work together, to listen and have dialogue. We can’t afford polarizing individuals who speak to the emotion of the topic but not the details. In the end, our leaders need to understand how to protect us, not just feel that we should be protected.

Carol Ropke Wingert

Rep, Ind, Rural Heritage EXPERIENCE: Tusten councilperson six years, town clerk five years, tax collector 17 years. Sullivan County Tax Collectors Association President, five years, vice president, six years. Tusten Playground Committee President six years, Narrowsburg Central School Board, four years. Tusten residency with a spirit of volunteerism, caring and service to the taxpayers: lifetime. TOP TWO ISSUES: The top two issues affecting our area are protecting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens, including zoning issues such as gas drilling/fracking along with high impact industrial use; and fiscal responsibility. MY STAND: I believe in protecting our infrastructure and individual property rights without infringing on the rights of others. The taxpayers cannot afford the high impact of the gas industry mainly because our highway fund is the largest portion of the town budget. After the pipeline was put in, several county roads showed us how the town infrastructure will be affected. Gas drilling will be a truck every 90 seconds crossing our NY-PA bridge, negatively impacting our roads and other commerce and businesses in town. Gas drilling will be short-term profits for short-term goals, leaving our town’s coffers and roads behind in shambles. Our emergency management plan needs updating so that we have needed protections in place in the event of flooding; train derailments and other emergencies that could take place here. As supervisor, I will look into the highway budget and create a capital reserve equipment fund in partnership with our board, and combine a few of the many part-time positions into one comprehensive position, thus saving the taxpayers’ money long term and making the town hall more accessible and convenient to the public, creating fiscal responsibility and taking honest, transparent local government to a new level in Tusten.

Council JP Lang Dem.

EXPERIENCE: B.S. from the University of Scranton, Masters in Instructional Technologies from NYIT, Certificate of Advance Studies in Administration SUNY New Paltz, Committee person at Cornell Co-Op Extension for 4-H, 20 years as insurance claims adjuster and manager, 12 years teaching biology, the last ten at Sullivan West school district, 20 years secretary of Beaver Brook Rod and Gun Club. TOP TWO ISSUES: The first issue facing the town is declining population. Teaching at Sullivan West, I see this every day; the amount of homes for sale in the town is staggering. The second issue is the number of tax-exempt properties. Small towns like the Town of Tusten are finding it extremely difficult to operate with the large number of par-

cels off the tax rolls. Both issues are related to the high property taxes being paid by Sullivan County residents. MY STAND: Lowering property taxes has to the objective of any local administration. We cannot ask the residents of Tusten to pay more and get less. More and more, local residents are finding it extremely difficult to pay property taxes. The Town of Tusten, as well as the county, needs to attract and foster business. The town needs to create a business-friendly atmosphere that encourages job creation and business expansion. The lack of employment along with high taxes is the primary reason for people who are migrating out of Tusten and Sullivan County. Lastly, natural gas drilling has polarized the community like no other. A simple “for” or “against” simply does not apply here. New York State will ultimately decide whether gas drilling will be permitted; based on its decision, the town must act in the best interest of our residents.

Norman Meyer Dem.

EXPERIENCE: In addition to attending practically every Tusten town board meeting over the past few decades, I was a Democratic party committee person and Democratic party chairperson for the Town of Tusten at various times between 1984 and 2008. I worked for the Sullivan County DPW for 33 years and retired. I ran a small business on Main Street in Narrowsburg for almost a decade. I am very aware of how both private business and government work.. TOP TWO ISSUES: Property taxes and gas drilling. MY STAND: It has amazed me for years that all levels of government expected a tax increase each and every year. It does not seem to matter the economic conditions at the time, they always want more. Despite the 2% ceiling that the governor has enacted, the law contains loopholes that can circumvent that number. We have to maintain a tight control over expenditures in order to keep taxes at or below current levels. I would be the peoples instrument in this regard. Although state law will likely determine where drilling can take place, and I assume that it will be nowhere close to the Delaware and its feeder bodies, I am hopeful that the pro and con elements can find some reasonable middle ground that will allow for economic growth while protecting the environment that makes our area so special. I would work hard on such a solution.

