Published: August 12, 2009 08:03 am      

Letters to editor: August 12, 2009

Corrigan does not practice ageism

I would like to begin this letter with a disclaimer. While I am a volunteer for Jason Corrigan's campaign for mayor of Oneonta, this letter is not being written at his request nor has it obtained his approval.

I am writing this letter because of a blatant smear attempt against Corrigan that I witnessed while filming a public address. This smear was made by an individual who accused Corrigan of ageism and prejudicial material against "the old-timers of Oneonta" on Corrigan's campaign website. Anyone who has been to unifyingoneonta.com would immediately be able to see that this accusation is completely without merit. I personally find political smear tactics _ and this clearly was one _ to be revolting.

I knew these accusations were false immediately, not because I've been to the website, nor because I knew that Corrigan had already met with and obtained the approval of many long-term residents that I know personally. Rather, I knew these accusations were baseless simply because I know Corrigan and that he would never tolerate such prejudice in anyone, much less in himself.

True leaders do not spread lies and rumors to discredit their opponents. Rather, true leaders are those who inspire those around them to achieve what is necessary, while maintaining a high level of personal integrity.

Based on everything that I have seen of Jason Corrigan, I believe him to be a great leader.

Jeremy Redlien

Oneonta

Role models go beyond clothing

Michelle Obama a role model? Yes, Janet Whelan of Mount Vision.

She has the "vision" of seeing that her family of husband and daughters are her first priority as wife and mother.

As for Eleanor Roosevelt _ the "United Nations" fortunately has the "vision" to see her as the great ambassador she became for our country as a humanitarian.

I believe you did an injustice to these ladies and the women of the White House cleaning staff with reference to their "attire."

They may well exceed, personally, the average clothed women, in their "venue" of wardrobes, as they have the "vision" to keep our House (as the White House is referred to) clean.

I find it ironic, Ms. Whelan, that as a resident of Mount Vision, you appear to have "tunnel vision" with regard to your perspective on the wardrobes of these ladies.

Dorothy H. Friedmann

Stamford

Job Corps students contributed a lot

At Oneonta's City of the Hills arts festival, 20 young people in bright green T-shirts helped with hard work and enthusiasm. These were students from the Job Corps Academy.

This year, Job Corps volunteers also directed traffic in the Memorial Day parade and played a key role in last year's Centennial Parade. They also have heart: when their Centennial parade float won the grand prize, they immediately donated the cash prize to Habitat for Humanity.

These impressive young people have much to contribute, and do.

David M. Hayes

Oneonta