Dick Miller best choice for mayor
It is my conviction that in the election of our next mayor, citizens of Oneonta need look no further than the candidacy of former Hartwick College President Richard Miller. Dick Miller offers the seasoned, intelligent and experienced leadership the city of Oneonta requires. His professional life is a canvass across which have been painted the images of sound judgment, creative and imaginative thinking, and calm, reasoned approaches when difficult decisions were required.
Dick has demonstrated his commitment to the city of Oneonta in his decision to establish his life here after he retired. As mayor, if not more so than as private citizen and consultant, he would have the unique vantage point of enabling that vision to take hold in leading the complex political process upon which civic change depends.
A consensus-builder and visionary leader, he will advance the development of the city of Oneonta in positive, practical ways. A leader who is respected and trusted will enable the partnerships of private and public interests in building a stronger community. Experienced in the issues confronting higher education, Dick Miller's would be a voice for positive future development in the relationship between campuses and neighborhoods; between the schools and the city government. A leader with strong business acumen, Dick Miller will understand the needs of business owners and those seeking to locate their enterprises here. A person who sees the possibilities that have resulted from strong, capable leadership rendered by those who preceded him in this place has, I think, the best possible chance to build on that foundation.
I am convinced that Dick Miller is such a person. I believe his is the leadership our city needs in the office of mayor.
Thomas A. Clemow
Oneonta
Vote for Deane as Otsego town clerk
Town of Otsego voters, remember to vote Sept. 15. Get involved!
And when in the booth, vote for Pam Deane for town clerk. Pam has been a dedicated, caring and approachable clerk for many, many years. She brings a constant to the board that we need this year with new board members and a new leader.
Pam will be there for you and to serve you. She runs as a honest candidate without a political agenda. Keep her in the job she has done so well. Let's keep a strong rudder on our town's ship!
Jim Renckens
Richfield Springs
{"headlinelight18"/}Give the gift of life' with organ donation
My name is Paley and I have a story to tell. I'm one of six siblings. Five boys and me. Three of my brothers were born with a genetic disease, cystic fibrosis. This is not a well-known disease. There are approximately 30,000 people born with this. However, it is still a killer.
Cystic fibrosis claims most of its victims early in life by attacking the respiratory system. The lungs constantly fill with thick mucus. This secretion over time kills lung function and usually the person, but with advances in medical technology others are given longer to live.
One of those advances is "The Gift of Life" or as others may be familiar with, organ donation. My brother Trevor is one of the thousands of people hanging on to life in a hospital room, in critical condition, waiting for "The Gift of Life."
Trevor has been on the "active transplant list" for double lungs since January. The doctors tell us his only chance now is if someone donates their lungs. The problem is that so many people are not aware how important this simple act of kindness is. Or how many people die waiting. Nor do they know how to go about donating.
A person can go to his local department of motor vehicle office and tell them you wish to donate your organs. They will walk you through the simple process. Telling your family your wishes is also important. Once that is done you have given hope to others.
I am a sister, and I love my brother. I don't want to see others go through what my brother Trevor is. Please consider, "The Gift of Life," organ donation.
Paley Lampropoulos
Oneonta
Cast your vote for proven leader
The Democratic primary will be held on Sept. 15. This election is an important one and I urge you to cast your vote for Dick Miller.
Dick Miller has been a successful leader in higher education, business and the nonprofit sector. He knows how to set and achieve goals that will make our community even better. Dick's record of performance as Hartwick College president, as a SUNY executive, and in guiding the city toward adopting its first comprehensive plan in many years offers great evidence of his ability to continue Oneonta's progress.
More recently, Dick Miller has actively worked to recruit new business to Oneonta and has traveled to other successful communities through the Northeast seeking out ideas and businesses that can bolster out local economy. Dick Miller has also been a leader in working with students within his neighborhood to improve community relations. He has devoted his energies to helping several area non-profits raise funds and better serve our citizens.
Most importantly Dick Miller loves Oneonta. He knows what is needed to sustain our progress. He has a proven record of taking strong action to improve the city. Like you, Dick Miller has a deep attachment to the community.
Please join me in supporting Dick Miller on Primary Day and in the general election. Our city deserves a proven leader who has already helped to make Oneonta an even better place in which to live.
John S. Nader
Oneonta
Nader is mayor of Oneonta.
Invasion of Poland wrongly missed
It was very disappointing to discover that the "Today In History" feature in your Sept. 1 issue of The Daily Star made no mention that this date marked the 70th anniversary of Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland and the start of the Second World War. The absence of any reference to this event raises serious questions about the role and responsibility of newspapers in determining which facts and lessons from history deserve to be brought to the attention of the reading public.
Can there be any question that the Second World War was the most calamitous event of the 20th century, if not all human history to the present day? Not only did it unleash the most violent acts of intentional, state sponsored death, destruction and suffering of all time, but by our response, it also proved the reputation of America as the single most committed nation to the principles of democracy, freedom and human dignity.
However, we are also reminded that at the war's outbreak in 1939 there was not sufficient political will for America to come to the military defense of the European nations. Only with the Dec. 7, 1941, surprise attack by Japan on our U.S. Navy fleet based at Pearl Harbor _ a full two and a quarter years later _ did our nation formally declare war. Our entire economy was immediately mobilized for the war effort, as were millions of men and women who fought on practically every continent until Germany and Japan were vanquished. Hopefully all of those millions who served so heroically, as well as the tens of millions who suffered, will always be remembered and honored.
Ben Friedman
Morris
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