Anthony B. Ritter Rep., Con.

EXPERIENCE: Chairman, Town of Tusten Zoning Board of Appeals – 16 years; alternate representative for Town of Tusten Upper Delaware Council; member, Town of Tusten Comprehensive Plan Committee – 2007; member, Town of Tusten Zoning Rewrite Committee – 2011; owner and operator of Gone Fishing Guide Service since

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1994; associate NYS Real Estate Broker since 1992. TOP TWO ISSUES: 1. Zoning and possible heavy industrial uses that could occur in Tusten, that might affect our health, safety, welfare and quality of life. 2. Finding creative ways to bring jobs into Tusten to increase revenue and reduce taxes. MY STAND: We must make certain that if any heavy industrial uses were to occur within the Town of Tusten, such as hydraulic fracturing, gas drilling or wastewater treatment plants, that they are not in conflict with our existing comprehensive plan, by exercising the right of local municipal home rule, and seeing to it that they do not have a negative impact any citizens’ right to health, safety and welfare. We can reduce our taxes and increase our profile as a recreational destination in the mid-Hudson/ Catskill region, bringing needed revenue and commerce to Narrowsburg, by creating an Upper Delaware River Visitors center at Fort Delaware in Narrowsburg, and working to access county, state and federal grant funding for Narrowsburg’s Waterfront Revitalization Plan.

Ned J. Lang Rep.

EXPERIENCE: I am a life long resident of Narrowsburg who joined the Coast Guard in 1978, was honorably discharged in 1983 and returned to Narrowsburg to work for, and eventually purchase, the family business. I am a licensed New Jersey Master Plumber, licensed private pilot, past president of the National Association of Waste Transporters, and have served on the boards of numerous other associations serving the needs of those industries. TOP ISSUES: I believe the most pressing issue that the residents of Tusten face is the outrageous property taxes that we pay. These taxes are chasing businesses and jobs away, making it very diffucult for our children to return to the community and raise their families. The second largest threat we have facing our community’s sustainability is the proposed zoning rewrite. This type of overbearing zoning, if allowed, will undermine any real possibilities of future growth, and is an insult to the character and spirit of our community. It is my hope that, if I am elected, other members on the board will also share my concerns and we can work together to address these issues as reasonably as possible. I know that we can’t resolve all of the issues concerning taxes as we are members of one of thousands of town boards throughout the state; however, we can strive to address local issues in a productive manner to help improve the viability of our community at every turn. Our current supervisor has started this process, and I am offering my time and energy to keep the momentum going.

Andrea Reynosa Rural Heritage

EXPERIENCE: MFASculpture, University of Arizona; BFA-Sculpture, Uni-

versity of Wisconsin, Madison. Creative Director, SkyDog Projects (artistic events designer, publicist, fundraiser); co-founder Tusten Concerned Citizens (community organizer), 2010-11; advisor, “Water Futures: The Western Catskills” of Columbia University’s Earth Institute, OSI Seminar, 2011; executive director and founder, Smack Mellon Art Center, Brooklyn, NY (general programmer, chief grant writer, audience development and publicity), 1995-2000. TOP TWO ISSUES: Gas drilling and the economy. MY STAND: I believe the current technology to extract shale gas in our region, slick water highvolume hydraulic fracturing, poses an unacceptable risk to public health, our water resources, over local economy and our quality of life. Let’s mine our existing talent and resources, agriculture and tourism, instead. If Tusten’s draft Zoning Article XIV, with protective measures safeguarding the town and its citizens from high impact industrial uses, is effectively passed this year, Tusten can focus on planning and building upon its enduring economic engines of tourism, agriculture and small business. The Local Riverfront Revitalization Plan, with consideration to the Esplanade, will help stimulate private investment, increasing our tax base and quality of life. The Narrowsburg School is a more attractive development site now that the Business District has been expanded to include Erie Street with our new zoning. I would like to share my experience in running non-profit organizations, successful grant writing, and fostering public and private partnerships by serving the Town of Tusten. If elected, my contributions to the board will allow the town to pursue additional forms of revenue, help create a consensus among our elected officials, strengthen the town’s purse and prevent painful and unnecessary tax increases.

Highway Superintendent George Kinch Dem., Rep., Con.

EXPERIENCE: I have 17 years working for a highway department, eight years as highway superintendent. I have worked in construction, for a total of over 32 years experience. I have a valid NYS CDL license. I continue to work with the crew on a daily basis, operating the grader, rollers, truck, etc. TOP TWO ISSUES: Property taxes and preserving the infrastructure. This is a problem all over, but especially in a small town. We have limited ways of generating income, but no control over rising expenses. I will continue to monitor your highway dollars by using the computerized data, inventory system, and programs that I have set up through the Cornell Local Roads Program, tracking not only cost of materials but time spent addressing a specific issue. I have spent a great deal of time computerizing the Town of Tusten roads, equipment, repairs and expenses. By doing this, we have been able to

determine the best way to achieve the repairs for the least amount of money. This also has allowed us to comply with requests by the town’s insurance carrier, NYS Association of Highway Superintendents Laws, and NYS GASP 34. I continue to stay on top of all these issues and rules by attending SCAOTHS meetings, highway school, and working and communicating with other highway superintendents. By doing this in the past, I have been able to stay within budget, and return fund balances to the reserves for future use.

Glenn A. Swendsen Rural Heritage

EXPERIENCE: I have worked part-time for the highway department in the past, plowing snow and mowing rights of way. I am currently employed by the town for lawn mowing, and am employed part-time at Narrowsburg Motors. TOP ISSUES: I will work with the men every day they work. I will also make sure jobs are done right, with only the amount of materials needed for the job. I have worked in a truck garage and will make sure all equipment and trucks are maintained and inspected. I will do the paper work so the town does not have to hire a clerk for the highway department. I will be working Fridays to tie up any loose ends from the previous week. I will get several bids and or prices on everything the highway department purchases. I will make sure that all roads are maintained and safe. I respect the town’s highway department employees, and have their respect as well. We should be repairing and maintaining roads, not purchasing new equipment all the time, and we have to cut our budget. The taxpayers work very hard in this town to pay their bills and I make this promise to each and every one of you: I will cut the spending and you can take that to the bank.

PIKE COUNTY Commissioner Richard A. Caridi Rep.

EXPERIENCE: Chairman, Pike County Board of Commissioners, honorably discharged U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Masters Business Administration (MBA). Employment with Proctor & Gamble and American Brands, proprietor Caridi Enterprises. I have participated in the community on the Pike County Conservation District Board, Pike County Planning Commission Board, Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District Board, among other bodies. TOP TWO ISSUES: Emergency Services: Pike County’s emergency service personnel are all volunteers and must maintain training certifications mandated by the Commonwealth. The new EMS training facility will provide the tools necessary to do this. Quality of Life: My years of service as a Pike Com-

missioner have focused on conservation, planning and emergency services, areas identified as high priority by Pike residents responding to questionnaires. Initiatives were begun and developed to protect Pike County’s quality of rural life including Growing Naturally, the Open Space, Greenways and Recreation Plan, The Agricultural Land Preservation Program and many more. MY STAND: In addressing the Marcellus Shale drilling issue, Pike County must proceed with cautious balance. Private property rights must be preserved and protected to ensure economic development, but clean drinking water and the environment can never be sacrificed for economic gain. Pike County is the only county out of 67 counties in the Commonwealth where all of the county’s streams and rivers are designated either high quality or exceptional value. Recently, Pike County has formed a Marcellus Shale Gas Task Force comprised of multiple stakeholders with varied and balanced interests throughout the county. The goal of this task force is to provide education for Pike municipal leaders and residents, promote realistic zoning ordinances to regulate the drilling industry locally where possible, and to act as an advocacy group to protect Pike County through responsible regulations at the state level. With the Pike residents serving on the task force, municipal leaders and state elected officials, we will protect this county that we love.

Matthew M. Osterberg Rep.

EXPERIENCE: I have been on the Milford Borough Council since January 1987, and council president since January 1990. I have worked at Milford’s Luhrs ACE Home Center since 1983, and have been general manager since 1989. Community affiliations include Minisink Valley Historical Society-Director, Milford Enhancement Committee and Historical Preservation Trust of Pike County. TOP TWO ISSUES: The construction of a new courthouse to replace the existing facility from 1874 is a major issue for many reasons that will affect the next board of commissioners. Other major issues are the improvement of the county infrastructure as well as road and bridge maintenance. MY STAND: I know firsthand the problems facing the county in relation to the courthouse and its expansion. There are three main areas of concern: expansion of the courts for safety and efficiency, cost of the construction and working the project through the borough ordinances The court must expand. Congestion of the courts drives up costs, and with such small facilities, safety is a major concern. We have prisoners passing victims, witnesses passing the accused, and the public in the middle. I have always been a fiscal conservative and will work diligently in finding the proper funding channels that will see this project become a reality without being a burden to the taxpayers. This project will have to meet the borough zoning, land development and Architectural Review Boards standards. There are structures under the guidance of the ARB and because they have historical significance, they cannot just be demolished without going through the proper process. The next board of commissioners will also have to

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work to improve the infrastructure of the county. Roads and bridges throughout the county are in need of major repair. In particular, the completion of the county route project from Dingmans Ferry to Lehman Township must move forward.

Karl A. Wagner Jr. Dem.

EXPERIENCE: Since 1999, I have served as a Pike County Commissioner. Prior to that, I served as district attorney and as solicitor for several municipalities. That public service, along with 33 years of practicing municipal law, has given me the leadership experience and training necessary to run county government. TOP TWO ISSUES: The two top issues affecting Pike County, in my opinion, are the many problems arising from unprecedented growth and our continued ability to provide mandated county services despite drastic cuts in state and federal funding. MY STAND: The number one industry in Pike County is tourism. Tourists, as well as permanent residents, love our county’s quality of life, which revolves around open spaces, recreational activities, high-quality water and our woodlands and ridgelines. One-third of the county is national park, state forest or state gamelands, and one-third is developed. As for the undeveloped one-third, I have always advocated a balanced approach that preserves open space, which benefits tourism, and encourages development, which brings much-needed jobs to the county. Regarding county services: state and federal funds have been drying up for years, even before the recession. Despite this disturbing trend, the county, while striving to keep real estate taxes as low as possible, has continued to provide mandated services to its residents, including seniors, veterans and vulnerable youth. We have paid for these programs, not by raising taxes during the recession, but by making county government more efficient and cost-effective. Finally, like most parts of the United States, Pike County needs jobs. To that end, we are working diligently to market our business park and attract new businesses to Pike County.

Pam Lutfy Dem.

EXPERIENCE: Delaware Valley School Board member - 14 years, Pike-Monroe PSBA Legislative Cabinet Liaison and Coordinator, past private industry council member for Workforce Development, advocate for Children and Adults with Disabilities, Milford Lions Club, Milford Rotary Club, founder of The Sunshine Station, past owner of the Tom Quick Inn. TOP TWO ISSUES: A struggling local economy and inadequate social services present significant hardships to the people of Pike County. There is a need for fresh, independent leadership to foster a more open, participatory local government where all people’s voices are welcomed and respected. MY STAND: To foster economic growth, I have laid out a three-step approach. First, increased visibility of the PA CareerLinks resource so that job seekers and job providers can more easily find one another.

Second, being more proactive in attracting business to Pike County through collaboration on a local, regional and state level. It is unacceptable that taxpayers continue to foot the bill for a vacant business park. Third, to invest in transportation and telecommunications infrastructure to lay a solid foundation for future job growth, exploring public and privatesector solutions. As our population grows, we need to ensure our social services are meeting the demand, especially when so many are suffering through tough economic times. Pike County has one of the highest percapita suicide rates in the state, and drug and alcohol abuse has been on the rise. The shared services we do have, many with offices outside the county, are clearly insufficient to address the growing needs of our citizenry. We need to fill the vacant position on the board of the Carbon-Pike-Monroe Drug and Alcohol Commission immediately to have a voice at the table, and begin working with stakeholders to develop actions to address health and human services in Pike County. I will also exercise my legislative experience to assist with funding grants at the state level.

LACKAWAXEN Supervisor Richard Krochta Rep., Dem.

EXPERIENCE: Current Lackawaxen Township Supervisor and road master. I started at the township 21 years ago as a laborer and machine operator. I still work on the roads when possible with the road crew and plow snow every year. Township constable for nearly five years, current township fire chief, and an EMT (ambulance captain) with our local squad. TOP ISSUES: I have no problem with gas drilling if it is more regulated by the DEP and is also regulated by the township through zoning. Another issue is seniors. We will have to look into the possibility, with the county, of building low-cost housing for them. We have to continue to protect our infrastructure. A lot of our monies for this comes from through the state from gas taxes. Everyone is cutting back on driving since the price of fuel is going up all the time, which cuts into the monies that we get from the state, so we are always taking from other areas to supplement. The township is in good shape financially, so we are able to do this currently. We try very hard not to raise taxes to supplement. We are in the process of installing a solar field that was purchased through grants, and this will help our electric bills as well as make us money at the end of every year. The township also uses many Costars programs, which save us money on most of our purchases such as winter and summer materials. We also use the Costars program to purchase our vehicles, which saves a lot of money, and we get a better product. I am always looking for ways to save you, the constituent, money, and keep taxes at bay.

Fred Suljic Ind.

EXPERIENCE: Retired county planning director (Sussex County, NJ), community planning consultant in NY/NJ/PA area, board director on Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance and Emergency Medical Services of Northeast PA, volunteer member of Masthope Ski Patrol and volunteer member of the Lackawaxen and Forest Fire Departments in Lackawaxen Township. TOP TWO ISSUES: 1. Poorly maintained municipal roads and no roadway improvement plan prepared for citizen information and input. 2. Taxes are increasing due to the $1.7 million new municipal building and residents are struggling during this economic downturn. MY STAND: The municipal roads are in a dangerous state, and the township is poorly repairing roadways and drainage swales/cross drains. The township neglects its responsibility to secure assistance from PennDOT. The state roadways traversing the township are just as dangerous. Increasing municipal taxes are a burden on the township citizens. A new municipal building complex was conceived as a cure for updated new space, but for whom? The existing and now abandoned building should have been properly maintained and repaired during the last 20 years. Also, what is the disposition of the vacant building and road department facilities? Who will pay for that? The citizens of Lackawaxen will be expected to cough up more taxes to help pay for the lack of their leadership. I don’t support the thought of creating a joint municipal police force with Shohola Township. It’s a waste of our hard-earned money. I’m a responsible, law abiding and caring resident who won’t disappoint the residents of Lackawaxen Township. Don’t fix what isn’t broken.

SHOHOLA Supervisor Greg Hoeper Rep., Dem.

Shirley Masuo Write-in

EXPERIENCE: Ten years as coordinator/interpreter for the Tokyo Broadcasting System. Served on the board of directors of the Pike County Public Library, and currently president of the Twin & Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy. I presented the movie “Gasland” at the high school through the group, Pro-Pike-PA in 2009. TOP TWO ISSUES: The balance of sustaining the beauty and pristine nature of our area with environmentally sound forms of development, and the inability of all three township supervisors to work together to unite and support all residents of the township. MY STAND: Shohola Township has been through a

great deal of upheaval in the past two years, running for the most part on only two supervisors. In order to have a balanced board, we need all supervisors working together. I believe I can make that happen, as I have worked well with all three supervisors in the past on the gas drilling issue. In the face of a push for “development,” Shohola will need a proactive, long-range vision in order to preserve our scenic, rural character and way of life. In order to understand how best to accomplish this, I’ve attended a very informative Land Use Leadership training program, which I hope our supervisors will also attend in the coming year. I’ve also been attending meetings on renewable energy—particularly woody biomass, which I believe could help put Shohola on the road to energy independence, bringing our fuel costs down dramatically and bringing jobs to the area. There is a lot that can be accomplished when all township residents feel welcomed and represented. That’s been lacking in Shohola, and I’d like to change that. A good township is a united township. All we need is common sense and common ground.

WAYNE Commissioner Brian W Smith Rep.

EXPERIENCE: Chairman, Wayne County Commissioner for four years, board member of Workforce Wayne, chairman of the local Emergency Planning Committee and treasurer of the Republican Caucus of County Commissioners of Pennsylvania. Member of the the Agricultural Committee of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania and of the Gas and Oil Task Force. TOP TWO ISSUES: The 2012 county budget, adapting to shifts in revenues and keeping county government affordable Economic sustainability. MY STAND: As a commissioner I have worked very hard to keep county government as affordable as possible. We need to take advantage of opportunities in our area that would attract businesses and create jobs. This would help keep young people in our county. We are on the edge of the Marcellus shale natural gas play. If done right, this could generate many jobs, and attract many different businesses that would help with economic sustainability. I’m working with Workforce Wayne, Wedco and the chambers of commerce to match a workforce with opportunity and create business locations with adequate broadband access. Our farmers are hurting badly, and I continue to fight for a pricing system that would economically sustain them. I have talked to our legislators—you should too—about the farmers’ cost of production. A farmer has to have income over their costs, or they will disappear. In 1980 there were 600 dairy farms in Wayne County; now there are 60. This is

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a problem that worries me a great deal. No farmers, no food. This loss of business and revenue has had a huge economic impact on many other businesses in our area. I will keep talking to legislators to help create a better future for our farmers, and to work to maintain a balance of responsible leadership and fiscal oversight that creates economic sustainablility.

Jonathan Fritz Rep.

EXPERIENCE: Current second-term mayor, Honesdale Borough. Also, general manager and head of sales for Krempasky Equipment in Honesdale. Penn State graduate, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with concentrations in management, marketing, finance and business law. TWO TOP ISSUES: Employment and natural gas industry impact. MY STAND: Our area needs stable, quality jobs and we need to find a way to retain more of our young people. Too much local talent relocates. I’m certain that we can maintain all that we cherish about our area, at the same time nurturing controlled, smart growth. Private-sector employers, with natural gas providers being a key target, present opportunity for industry and economic advancement in our county. I endorse safe, measured, cautious extraction of natural gas. On a national level, we need to move toward energy independence, and natural gas is an important step in that direction. This county has a challenging stretch ahead of it. As an honest, hardworking, down-to-earth business person, I hope that you’ll consider the importance of having an entrepreneurial-minded representative as we face change and adversity along with opportunity.

Wendell Kay Dem.

EXPERIENCE: One-term incumbent county commissioner, former Honesdale Borough Council member, former solicitor for Berlin, Damascus and Sterling townships, practicing attorney in Pennsylvania for 30 years. TOP TWO ISSUES: County budgetary restrictions due to economic conditions, and losses of federal and state revenues and the need to maintain core county services. Economic, environmental and societal impacts and opportunities brought about by Marcellus Shale. MY STAND: Regarding our county budget, we have maintained a consistently conservative approach to our responsibility to provide mandated core services to our residents. We have actually reduced the budget each of the last three years. We remain committed to providing services while always keeping the taxpayer in mind. This approach has led us to cut costs in areas like insurance premiums and bond payments by taking advantage of favorable market conditions. We also expect, and generally receive, a high degree of competence and cooperation from our county employees.

The issue of Marcellus Shale presents opportunities for economic development in our region, which is sorely needed. The development of this resource also has positive implications for our national energy needs and national security. At the same time, development must occur within the framework of common sense regulations to protect all of our environment and us. I have testified before the Delaware River Basin Commission about my position and advocated for a solution that will benefit us economically while preserving our heritage. The county also has a gas task force, which is collecting information and preparing us for the many potential impacts of this regional opportunity, both positive and negative.

Jeanette Gardas Dem.

EXPERIENCE: I worked for the department of transportation, Indian Orchard for 37 years. I had several job responsibilities, that required me to know the rules and regulations set down through district offices in Dunmore and Harrisburg. I was elected to the Western Wayne school board and became president of the board in 1978. At this time we were about to build the new school in Waymart. I am currently a member of the Texas Township election board. TOP TWO ISSUES: I am concerned as to why businesses are leaving Wayne County and why we can’t seem to keep our future generation working here. We have a very large senior population, and I would like to see more done for them. MY STAND: I feel the first year as a new commissioner is a “listen and learn” time. I need to see what the previous commissioners have done for the county and still have on the table. We have alot of issues going on in Wayne County. Some might be able to be redirected and others are the way of the future, and we need to carefully monitor them to protect the beautiful county we have and the people living here.

Coroner Edward Howell Rep.

EXPERIENCE: B.S. in Biopsychology, Messiah College and A.O.S. in Funeral Service & Mortuary Science, Simmons Institute of Funeral Service. Licensed funeral director and embalmer and Certified Bereavement Counselor, with a specialization certificate in Child Grief Counseling. Completed training in death scene and homicide investigation with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office; credited by the PA Coroner’s Association for continuing education. TOP TWO ISSUES: The significance of emotional guidance and the concept of communication. While the primary obligations of a PA County Coroner are to determine the cause and manner of death, I believe that regardless of circumstances, all deaths are major events, and deserve more than a minimal response. MY STAND: I believe the role of coroner is an apolitical opportunity to serve the people of our home communities. It is not to serve as the sole investigator. A coroner needs to have the ability to think abstractly and to work with a team. As taxpayers,

Wayne County citizens are already compensating the state police, the Game Commission, the fire marshal etc. It is an exercise of responsible stewardship to make use of these resources, without employing outside, additional forensic investigation services unless absolutely imperative. The coroner should be fiscally conservative. Neutrality is also a key trait of an effective coroner. There is no place for cronyism among the numerous agencies that work together on a coroner’s case. To affirm a “friendly relationship” with other professionals who respond to coroner’s calls does not support neutrality. We are very fortunate to have multiple perspectives at a death scene, however; the relationship must be kept professional, never personal. It is my firm conviction that for each death the coroner responds to, there will be a family to reach out to. The coroner’s attitude and concern will affect these folks for the rest of their lives. This is an opportunity never to be taken lightly.

William F. Davis Dem.

EXPERIENCE: Board certified family practitioner since 1975, continuously recertified until 2015, 27 years on active staff of Wayne Memorial Hospital, 27 years office practice at Highland Physicians, Honesdale. I have had over 110, 000 office visits as well as supervised several nurse practitioners and physician assistants and medical students. TWO TOP ISSUES: A medical background is needed for the office of coroner for the job to be done most professionally and most economically. The confidentiality of family and individuals involved in coroner cases must be respected and weighed against the public’s need to know. MY STAND: State law in Pennsylvania does not mandate that the coroner be a physician or even have any medical background. Large urban areas have taken this unusual state of affairs into their own hands, and have appointed medical examiners and forensic pathologists for coroner cases. Despite these antiquated laws, Wayne County voters have an unusual and outstanding tradition of electing well performing coroners with a medical background. I am the only candidate who can continue that tradition. I stand on my training and experience of working in this community as a board certified family doctor for 27 years. This background gives me an exceptionally strong foundation for doing coroner’s work in a most thorough, reliable and analytic way. My medical background will limit the need for such unusual and expensive consultations as have plagued Wayne County in the past. My many encounters as a family doctor have taught me to deal in a sensitive and supportive waywith the predictable and unpredictable crises of life, of which dealing with unexpected death is the most profound.

Dolores Keesler Dem.

EXPERIENCE: Most recently, I served on the Upper Delaware Council as Damascus representative, vice-chair, chairperson and on all committees. I taught for over 28 years while raising my family here, and I have been active in the church as secretary, treasurer, lay leader, trustee, Sunday-school teacher and coordinator. Currently, I’m Matron of the Order of Eastern Star and self-employed in Mary Kay cosmetics. I’m computer literate and familiar with financial record-keeping. TOP ISSUES: The division in the township pertaining to gas leasing needs to be healed to have us move forward and thrive. I would institute a forum of citizens representing diverse viewpoints, have them sit together with experts with all the facts at their disposal, and after discussion, reach consensus on what they envision for the community as a whole. We need to come together on questions such as: What do we want for our future in our community? What do we want for our children’s future? What do we want for our seniors? How are we to enjoy our environment? Where do we want our community to be 10 years from now? Hopefully, answering such questions will move us toward common goals. More open access to governmental issues before they are considered and finalized is needed. Concerned community members need to have access to government considerations. Public disclosure of important issues needs to be made routinely available. For instance, the agenda at town meetings has been very vague and caused some issues to be decided without clarification of how decisions have been reached—to the consternation of the press and public. As supervisor, I would press for respectful listening. Additionally, we need an effective road plan that’s responsibly executed and publicly accessible, as well as clarification in the format of financial reporting.

DAMASCUS Supervisor Joe Canfield Rep.

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Vote for Dolores Keesler

Damascus Twp Supervisor “Our community deserves a more open government...”

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Wayne County

COMMISSIONER Experience Dedication Common Sense

Let’s talk: meet me at the Calkins Labor Grange on Oct. 29th 3-5 PM Music

· Refreshments · Conversation

www.DoloresKeesler.blogspot.com 570 224-6208 PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT / Approved by Dolores Keesler

Who’s Watching the Store?

Rich Caridi claims a record of “successfully managing governmental finances.” Karl Wagner claims to have “managed tax dollars wisely. wisely.”

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

It’s time to end the era of the “good old boys” and begin a new era of good government instead. As Commissioner, I will:

But you do the math.

9 Go through the county budget line by line and redesign it based on a 5-year trend of actual spending;

In 2010, the Pike County Commissioners:

9 Conduct an exhaustive review of county financial procedures to ensure a proper accounting of all funds; and

..................................................................... .......................... / Over-budgeted for “planning initiatives” by $69,779 (900%) / Over-budgeted salaries for the elections office ce by $32,761 (178%) / Over-spent the budget for “professional services” ces” by $238,792 (259%) / Over-spent the budget for recycling by a whopping pping $625,102 (18,246%!)

Is this how you want your tax dollars to be managed?

...................................................................... In 2007, 2008, and 2009, independent auditors Zelenkofske Axlerod LLC found: / Various county transactions went “unreported in the period of benefit.” / The county “did not have procedures in place to ensure initial eligibility forms were properly completed.” / There were “significant deficiencies” and “material weaknesses” with internal controls and reporting.

ds to Pike County nee der! or get its house in

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9 Put the county budget and auditors reports online to increase p transparency and accountability. ability.

PAM

LUTFY Pike County Commissioner mis ssioner

"Pam has served on the Delaware Valley School Bo Board oard way ys for 14 years. She has always been a voice for all people le Democrats, Republicans,, and independents." Paid for by Friends of Pam Lutfy

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